Jerry Spinelli

Born on February 1, 1941, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Jerry Spinelli is an American author whose works primarily focus on the experiences of children and young adults navigating adolescence and early adulthood. His literary journey began at age 16 when a poem he wrote about a football victory, published by his father without his knowledge, sparked his realization that writing, not professional baseball, was his path. He further developed his craft at Gettysburg College, where he edited the literary magazine and wrote short stories.

After graduating, Spinelli worked in various day jobs for two decades, dedicating his free time to writing fiction. His initial attempts at adult novels were unsuccessful, but his fifth manuscript, originally intended for adults, became his debut children's book, 'Space Station Seventh Grade,' published in 1982. Spinelli holds an MA from Johns Hopkins University. He is married to Eileen Spinelli, also a children's writer, and they have six children and numerous grandchildren. His papers are archived at Gettysburg College.

Jerry Spinelli was born in Pennsylvania and continues to reside there. His passion for writing ignited at the age of 16, influenced by a poem about a football game that his father had published in a local newspaper. This event coincided with his decision to pursue writing, recognizing it as his true calling. During his college years at Gettysburg College, Spinelli was actively involved in literary pursuits, serving as the editor of the college's literary magazine, 'The Mercury,' and dedicating time to writing short stories. He later earned a Master of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University.

For approximately twenty years following his graduation, Spinelli worked conventional jobs during the day, reserving his evenings and weekends for his fictional writing. This dedication allowed him to hone his craft despite the demands of daily employment. His early writing efforts were directed towards adult audiences, but these initial novels did not find publication. A pivotal moment came with his fifth manuscript, which, though initially conceived for adults, was ultimately published as his first book for children, 'Space Station Seventh Grade,' in 1982. This marked a significant shift in his published career.

Jerry Spinelli is married to Eileen Mesi, who is also a writer specializing in children's literature. Since around 1980, she has been known as Eileen Spinelli and has collaborated with illustrators on a considerable number of picture books. Together, Jerry and Eileen Spinelli have raised six children and are grandparents to 21 grandchildren. The significant collection of Jerry Spinelli's papers, spanning from 1961 to 2003, is preserved in the Special Collections & Archives at Gettysburg College, offering insight into his creative process and literary development.