Common Sense Note
This exciting and moving story, brilliantly told, has something for everyone.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
One of the greatest Newbery winners ever, this is by far the best thing author Jerry Spinelli has ever done. A riveting story, swinging between joy and sorrow, it works on many levels: as a realistic novel, the recounting of a legend, and a no-easy-answers statement on race relations.
Spinelli writes the story as if it were an attempt to tell the truth behind a folk legend. He warns readers to "be very, very careful not to let the facts get mixed up with the truth."
The ending, though showing the possibility of some personal happiness for Jeffrey, offers no pat answers to the town's racial problems. There are heroes and monsters on both sides, and Jeffrey is able to find, even in the most hate-filled among them, redeeming qualities and humanity.
But while he makes a difference in the lives of many, the reader is forced to realize that--even with the best of intentions--the idea that he can somehow bring about a reconciliation between the races is naíve.
The wide array of secondary characters are well drawn and appealing, the story is exciting, and the ideas are thought-provoking. And the book offers a series of little moments that, though understated, are sometimes uplifting, sometimes heartrending, but always involving. This book should not be missed.
Another powerful book by Spinelli is Wringer. For other potent stories about homeless boys, try Slake's Limbo or The Planet of Junior Brown.
Plot Summary:
A homeless orphan becomes a legend in a town divided by racism in this sometimes funny, sometimes moving, always exciting story. Jeffrey Magee's exploits may have made him famous, but reconciling a town filled with hate and finding a decent life for himself may be more than even he can manage.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
 |
|
|
ViolenceSeveral racial standoffs are chilling. Jeffrey loses nearly everyone who matters to him and at one point loses interest in living. |
|
|
|
|
LanguageMild bathroom oriented words used. |
|
|
|
|
Message |
|
 |
|
|
Social BehaviorThe town is racially divided, and the McNabs prepare for a race war. The McNab children steal, swear, cut school, smoke, drink, live like pigs, and espouse a virulent racism. |
 |
 |
|
|
Commercialism |
 |
|
|
|
Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoThe McNab children smoke and drink. |
|
|
|
|
