Choosing a short prompt to answer owing to being quite busy today with other things.
My favorite book as a child was Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. Maniac Magee tells the story of an orphan boy who runs away from his caretakers (his aunt and uncle, who hate each other so much they keep two of everything, and the fact that they can’t get along drives him away) and searches for a home. He happens to live in a town that is very segregated, and despite the times that he lives in, he is ignorant to issues of race. Because of that, he quite comfortably gets along with anyone regardless of what side of town they’re from. Much of the story is told like a recounting of an urban legend while it tells of some of the feats or unusual circumstances that Maniac accomplishes. Though it has been years since I’ve read it, I do vaguely recall that he runs everywhere (in line with being a runaway) and there is a Gordian Knot situation as well. He is also allergic to pepperoni.
Maniac lives temporarily in several places and situations, attracting the attention of bullies on both sides of town and eventually finding a reason to move on from each place. At the end, he has eased some of the tension and helped form something of an understanding between some of the people he has interacted with on both sides of town. He also finds a place to call home.
It’s been years since I’ve read it, but I still remember the main storyline and the general gist of the piece. I used to read it once a year from elementary school until partway through high school. It might be interesting to revisit it sometime soon actually.
mehryment 