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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.

updated 07.04.08

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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See all 26 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    nisha20 aka nisha

    this book is really elping us see how people live . so because of that you will love it

  2. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 2.0

    This Book is a piece of crap.

    D--n is used once. Main character acts very retarded ("AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-MEN!"). Commercialism is huge. As an example, a character's name is Mars Bar, and a doctor says, "Oh, he can't be allergic to pizza! Kids love pizza! Kids should eat pizza! Eat pizza!" In my opinion, Jerry Spinelli is and always will be a total hack. I suggest this book to ages 7. But this book is not that good and is filled with product placement. And there is only one slightly likable character. Please do not read this book.

  3. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 3.0

    A BIT Overdone...

    It had questionable moments and stereotyped African-American males, as it seems, to be nothing more than thugs. It was tolerable, just not the apple of my eye.

  4. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Great Read - Some Parts Made Me Tear Up

    The only two things that I was concerned about with this movie were language and racism. Racism is a big element to the story. No bad words are used, but lots of prejudice and racism is used. Language: Basically, there were like four parts I found language. There was a part where a character says the "D" word and the same character says the "P" word (as slang for pee) and accompanies it with "hole". (You do the math!) Well, it's fantastic, it's moving, and I hope I can meet Jerry Spinelli one day so I can give him a nice accolade for this book!

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I lost six brain cells watching this

    I think manic magee was a five star book Manic magee may have a few bad languages but I think many children at age twelve and over should be address to this book it teaches a lesson that I learned That no matter if your poor, rich, or a billionair You can still change the world !

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