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Crash by Jerry Spinelli
Now available in paperback, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli's hilarious, poignant story of cocky seventh-grade superjock Crash Coogan. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Paperback
First published March 19, 1996
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3950 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Spinelli
113 books4,013 followersWhen Jerry Spinelli was a kid, he wanted to grow up to be either a cowboy or a baseball player. Lucky for us he became a writer instead.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,499 reviews
January 20, 2009
"Crash" John Coogan is the typical jock. At least what most of us have in mind as a jock. Crash has a wonderful life, until life deals him a hand that he could not have expected. When Crash's grandfather unexpectedly has a stroke, Crash unconsciously steps back and re-evaluates his life without even realizing he's doing it. Suddenly, his cool friends don't seem so cool anymore. Things that were once the most important in his life, become trivial. As a result of his grandfather's illness, Crash becomes more aware of the world around him and realizes there more important things in life than breaking records in football.
I can connect because Crash and his Grandfather were really close. My grandmother and I were really close too before she died. I felt really different without her. I changed a lot about myself and she was a role model to me like his grandfather was to him. This book can be related to many people and situations. Its a very common issue.
I would rate this book a 3.5 or 4 because I like who people can think about their personal experience. They can compare how they dealt with it and how Crash changed. Its very detailed and explains everything it need too.
I can connect because Crash and his Grandfather were really close. My grandmother and I were really close too before she died. I felt really different without her. I changed a lot about myself and she was a role model to me like his grandfather was to him. This book can be related to many people and situations. Its a very common issue.
I would rate this book a 3.5 or 4 because I like who people can think about their personal experience. They can compare how they dealt with it and how Crash changed. Its very detailed and explains everything it need too.
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June 8, 2009 I myself am a 7th grade jock just like John coogan the main character in the novel Crash
by Jerry Spinelli. In this book I was really able to relate to the main character John.
This book is about John coogan who plays on his schools football and track team and is
one of the bullys at his school Springfield middle school he likes to pick on this one kid
named Penn Webb because he is a nerd and a cheerleader to. John would shoot Penn with
a water pistol john said “well, it ain’t going to work sonny. Hasta la vista, hambone.
Bam! Bam! Bam! I fired three quick ones”. But he realizes that even though he set the
record for most touchdowns scored in a season for his school. He can’t have everything
like this one girl who is very pretty named Jane forbs who he is crazy for and for some
reason likes Penn Webb. This book is about how john’s 7th grade year changed him
forever.
John coogan is one of my favorite parts of this book because I can relate to him and I
have been in a few of his situations before. I also like him because jerry spinelli makes it
so I can picture everything that happens. Jerry spinelli wrote this book in a way that I
just want to keep reading and this is one of the few for me.
One of the problems that John has is that his grandpa came to live with him and falls
out of a tree and has a stroke. John’s grandpa does not even remember his name any
more. He does not know if he wants to be in the Penn relays for track or instead give the
only spot left to Penn Webb something he would never do in a million years.
Crash is filled with characters like Penn’s parents, uncle Herm, Abby, and Bridget.
Jerry Spinelli makes it seem like they are all you friends and relatives. This book can be a
real page turner if you into football, kids day today lives or just want a good book to read
so go out and read Crash and then recommend it to a friend.
by Jerry Spinelli. In this book I was really able to relate to the main character John.
This book is about John coogan who plays on his schools football and track team and is
one of the bullys at his school Springfield middle school he likes to pick on this one kid
named Penn Webb because he is a nerd and a cheerleader to. John would shoot Penn with
a water pistol john said “well, it ain’t going to work sonny. Hasta la vista, hambone.
Bam! Bam! Bam! I fired three quick ones”. But he realizes that even though he set the
record for most touchdowns scored in a season for his school. He can’t have everything
like this one girl who is very pretty named Jane forbs who he is crazy for and for some
reason likes Penn Webb. This book is about how john’s 7th grade year changed him
forever.
John coogan is one of my favorite parts of this book because I can relate to him and I
have been in a few of his situations before. I also like him because jerry spinelli makes it
so I can picture everything that happens. Jerry spinelli wrote this book in a way that I
just want to keep reading and this is one of the few for me.
