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© The Book Umbrella

Maniac Magee Table of Contents

Novel Study Title Page for Students ............................. 3

Dictionary Detective! Before the Story – 4 ................. 4Vocabulary Study Before the Story – 4 ........................ 5Understanding the Story Before the Story – 4 .......... 6Chapter Summary Before the Story – 4 ....................... 7

Dictionary Detective! Chapters 5 – 9 ............................ 8Vocabulary Study Chapters 5 – 9 ................................... 9Understanding the Story Chapters 5 – 9 .................... 10Chapter Summary Chapters 5 – 9 .................................. 11

Dictionary Detective! Chapters 10 – 14 ....................... 12Vocabulary Study Chapters 10 – 14 .............................. 13Understanding the Story Chapters 10 – 14................ 14Chapter Summary Chapters 10 – 14 ............................. 15








Time for a Test!...................................................................... 44

Answer Key ............................................................................. 46

Comprehension Worksheets ........................................... 68

Reading Log ........................................................................... 88

Common Core State Standards ...................................... 89

by Jerry Spinelli

A Novel Study by:

Maniac Magee


Name:____________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________________

Dictionary Detective! Before the Story - Chapter 4

myth

legacy

risers

theories

deserted

varsity

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.

© The Book Umbrella Maniac Magee 4

Write down one thing about Maniac Magee that you think is a myth and one thing you think is true.

__________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Vocabulary Study Before the Story - Chapter 4

myth •

legacy •

risers •

theories •

deserted •

varsity •

1. The flowers that grow here every year are the __________________________________ of Mr. Ford, who planted them years ago.

2. The streets were __________________________________ as the rain poured down.

3. It is only a __________________________________ that giant alligators live in city sewers.

4. The __________________________________ swim team won three medals at their meet.

5. The play’s set designer used __________________________________ of different heights to make it look like Jack and Jill were climbing a hill.

6. There are many __________________________________ to explain how the pyramids were built.

• platforms used on stages

• something from the past that is handed down

• a team that represents a school

• a made-up story

• ideas

• abandoned by people

myth legacy risers theories deserted varsity

A Little Extra!

Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.

Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Before the Story - Chapter 4

A Little Extra!

Jeffrey’s aunt and uncle thought it was better to never speak to each other rather than get a divorce. How does this behavior affect Jeffrey?

___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

1. According to legend, what does Maniac keep as a pet?

(a) A baby buffalo.(b) An 8 inch cockroach.(c) A cobra.(d) A box turtle.

2. How old is Maniac when he becomes an orphan in Chapter 1?

(a) 3 years old.(b) 6 years old.(c) 10 years old.(d) 11 years old.

3. What is Amanda carrying in her suitcase when she first meets Maniac?

4. What do you imagine Maniac was doing during his “Lost Year”?

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


Chapter SummaryBefore the Story - Chapter 4

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?


Name:____________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________________

Dictionary Detective! Chapters 5 - 9

infamous

cardinal

emanations

stupefied

pandemonium

armory

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:



Vocabulary Study Chapters 5 - 9

Making Sentences Make a sentence for each word below.

1. Infamous: ____________________________________________________________________________________

2. Cardinal: _____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Emanations: _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Stupefied: ____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Pandemonium: ______________________________________________________________________________

6. Armory: ______________________________________________________________________________________

1. Of the greatest importance. _____________________________

2. To be well known for a bad reason. _____________________________

3. A wild and noisy uproar. _____________________________

4. Something that comes out of or from something else. _____________________________

5. A building where soldiers are trained. _____________________________

6. To be stunned or shocked. _____________________________

infamous cardinal emanations stupefied pandemonium armory

A Little Extra!

What is something that could happen in your classroom that would lead to pandemonium? Use your imagination!

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Chapters 5 - 9

A Little Extra!

The Pickwells are a very large family. Do you think it would be better to grow up in a large family or a small family? Why?

___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

1. Where does Maniac sleep in Chapter 8?

(a) The deer shed at the zoo.(b) A buffalo pen.(c) Amanda’s house.(d) McNab’s house.

2. What are John McNab and his pals called?

(a) The Rattlesnakes.(b) The Scare Crew.(c) The Soldiers.(d) The Cobras.

3. In Chapter 7, what does Maniac do when McNab pitches a frog at him?

4. Describe the dinner at the Pickwells in Chapter 6.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


Chapter SummaryChapters 5 - 9

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________


befuddled

prospects

solemnly

idling

solitude

converged

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:



Date:___________________________________________

What are four words that come to mind when you think about solitude?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________


befuddled •

prospects •

solemnly •

idling •

solitude •

converged •

1. Susie’s unpredictable behavior ( befuddled / prospects ) her mother every day.

2. Heather left the car ( idling / solitude ) while she popped into the shop.

3. Jerry has many summer job ( solemnly / prospects ) to choose from.

4. The streams ( converged / befuddled ) into a big river which flowed into the ocean.

5. Ben ( solemnly / idling ) walked through the cemetery to visit his grandma’s gravestone.

6. I enjoy the ( converged / solitude ) of camping alone, deep in the forest.

• possibilities

• aloneness

• resting

• confused

• seriously

• united

A Little Extra!

Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence.

Match Up A synonym is a word that means the same as another word. For example, happy and joyful are synonyms. Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!

Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

At the beginning of Chapter 14, Maniac Magee is loving his new life. Write a paragraph describing a time in your life when you felt just like this. What made you feel this way?

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

1. Where does Maniac start living in Chapter 12?

(a) McNab’s house.(b) A buffalo pen.(c) Amanda’s house.(d) A baseball room.

