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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!
aelane23's review against another edition
4.0
I always love Spinelli's use of hyperbole for younger kids, while making the story interesting. This book also introduces the idea of home and racism...but not in the way you think. Reading level wise, I think it was difficult for some of my fifth graders, but sixth grade sailed right on through with no problem. There are also a lot of resources available for comprehension and great words for vocabulary.
girlaiko's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
igood54's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
mschrock8's review
3.0
Another Newbery winner. Borrowed from B.F. Hamilton Library at Franklin College.
Why are so many children's books about orphans? It's upsetting.
Why are so many children's books about orphans? It's upsetting.
wrentheblurry's review
4.0
GENRE: Fiction, adventure, realistic fiction.
SUMMARY: Jeffrey Lionel Magee was sent to live with his aunt and uncle at the age of three, after his parents died. Eight years later Jeffrey could no longer stand to be near the unhappy, silent relationship his relatives had, and he ran away. From then on, he was known as Maniac Magee, for all of the extreme feats of bravery and athleticism he demonstrated while on the run. Maniac has no qualms about heading into the 'black' part of town, going back to the 'white' side after besting the biggest boy there at baseball, or standing up to the toughest guys on either side of town. He can run on thin railway tracks, unknot a hugely tangled ball of twine, and sleep in a buffalo den. Maniac becomes a legendary figure for the real and exaggerated acts he does, and his attitude while doing them.
EVALUATION: I really enjoyed this tale, largely because of how it is written. When a fiction book can make the reader feel that the events they are reading are actually happening, no matter how incredulous they may seem, that is a mark of a well-written book.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: I believe tweens, particularly younger ones, will enjoy Maniac's many adventures as much as I did. In addition, how Maniac deals with racial tension is very well done. These days racism is hopefully not as big of an issue, though it's always good when a book takes a solid approach to a difficult topic. Lastly, this author is greatly respected and has written a number of wonderful tween titles.
READER'S ANNOTATION: Maniac Magee becomes a legend to those that witness or simply hear of one of his many acts of courage or athletic prowess.
ITEMS WITH SIMILAR APPEAL:
• Holes by Louis Sachar.
• Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury.
• The Cryptid Hunters by Roland Smith.
• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Curtis.
SUMMARY: Jeffrey Lionel Magee was sent to live with his aunt and uncle at the age of three, after his parents died. Eight years later Jeffrey could no longer stand to be near the unhappy, silent relationship his relatives had, and he ran away. From then on, he was known as Maniac Magee, for all of the extreme feats of bravery and athleticism he demonstrated while on the run. Maniac has no qualms about heading into the 'black' part of town, going back to the 'white' side after besting the biggest boy there at baseball, or standing up to the toughest guys on either side of town. He can run on thin railway tracks, unknot a hugely tangled ball of twine, and sleep in a buffalo den. Maniac becomes a legendary figure for the real and exaggerated acts he does, and his attitude while doing them.
EVALUATION: I really enjoyed this tale, largely because of how it is written. When a fiction book can make the reader feel that the events they are reading are actually happening, no matter how incredulous they may seem, that is a mark of a well-written book.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: I believe tweens, particularly younger ones, will enjoy Maniac's many adventures as much as I did. In addition, how Maniac deals with racial tension is very well done. These days racism is hopefully not as big of an issue, though it's always good when a book takes a solid approach to a difficult topic. Lastly, this author is greatly respected and has written a number of wonderful tween titles.
READER'S ANNOTATION: Maniac Magee becomes a legend to those that witness or simply hear of one of his many acts of courage or athletic prowess.
ITEMS WITH SIMILAR APPEAL:
• Holes by Louis Sachar.
• Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury.
• The Cryptid Hunters by Roland Smith.
• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Curtis.
certafied's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
Made me feel exactly like I was sitting in Miss Miller’s 5th grade class again, and made me miss the Philly suburbs fiercely.