One of the problems that John has is that his grandpa came to live with him and falls
out of a tree and has a stroke. John’s grandpa does not even remember his name any
more. He does not know if he wants to be in the Penn relays for track or instead give the
only spot left to Penn Webb something he would never do in a million years.
Crash is filled with characters like Penn’s parents, uncle Herm, Abby, and Bridget.
Jerry Spinelli makes it seem like they are all you friends and relatives. This book can be a
real page turner if you into football, kids day today lives or just want a good book to read
so go out and read Crash and then recommend it to a friend.
June 16, 2008
At first glance this book looks like it's for children, but even as a teenager and adults we can all learn from this book. Spinelli decides to write this book for a younger audience, but even though the wording is very easy I liked the context. For example, I like the characterization and how Spinelli makes it so easy to understand what each character is thinking and what they want. For example, the main character "Crash" actually feels jealous of his neighbor Penn, even though he beats him up all the time. Crash is jealous because even though he's wealthier he doesn't like how Penn's family actually care for their son. There is a moral in this book that family is the most valuable thing there is. I hope that this book allows both parents and kids to stop and think for a moment about their lives and how they can be closer. Crash talks about how he loved being able to eat with his entire family there, and it shows how important it is to be close to the family. It was really easy to connect to this book, because I see both Penn's views where my parents are there rooting me at softball games and eating dinner with them. However, I think we all see Crash's side where we might feel a little neglected at times by our families for their work. We all need to stop and think once in awhile how important it is to be with our families over work.
June 3, 2015
نویسنده اش کاملا جری اسپینلی بود...
شاید با خودتان بگویید که غیب گفتی! اما خب، آنها که از او چیزی خوانده اند، می فهمند منظورم را...
+ ممنون شقایق :>
شاید با خودتان بگویید که غیب گفتی! اما خب، آنها که از او چیزی خوانده اند، می فهمند منظورم را...
+ ممنون شقایق :>
October 7, 2010
Crash Coogan is cool. He’s the star of the school football team... and he’s a bully.
Penn Webb is small and weedy. Penn Webb hates violence; he’s a ‘Peace’ badge wearing vegetarian. Crash and Penn are not destined to get along.
Crash’s story is funny, crazy: in all the action, the conversation, and even in his few backfiring attempts to show-off he always manages to be on top.
From the day Penn moves into the neighbourhood, Crash torments him mercilessly. But no humiliation seems to bring Penn down. Crash is intrigued. We are intrigued. And the question slowly dawns on Crash: could it be that in some way Penn is actually stronger than he is?
Spinelli is a master of books about character. In the selfish and conceited preoccupations of this kid’s life, Spinelli finds those hidden inklings of humanity which can grow into extraordinary strength and greatness.
While Crash doesn’t end up the same as Penn, he does discover a new best friend.
Upper primary and lower secondary boys have to read this. Teachers have to read this. And (boys, don’t look), even girls should read this.
Penn Webb is small and weedy. Penn Webb hates violence; he’s a ‘Peace’ badge wearing vegetarian. Crash and Penn are not destined to get along.
Crash’s story is funny, crazy: in all the action, the conversation, and even in his few backfiring attempts to show-off he always manages to be on top.
From the day Penn moves into the neighbourhood, Crash torments him mercilessly. But no humiliation seems to bring Penn down. Crash is intrigued. We are intrigued. And the question slowly dawns on Crash: could it be that in some way Penn is actually stronger than he is?
Spinelli is a master of books about character. In the selfish and conceited preoccupations of this kid’s life, Spinelli finds those hidden inklings of humanity which can grow into extraordinary strength and greatness.
While Crash doesn’t end up the same as Penn, he does discover a new best friend.
Upper primary and lower secondary boys have to read this. Teachers have to read this. And (boys, don’t look), even girls should read this.
September 22, 2018
I love this book. I read it to my 7th grade class and it offers so many opportunities for rich and meaningful discussion. Do people change, really? What does it take to forgive someone? What’s more important: material wealth or happiness?
The protagonist is actually the antagonist, and yet everyone can relate to him. He illuminates the ugly parts of ourselves that come out when we are sad, angry, jealous, and lonely. Crash demonstrates that we are more similar than we are different, that there are certain struggles that we all go through, and that everyone just wants to feel loved.
