Jerry Spinelli: Master Teller of Teen Tales

Since his first book, SPACE STATION SEVENTH GRADE, was published in 1982, Jerry Spinelli has written more than 20 books. Many of the scenes in these books come from Spinelli's vivid memories of growing up in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in the 1940s and 1950s. Memories of baseball games, races, and friendships find their way into many of his books, including the Newbery Medal-winning MANIAC MAGEE and other highly acclaimed books such as WRINGER, STARGIRL, LOSER, and MILKWEED.