Jerry Spinelli is an award-winning children’s author of popular novels, such as ‘Winger’ and ‘Maniac Magee’. Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on February 1, 1941, Spinelli discovered his talent and passion for writing. This began with a poem that he wrote to celebrate his high school’s football team’s big game win that was published in the town newspaper. Today, Jerry Spinelli is a full time writer and an author of over 25 books.

• Jerry Spinelli Official Website: The author’s official site features pictures, biography, overview of his books, and news.
• Jerry Spinelli Biography: Scholastic Books and Authors features children writer, Jerry Spinelli, and his biography.
• Meet the Author: Houghton Mifflin Reading provides a ‘Meet the Author’ with information on Jerry Spinelli and his books.
• Author Jerry Spinelli: Information on Jerry Spinelli and how he became Juvenile Books Author of the Month.

After graduating high school, Spinelli entered Gettysburg College where he became the college literary magazine editor and wrote many short stories. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. During this time, he also was a student at the Temple University. After college, Spinelli went on to serve six months in the United States Naval Air Reserves. Between shifts working as an editor for a department store magazine, he began to write his first novel which would become his first published book two years later.

• EBMA’s Top 100 Authors: The Educational Paperback Association provides an in-depth summary of each of Jerry Spinelli’s books.
• Adolescent Library: Here you will find a video interview with Jerry Spinelli, as well as information on selected books from this author.
• Love, Stargirl: This site includes a brief biography, list of books, awards and reviews, as well as a reading guide and quiz for Spinelli’s book “Love, Stargirl”.
• Powell’s Books: Jerry Spinelli gives a children’s question and answer interview that talks about Spinelli’s life and achievements.
• Transcript of Authors Live: Read an interview transcript from author, Jerry Spinelli, about his life and writings.

Jerry Spinelli settled down in 1977 with his wife Eileen Mesi, a mother of six and a writer. He worked full time as a writer and editor at the Radnor, Pennsylvania Chilton Company. He continued to write at home after work and refused to give up his dream to become a writer. Although his first four adult novels were never published, Spinelli continued to write. Spinelli’s first published book ‘Space Station Seventh Grade’ came from a domestic dispute in his household over chicken wings. After hiding a plate of leftover chicken wings in the refrigerator for his next day at work, he awoke the next morning to find them missing. This situation would mark the beginning for his first published book. Spinelli initially thought that the book would be for adults, it later became a published children’s book, therefore starting his career as a children’s writer.

• Jerry Spinelli’s Crash: Review of the popular children’s book “Crash” by Jerry Spinelli, as well as information about the author.
• Biography and Achievements: Here you will find a summary of some of Spinelli’s most popular books and quotes from the author.
• Children’s Literature: Sharon Levin interviews Jerry Spinelli about his sequel to his bestselling book, “Stargirl”.
• Reading is Fundamental: RIF presents a ‘Meet the Authors and Illustrators’ section with information on children’s author, Jerry Spinelli.
• I Can Be Anything!: Written by Jerry Spinelli and illustrated by Jimmy Liao, this printed rhyming book is a kid-favorite.

In 1991 and 1998, Jerry Spinelli received a Newbery Medal award for two of his popular books, ‘Maniac Magee’ and ‘Wringer’. The John Newbery Medal is a literary award given to authors of the most distinguished contributions to children’s American literature by the Association for Library Service to Children. The Newbery Medal is the highest honor to receive in children’s literature and this marked Spinelli’s step into the spotlight as a children’s writer. Today, Jerry Spinelli shares a home with his wife Eileen in Wayne, Pennsylvania. When he’s not scrambling after his grandchildren, Spinelli enjoys visiting his old hometown and handing out books, instead of candy on Halloween.

Jerry Spinelli’s Complete List of Works:

Space Station Seventh Grade – Jerry Spinelli’s first published novel ‘Space Station Seventh Grade’ was debuted in 1982. This novel is about a seventh grader, Jason Herkimer, who narrates his life during his adolescent years and speaks about various aspects of being young from pimples to crushes.

Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush? – Published in 1984, ‘Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush’ is a young adult novel that alternates narrations between twelve year old Megin and her fifteen year old brother, Greg. This novel talks about sibling rivalry and how each sibling views the disagreements from their own perspectives.

Jason and Marceline – This young adult novel published in 1986 was a sequel to ‘Space Station Seventh Grade’. With pressure from friends, Jason and Marceline decide to take their relationship to the next level. However, will the new found obligations be an end to their friendship?

Maniac Magee – Published in 1990 and awarded with the Newbury Medal in 1991, ‘Maniac Magee’ remains one of the most well-known children’s books of all time. The novel explores various themes of homelessness and racism. Jeffrey Lionel Magee is an orphan looking for a home while trying to deal with racial boundaries in the town of Two Mills.

The Bathwater Gang – Spinelli’s next novel ‘The Bathwater Gang’ was published in 1990. The book tells the story of forth grader, Bertie Kidd, who decides to start an all-girl gang. This angers the boys in the neighborhood and leads them to starting their own all-boy gang.

