Summary
Jeffrey Lionel Magee or Maniac as his street name goes is an orphan due to a freak accident that killed both of his parents. After the accident maniac goes to live with his aunt and uncle he is able to reside in their house for 8 years before he decides to run away. This begins a year long commute where Maniac runs from one end of the town to the other crossing racial lines and receiving judgment from many before he decides to settle on one side of town permanently. Where does he choose to live and how will it affect him and the people in his community.
Reference
Spinelli, Jerry, and Brown and Company Little. Maniac Magee: A Novel. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1990.
Review
Maniac Magee is a timeless story that deals with the themes of Abandonment, Friendship, Courage, Race, Freedom and Prejudice just to name a few. I feel that this is a great book for inner city youths to read. It is fast paced with likable characters and it provides students with a brief history on how things use to be. I also like that the novel is about a character that most inner city youth can relate to (similar problems and issues). Although the story at times can read like a tall tale it does deal with real life issues. This story although released in the 90's is still relevant enough to relate to kids today.
Professional Review
"MANIAC MAGEE by Jerry Spinelli | Kirkus." Kirkus Reviews. April 2, 1990. Accessed August 8, 2015. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jerry-spinelli/maniac-magee/.
Library Uses
After completing the novel Maniac Magee students will use precise words to create an epitaph for each of the major characters reflecting the individual characters personality and nature.
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