They say Maniac Magee was born in a dump.

From the first sentence, Jerry Spinelli has the reader hooked.
"Maniac, Maniac,
He's so cool
Maniac, Maniac
Don't go to school."

The reader can't help but want to go on with the story of this kid who has become a legend in his own time.

I initially read the novel over three years ago. Last week, I decided to pick up a new copy to read--to see if I could use it in school is the excuse I gave my husband. Actually, I wanted to re-visit the book, or check it out to see if it was as good as I remembered. Teachers have one perk--they have a built in excuse for buying and reading children's literature which is often better written and more thought provoking than adult fiction. "Maniac Magee" definitely falls into the category of good literature.

This is the story, written from an unseen observer's point of view, of a boy who is orphaned at age three and sent to live with his aunt and uncle. They hate each other, and refuse to communicate for eight long years. When Maniac finally can't take the silence in this dysfunctional home any longer, he escapes by running out of town, away from the memories of his parents, away from the bickering of his guardians, away from his life.

When he finally stops running, he ends up, unknowingly in the black section of time. For the first time in his life, he has a family, a real home with parents who care for him, and an address. Unfortunately, having a white boy as an "adopted" son brings grief to his parents, and Maniac solves the problem the only way he knows how, he runs.

I don't want to give away anymore of the book, except to say that this is one with a satisfying ending. There are issues of racism brought up, divorce, and what it means to be family. It is handled so deftly that the novel lends itself to discussion to teenagers. No heavy handed preaching, simply exposing the realities of life in a small town and letting kids form their own opinions.

I have used "Wringer" and "Knots in My Yo-Yo String" both by Spinelli in my middle school class and intend to use "Maniac Magee" this year. His writing style is fresh and contemporary. The character descriptions ring true, and there are many issues that middle school students can identify with.

I suggest a second reading of this book before using it in a class. It is worth the time and effort and you will be rewarded with the subtleties Spinelli has infused in the book. What a gifted author he is. I am looking forward to more by him.