Jerry Spinelli, the boy behind the writer
Seidman David (9), “The 15 years that I spent in my early life was a long research project.” Jerry Spinelli was not a writer in his youth. In the end, he believed that he’d been born a cowboy. In second grade, he performed “I Have Spurs” to his entire class while dressed as a cowboy. Jerry knew he wanted a career as a shortstop for baseball in high and middle school. In the 11th Grade, he changed his mind about becoming a professional shortstop when he was published for a piece describing a local football match. His destiny became a journalist (Spinelli Bio). Jerry Spinelli’s experiences have helped him become the writer and author he is.
Jerry was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He had a dream to become a Major League Shortstop. (“Jerry Spinelli”). Jerry commented on his hometown saying: “I just thought I was growing in Norristown. Pennsylvania. I can now see how I was constantly gathering material to be used in my books. Jerry’s father was the ticket collector and scorekeeper at basketball and football games (Spinelli and Knots). You could say Jerry had to be a sports fanatic. Although he had many accomplishments to his name, the one that made him most proud was winning the junior high 50 yard race when he aged 12 years. Spinelli (Internet), Spinelli (Knots) said it was “the only race I’ve ever participated in”. During middle school, he was a member of a Little League Baseball team. He was the worst team player the first year. Next year, at the position he wanted to play: shortstop, he was selected for the All-Star team. All of his team members received championship jackets after winning the championship. Jerry was happy with the jackets, but he wanted to be able to display his achievements. One week later, he was elated to see that they had been awarded trophies (Spinelli and Knots).
Jerry has said that his many sporting experiences have been used to create his books. “I think I’ve just used some [of them] in my books.” (Seidman David 12). Jerry’s other books are centered around sports, and it is hard to find a book that doesn’t mention sports at some point.
Jerry’s enthusiasm for sports drove him to pen a verse about a home football game. They beat one of the most talented teams in the State! It was the excitement that led him to pen his first poem: “Goal-to-Go” (“Jerry Spinelli”) The moment he saw the book, he knew he would be a novelist. Jerry’s most favorite subject was English in school (Seidman David at 17).
Jerry was shocked by the transition from junior school to high-school. Jerry’s favorite subject is English as mentioned above. But he said that math was a challenge: “Although I was a math whiz in ninth grade, geometry befuddled my …. I couldn’t picture the dimensions in my mind,” (Seidman David, 17). Jerry studied English at Gettysburg College when he finished high school. Jerry had a position as the editor of a literary college newspaper. He was later hired as the editor of a magazine for men (Spinelli, bio). He began writing his first book, Space Station Seventh Grade.
Jerry said the following about Eileen, who is also a passionate writer: “While publishing houses were rejecting me, someone else didn’t. Eileen Spinelli, my wife became a writer and together we had six kids. Jerry said he spent a lot of time with “…. Jerry’s kids were also there to help him. He was reminded of childhood memories by his kids, which he had thought long gone. Spinelli, in his bio, said that he used “these memories as a reference library” to do most of his research. Jerry was also queried about his research. He stated that he did not often use books to gather information. Instead, he relied on the memories etched in his mind. Jerry says that his ideas are inspired by everyday life. And imagination. And feelings. And memories. Memories of dusty sneakers and humming wall-to-wall whitewalls on a hill known as Monkey,”(Jerry Spinelli).
Jerry Spinelli, a biographical note, has written thirty books. Stargirl tells a story about a girl named “Stargirl,” told through the eyes of Leo. Stargirl undergoes many phases and strange practices during her new high-school career. Leo, however, slowly falls in love. (“Popular”).
Jerry Spinelli’s story Maniac magee won him a Newberry Award. The story is about Jeffery Magee and his orphanage. He flees from his aunt and uncle, who are miserable. The rest tells the exciting adventures of Maniac, and how he affects the lives of others (“Popular”)
Jerry Spinelli wrote his autobiography until the age of 16. Jerry Spinelli shares his life adventures which helped him become the author he is now. This story tells of Jerry’s adventures in life, including his first fight, his first kiss and all his sporting achievements. The book allows readers to see how Jerry came up with his stories. The Washington Post made the following comment about Jerry’s writing: Jerry Spinelli brings back memories of childhood for readers around the world. His stories are filled with tears, laughter, friendships and victories. He is a relatable author for children. Jerry Spinelli makes us remember what it’s really like to be an innocent child.
