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Knots in My Yo-Yo String

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Paperback
$11.99 US
5.56"W x 8.25"H x 0.35"D   | 5 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Apr 28, 1998 | 160 Pages | 9780679887911
Age 8-12 years | Grades 3-7
Reading Level: Lexile 980L | Fountas & Pinnell U
Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli has penned his early autobiography with all the warmth, humor, and drama of his best-selling fiction. And don't miss the author's highly anticipated new novel, Dead Wednesday!

"A master of those embarrassing, gloppy, painful, and suddenly wonderful things that happen on the razor's edge between childhood and full-fledged adolescence" --The Washington Post

From first memories through high school, including first kiss, first punch, first trip to the principal's office, and first humiliating sports experience, this is not merely an account of a highly unusual childhood. Rather, like Spinelli's fiction, its appeal lies in the  accessibility and universality of his life. Entertaining and fast-paced, this is a highly readable memoir-- a must-have for Spinelli fans of all ages.
  • WINNER | 1999
    ALA Best Books for Young Adults
"Brilliant." --Chicago Tribune

"[A] warm, deeply personal memoir. Readers will know that a regular kid can remember all the important stuff when he grows up."--Booklist

"As Spinelli effortlessly spins the story of an ordinary Pennsylvania boy, he also documents the evolution of an exceptional author."--Publishers Weekly, Starred

"[A] richly rewarding autobiography."--The Horn Book
© Elmore DeMott
JERRY SPINELLI is the author of many novels for young readers, including Dead WednesdayThe Warden's Daughter; StargirlLove, StargirlMilkweedCrashWringer; and Maniac Magee, winner of the Newbery Medal; along with Knots in My Yo-Yo String, the autobiography of his childhood. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, poet and author Eileen Spinelli. View titles by Jerry Spinelli

About

Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli has penned his early autobiography with all the warmth, humor, and drama of his best-selling fiction. And don't miss the author's highly anticipated new novel, Dead Wednesday!

"A master of those embarrassing, gloppy, painful, and suddenly wonderful things that happen on the razor's edge between childhood and full-fledged adolescence" --The Washington Post

From first memories through high school, including first kiss, first punch, first trip to the principal's office, and first humiliating sports experience, this is not merely an account of a highly unusual childhood. Rather, like Spinelli's fiction, its appeal lies in the  accessibility and universality of his life. Entertaining and fast-paced, this is a highly readable memoir-- a must-have for Spinelli fans of all ages.

Awards

  • WINNER | 1999
    ALA Best Books for Young Adults

Praise

"Brilliant." --Chicago Tribune

"[A] warm, deeply personal memoir. Readers will know that a regular kid can remember all the important stuff when he grows up."--Booklist

"As Spinelli effortlessly spins the story of an ordinary Pennsylvania boy, he also documents the evolution of an exceptional author."--Publishers Weekly, Starred

"[A] richly rewarding autobiography."--The Horn Book

Author

© Elmore DeMott
JERRY SPINELLI is the author of many novels for young readers, including Dead WednesdayThe Warden's Daughter; StargirlLove, StargirlMilkweedCrashWringer; and Maniac Magee, winner of the Newbery Medal; along with Knots in My Yo-Yo String, the autobiography of his childhood. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, poet and author Eileen Spinelli. View titles by Jerry Spinelli