2. In Chapter 13, what does Maniac discover he’s allergic to?

(a) Peanut butter.(b) Pizza.(c) Candy. (d) Ice cream.

3. How does Amanda’s book get damaged in Chapter 10?

4. How does Maniac fit in with the Beale family? Give three examples from Chapter 13 to support your answer.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer



Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________________


poleax

unbeknownst

jabbered

wiseacre

incubating

contortions

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:



Jeffrey Magee’s nickname is Maniac. Would you like to have a nickname? What nickname do you think would suit you well and why?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


poleax •

wiseacre •

contortions •

incubating •

unbeknownst •

jabbered •

1. In tennis, I like to jump up at the ball and __________________________________ the racket.

2. __________________________________ to Susan, Emily ate the last piece of chocolate.

3. The children __________________________________ in the backseat of the car while their mother drove them to school.

4. Instead of writing something nice, my brother wrote a __________________________________ poem in the birthday card he sent me.

5. The eggs are __________________________________ under the hen’s warm body.

6. The circus star performed all sorts of __________________________________ to get out of the box.

• without one’s knowledge

• talked quickly but made no sense

• taking care of something so it can develop

• twists and turns

• to hit something like you would with an ax

• funny but annoying

poleax wiseacre contortions incubating unbeknownst jabbered

A Little Extra!




Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

The beginning of Chapter 17 describes a very hot day in a number of unique ways. For example, it was “so hot, the dogs were tripping on their own tongues”. Make up another unique way to describe a very hot day.

__________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

1. Why does Mrs. Beale slap Maniac in Chapter 15?

(a) Because he hit her youngest child.(b) Because of his trash talk.(c) Because he refuses to make his bed.(d) She slaps him by accident.

2. In Chapter 18, what is written on the Beale’s house?

(a) “Fish belly go home”.(b) Little kid crayon scribblings.(c) “Maniac lives here”.(d) “No more books”.

3. What is Maniac blind to in Chapter 16?

4. What is Cobble’s Knot?

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer



Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________________


testimony

cunning

prompt

dumbfounded

abruptly

maddening

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:





1. Testimony: ___________________________________________________________________________________

2. Cunning: _____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Prompt: ______________________________________________________________________________________

4. Dumbfounded: ______________________________________________________________________________

5. Abruptly: ____________________________________________________________________________________

6. Maddening: _________________________________________________________________________________

1. Smarts and trickery. _____________________________

2. Done without delay; exactly on time. _____________________________

3. To be astonished or amazed. _____________________________

4. Done suddenly. _____________________________

5. Extremely annoying; something that drives you crazy. _____________________________

6. Evidence or proof of something. _____________________________

testimony cunning prompt dumbfounded abruptly maddening

A Little Extra!

In Chapter 24, Grayson feels a need to invite Maniac to stay at the Y. This need is described as a “maddening itch”. Describe a time you have felt this way about something.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

Grayson tells Maniac that “I ain’t got no story. I ain’t nobody,” but Maniac believes that “everybody has a story”. What are three things that you would like to know about Grayson’s life story?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Who are the Heck’s Angels mentioned in Chapter 20?

(a) Tricycle gang of 4-5 year olds.(b) Mars Bar and his friends.(c) McNab and his friends.(d) A motorcycle gang.

2. In Chapter 21, how long is the string for the knot?

(a) ½ mile long.(b) 4 ½ blocks long.(c) 10 feet long.(d) 20 inches long.

3. Why does Maniac sleep in the buffalo pen in Chapter 22?

4. Explain Maniac’s reasons for not wanting to go to school in Chapter 23.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer



Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________


immortality

repertoire

blarney

flaunting

orneriest

preposterous

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:



Date:___________________________________________

Write a sentence using three of the vocabulary words from this section. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________


immortality •

repertoire •

blarney •

flaunting •

orneriest •

preposterous •

1. Albert Einstein achieved ( repertoire / immortality ) in the field of science.

2. Lisa was ( flaunting / orneriest ) her new dress all day.

3. The magician showed us another trick from his ( blarney / repertoire ).

4. I don’t like Luke’s dog because it is the ( orneriest / preposterous ) animal I’ve ever met.

5. Jenny told the teacher a bunch of ( blarney / flaunting ) to explain why she didn’t do her homework.

6. “A cat that can talk? That’s ( preposterous / immortality )!” said Ned.

• collection

• nonsense

• grouchiest

• ridiculous

• displaying

• greatness

A Little Extra!


Match Up Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!

Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

Grayson had never read a book until adulthood. What do you think would be the hardest thing about being an adult and being unable to read?

__________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

1. In which baseball league and which position did Grayson’s play?

(a) Minor League pitcher.(b) Minor League shortstop.(c) Major League pitcher.(d) Major League shortstop.

2. What is the first book Grayson reads in full, from cover to cover?

(a) Three Little Pigs.(b) The Little Engine That Could.(c) The Little Red Caboose.(d) The Man Who Struck Out Willie Mays.

3. What does Maniac and Grayson’s best Thanksgiving dinner consist of?

4. What do Maniac and Grayson teach each other in Chapters 26 and 27?

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer



Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________________


languished

pungent

meandering

stoic

desolation

urchins

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:



The year after Maniac rus away from his aunt and uncle’s house is called “The Lost Year”. What do you think is the most appropriate title for Maniac’s time following Grayson’s death and why?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


languished •

pungent •

meandering •

stoic •

desolation •

urchins •

1. Without being watered, the flower __________________________________ for days in the dry pot.

2. Charlie was in a lot of pain after twisting his ankle, but he was _______________________________ until he finished the race.

