December 1, 2011

Maniac Magee



Maniac Magee
Book Review III

Author: Jerry Spinelli
Illustrator: Carol Palmer
Genre: Fiction
Subgenre: Juvenile
Primary Characters: Jeffery Magee "Maniac Magee", Mars Bars Thompson, and Amanda Beale
 Secondary Characters: John McNab, Earl Grayson, and James Hands Down
Publishing: Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers 1990
Awards: Newbery Award Medal 1991

Theme: People from all different backgrounds and races can be friends.

Summary: Jeffery Lionel Magee's parent died in a car wreck when he was only three years old. He is sent to live with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan. After a few years, Jeffery has had enough and runs away to a town called Two Mills. The town is divided into two sections: one for black citizens and one for white citizens. He runs everywhere, and one day he runs into a girl named Amanda Beale, and they become really good friends. Jeffery earns the nickname "Maniac" because of the crazy tasks he does around town. He is constantly moving from place to place: Amanda's to the zoo with Earl Grayson. He meets a black boy named Mars Bars who challenges him to a foot race. Maniac Magee wins despite every one's belief. Every morning, Mars Bars begins running with Maniac, and the two become good friends. In the end, Mars Bars tries to persuade Maniac Magee to move back in with Amanda after he rescues Russel from the same railway where Maniac's parents had died.

Uses with students: In a classroom, this novel could be used as a silent reading book. It could also be used to aid in a discussion about the importance of being friends with everyone and overcoming tragedies.

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