_Jerry Perry Spinelli was born on: February 1, 1941 (aged 72 years) in Norris town. Spinelli was born in Norris town, Pennsylvania. He went to Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. His books are funny and true to life. He wrote 'Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush.' Hey, it's a problem! In 1991, Spinelli won the Newbery Award for Maniac Magee, and in 1998, Wringer was named a Newbery Honor book. Whenever students ask him where he gets his ideas, he replies, "From you. You're the funny ones."