Praise for Wringer: “Deeply felt. Presents a moral question with great care and sensitivity.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Spinelli understands some aspects of childhood better than anyone else since Beverly Cleary.” - Washington Post
Praise for Smiles to Go: “Spinelli employs a fresh voice and honest perspective to mine the prickly intersections of family, friendship, and growing up, with emotionally resonant results.” - ALA Booklist
“Spinelli, the accomplished author of Maniac Magee and many other books for YAs, has a knack for creating offbeat characters readers will root for, and all the characters in this novel will win your heart.” - KLIATT
Praise for Loser: “Spinelli demonstrates the differences between those who can continue to see with the more compassionate ‘little-kid eyes’ and those who lose sight of what is truly important.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Double the feelings, double the fun.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Spinelli’s hallmark issues—individuality, nonconformity, alienation, standing up for the little guy—figure prominently, and the messages are convincingly worked into the story.” - Horn Book Magazine
“Each character is portrayed with emotional subtlety and conviction, while their juxtaposed viewpoints bring the energy of opposing forces to the story.” - Booklist
“Spinelli is a poet of the prepubescent…Nobody is better than Spinelli when it comes to creating the grade-school world of qualified innocence—and treading a fine line between challenge and reassurance.” - New York Times Book Review
★ “Spinelli adroitly balances emotional tension with introspective moments in this smart and funny story.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)