Jerry Spinelli is the author of several novels, including Wringer, Crash, There’s a Girl in My Hammerlock, and the Newbery Medal-winning Maniac Magee.
Jerry Spinelli attended Gettysburg College. He lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, with his wife and fellow author, Eileen Spinelli, and their children.
The book in one sentence: To quote the New York Times’ quote: “Here are four amusingly extravagant stories about how a modest library card can change lives.”
Who would you recommend it to: People who don’t like reading books.
OK bits: Out of the four stories, I like the first one best (Mongoose). Brenda is also quite nice, since I can relate to her addiction to the idiot box.
Boring bits: I didn’t like the last two stories as much – Sonseray and April Mendez.
Random review quote:
“Spinelli’s characters are unusual and memorable; his writing both humorous and convincing… readers… are likely to identify with these four characters and be easily persuaded that a plain blue library card could indeed contain all the magic necessary to find an identity, a mother, a friend, or a future.” — The Horn Book Magazine
Verdict: It’s not a book that I like very much, but I’m sentimental towards it because it’s about the power of a library card.
Posted by LISA on November 6, 2008 at 8:56 am
HI IM LISA AND IM 13 YEARS OF AGE AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO KIDS WHO DONT LIKE READING BECAUSE THIS BOOK IS VERY FUN AND INTERESTING
nylusmilk: thanks for the recommendation of this book. i agree it’s quite interesting.
Posted by Naomi on November 12, 2009 at 8:04 am
Heya, im Naomi. Im 12 years old and i just LOVED reading this book! It was so fun! I don’t usually read, but ever since i read this book, iv’e been reading lots of books lately. I recommend this book to people who don’t like to read as much, once you do, you’ll find yourself wanting to read more!
nylusmilk: nice to see that you’ve discovered the wonders of reading from this book! it’s a whole new world you’ve just opened yourself up to there.