Jerry Spinelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Spinelli
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Spinelli in 2008
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| Born | February 1, 1941 Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Genre | Children's and young-adult novels |
| Notable works | |
| Notable awards | Newbery Medal 1991 |
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Jerry Spinelli (born February 1, 1941) is a famous American author. He writes novels for kids and teenagers about growing up. You might know some of his most popular books, like the award-winning Maniac Magee, Stargirl, and Wringer.
Contents
Life and Career
From Sports Fan to Writer
Jerry Spinelli was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. When he was 16, he loved sports. After a big win for his high school football team, he wrote a poem about the game. His dad was so proud that he sent the poem to the local newspaper, which published it!
This was a big moment for Spinelli. He realized he probably wouldn't become a professional baseball player, but he discovered he loved writing. So, he decided to become an author instead.
Juggling Jobs and Writing
Spinelli went to Gettysburg College, where he wrote short stories and was the editor of the school's literary magazine. After college, he worked as a writer and editor for a magazine. For about 20 years, he worked regular jobs during the day. He used his free time—like lunch breaks, weekends, and evenings—to write his own stories.
His first few novels were for adults, but they were all rejected by publishers. He didn't give up! His fifth book, Space Station Seventh Grade, was also meant for adults. However, it ended up becoming his very first published children's book in 1982.
Family Life
In 1977, Jerry Spinelli married Eileen Mesi, who is also a children's author known as Eileen Spinelli. Together, they have six children and many grandchildren. They currently live in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
Famous Books
Jerry Spinelli has written dozens of books that are loved by young readers. Here are some of his most well-known works:
- Space Station Seventh Grade (1982) - His very first book for young readers.
- Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush? (1984) - A funny story about a brother and sister who don't get along.
- Maniac Magee (1990) - This book won the prestigious Newbery Medal. It's about a legendary boy who becomes a hero in a divided town.
- There's a Girl in My Hammerlock (1991) - A story about a girl who wants to join the school's wrestling team.
- Crash (1996) - A popular novel about a school bully and his experiences in seventh grade.
- Wringer (1997) - A powerful story about a boy who is afraid to take part in his town's yearly pigeon shoot. This book won a Newbery Honor award.
- Stargirl (2000) - A classic story about a unique and free-spirited girl who changes her high school forever.
- Loser (2002) - A book about a boy who is happy just being himself, even if others see him as a "loser."
- Milkweed (2003) - A historical novel about an orphan boy trying to survive in Warsaw, Poland, during World War II.
- Love, Stargirl (2007) - The sequel to Stargirl, told from Stargirl's point of view.
