Ideas for Reports and Papers
1. Examine a map of Pennsylvania. Locate all the geographical references mentioned in the book, such as the Schuylkill River and Valley Forge. Can you identify the towns and calculate or estimate some of the distances that Maniac ran?
2. Towards the end of the book, Mars Bar offers Maniac a place to stay, but Maniac declines. Then, Amanda insists he comes home with her. Write an additional chapter imagining what might have happened if he had gone with Mars Bar or a chapter about his time with Amanda.
3. Critics have labeled Maniac Magee as realistic fiction, legend, a morality play, and partially a myth. Research the characteristics of these literary genres and determine how you would classify the book. Provide specific examples that align with the genre you choose.
4. Amanda, John McNab, Mars Bar, and Grayson all form friendships with Maniac. Create a list of traits that describe each of these characters. Are there any traits that are common to all four? If so, what are they? Does Maniac share any of these common traits?
5. Most cultures have their own myths, legends, and folk tales. With a group of classmates, read examples of each. How does Maniac Magee compare to these stories?
6. Spinelli's publisher describes him as someone who "gets it right" about boys growing into men, girls who defy stereotypes, prejudice, unconditional love, and the magic of youth (Keller). Find examples of how these themes are addressed in Maniac Magee. Do you believe he "gets them right"? Why or why not?
7. Maniac seems to be a reflective person who might keep an interesting journal. Choose one of the three parts of the book, and write a journal entry that Maniac might have penned during that time.
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