MANIAC MAGEE...1990. Inspired by a song by Martha and the Vandellas, "Dancin' in the Street." I have a friend who, like Maniac, was an orphan and ran everywhere he went. I wanted to write a story about a kid who was a hero to other kids. When I was growing up, Norristown was a little like Two Mills, in that the black and white areas kept mostly to themselves. I never liked that. My favorite character is Amanda Beale.

It was a great honor, when I won the Newbery Medal.  In 2003 Nickelodeon aired the made for TV movie of Maniac Magee.  Many of you have asked where you can purchase it, but I have never found out the answer to that question.

Jerry