Maniac Magee

Spinelli, Jerry. (1990). Maniac Magee. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.

Summary: This book really presents the issue of racism, through the story of the legend of “Maniac” Magee. Jeffrey Magee’s parents died when he was young so he lived with his aunt and uncle. Finally upset with them and their arguing he ran away and never returned making his new residence in the town of Two Mills. The town was segregated with whites on the west side and blacks on the east side. He crosses the border between the two which was considered very dangerous and never really done. He meets friends in both sides. Besides breaking the barrier of segregation, he was known for hitting the ball off of the undefeated pitcher and bully, McNab.

Rationale for Selection: In a lot of the classrooms that I have worked in this was a very prominent book. I saw it on quite a few shelves and even had a student recommend it to me. I will say this is more for a 4th/5th grade level but could be used for a lower level middle-school student.

Reader Response: I sympathized for the character and was drawn into the book. It is an exciting tale of the Legend of Maniac Magee. It was sad how kids are out on the street homeless with no families.

Genre and Themes: Fiction, Friendship/Hope/Racism

Teaching Thinking notes: This book would be a great read for opening a discussion on segregation and diversity. As a teacher, I would even use it to get into some of the history of segregation leading up to issues even as current as today.