Jerry Spinelli
Born in 1941
jerryspinelli.com
Jerry Spinelli is an American author known for his children's and young adult novels.
Born in Pennsylvania, he initially aspired to be a cowboy or baseball player before discovering his passion for writing at age 16.
Spinelli's works often draw from his childhood experiences and his family life.
He has published over 25 books, including the popular "Maniac Magee." Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, have six children and sixteen grandchildren.
His writing career has spanned several decades, with his books exploring themes of individuality, friendship, and coming-of-age experiences.