Blog for the Week of 1/12/15

Maniac Magee By Jerry Spinelli

Pages #5-50

Prompt:List at least three problems the characters faced? Which was the most life changing? Explain

       The first problem Jeffery Magee faced was his parent's death. He was only three years old. They died in a train crash. After they died he had to move in with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan. They hated each other, but there were strict catholics so they couldn't get divorced. Jeffery lived with them for eight years. Eventually they never talked. I feel this is one of the most life changing because he never really knew what having a happy family is like. He didn't even know what it is like to have loving parents. I think his life would be totally different is his parents hadn't died.

       Jeffery is also clueless. He doesn't understand that in the town of Two Mills black and white people don't like each other. Jeffery doesn't understand that the West End and East End don't live or like each other because of their skin color. I don't this is a problem he will ever realize that its an actual problem. However the fact that he doesn't understand this gets him into a lot of trouble. I'm not even that far in the book and this problem has gotten him into a lot of trouble. Which isn't a good thing for him. However, I like how the author does this. It shows the reader that skin color shouldn't matter.

       What I think is the biggest problem is that he doesn't have a real home. Even though his parents death is still a life changing problem, that problem leads to this. He hasn't had an address for over two years. That is just amazing he is still alive. He is wearing rags ad falling apart shoes from all of the running. He was only nine and he was surviving without anyone to help him, without a home, and too young to get a job just so he could feed himself. This problem is actually eventually solved. I would go more into detail about it but, I don't want to spoil it for anyone.