Maniac Magee
- kmayusd
- Jun 30, 2019
- 2 min read
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Realistic Fiction
Evaluation of Book
Maniac Magee is brave, athletic and homeless. His parents died when he was young and so he’s moved around trying to find a place to belong. Unfortunately, the town where Maniac resides is split into two sides: East and West. The East side is where the black people lived and the West side is where the black people live.
Spinelli’s use of language gives us an insight into this divided town. On page 51 Maniac is living on the East side of town with the Beale family and he can’t quite figure out the “East enders called themselves black.” The author describes what Maniac sees stating, “…the colors he found were gingersnap and light fudge and dark fudge and acorn and butter rum and cinnamon and burnt orange. But never licorice, which, to him was real black” (p.51). Spinelli’s use of words known better as foods form images in the minds of the reader about the people on the East End.
Maniac’s story shares themes of racism an ignorance. He’s surprised when Grayson asks so many questions about his time spent with the Beale family. Grayson asks if they eat things like mashed potatoes and cake and did they use a toothbrush. Maniac replies saying, “Grayson, they’re just regular people, like us” (p.88). He’s surprised by Grayson’s ignorance.
Response
Because I’ve had the opportunity to live in various parts of the world, I’ve been fortunate to gain a better understanding of people and customs. My experiences have shown me that when I take the time to get to know people, the more I realize our similarities. Maniac Magee is a character that sees similarities and appreciates the differences.
While racism and ignorance continue to be issues faced by today’s society, Spinelli’s approach to the topic is delightful. Maniac’s view of skin color doesn’t exist the way it does for others in the town. He doesn’t see the world as black and white but in a rainbow of colors. He doesn’t make judgements about others because as a young boy he has had more experiences than the others who seem to stick to only their side of town.
Conclusion
Maniac Magee has lived a much harder life than most people who will read this story. Spinelli share Maniac’s story in a way that has the reader connecting with the main character and thankful that the story has a happy ending. I enjoyed this story and believe that others will enjoy it too.
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