- As Maniac settles in with the Beales, his legend grows. Little kids come running to take advantage of his amazing knot-untying ability. Big kids want to see if he really can do everything he says.
- His football skills help him fit in not just with the Beales but also with the rest of the community. With Hands Down as his mentor, he learns not just football, but trash talk. Maniac loves trash talk, the spirit, the rhythm.
- You know who doesn't love trash talk though? Mrs. Beale. Mrs. Beale is a parent in every way to Maniac—offering not only encouragement and love, but also a well-placed smack when necessary (don't worry, it upsets Mrs. Beale even more than Maniac or us).
- In a nutshell, Maniac loves his home and his family and his community. And his home and family love him back.