3. The __________________________________ smell of the trash can attracted flies.

4. Zack felt the __________________________________ of the abandoned amusement park.

5. Peter went __________________________________ through the woods and got terribly lost.

6. The __________________________________ pickpocketed from rich gentlemen.

• wandering around aimlessly

• small, poor children

• emptiness, loneliness

• weakened

• endures pain without showing emotion

• sharp tasting or smelling

stoic languished desolation pungent meandering urchins

A Little Extra!




Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

In Chapter 32, Maniac loses Grayson. This is a difficult and sad time for Maniac. On the other side of this paper, write a paragraph describing a time when you lost something or someone special to you.

1. Where does Grayson move to in Chapter 30?

(a) The buffalo pen.(b) The woods.(c) The deer shed.(d) The baseball room.

2. What is in the paper bag in Chapter 31?

(a) All of Maniac’s possessions.(b) Seed to feed the birds.(c) A brand new baseball.(d) A scarf for the baby buffalo.

3. What does Maniac do the day he discovers Grayson has died?

4. Describe the Christmas gifts Grayson and Maniac give each other in Chapter 31.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer



Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________________


nonchalantly

perilous

forlorn

marooned

exuberance

ludicrous

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:





1. Nonchalantly: ________________________________________________________________________________

2. Perilous: _____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Forlorn: ______________________________________________________________________________________

4. Marooned: ___________________________________________________________________________________

5. Exuberance: _________________________________________________________________________________

6. Ludicrous: ___________________________________________________________________________________

1. A show of excitement and enthusiasm. _____________________________

2. In a cool, calm and relaxed way. _____________________________

3. To be foolish or ridiculous. _____________________________

4. Full of risk or danger. _____________________________

5. Trapped. _____________________________

6. Lonely and sad. _____________________________

nonchalantly perilous forlorn marooned exuberance ludicrous

A Little Extra!

Word association - write down the first thing you think of when you read each of the following vocabulary words:

Perilous - ____________________________________

Exuberance - ____________________________________

Ludicrous - ____________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

The feats that the McNab brothers encourage Maniac to attempt help him forget his sadness. Describe ways you cheer yourself up when you are sad.

__________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

1. How often do Piper and Russell run away?

(a) Every other day.(b) Every other week.(c) Every month.(d) Every year.

2. How does Maniac win the race in Chapter 38?

(a) On one leg.(b) Just barely.(c) Backwards.(d) With a huge lead.

3. In Chapter 39, why does the McNab family make a pillbox in their living room?

4. How is John McNab’s house described in Chapter 35?

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer



Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________


prodded

gauntlet

seething

illusion

trestle

vast

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:


© The Book Umbrella Maniac Magee

Date:___________________________________________

36

At the end of Chapter 42, Mars Bar and the McNabs find themselves in an angry confrontation. The onlookers are described as having “seething eyes,” because they are so angry. Describe a time in your life when you felt you were seething with anger.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________


prodded •

gauntlet •

seething •

illusion •

trestle •

vast •

1. Joey ( prodded / gauntlet ) his best friend to join the basketball team.

2. Ray spiked up his hair to create the ( trestle / illusion ) that he had gotten taller.

3. At the concert I had to pass through a ( seething / gauntlet ) of rowdy audience members to get to the bathroom.

4. Mae set up a ( vast / trestle ) for her model train to run across.

5. Jaden was ( seething / illusion ) after his parents grounded him.

6. Jill loves to listen to the sounds that echo back to her in the ( vast / prodded ) cavern.

• track

• fantasy

• urged

• fuming

• immense

• challenge

A Little Extra!



Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

In Chapter 43, we learn that early morning is Maniac’s favorite time of day. What is your favorite time of day and why?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

1. Why do the brothers track down Maniac in Chapter 40?

(a) To save Russell.(b) To untie knots.(c) To invite him to Piper’s birthday party.(d) To get their weekly pizza.

2. Who does Maniac bring with him to the party in Chapter 41?

(a) Amanda.(b) Mars Bar.(c) Grayson.(d) One of the Pickwells.

3. Why does Maniac get mad and yell at Piper and Russell in Chapter 40?

4. What is Maniac’s birthday present for Piper in Chapter 41? When will he give it to Piper?

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer



Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________________


groggled

hoarse

amplified

loomed

constellations

wrenching

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:



At the end of Chapter 45, Maniac uses a simile to describe his problems. Find the simile and write it below:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


groggled •

hoarse •

amplified •

loomed •

constellations •

wrenching •

1. The figure that __________________________________ in the field turned out to be a scarecrow.

2. Jimmy tried to name all of the __________________________________ in the night sky.

3. I had to make a speech today even though I’m sick and my voice is __________________________.

4. __________________________________ the candy bar out of his big brother’s hands, Eugene ran off to eat it by himself.

5. Ben woke up __________________________________ even though he got a full night’s sleep.

6. She spoke into a microphone so her voice would be __________________________________.

• made louder

• appeared as a large shadowy form

• a rough or gravelly sound

• named patterns of stars

• twisting suddenly and violently

• dazed and tired

groggled loomed hoarse constellations amplified wrenching

A Little Extra!




Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

Amanda seems angry at Maniac at the end of the book, but is she actually angry? How do you know?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. In Chapter 46, who wakes Maniac up in the buffalo pen?

(a) The superintendent.(b) McNab.(c) Amanda.(d) Russell and Piper.

2. What does Amanda change Mars Bar’s name to in Chapter 46?

(a) Almond Joy.(b) Twix.(c) Snickers.(d) Milky Way.