Dump Days – Written in 1988 and published in 1991, ‘Dump Days’ features a child named J.D. Kidd and his best friend who wake up on the first day of summer vacation and plan to have the “perfect day” before summer ends.

Fourth Grade Rats – This 1991 children’s novel tells the story of a forth grader, Suds, who must deal with the transition to forth grade and the emotions that come along with the move.

Report to the Principal’s Office – In this 1991 young adult novel, Jerry depicts the first few days at a new Middle school. The novel follows five main characters, all six graders who are forced to report to the principal’s office on the first day of school.

There’s a Girl in My Hammerlock – Jerry Spinelli’s 1991 novel ‘There’s a Girl in My Hammerlock’ follows a junior high girl, Maisie Potter, who tries out for the wrestling team at school. While the only reason for joining the wrestling team is to get closer to a boy she is crushing on, she begins to really enjoy the sport.

Do the Funky Pickle – Published in 1992, ‘Do the Funky Pickle’ is about a boy, Eddie Mott, who is hopelessly in love with his best friend Sunny. As the school dance is approaching, Eddie must find a way to make Sunny notice him before more drama arises.

The Bathwater Gang Gets Down to Business – This 1992 novel is a sequel to ‘The Bathtub Gang’. As the children struggle to start a new pet-cleaning business to earn money to go to the circus, they run into some obstacles along the way.

Who Ran My Underwear Up the Flag Pole? – ‘Who Ran My Underwear Up the Flagpole?’ is a 1992 novel that features six graders Sunny, Eddie, Pickles and Salem. This group of misfits decides to participate in the school spirit traditions but do not follow the rules.

Picklemania – In 1993, ‘Picklemania’ was published by Spinelli. The book follows two characters, Sunny and Eddie. While Sunny begins to take karate lessons in order to defend herself, Eddie bulks up to avoid being the skinniest boy in school.

Crash – This 1996 young adult novel is a coming-of-age story about seventh grader John “Crash” Coogan. The story shows John’s progression from a cocky football jock to a more ‘grown-up’ and mature brother, son and friend.

Tooter Pepperday – Jerry Spinelli published ‘Tooter Pepperday’ in 1996. This story is about an average suburban child, Tooter, who is forced to move to her Aunt Sally’s farm. She must adapt to farm living while trying to get even.

The Library Card – This 1997 young adult novel is broken up into four short stories. Each story follows the main character in different situations but revolves around a library card.

Wringer – Spinelli’s Newbury Medal winning classic ‘Wringer’ was published in 1997. The story is about ten year old, Palmer LaRue. The boy must overcome peer pressure and become a hero in his neighborhood.

Blue Ribbon Blues: A Tooter Tale – Published in 1998, the story follows Tooter’s life after the move to Aunt Sally’s farm. She wants to show everyone that she can live the farm life by winning the blue ribbon at the County Fair.

Knots in My Yo-Yo String - This “Autobiography of a Kid”, published in 1998, talks about those embarrassing, drama-filled moments that occur between childhood and adolescence.

Stargirl – First published in 2000, this young adult novels centers around tenth grade student, Susan “Stargirl” Caraway and narrated by eleventh grader, Leo Borlock.

Loser – In 2002, Jerry Spinelli’s novel, ‘Loser’ was published as a coming-of-age story. The book details the growth of an autistic boy named Donald Zinkoff.

Milkweed: A Novel – This 2003 fiction novel features an orphaned boy who’s living in Warsaw, Poland during the Holocaust. This story is told from a boy in the future who is recalling his past experiences.

My Daddy and Me – ‘My Daddy and Me’ was published in 2006 and is Jerry Spinelli’s first picture book. The story is about a young pup who loves to spend time with dad when he returns from work.

Eggs – Published in 2007, ‘Eggs’ is a young adult novel that outlines the relationship between two children, aged thirteen and nine, who believe that they have nothing in common except loneliness.

Love, Stargirl – This 2007 sequel to the bestselling book ‘Stargirl’ centers on Stargirl’s memories of people in her life in the form of the “world’s longest letter”.

Smiles to Go – ‘Smiles to Go’ is a 2008 novel that follows, Will Tuppence, a science nerd that goes into disarray when he learns that scientists have found the first sample of a proton decay.

I Can Be Anything! – This 2010 children’s novel follows a common theme of “What will I be when I grow up?” This rhyming book goes through all the possibilities and scenarios of what can occur as we get older.

Jerry Spinelli’s books have become increasingly popular around the world and have been published in many languages, Chinese, Greek, Portuguese, and Greek. Throughout his writing career, Spinelli’s ability to understand children has awed audiences and connected with young readers.

• All About Jerry Spinelli: Find story activities, games, books, reviews and awards from Jerry Spinelli.
• Teacher Vision: List of lesson plans, printables and other resources surrounding children’s author Jerry Spinelli.
• Who Wrote That?: Published in “California Kids!” this article talks about a number of Jerry Spinelli’s books and their stories.
• Novelist Interview: Debbi Michiko Florence interviews children’s novelist, Jerry Spinelli.
• Back to the Future with Jerry Spinelli: This online magazine features in-depth information on Jerry Spinelli, his childhood, and achievements as a writer.