I read Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli today. It's a book that I often looked at, thought about reading but never did. I don't know why. It was very good, as every Jerry Spinelli is (that I've read anyway). I like that he deals with heavy topics, like race and death, without being heavy handed about it.And his characters are always interesting. Maniac Magee reminded me in bits and pieces of Stargirl. They're both larger than life characters who seem to exist outside the world they're placed in.

I'm counting this as my "read a book by your favorite author" for the 4 Month Challenge. I don't think I technically have a favorite author, but I have enjoyed all of Jerry Spinelli's books, so I figure that's good enough.

PS As I was writing the bit about heavy topics, I was struck by a sense of déjà vu. I wrote something similar in my review of When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt. I'm sure I'll write it again at some point, as I think this is one indication of great YA literature.