Jerry Spinelli’s Newbery Medal Secrets

Jerry Spinelli, born on February 1, 1941, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, is a renowned author specializing in children's novels that explore themes of adolescence and early adulthood. Among his celebrated works are STARGIRL, MANAIC MAGEE, and WRINGER. Notably, Spinelli received the prestigious Newbery Medal for MANIAC MAGEE and a Newbery Honor for WRINGER, recognizing his exceptional contribution to children's literature. Spinelli's passion for writing was sparked at the age of 16 when he wrote a poem about his high school football team's significant victory. His father secretly submitted the poem to the local newspaper, which published it. This experience led Spinelli to realize his ambition to become a writer, abandoning his dream of playing major league baseball. During his time at Gettysburg College, Spinelli honed his writing skills by penning short stories and serving as the editor of the college literary magazine, The Mercury. After graduating in 1963, he earned an MA from Johns Hopkins University in 1964. Spinelli then spent the next two decades working various day jobs, allowing him to write fiction during his free time, including lunch breaks, weekends, and evenings. Initially, Spinelli wrote novels for adults, but all were rejected by publishers. His fifth novel, intended for adults, eventually became his first published children's book, SPACE STATION SEVENTH GRADE, in 1982. This shift marked the beginning of his successful career in children's literature. In 1977, Spinelli married Eileen Mesi, a fellow children's author. Eileen, writing as Eileen Spinelli, has collaborated with illustrators to produce numerous picture books since the 1980s. Jerry Spinelli currently resides in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where he continues to inspire young readers with his insightful and heartfelt stories.