this book is really elping us see how people live . so because of that you will love it
Tools for this page
Maniac Magee
(1990, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Jerry Spinelli)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Exciting, moving story has something for everyone.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
What to watch out for
-
Violence :
-
Sex :
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Maniac Magee
Parents need to know that this exciting and moving story, brilliantly told, has something for everyone.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
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?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!
To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.
Our Members Say
See all 26 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in WisconsinI rate this title on for age 2 and give itnisha20 aka nisha
- Lives in MinnesotaI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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.
- Lives in IndianaI rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it
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.
- Lives in MarylandI rate this title on for age 10 and give it
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!
- Lives in FloridaI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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 !
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.
Already a member? Log in
Our Members Rate It
Have You Read It? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