The protagonist is actually the antagonist, and yet everyone can relate to him. He illuminates the ugly parts of ourselves that come out when we are sad, angry, jealous, and lonely. Crash demonstrates that we are more similar than we are different, that there are certain struggles that we all go through, and that everyone just wants to feel loved.
April 27, 2016
worst book I ever read for school. I read it in seventh grade and mercilessly mocked it on all our homework assignments.
August 20, 2008
I read this all in one sitting this morning and for the most part I was pretty into this book. I liked it better than Spinelli's Stargirl because there was much better character development. This book seems like something a lot of middle grades boys could relate to since it deals with issues like bullying, friendship, having a close family member get sick, and dealing with money (or a lack of) in a family. I think it's much more down to earth than some of his books which seem to almost too "colorful" for my taste. My main complaint about this book is that the ending felt rushed. I liked how it ended but would have liked to see the final chapter play out over a few chapters since it seemed like one of those "easier said than done" kind of situations. It drives me nuts when young adult authors shy away from writing about difficult conversations and instead just tell us that the characters somehow finally solved their problems. I also was not into the football scenes and often skimmed those parts.
June 2, 2017
Crash by Jerry Spinelli a book about a boy who's life changes.A boy named John does not like to be called by his real name so they call him Crash.Crash has a sibling called Abby.Abby is a believer she does what she thinks is right. There is a boy named Penn Webb who changes Crash life.I love this book this book is funny,sad, and teaches you a lot of lessons.One of my favorite characters was Jane Forbes if you read this book she will be intruduced.I recommend this book to people who like books that teaches you lessons.This book has a lot of lessons one of my favorite lessons is winning is not always important.I like this book alot.
May 16, 2016
"Crash" was about a kid who's nickname was Crash. He used to make fun of a boy called Penn Webb. I liked the book because it had detail and I felt like I was there. I recommend this book to many people who are interested to read it.
February 6, 2022
if i could give this less then one star then i would
May 25, 2021
A fun story I remember reading a grade school, and kept the book around. Might keep again to share with younger fam. Not everyday the main character is someone usually in the antagonist role, bullying a kid who probably would be the protag in another story. But title character Crash has more going for him than a bullying role, and I really like that. He's relatable in other ways, and what makes him more appealing as a person is what helps him relate to those he bullies. He shows growth through the short-ish story; a a boy who loves his family as much as the weird kid does for his own. Good quick read.
October 28, 2021
crash is a grate book teaching people about what life is to sport people. crash goes on a little bit of a advancer by the end of the book he is a good person. the all most the would book crash is being mean to wed and at the end of the book crash is friends with web.
January 26, 2018
i thought the book was great!! it was a good topic for a middle schooler and i woudn't mind reading this book again in the future.
February 10, 2020
A simple and OK story about a quarrel between two very different middle school students, the popular jock Crash Coogan and dorky new kid Penn Webb. B (75%/Good)
September 11, 2024
I love Jerry Spinelli. Over and out.
February 28, 2025
A classic. Main character is a wicked jerk/bully to his nice neighbor, but they become friends in the end 🤝
November 13, 2023
(3.5 stars) My 7th grade students enjoyed listening to this book and seeing how Crash Coogan grows throughout the story. They said the ending was a little anti-climactic for their taste, but they still like some of the funnier moments within the story.
March 17, 2025
I've read this to my students half a dozen times. Wrecks me every time.
September 29, 2016
The book "Crash" by Jerry Spinelli teaches you many valuable lessons. It teaches you that people can change and that winning is not the most important thing. John Coogan a football player with the nickname Crash, bullies a boy named Penn Webb. Throughout the story Crash faces obstacles. From mean friends to strokes to family. In this book Crash finds out who he really wants to be. A bully or a friend? I personally loved this book. You learn a lot and laugh a lot. A funny part from the book was when Jane Forbes (a girl Crash likes) kicks him at a dance. There was many other funny parts but, that one was my favorite. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy reading books with lessons. I think they would like this book because many people can relate to parts of it. Will Crash change and show respect to Penn or will he continue bullying him? Read this book to find out.