3. Where does Maniac move to at the end of Chapter 46?

4. Describe Russell’s rescue in Chapter 45.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer



Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________







Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________

Time for a Test! Maniac Magee

1. In Chapter 2, what does Maniac say to the people he runs past?

(a) “Hi.”(b) “Out of the way!”(c) “Talk!”(d) He doesn’t say anything.

2. Who is the first person to stop and talk to Maniac in Chapter 3?

(a) Amanda Beale.(b) McNab.(c) Grayson.(d) Mars Bar.

3. What do little kids bring to Maniac in Chapter 15?

(a) Pizza.(b) Knots to untie.(c) Butterscotch Krimpets.(d) Books.

4. What is the homemade confetti in Chapter 21 made of?

(a) Homework.(b) Newspaper.(c) Amanda’s Encyclopedia A.(d) Napkins.

5. Who finds Maniac outside of the buffalo exhibit in Chapter 22?

(a) Grayson.(b) McNab.(c) Amanda.(d) Mars Bar.

6. In Chapter 22, what does Maniac ask Grayson for?

(a) Pizza.(b) Books.(c) Butterscotch Krimpets.(d) To return to the buffaloes.

7. What kind of music makes up Grayson’s record collection?

(a) Jazz.(b) Polka.(c) Christmas carols.(d) Rock ‘n’ roll.

8. In Chapter 34, how does Maniac get Russell and Piper back to Two Mills?

(a) With butterscotch Krimpets.(b) A visit to the buffalo.(c) Pizza.(d) A compass.

9. In Chapter 35, what does Maniac think might be a rat?

(a) A mouse.(b) A cobra.(c) A box turtle.(d) A roach.

Part A – Multiple Choice


Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

Time for a Test! Maniac Magee

Part B – Short Answer1. What makes Maniac different from the other kids in the East End of Two Mills?

2. Why does Maniac feel like he should leave the Beale house even though he is happy living there?

3. Describe the relationship between Maniac and one of the following characters: Grayson, Amanda, Mars Bar.

1. Maniac faces many obstacles throughout the story. Describe one obstacle Maniac faces and how he overcomes it.

2. At the very beginning of the story, the narrator explains that there is a legend that surrounds Maniac. After reading the story, do you think he lives up to his legendary status? Why or why not?

Part C – Long Answer


Write down one thing about Maniac Magee that you think is a myth and one thing you think is true.

Answers will vary.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Before the Story - Chapter 4

myth •

legacy •

risers •

theories •

deserted •

varsity •

1. The flowers that grow here every year are the legacy of Mr. Ford, who planted them years ago.

2. The streets were deserted as the rain poured down.

3. It is only a myth that giant alligators live in city sewers.

4. The varsity swim team won three medals at their meet.

5. The play’s set designer used risers of different heights to make it look like Jack and Jill were climbing a hill.

6. There are many theories to explain how the pyramids were built.

• platforms used on stages

• something from the past that is handed down

• a team that represents a school

• a made-up story

• ideas

• abandoned by people

myth legacy risers theories deserted varsity

A Little Extra!




Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story - Answer Key Before the Story - Chapter 4

A Little Extra!

Jeffrey’s aunt and uncle thought it was better to never speak to each other rather than get a divorce. How does this behavior affect Jeffrey?

Example - Jeffrey is greatly distressed by this. During the spring musicale, he yells at them to “Talk! Talk, will ya! Talk! Talk! Talk!” and then runs away.

1. According to legend, what does Maniac keep as a pet?

(a) A baby buffalo.(b) An 8 inch cockroach.(c) A cobra.(d) A box turtle.

2. How old is Maniac when he becomes an orphan in Chapter 1?

(a) 3 years old.(b) 6 years old.(c) 10 years old.(d) 11 years old.

3. What is Amanda carrying in her suitcase when she first meets Maniac?

Example - She is carrying her whole library of books in her suitcase.

4. What do you imagine Maniac was doing during his “Lost Year”?

Answers will vary.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 5 - 9

Making Sentences - Answers will vary. Make a sentence for each word below.

1. Infamous: ____________________________________________________________________________________

2. Cardinal: _____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Emanations: _________________________________________________________________________________

4. Stupefied: ____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Pandemonium: ______________________________________________________________________________

6. Armory: ______________________________________________________________________________________

1. Of the greatest importance. cardinal

2. To be well known for a bad reason. infamous

3. A wild and noisy uproar. pandemonium

4. Something that comes out of or from something else. emanations

5. A building where soldiers are trained. armory

6. To be stunned or shocked. stupefied

infamous cardinal emanations stupefied pandemonium armory

A Little Extra!

What is something that could happen in your classroom that would lead to pandemonium? Use your imagination!

Answers will vary.


Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 5 - 9

A Little Extra!

The Pickwells are a very large family. Do you think it would be better to grow up in a large family or a small family? Why?

Answers will vary.

1. Where does Maniac sleep in Chapter 8?

(a) The deer shed at the zoo.(b) A buffalo pen.(c) Amanda’s house.(d) McNab’s house.

2. What are John McNab and his pals called?

(a) The Rattlesnakes.(b) The Scare Crew.(c) The Soldiers.(d) The Cobras.

3. In Chapter 7, what does Maniac do when McNab pitches a frog at him? Example - Maniac bunts a home run.

4. Describe the dinner at the Pickwells in Chapter 6.

Example - The Pickwells eat around a ping pong table. There are ten kids, a baby, three grandparents and great-grandparents, two parents, and a taxi driver. They eat spaghetti. Everyone thinks Maniac is someone else’s friend. They don’t realize until afterward that no one knows him.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


What are four words that come to mind when you think about solitude?

