Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Author Spotlight: Jerry Spinelli

It's a new month already, and I am highlighting author Jerry Spinelli. I've only read Eggs and Stargirl, but I think he's most well known for his Newbery book Maniac Magee. Growing up, I knew a girl named Jerry, so I assumed Spinelli was a woman only to discover otherwise. I was thoroughly impressed at how well he wrote from a young female perspective. Some of his stories are a couple of decades old. Maybe it's time to pull them out again, and introduce them to your family. Which Spinelli novel is your favorite? Do you know any authors who write with a similar style?

14 comments:

Joanne said...

A few summers ago My daughter and my sister, and I all read Star Girl. It was wonderful. I too was amazed at his ability to write from a girl's point of view.
Blessings. Joanne

Jennie Bennett said...

I've never heard of him before, I'll have to look him up :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

Me either. I'll have to check him out.

Unknown said...

I loved Stargirl! Such a wonderful book.

Leslie S. Rose said...

Jerry Spinelli is my "go to" author for the students in my class. I love to read his book LOSER, aloud to them. M.T. Anderson is another terrific author. His PALS IN PERIL series is a HUGE favorite with my kids.

Lydia Kang said...

I haven't read any of his stuff. Thanks for the introduction!

larainydays said...

My kids all loved Spinelli and I loved him right along with them. Maniac Magee was the first one we read. He's a fine writer.

Carol Kilgore said...

He's new to me, but I don't read a lot of YA.

Talli Roland said...

Er, I'm ashamed to say I've never heard of him! I must look him up.

Carol Riggs said...

I have heard of him, and MANIAC MAGEE. Can't recall if I've read it; I may have to remedy that!! He's pretty well known for middle grade, I believe. (I usually write/read YA, and that's my excuse.)

Crystal Cook said...

I have got to read Maniac Magee one of these days! The only one of his I have read is Stargirl, which I liked a lot.

Claudia Zurc said...

Hi Michelle,
I usually don't read YA so I don't know Spinelli. BTW, your message went through. You said you were having problems posting on my blog. ;)
I got it! Thanks.

Carla said...

He's new to me too--I'll have to check him out! I wonder if he's related to Eileen Spinelli who writes picture books?

Carla

Jackee said...

I did love Maniac McGee and Stargirl. You are right--he's got a great grasp of his characters no matter what age and gender. My favorite thing about Spinelli is his mastery of subtext. Thanks for sharing, Michelle! :o)