September 29, 2016
Crash is by Jerry Spinelli. Crash is about an 11 year boy that is very selfish and is always bragging of he has. John Coogan goes by the nickname of crash. Crash is rude because he only cares about himself not others. I really liked the book because it shows that its not good to be mean to other people that are not like you. One thing that is really awesome about the book is the theme. The theme of the book is "Don't care what people think about you because everyone is different", which is what Penn W.Web did through out the whole book. I recommend this book to people that are like crash because it shows you that even if your going through a bad time in your life doesn't mean you have to punish others.
April 25, 2020
BACKSTORY ON ME AND THIS BOOK:
I basically discovered this book because of another book I read. I was just there, reading THE PERFECT SCORE by Rob Buyea, when one of the characters read CRASH. The character who read it, loved it, and I was interested. Fast forward to a month ago, when I see it in the library, and check it out.
I. Loved. It.
You wanna know where I was today? At a waterpark. You wanna know what I did at said waterpark? I finished this book because it was just too good.
I was expecting this book to be kind of like an episode of the first season of GIRL MEETS WORLD. (Don’t get me wrong, GMW dealt with some heavy things, but the first season was *mostly* light-hearted and funny.) I was not expecting it to make me cry.
Yes, I cried.
I basically discovered this book because of another book I read. I was just there, reading THE PERFECT SCORE by Rob Buyea, when one of the characters read CRASH. The character who read it, loved it, and I was interested. Fast forward to a month ago, when I see it in the library, and check it out.
I. Loved. It.
You wanna know where I was today? At a waterpark. You wanna know what I did at said waterpark? I finished this book because it was just too good.
I was expecting this book to be kind of like an episode of the first season of GIRL MEETS WORLD. (Don’t get me wrong, GMW dealt with some heavy things, but the first season was *mostly* light-hearted and funny.) I was not expecting it to make me cry.
Yes, I cried.
July 14, 2019
My expectations for every Jerry Spinelli book are through the roof, but this one crashed right through that roof. The story of Crash Coogan and Penn Webb is so striking and beautiful that I doubt anyone but Jerry Spinelli could have created it. The story feels pure and true from page one, then proceeds to tighten itself at a leisurely pace, suspense building to a fever pitch as the sweet narrative moves in brilliant ways. Crash is one of the greatest books I have read, and deepens my admiration for Jerry Spinelli.
May 19, 2017
The tittle of the book is ''crash'' by Jerry Spinelli. This is a great book because it has very good lessons. At the end crash had trouble weather to be webbs friend or not. It wasn't a really hard choice for him because he knew that he would be his friend .I liked this alot because it shows that your enemy can be your best friend and to not be rude to other people unless you know there personality . I think that unkind people should read this because it might change their personality and feelings about other people. I give this book five stars.
September 29, 2016
The novel Crash by Jerry Spinelli is a story of a boy that is going back to school. Crash is a boy that is the best one in the football team. Crash and his best friend Mike always make fun of a boy in the school. Crash puts his uncle on the hospital because he wanted to win. I liked this book because it is a very good, funny, and interesting book because when Abby said she's making the environment a better place for her kids on a discussion with her mom. I recommend this book to football players that think their the best and to mean people so the book will probably change their actions.
May 2, 2016
I would recommend this book to my cousin because I liked it and I think that she would like reading it too. I gave this book a 4/5 because I enjoyed reading it and it had lots of details also because it grabbed my attention. At first, Crash was being really rude and at the end of the book he was acting kind. In the book there are really interesting things that happen that grab your attention and make you want to read more and more.
April 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book because I have never read a book from the perspective of the "bully" before. I think Spinelli did a great job of showing the other side of bullying, and I love when Crash has a change of heart at the end of the story. I really think that young girls and boys(especially) would benefit by reading this book. This is a must have for any school library.
Read
May 2, 2016This book is about a kid nicknamed 'Crash' who has to choose to be good to his best friend or to a poor kid that moves in. I liked this book because there is a lot of drama between characters. I would recommend this to people who like drama and a good story
November 3, 2014
I thought this book was great because it was funny but sad since something happened to Crash's grandpa.
February 27, 2019
IIt's alright.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,499 reviews