Answers will vary.

Name:____________________________________________


befuddled •

prospects •

solemnly •

idling •

solitude •

converged •

1. Susie’s unpredictable behavior ( befuddled / prospects ) her mother every day.

2. Heather left the car ( idling / solitude ) while she popped into the shop.

3. Jerry has many summer job ( solemnly / prospects ) to choose from.

4. The streams ( converged / befuddled ) into a big river which flowed into the ocean.

5. Ben ( solemnly / idling ) walked through the cemetery to visit his grandma’s gravestone.

6. I enjoy the ( converged / solitude ) of camping alone, deep in the forest.

• possibilities

• aloneness

• resting

• confused

• seriously

• united

A Little Extra!


Match Up A synonym is a word that means the same as another word. For example, happy and joyful are synonyms. Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!

Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

At the beginning of Chapter 14, Maniac Magee is loving his new life. Write a paragraph describing a time in your life when you felt just like this. What made you feel this way?

Answers will vary.

1. Where does Maniac start living in Chapter 12?

(a) McNab’s house.(b) A buffalo pen.(c) Amanda’s house.(d) A baseball room.

2. In Chapter 13, what does Maniac discover he’s allergic to?

(a) Peanut butter.(b) Pizza.(c) Candy. (d) Ice cream.

3. How does Amanda’s book get damaged in Chapter 10?

Example - Mars Bar rips a page out and crumbles it.

4. How does Maniac fit in with the Beale family? Give three examples from Chapter 13 to support your answer.

Example - Maniac fits in really well with the Beale family. He is very helpful and does chores like washing the dishes without being asked. He takes care of the littlest Beales by giving them baths and reading to them. He takes the dog for walks. He also keeps his room very clean. (Examples from Chapter 13 will vary.)

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


Jeffrey Magee’s nickname is Maniac. Would you like to have a nickname? What nickname do you think would suit you well and why?

Answers will vary.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


poleax •

wiseacre •

contortions •

incubating •

unbeknownst •

jabbered •

1. In tennis, I like to jump up at the ball and poleax the racket.

2. Unbeknownst to Susan, Emily ate the last piece of chocolate.

3. The children jabbered in the backseat of the car while their mother drove them to school.

4. Instead of writing something nice, my brother wrote a wiseacre poem in the birthday card he sent me.

5. The eggs are incubating under the hen’s warm body.

6. The circus star performed all sorts of contortions to get out of the box.

• without one’s knowledge

• talked quickly but made no sense

• taking care of something so it can develop

• twists and turns

• to hit something like you would with an ax

• funny but annoying

poleax wiseacre contortions incubating unbeknownst jabbered

A Little Extra!




Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

The beginning of Chapter 17 describes a very hot day in a number of unique ways. For example, it was “so hot, the dogs were tripping on their own tongues”. Make up another unique way to describe a very hot day.

Answers will vary.

1. Why does Mrs. Beale slap Maniac in Chapter 15?

(a) Because he hit her youngest child.(b) Because of his trash talk.(c) Because he refuses to make his bed.(d) She slaps him by accident.

2. In Chapter 18, what is written on the Beale’s house?

(a) “Fish belly go home”.(b) Little kid crayon scribblings.(c) “Maniac lives here”.(d) “No more books”.

3. What is Maniac blind to in Chapter 16?

Example - Maniac is blind to skin color and racial dislike in the neighborhood where he lives.

4. What is Cobble’s Knot?

Example - Cobble’s Knot is a huge, grimy knot no one has ever been able to untangle. Mr. Cobble first offered a reward for untangling it, so that he would get more customers. When Cobble’s Corner was a grocery store, the prize was 60 seconds at the candy counter. Now it is a pizza place, so if you untangle it, you get a free pizza per week for a year.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer




1. Testimony: ___________________________________________________________________________________

2. Cunning: _____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Prompt: ______________________________________________________________________________________

4. Dumbfounded: ______________________________________________________________________________

5. Abruptly: ____________________________________________________________________________________

6. Maddening: _________________________________________________________________________________

1. Smarts and trickery. cunning

2. Done without delay; exactly on time. prompt

3. To be astonished or amazed. dumbfounded

4. Done suddenly. abruptly

5. Extremely annoying; something that drives you crazy. maddening

6. Evidence or proof of something. testimony

testimony cunning prompt dumbfounded abruptly maddening

A Little Extra!

In Chapter 24, Grayson feels a need to invite Maniac to stay at the Y. This need is described as a “maddening itch”. Describe a time you have felt this way about something.

Answers will vary.


Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

Grayson tells Maniac that “I ain’t got no story. I ain’t nobody,” but Maniac believes that “everybody has a story”. What are three things that you would like to know about Grayson’s life story?

Answers will vary.

1. Who are the Heck’s Angels mentioned in Chapter 20?

(a) Tricycle gang of 4-5 year olds.(b) Mars Bar and his friends.(c) McNab and his friends.(d) A motorcycle gang.

2. In Chapter 21, how long is the string for the knot?

(a) ½ mile long.(b) 4 ½ blocks long.(c) 10 feet long.(d) 20 inches long.

3. Why does Maniac sleep in the buffalo pen in Chapter 22?

Example - Maniac thought it was the deer pen, but the zoo had switched the pens of the deer and buffalo without Maniac knowing.

4. Explain Maniac’s reasons for not wanting to go to school in Chapter 23.

Example - Everyone gets to go to their real home when school is finished each day. He doesn’t have a real home. He doesn’t want one without the other, so he’s not going to school as long as he doesn’t have a home to go to at night.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


Write a sentence using three of the vocabulary words from this section.

