I thought for sure that I read this when I was younger. But that can not be true, as I am sure I would remember it. What I find interesting is that even 26 years later this book is not only still relevant, but very much still how many of our communities relate to each other. Jeffrey Magee, aka Maniac, is a homeless boy who just wants to belong. He sees people as people, not the color of this skin. In the communities in which he lives the color of your skin is very decisive. The west and the east ends of two do not talk, do not work together, and often time are at the edge of clashing. What is worse is that the children are raised to believe this is okay. In Magee’s own way he is trying to break down these racial barriers, when all he wants is a home or a family. Magee’s life is a struggle, and as the reader it is a struggle not to cry. He leaves his first “adopted” family for their safety. They should not be trying to raise a white boy. His second family dies, and his third family is so unhealthy. Magee is a boy you want to admire. He strives to educate himself since he can not go to school. He does his best to inspire, or con, others into going to school, and doing the right thing. This book is heartfelt, sad, and lovely all at the same time. There is a reason it’s a new classic, but it is destined to be a forever classic.