Space Station Seventh Grade facts for kids
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Cover, 1st PB ed.
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| Author | Jerry Spinelli |
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| Country | United States of America |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult novel |
| Publisher | Little, Brown |
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Publication date
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October 1982 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 232 pp |
| ISBN | 0-316-80709-5 |
| OCLC | 8590245 |
| LC Class | PZ7.S75663 Sp 1982 |
| Followed by | Jason and Marceline |
Space Station Seventh Grade is a popular young adult novel written by Jerry Spinelli. It was first published in 1982 and was Spinelli's very first book. The idea for the story came from a funny moment when one of his six children ate some fried chicken he was saving!
This book was originally meant for adults. However, it turned out to be a perfect fit for young readers, becoming a well-loved young adult novel.
Contents
About the Story: Jason's Seventh Grade Year
This book tells the story of Jason Herkimer, a seventh grader. He shares all the ups and downs of his year. You'll read about school, dealing with things like hair and pimples, and his family. He also talks about his first crush on a girl.
Growing Up and Being Yourself
The story is all about learning to be true to yourself. It also brings back memories of what it's like to be a teenager. Jason faces many common problems that teenagers go through. He shares his experiences, making the book very relatable.
Jason's Challenges and Crushes
Jason has a crush on Debbie, who is a cheerleader. He also finds it a bit hard to fit in at school. The book shows how he handles these everyday teenage challenges.
The Next Chapter: A Sequel Book
Jerry Spinelli wrote another book about Jason and Marceline. It is called Jason and Marceline and came out in 1986. It continues the story of these characters.
Meet the Characters
Main Characters
- Jason Herkimer - He is the main character and tells the story from his point of view. Jason loves science and is building a "space station" project. This project is meant to be a place that can take care of itself. He often thinks about space missions. Jason is a 92-pound linebacker on the football team. He also collects dinosaurs. He feels bad when he thinks he might have hurt a raccoon. Jason struggles to fit in at school and has to find ways to deal with his problems.
- Richie Bell - Jason's best friend. He is also in seventh grade. Richie is part of Jason's friend group, which includes Calvin, Peter, and Dugan. He and Jason earn money by bagging groceries. They often spend their earnings on treats like cupcakes.
- Marceline McAllister - She is a unique girl at school. Marceline plays the trombone. She is tall and a bit awkward. She rides a bike and even hits a cow with it once! Marceline once knocked Jason over in a snowball fight and put snow in his face. She doesn't like McDonald's. She can run faster than Jason, which bothers him. However, he beats her in their final mile race. Jason gets into trouble for missing Marceline's trombone performance. He is forced to apologize to her. At first, Jason couldn't stand her. But by the end of the book, they become sweethearts.
Jason's Friends
- Peter Kim - One of Jason's friends. He is Korean-American. Peter takes things very seriously. His little brother, Kippy Kim, often follows the group around.
- Calvin Lemaine - Another one of Jason's friends. He is African-American. Calvin dreams of becoming a doctor. He has a collection of bugs and insects in his bedroom.
- Dugan - One of Jason's friends. He is a bit of a troublemaker. Dugan goes to a Catholic school, unlike the other boys who go to public school. He is very brave and not afraid of much. Jason says Dugan is always showing up and finding interesting things.
Other Important Characters
- Debbie Breen - A cheerleader and one of the most popular girls in school. She is very pretty. Debbie was Jason's first crush. But he lost interest when he found out she liked someone else.
- Kippy Kim - Peter's little brother. He often tags along with Peter. The group finds him annoying sometimes. He is quite immature. Jason once played a prank on Kippy and his own brother, pretending a dinosaur was nearby. Kippy got so scared he had to go home. Sadly, Kippy dies in a car accident near the end of the book.
- Cootyhead (Mary) - Jason's little sister. She often tells on Jason.
- Timmy - Jason's little brother. He likes to take Jason's dinosaur toys. Jason enjoys teasing him.
- Ham (Hamilton) - Jason's stepfather. He is a very good actor. Jason often tries to sneak bites of his lunch, especially his chicken.