Answers will vary.

Name:____________________________________________


immortality •

repertoire •

blarney •

flaunting •

orneriest •

preposterous •

1. Albert Einstein achieved ( repertoire / immortality ) in the field of science.

2. Lisa was ( flaunting / orneriest ) her new dress all day.

3. The magician showed us another trick from his ( blarney / repertoire ).

4. I don’t like Luke’s dog because it is the ( orneriest / preposterous ) animal I’ve ever met.

5. Jenny told the teacher a bunch of ( blarney / flaunting ) to explain why she didn’t do her homework.

6. “A cat that can talk? That’s ( preposterous / immortality )!” said Ned.

• collection

• nonsense

• grouchiest

• ridiculous

• displaying

• greatness

A Little Extra!



Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

Grayson had never read a book until adulthood. What do you think would be the hardest thing about being an adult and being unable to read?

Answers will vary.

1. In which baseball league and which position did Grayson’s play?

(a) Minor League pitcher.(b) Minor League shortstop.(c) Major League pitcher.(d) Major League shortstop.

2. What is the first book Grayson reads in full, from cover to cover?

(a) Three Little Pigs.(b) The Little Engine That Could.(c) The Little Red Caboose.(d) The Man Who Struck Out Willie Mays.

3. What does Maniac and Grayson’s best Thanksgiving dinner consist of?

Example - They have a 5 lb roast chicken, gravy, cranberry sauce, applesauce, Spaghetti Os, raisins, pumpkin pie, and butterscotch Krimpets.

4. What do Maniac and Grayson teach each other in Chapters 26 and 27?

Example - Grayson tells Maniac Minor League baseball stories while giving Maniac baseball lessons. Maniac teaches Grayson his alphabet and how to read. At the library’s used book sale, they buy picture books for Grayson to use while learning to read.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


The year after Maniac rus away from his aunt and uncle’s house is called “The Lost Year”. What do you think is the most appropriate title for Maniac’s time following Grayson’s death and why? Answers will vary.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


languished •

pungent •

meandering •

stoic •

desolation •

urchins •

1. Without being watered, the flower languished for days in the dry pot.

2. Charlie was in a lot of pain after twisting his ankle, but he was stoic until he finished the race.

3. The pungent smell of the trash can attracted flies.

4. Zack felt the desolation of the abandoned amusement park.

5. Peter went meandering through the woods and got terribly lost.

6. The urchins pickpocketed from rich gentlemen.

• wandering around aimlessly

• small, poor children

• emptiness, loneliness

• weakened

• endures pain without showing emotion

• sharp tasting or smelling

stoic languished desolation pungent meandering urchins

A Little Extra!




Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

In Chapter 32, Maniac loses Grayson. This is a difficult and sad time for Maniac. On the other side of this paper, write a paragraph describing a time when you lost something or someone special to you. Answers will vary.

1. Where does Grayson move to in Chapter 30?

(a) The buffalo pen.(b) The woods.(c) The deer shed.(d) The baseball room.

2. What is in the paper bag in Chapter 31?

(a) All of Maniac’s possessions.(b) Seed to feed the birds.(c) A brand new baseball.(d) A scarf for the baby buffalo.

3. What does Maniac do the day he discovers Grayson has died?

Example - Maniac reads books and cries himself to sleep that night.

4. Describe the Christmas gifts Grayson and Maniac give each other in Chapter 31.

Example - Maniac gives Grayson a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a homemade book called “The Man Who Struck Out Willie Mays.” Grayson gives Maniac butterscotch Krimpets, a new baseball, and Grayson’s old, worn glove from his Minor League days.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer




1. Nonchalantly: ________________________________________________________________________________

2. Perilous: _____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Forlorn: ______________________________________________________________________________________

4. Marooned: ___________________________________________________________________________________

5. Exuberance: _________________________________________________________________________________

6. Ludicrous: ___________________________________________________________________________________

1. A show of excitement and enthusiasm. exuberance

2. In a cool, calm and relaxed way. nonchalantly

3. To be foolish or ridiculous. ludicrous

4. Full of risk or danger. perilous

5. Trapped. marooned

6. Lonely and sad. forlorn

nonchalantly perilous forlorn marooned exuberance ludicrous

A Little Extra!

Word association - write down the first thing you think of when you read each of the following vocabulary words: Answers will vary. Perilous - ____________________________________ Exuberance - ____________________________________ Ludicrous - ____________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

The feats that the McNab brothers encourage Maniac to attempt help him forget his sadness. Describe ways you cheer yourself up when you are sad.

Answers will vary.

1. How often do Piper and Russell run away?

(a) Every other day.(b) Every other week.(c) Every month.(d) Every year.

2. How does Maniac win the race in Chapter 38?

(a) On one leg.(b) Just barely.(c) Backwards.(d) With a huge lead.

3. In Chapter 39, why does the McNab family make a pillbox in their living room?

Example - They are preparing for the East Enders to revolt and storm the house.

4. How is John McNab’s house described in Chapter 35?

Example - The house is smelly and dirty. As Maniac arrives, the dog is seen peeing on the floor. There is garbage all over the house. A partially dissected bird is on the kitchen table. The refrigerator only has beer and mustard in it. There is a hole in the ceiling, so you can jump down from the second story. Maniac thinks roaches are raisins at first.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


At the end of Chapter 42, Mars Bar and the McNabs find themselves in an angry confrontation. The onlookers are described as having “seething eyes,” because they are so angry. Describe a time in your life when you felt you were seething with anger.

Answers will vary.

