Maniac Magee

Published in 1990, Maniac Magee is a Newbery award–winning middle grade novel by renowned children’s author Jerry Spinelli. After his parents die, 11-year-old Jeffrey Lionel Magee runs away from his guardians and a year later ends up in the racially divided Pennsylvania town of Two Mills. Jeffrey, a white boy, finds a home with a Black family, but racial tension and threats send him back on the run. By accepting a host of challenges with courage and open-mindedness, Jeffrey inspires others toward inclusivity and acceptance. The novel mixes elements of adventure and drama in its discussion of the importance of Finding a Home and Overcoming Division and Prejudice. Although it is considered to be realistic fiction, the story sometimes employs magical “tall tale” qualities that add to its literary significance in the YA/middle grade genre. Spinelli is also the author of other young adult and middle grade books such as Loser, Eggs, Space Station Seventh Grade, Crash, Wringer and Stargirl.

This guide uses the Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2015 anniversary edition of the novel.