Loser Jerry Spinelli

So, What’s it About? Just like other kids, Donald Zinkoff rides his bike, hopes for snow days, and wants to be like his dad when he grows up. But Zinkoff also raises his hand with all the wrong answers, trips over his own feet, and falls down with laughter over a word like “Jabip.” Other kids have their own word to describe him, but Zinkoff is too busy to hear it. He doesn’t know he’s not like everyone else. And one winter night, Zinkoff’s differences show that any name can someday become “hero.”

Jerry Spinelli Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania in 1941 Married to Eileen Spinelli (also a writer); has 6 kids and 16 grandkids! Known for writing books that are funny and true to life Spinelli’s “Golden Rule of Writing:” Write What You Care About Whenever students ask him where he gets his ideas, he replies, "From you. You're the funny ones.” Other books by Jerry Spinelli: Maniac Magee (Newberry Award Winner) Stargirl Space Station Seventh Grade (Spinelli’s favorite!) The Library Card Knots in my Yo-Yo String

What Do YOU Think? What are some “labels” kids give other kids? (examples: book worm, jock, goth, etc.) What is unfair about labeling others? Have you ever been unfairly labeled by others? If so, how did it feel? If not, how do you think it would feel?