Name:____________________________________________


prodded •

gauntlet •

seething •

illusion •

trestle •

vast •

1. Joey ( prodded / gauntlet ) his best friend to join the basketball team.

2. Ray spiked up his hair to create the ( trestle / illusion ) that he had gotten taller.

3. At the concert I had to pass through a ( seething / gauntlet ) of rowdy audience members to get to the bathroom.

4. Mae set up a ( vast / trestle ) for her model train to run across.

5. Jaden was ( seething / illusion ) after his parents grounded him.

6. Jill loves to listen to the sounds that echo back to her in the ( vast / prodded ) cavern.

• track

• fantasy

• urged

• fuming

• immense

• challenge

A Little Extra!



Date:___________________________________________


Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

In Chapter 43, we learn that early morning is Maniac’s favorite time of day. What is your favorite time of day and why?

Answers will vary.

1. Why do the brothers track down Maniac in Chapter 40?

(a) To save Russell.(b) To untie knots.(c) To invite him to Piper’s birthday party.(d) To get their weekly pizza.

2. Who does Maniac bring with him to the party in Chapter 41?

(a) Amanda.(b) Mars Bar.(c) Grayson.(d) One of the Pickwells.

3. Why does Maniac get mad and yell at Piper and Russell in Chapter 40?

Example - The boys use Grayson’s glove as a football.

4. What is Maniac’s birthday present for Piper in Chapter 41? When will he give it to Piper?

Example - Maniac has a compass for Piper. The boys can only have it if they go to school every day for the rest of the year.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


At the end of Chapter 45, Maniac uses a simile to describe his problems. Find the simile and write it below:

“If there were answers, they were as far away as the constellations.”

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


groggled •

hoarse •

amplified •

loomed •

constellations •

wrenching •

1. The figure that loomed in the field turned out to be a scarecrow.

2. Jimmy tried to name all of the constellations in the night sky.

3. I had to make a speech today even though I’m sick and my voice is hoarse.

4. Wrenching the candy bar out of his big brother’s hands, Eugene ran off to eat it by himself.

5. Ben woke up groggled even though he got a full night’s sleep.

6. She spoke into a microphone so her voice would be amplified.

• made louder

• appeared as a large shadowy form

• a rough or gravelly sound

• named patterns of stars

• twisting suddenly and violently

• dazed and tired

groggled loomed hoarse constellations amplified wrenching

A Little Extra!




Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________


A Little Extra!

Amanda seems angry at Maniac at the end of the book, but is she actually angry? How do you know?

Example - She is angry, but she is still Maniac’s friend and proves this by insisting he live with her. She is really just concerned about her friend and is trying the “tough love” approach.

1. In Chapter 46, who wakes Maniac up in the buffalo pen?

(a) The superintendent.(b) McNab.(c) Amanda.(d) Russell and Piper.

2. What does Amanda change Mars Bar’s name to in Chapter 46?

(a) Almond Joy.(b) Twix.(c) Snickers.(d) Milky Way.

3. Where does Maniac move to at the end of Chapter 46?

Example - Maniac moves back to Amanda’s house.

4. Describe Russell’s rescue in Chapter 45.

Example - Piper runs to get Maniac to rescue Russell. When Maniac notices that Russell is on the trolley trestle, he leaves. Piper screams after him. He asks Mars Bar to rescue Russell. Russell won’t let go of Mars Bar, so Mars Bar takes the boys to his house. They don’t want to leave. They play and eat at his house until Mars Bar’s dad drives them home that night.

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer


Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________

Time for a Test! - Answer Key Maniac Magee

1. In Chapter 2, what does Maniac say to the people he runs past?

(a) “Hi.”(b) “Out of the way!”(c) “Talk!”(d) He doesn’t say anything.

2. Who is the first person to stop and talk to Maniac in Chapter 3?

(a) Amanda Beale.(b) McNab.(c) Grayson.(d) Mars Bar.

3. What do little kids bring to Maniac in Chapter 15?

(a) Pizza.(b) Knots to untie.(c) Butterscotch Krimpets.(d) Books.

4. What is the homemade confetti in Chapter 21 made of?

(a) Homework.(b) Newspaper.(c) Amanda’s Encyclopedia A.(d) Napkins.

5. Who finds Maniac outside of the buffalo exhibit in Chapter 22?

(a) Grayson.(b) McNab.(c) Amanda.(d) Mars Bar.

6. In Chapter 22, what does Maniac ask Grayson for?

(a) Pizza.(b) Books.(c) Butterscotch Krimpets.(d) To return to the buffaloes.

7. What kind of music makes up Grayson’s record collection?

(a) Jazz.(b) Polka.(c) Christmas carols.(d) Rock ‘n’ roll.

8. In Chapter 34, how does Maniac get Russell and Piper back to Two Mills?

(a) With butterscotch Krimpets.(b) A visit to the buffalo.(c) Pizza.(d) A compass.

9. In Chapter 35, what does Maniac think might be a rat?

(a) A mouse.(b) A cobra.(c) A box turtle.(d) A roach.

Part A – Multiple Choice


Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

Time for a Test! - Answer Key Maniac Magee

Part B – Short Answer1. What makes Maniac different from the other kids in the East End of Two Mills?

Example - Maniac is different because he is an orphan with no home. He is also white and the kids in the East End of Two Mills are African American.

2. Why does Maniac feel like he should leave the Beale house even though he is happy living there?

Example - Maniac feels like he should leave, and ultimately does, because some people in the East End do not want him there because he is white. Someone writes a derogatory term on the Beales’ house about Maniac and someone steals Amanda’s book which he blames himself for. Maniac does not want to cause trouble for the Beales, so he leaves.

