J

Jerry Spinelli

Bestselling Author • 9 Series • 40 Books

9
Series
40
Books
9
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush? (1984)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Fourth Grade Rats Books
Start with: Fourth Grade Rats (1991)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Tooter Tale Books
Start with: Tooter Pepperday (1995)

About Jerry Spinelli

Jerry Spinelli is American author of literature and children fiction books famously known for his Stargirl series. Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania Spinelli wanted to grow up to be either a professional baseball player or a cowboy, but luckily for the reader’s community, he became an author. Spinelli spent his childhood in rural Pennsylvania and attended Gettysburg College and later joined Hopkins University. He began writing at the age of sixteen and not too older than the main character of his story Maniac Magee. After his high school team won a competition, his classmates cheered for the friends across the street- except for Spinelli who ran home and wrote a poem about the victory. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Jerry Spinelli has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Jerry Spinelli

Publication Order of Space Station Seventh Grade Books
2 books 1982–1986
1

Space Station Seventh Grade

Space Station Seventh Grade is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Space Station Seventh Grade Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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1982
2

Jason and Marceline

Jason and Marceline continues the Publication Order of Space Station Seventh Grade Books story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
Publication Order of Fourth Grade Rats Books
2 books 1991–2012
1

Fourth Grade Rats

Fourth Grade Rats is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Fourth Grade Rats Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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1991
2

Third Grade Angels

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Fourth Grade Rats Books with Third Grade Angels, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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2012
Publication Order of Tooter Tale Books
2 books 1995–1998
1

Tooter Pepperday

Tooter Pepperday is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tooter Tale Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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1995
2

Blue Ribbon Blues

Blue Ribbon Blues continues the Publication Order of Tooter Tale Books story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
Publication Order of Stargirl Books
2 books 2001–2007
1

Stargirl

Stargirl continues the Publication Order of Stargirl Books story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
2

Love, Stargirl

Love, Stargirl explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Stargirl Books series by Jerry Spinelli.

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2007
Publication Order of School Daze Books
4 books 1991–1993
1

Report to the Principal's Office!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of School Daze Books with Report to the Principal's Office!, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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1991
2

Who Ran My Underwear up the Flagpole?

Who Ran My Underwear up the Flagpole? is an essential installment in the Publication Order of School Daze Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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1992
3

Do the Funky Pickle

Do the Funky Pickle continues the Publication Order of School Daze Books story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
4

Picklemania

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of School Daze Books with Picklemania, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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1993
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
18 books 1984–2023
1

Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush?

Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush? continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
2

Night of the Whale

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Night of the Whale, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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1988
3

Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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1990
4

The Bathwater Gang

The Bathwater Gang is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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1990
5

Dump Days

Dump Days continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
6

There's a Girl in My Hammerlock

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with There's a Girl in My Hammerlock, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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1991
7

The Bathwater Gang Gets Down to Business

The Bathwater Gang Gets Down to Business is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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1992
8

Crash / The Mighty Crashman

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Crash / The Mighty Crashman, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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1996
9

Wringer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Wringer, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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1997
10

The Library Card

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Library Card, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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1997
11

Smiles to Go

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Smiles to Go, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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2000
12

Loser

Loser continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
13

Milkweed

Milkweed is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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2003
14

Eggs

Eggs is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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2007
15

Jake and Lily

Jake and Lily continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
16

Hokey Pokey

Hokey Pokey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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2013
17

The Warden's Daughter

Conflict and courage define The Warden's Daughter, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Jerry Spinelli that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2017
18

Dead Wednesday

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Wednesday as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Jerry Spinelli's mastery of suspense.

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2023
Publication Order of Picture Books
4 books 2003–2019
1

My Daddy and Me

My Daddy and Me is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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2003
2

I Can Be Anything!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Picture Books with I Can Be Anything!, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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2010
3

Mama Seeton's Whistle

Mama Seeton's Whistle continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
4

My Fourth of July

My Fourth of July continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 1998–2007
1

Knots in My Yo-Yo String

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Knots in My Yo-Yo String, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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1998
2

Stargirl Journal

Stargirl Journal continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
Publication Order of Anthologies
4 books 1989–2009
1

Connections: Short Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults

Connections: Short Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Jerry Spinelli's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
2

It's Fine to Be Nine

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with It's Fine to Be Nine, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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2000
3

Baseball Crazy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Baseball Crazy, another outstanding contribution from Jerry Spinelli.

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2008
4

Half-Minute Horrors

Half-Minute Horrors is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jerry Spinelli have come to expect.

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2009

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jerry Spinelli?

Jerry Spinelli is a bestselling author known for 9 book series containing over 40 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Space Station Seventh Grade Books, Publication Order of Fourth Grade Rats Books, Publication Order of Tooter Tale Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Jerry Spinelli series to start with?

For readers new to Jerry Spinelli's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 18 books. Begin with Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush? to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Jerry Spinelli written?

Jerry Spinelli has written over 40 books across 9 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Jerry Spinelli books in order?

Yes, reading Jerry Spinelli's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Jerry Spinelli write in?

Jerry Spinelli writes primarily in fiction. With 9 series across 40 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Jerry Spinelli's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Jerry Spinelli's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Jerry Spinelli's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Jerry Spinelli's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush?, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.