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Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli received a Newberry Medal in 1991, and carries with it a reputation as a life-changing story. It is the story of a legend. Jeffery Lionel Magee’s parents were killed in a strange trolley accident when he was three years old. He was sent to live with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan who loathed each other to the degree that they refused to speak. They used Jeffery as their messenger, and it made him so sad and angry that he eventually ran away.

He then makes it to the town of Two Mills which is two hundred miles away from his real home. He wanders into town and meets Amanda Beale, a book-toting young girl who leads him to her home, where he finds a place to live. Jeffery discovers that Two Mills is divided racially between the East End and the West End. Jeffery’s strong sense of justice helps him in his quest for unity between the races.

Discover how this run-away kid turns into a baseball legend, and leaves a legacy of learning and justice behind. You won’t soon forget Maniac Magee.