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vermontsnowboarder's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Maniac Magee is an interesting book that deals with some heavy things in a lighthearted way.
This book isn't for everyone—the style that it's written in can make it difficult for some children to connect to. There were questions that my 11-year-old had and couldn't get over in order to get into the story. They were all legit questions. And while I know that some children can suspend disbelief for the sake of a story, my kiddo isn't one of them.
Those questions were:
- Why didn't Jeffery's aunt and uncle call CPS?
- Why didn't Mrs. Beale call the police?
- Why didn't the bison attack Jeffery?
- Why didn't Greyson help Jeffery get back to his family? Isn't it creepy that an old man just took in a random kid?
This book isn't for everyone—the style that it's written in can make it difficult for some children to connect to. There were questions that my 11-year-old had and couldn't get over in order to get into the story. They were all legit questions. And while I know that some children can suspend disbelief for the sake of a story, my kiddo isn't one of them.
- Why didn't Jeffery's aunt and uncle call CPS?
- Why didn't Mrs. Beale call the police?
- Why didn't the bison attack Jeffery?
- Why didn't Greyson help Jeffery get back to his family? Isn't it creepy that an old man just took in a random kid?
mgarzee's review
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
stephxsu's review
4.0
MANIAC MAGEE is one of those unassuming, yet quietly powerful novels, despite its Newbery Award win and near canonization in modern children’s literature. It’s a seriously ageless novel, in that readers can always get something new out of it, no matter what age you are. When I read this book for the first time in elementary school, I enjoyed the realistic banter between the children, between the blacks and the whites. Now, as I reread it for my children’s literature class, I am in awe of the way that Spinelli effortlessly weaves a moral tale into something entertaining and unique. His language is brilliance, stars and moon itself, and his characters are memorable and relatable. Even though I’m still not a fan of Maniac, with his improbable feats and passivity, this book is a must-read if you’re looking for the best of the best in children’s lit.
mkartes11's review
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
orbert83's review
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
greaydean's review
4.0
A wild little book with a little something to say about race. A wild ride which seems to lack a plot, but then suddenly doesn't. A malt shake, bitter unto sweet.
d_saff's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
wilhelmina_reads's review
4.0
Thank you to my boyfriend for recommending this one to me!
I think this was a really sweet story. Maniac was a compelling main character. You just keep on feeling so bad for him the whole book it's a little exhausting, but in a good way. I think this is an important book to have your children read for sure. It's fantastic, just not perfect. But it doesn't need to be!
I think this was a really sweet story. Maniac was a compelling main character. You just keep on feeling so bad for him the whole book it's a little exhausting, but in a good way. I think this is an important book to have your children read for sure. It's fantastic, just not perfect. But it doesn't need to be!
aliciasirois's review
4.0
A good children's book (6th gradish) that teaches a good lesson. I like the voice!