Norristown Native Jerry Spinelli's 'Maniac Magee' Comes to Life on Saturday

According to a release issued by the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, twenty Norristown-area middle-schoolers will be bringing award-winning author and Norristown native Jerry Spinelli’s 11-year-old wonder boy "Maniac Magee" to life Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Elmwood Park.

The School Library Journal recently named the book #40 in its list of "Top 100 Children's Novels." Scenes from his award-winning children’s parable about racism and ignorance will be staged throughout the park in Norristown, where the author lived as a child and upon which the fictional town of Two Mills is based. 

Spinelli will be at the Fire Cheif's Bandshell taking questions and signing books at 2 p.m. Local dignitaries, including Montgomery  County Commissioner Josh Shapiro, will read excerpts from Maniac Magee throughout the day and knot-tying demonstrations and a contest will also be part of the event.

Maniac Magee Day is part of the Municipality of Norristown’s Bicentennial Celebration.