"They say Maniac Magee was born in a dump. They say his stomach was a cereal box and his heart a sofa spring.They say he kept an eight-inch cockroach on a leash and that rats stood guard over him while he slept.
They say if you knew he was coming and you sprinkled salt on the ground and he ran over it, within two or three blocks he would be as slow as everybody else.
They say."
~From Maniac Magee
Jeffery Lionel Magee had a hard life. Orphaned at age 3, he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle who hated each other. They wouldn't speak to one another and only shared Jeffery because they couldn't split him in half. After years of putting up with it, Jeffery couldn't stand it anymore and ran.
This Newberry Medal winner is about the town of Two Mills as seen through the eyes of twelve year old Jeffery. He struggles to make a life for himself while dealing with acceptance, family issues, racism, and personal identity. As he struggles he not only changes himself, but the world around him.
About the author
Here's a link to Jerry Spinelli's webpage. Go there to learn more about the amazing man who wrote this months book club book.
http://www.jerryspinelli.com/newbery_008.htm
Gloria
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