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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
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BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
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All teen and kid reviews for Maniac Magee

Age
8
Average rating based on 40 kid and teen reviews:
  • 30% say there are positive messages
  • 28% say there are positive role models
Kid, 13 years old
December 30, 2010
 
Really good!
I loved this book! It has a great message: People with dark skin and people with white skin should be able to live together. It's about a boy who runs away into a racially divided town. My only concern is that the McNab childern smoke and swear. They also say some racist things, but kids who are old enough to understand the book will realize that that family has a lot of bad role models. Maniac is a very good role modle, because he's brave and believes that despite skin color, everyone can live together. Also, Greyson didn't give up while learning to read.

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Kid, 12 years old
November 22, 2011
 
Pretty Good
I read this book in class, but I would not have chosen it for myself. If you are into fantasy or Mystery you might not enjoy it as much.

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Kid, 12 years old
September 20, 2011
 
maniac magee
i think this book is good for any age. because it is really intresating.p.s i am really 11 years old

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Teen, 14 years old
August 21, 2011
 
violent life lessons
it is a great book about life lessons but a bit too violent. Its a good book to read, but it seemed boring at the beginning but got interesting on the way.

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Kid, 13 years old
June 11, 2011
 
Awesome book **SPOILER**
An amazing book. Maniac is a kid living in a racist time and is the only one who doesn't understand. He regularly visits and for a good section of the book, lives in the "black" part of town. There is underage drinking, reckless behavior, racial slurs from both African Americans and Caucasians. Although the book is heartwarming, the book can be very sad, when Grayson dies, Maniac becomes depressed and eventually tries to starve himself. References to poop, roaches and other gross out stuff is abound, especially with the McNabs.

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Teen, 15 years old
August 21, 2011
 
My Favorite of the Author's
I read this book in 8th grade, and I really loved it. It was a little easy for my reading level, but it was still really fun. I think that it is Spinelli's best book. I've read almost all of his books, and none compare. This is a really good book. The racism issue could be a little confusing for younger kids, but it's really simple. Happy reading! :)

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Teen, 15 years old
February 2, 2010
 
Maniac Child (not a good child)
I think it's an ok book. Not to bad at all! And not to good for kids to hear about running away because my child has read it and asked me what that meant but I explained it to him and he understood. He also loves and enjoys the book and that's the first book he ever read and that's also how he learned to read. Thank you.

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Kid, 13 years old
November 15, 2009
 
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.

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Kid, 13 years old
July 8, 2010
 

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Kid, 12 years old
June 8, 2010
 
it's fine,i kinda like it

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Teen, 15 years old
March 8, 2010
 
Best Book for Kids
I loved this book because i read it in class.All of the student loved the book.It was a very heart warming story when Maniac finally knows where he belongs.I personally think that this book is very age appropriate. :)

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Kid, 13 years old
November 6, 2009
 
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!

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Teen, 14 years old
November 29, 2010
 
it good but sad and bad

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
maniac Magee
PARENTS BEWARE! THIS BOOK CONTAINS LESSONS THAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN WHILE READING THIS BOOK. YOUR CHILD MAY ALSO EXPERINECE FATIGUE FROM READING TOO MUCH! SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE : STIFF HANDS, WATERY EYES AND LOTS OF FUN!

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Teen, 16 years old
February 11, 2010
 
The Real Deal
I think it is good for kids because of the running away. It tells kids how bad it would be if you do so...DON'T DO IT!!!!

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Kid, 12 years old
April 29, 2011
 
Great Book!!
Favorite book. Perfect for tweens and younger kids. Slight cursing.

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Teen, 14 years old
October 13, 2009
 
Don't cross the road
Love this book.!!I think Jeffrey is a good role model to younger kids

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Kid, 12 years old
November 26, 2010
 
My Review Of Manaic Magee
Manaic Magge By Jerry Spinelli Was So Funny, The Best Book Since Owen Foote, Soccer Star, And Best Book In 1990 And 1991

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Teen, 18 years old
December 26, 2009
 
EXCELLENT BOOK
In 5th grade I needed to read this over the summer vacation and i loved the book. this is a must read not anything of concern

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Kid, 12 years old
July 11, 2010
 
Good for elementry school kids
so far I only read half of it.But its kind've racist so I wouldn't think that would've been a positive message but so far the book was ok,some parts were boring but some parts were good.

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