When did the legend of Jeffery Magee start?

The legend of Jeffrey Magee, often referred to as "Jeffrey Lionel Magee," began with the publication of the children's novel "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli in 1990. The story follows a young boy who becomes a legend in his town due to his extraordinary athletic abilities and his quest for belonging. It explores themes of racism, homelessness, and the search for family, solidifying Magee's status as a cultural icon in children's literature.