Jerry Spinelli (born February 1, 1941) is an American writer of children's novels that feature adolescence and early adulthood. His celebrated works include Maniac Magee, Stargirl, and Wringer. Spinelli has the remarkable ability to capture the nuances of youth, making his stories resonate with readers of all ages.

Spinelli's journey to becoming a writer wasn't straightforward. As a child, he harbored dreams of becoming either a cowboy or a baseball player. However, his destiny took a different turn, steering him towards a prolific writing career. He embarked on this path after a transformative experience in high school. Following a significant football game victory, while his peers celebrated, Spinelli chose solitude, crafting a poem about the event. The publication of this poem in a local newspaper was a turning point, convincing him to pursue writing instead of a career as a major-league shortstop.

Spinelli's educational path included time at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. Over the years, he has published more than 25 books, enriching the landscape of children's literature. A father to six children and grandfather to 16 grandchildren, Spinelli draws from a wealth of personal experiences, imbuing his narratives with authenticity and heart.