In Maniac Magee, why does Maniac feel compelled to leave the Beale family?

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Maniac enjoys the love and stability of the Beale household.  It is the closest thing to a traditional family environment that he has had in his life, and he thrives while he lives there.  However, as a white man in a black family and black neighborhood, Maniac is resented by the Beale's neighbors.  When grafitti appears on the house and opposing gangs start to cause trouble, Maniac feels he must leave.

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