Jerry Spinelli

Date of Birth: February 1, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Jerry Spinelli is a renowned American author best known for his children’s and young adult novels. Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Spinelli’s early aspirations were geared towards becoming a cowboy or a baseball player. However, a poem he wrote about a high school football victory, which was published in his local newspaper, steered him towards writing. Spinelli attended Gettysburg College and later earned his graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University. He worked as a magazine editor for a number of years while writing fiction in his spare time. His breakthrough came with the publication of “Maniac Magee” in 1990, a novel that earned him the prestigious Newbery Medal. Spinelli’s work often explores themes of adolescence, identity, and the journey to self-discovery, resonating deeply with young readers. Some of his other notable works include “Stargirl,” “Wringer,” and “Loser.” Spinelli currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Eileen, who is also a writer. The couple has six children and numerous grandchildren.

5 Interesting Facts about Jerry Spinelli

1. Jerry Spinelli won the Newbery Medal for his novel “Maniac Magee” in 1991.

2. His novel “Wringer” was a Newbery Honor book in 1998.

3. Spinelli’s book “Stargirl” was adapted into a Disney+ original film in 2020.

4. He wrote his first novel, “Space Station Seventh Grade,” while working as an editor.

5. Spinelli’s wife, Eileen Spinelli, is also an acclaimed author, and they sometimes collaborate on projects.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jerry Spinelli

1. “The best thing you can do is make sure you’re writing for the right reasons. Write what you love, not what you think will sell.”

2. “You can’t just wish for something and have it come true. You’ve got to make it happen.”

3. “Love is how you earn your wings.”

4. “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream; you’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.”

5. “We were all weird once. Some of us still are.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jerry Spinelli’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $6 million.

Children

Jerry Spinelli has six children with his wife, Eileen Spinelli. Their family consists of five sons and one daughter. The Spinellis also have a number of grandchildren.