Don't Go There

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli was a book my granddaughter read for a book report in about the 5th or 6th grade. From the time she was little we read books to her all the time. Supposedly that will encourage your youngster to want to read themselves. In this case, it did not work. She loved for anyone to read to her, and can read well herself, but she hates to read. When it comes time for book reports, it is a struggle for her to make it through the required reading.

We decided to make Maniac Magee a family reading project to help her with the task of getting it read. We took turns and we enjoyed the book ourselves. Maniac Magee was an avid reader, even toting books around with him in his suitcase. The town was divided and no one dared go on the other side of town. But Maniac did. And even though he was an outsider, he eventually was looked up to by the others. This book made me laugh and it made me cry.

I would recommend this book as good reading, for the kids. It has enough action to keep them interested.