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Maniac Magee

(1990, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Jerry Spinelli)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Exciting, moving story has something for everyone.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The town is racially divided, and the McNabs prepare for a race war. The McNab children steal, swear, cut school, smoke, drink, live like pigs, and espouse a virulent racism.
  • Violence:

    Several racial standoffs are chilling. Jeffrey loses nearly everyone who matters to him and at one point loses interest in living.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Mild bathroom oriented words used.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The McNab children smoke and drink.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Maniac Magee

Parents need to know that this exciting and moving story, brilliantly told, has something for everyone.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about legends. How much truth is there in the stories told about Maniac Magee? Which do you find more interesting -- what really happened, or the embellished tales?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Maniac Magee?
  •  I think this book is

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See all 31 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    I'm Back!

    I said i would review again when I finished Maniac Magee, & I did, & I liked most of Part III.

  2. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    I'm Back!

    I said i would review again when I finished Maniac Magee, & I did, & I liked most of Part III.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    Grade 5 and up

    I like this book. In 5th grade you read it (your teachers have to make the decision whether to let you know about african american discrimination for when you read this book in class). It is very sad at one point, i knew a few people who almost cried at that part.

  4. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    Off 4- Iffy 5-7 On 8+

    I'm reading it in reading class, & I just finished Part II. I'll review again when I finish it. P.S. It's awesome!

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Don't cross the road

    Love this book.!!I think Jeffrey is a good role model to younger kids

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