Copyright year 1990
Published by Little, Brown and Company
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading level: Age 9 - 12
Plot:
This is a story about a boy without a home who becomes legendarily known as Maniac, by doing things like famously untying a huge knot no one else could untie, within the two sides of town, the East End and West End. He befriends kids from these two places, changing their lives and his in his search for a place to call home.
Similar books to check out:
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos
Awards:
Newbery Medal
Young Readers Choice Award
Mark Twain Award
Personal Thoughts:
I liked this book a lot, especially since it dealt with a child coping with the loss of his parents and racism between the East End and the West End, which represents the black side and white sides of town. It flows nicely and keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Jerry Spinelli is an excellent middle school author - although one of my faves There is a girl in my hammerlock is hard to come by anymore.
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