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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.

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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Our Members Say

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See all 28 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    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!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Don't cross the road

    Love this book.!!I think Jeffrey is a good role model to younger kids

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    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

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    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.

  5. 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.

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