Module 4: "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli

Book Cover Image:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maniac_Magee

Book Summary:

Maniac Magee is a fictional story written for teens by popular young adult author Jerry  Spinelli.  The story follows the challenges of a young boy (Jeffrey Lionel Magee), tragically orphaned at the age of 3 who is then required to live with a hostile aunt and uncle in the fictional town of Two Mills, PA.   Jeffrey  hates it and eventually runs away, and is forced to live on his own in the street as a homeless person.  He befriends a bookworm named Amanda and goes to live with her family, but makes enemies of the neighborhood street urchins along the way, earning him the name “Maniac Magee.”  He grows to become a local legend of sorts for his athletic talents and his courage to stand up to anyone and anything, including those who wished to maintain racial segregation in the town.  Throughout the books he meets several characters who influence his life. 
 

APA Reference:  

Spinelli, J. (1990).  Maniac Magee.  New York, NY: Little, Brown & Co.

 My Impressions:

Jeffrey “Maniac” Magee is a child forced to grow up too soon, in a world that is hostile to him.  He struggles to find his identity throughout the book, but manages to adapt very well in the end.  Racism plays an important part in the story as well as homelessness.  This book is a Newbery Award winner for its depiction of timely topics and is often used in school curricula to explore racial identity.  Although harsh at times, the story proves that confidence in oneself and optimism and endurance pay off.

Professional Review:

Maniac Magee was well-received upon publication, variously lauded in reviews as "always affecting," having "broad appeal," and being full of "pathos and compassion."     Booklist reviewer Deborah Abbot says, "...this unusual novel magically weaves timely issues of homelessness, racial prejudice, and illiteracy into a complicated story rich in characters and details...an energetic piece of writing that bursts with creativity, enthusiasm, and hope."

[Review of the book Maniac Magee, by J. Spinelli].  (1990). Booklist,  86(19).  1902.  Retrieved from http://www.booklist.com. 

Library Uses:

I believe this book could be used as a tool in a study on the issues of race and homelessness.   These are current moral and ethical problems in our world today and children need to be prepared to deal with racism and the plight of those less fortunate.  Reading and writing can also be emphasized as positive skills to develop, as they helped Maniac Magee out of many situations.  Education is always worth pursuing and developing.