‘Maniac Magee’ book stands the test of time

    One of a new year’s usual resolutions is to read more. Throughout the month of January, you’ll find book reviews for teens (or adults) looking for books to kick off their 2018 goals right here in the Enterprise.
    To get Resolution Reads started, I turned to my all-time favorite book, “Maniac Magee” by Jerry Spinelli. I’ve read it repeatedly, and it’s always my go-to recommendation for kids looking for a good story. Rereading it now, I’ve confirmed what I already suspected to be true: it holds up. The experience reminded me of watching a Disney movie as an adult, when you realize it wasn’t just written for kids.
    “Maniac Magee” is an easy read. It begins with short, engaging chapters to quickly draw a reader in. Before you know it, you’re invested in the characters and eagerly taking each page in to see where they go.
    Jeffrey Magee was orphaned as a 3-year-old. Eight years later, he became a legend, and that’s where Maniac’s story really begins. As far as anyone can tell, he could run forever. He outshines kids much older than himself in both football and baseball. His knot-untying skills are unparalleled, and he isn’t afraid of anything. He’s the kind of guy that would catch other kids’ attention in any school or neighborhood.
    One of the great things about this book is that it was written for kids and about kids, but it doesn’t speak down to them. Spinelli doesn’t shy away from weighty topics such as death, race and homelessness. After all, kids don’t live in a vacuum, automatically exempt from such things. For those who aren’t exposed to those kinds of issues in their day-to-day life, books like this can challenge thinking and encourage compassion.

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