3. Describe the relationship between Maniac and one of the following characters: Grayson, Amanda, Mars Bar.

Answers will vary.

1. Maniac faces many obstacles throughout the story. Describe one obstacle Maniac faces and how he overcomes it.

Answers will vary.

2. At the very beginning of the story, the narrator explains that there is a legend that surrounds Maniac. After reading the story, do you think he lives up to his legendary status? Why or why not?

Answers will vary.

Part C – Long Answer


Name:____________________________________________ Date:_________________________________________

Before Reading

Title of Book:

Author of Book:

Have you read anything by this author before? If so, what was it?

Read the back cover. What do you learn about the story from the back cover?

Look at the front cover. What hints do you think it gives about the story?

Based on the front and back covers, do you want to read this book? Why or why not?

Maniac Magee © The Book Umbrella 68

Who is Jerry Spinelli?Use the internet and other resources to research the author of Maniac Magee, Jerry Spinelli.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

1. What do you already know about Jerry Spinelli?

2. What do you want to find out about Jerry Spinelli?

3. What have you learned from your research?

4. Where did you get your information?

Before Researching

After Researching


My Character ChartDraw a picture and record important information about each important character as you read the text.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


My Character Chart (Cont’d)

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________________


Did any of your predictions come true? What ended up happening in the story?

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Making PredictionsCan you predict the future? What do you think will happen next in the story? Write down two

predictions inside the crystal balls. Revisit this page later to answer the last question.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


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Why do you think this will happen?

Why do you think this will happen?

3. ClimaxThe most exciting and emotional part of the story.

1. ExpositionWe learn background information about the story’s characters, setting, and basic plot.

5. ConclusionThe story comes to an end.

2. Rising Action The things that happen to push the story forward as we head toward the climax.

4. Falling ActionThe events that happened

during the climax are dealt with.

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Plot MountainA story’s plot is made up of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and

conclusion. After you’ve finished reading Maniac Magee, fill in the spaces below.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Beginning

End

1

3

5

7

2

4

6

8

Story TimelineFill in the plot timeline by deciding on the most important plot points of Maniac Magee

and recording them in the order they happen.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Example of Conflict Type of Conflict

Look for some examples of conflict in Maniac Magee and add them to the chart below.

Man Versus Man Two or more characters

struggle against each other.

Man Versus Society A character struggles against

a part of society such as a company, religion, school, etc.

Man Versus Nature A character struggles against a force of nature such as the

weather or an animal.

Man Versus Self A character struggles

to overcome his or her own weaknesses.

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What is Conflict?Conflict refers to the problems and challenges that make stories interesting and

move plots along. Conflict is an important part of any story. Below are some of the different conflict types you may encounter as you read.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


1. Describe the setting of Maniac Magee. When and where does it take place?

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3. Explain what you have drawn above.

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2. Draw a picture of a setting described in the story.

Story SettingThe setting is the time and/or place in which a story happens.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Find three examples from the book that supports this as one of the themes.

One theme of Maniac Magee is...

1. ____________________________________________________________________________________

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2. ____________________________________________________________________________________

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3. ____________________________________________________________________________________

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What is a Theme?The theme a central topic or idea of a story. A story can have one or more themes. Some examples of themes are acceptance, cooperation, bravery and determination.

What do you think one theme of Maniac Magee is?

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


The Main Problem of the Story

Solution Idea 1

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Solution Idea 3

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Solution Idea 2

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Solution Idea 4

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Problem SolvingAn important part of any story is the problem which the main character faces.

Write down the main problem faced in Maniac Magee below, then brainstorm some possible solutions to the problem.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Cause

Effect

Cause

Effect

Cause

Effect

Cause and EffectAn action or development in a story is the ‘cause’. The result of the action or

development is the ‘effect’. Find some examples of cause and effect in Maniac Magee and record them below.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Major Characters Major characters play a big part in the story.

They influence the plot and take part in solving the main problem of the story.Example(s) from the book:

Dynamic Characters Dynamic characters change through the story,

usually because they overcome a challenge which makes them grow as a person.

Example(s) from the book:

The Protagonist The protagonist is the main character of

the story. Stories are often told from their point of view.


Round Characters Round characters have complicated

personalities and more than one character trait.


Minor Characters Minor characters pop up to help (or hurt)

the story’s major characters.


Static Characters Static characters do not change. Their

personalities and attitudes are the same at the end of the story as they were at the beginning.


The Antagonist The antagonist is the character

(or characters) who causes problems for the protagonist.


Flat Characters Flat characters don’t have complicated

personalities. Readers know them by only one character trait.


Character TypesIn fictional stories, there are many different types of characters that play different roles.

Read about different character types below, and decide which character from Maniac Magee fits each character type. (Some characters may fit more than one character type).

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Relationship KeyFriends

FamilyEnemies

Classmates/Co-workers Teacher/Boss

Other

Character MapWrite a different character name in each bubble below. Then, draw different styles

of lines in different colors (as shown in the Relationship Key) to show the relationships between each character.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


1. ________________________________________________________________________

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2. ________________________________________________________________________

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3. ________________________________________________________________________

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4. _______________________________________________________________________

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OPINIONS

A fact is something that is proven to be true.� An example of a fact is, “The month after July is August”.

An opinion is a feeling or belief about something.� An example of an opinion is, “July is the best month of the year!”

In the spaces below, record four facts and four opinions about Maniac Magee.

1. ________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________________

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3. ________________________________________________________________________

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4. _______________________________________________________________________

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F A C TS

Facts and Opinions

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


With this passage, what do you hope to persuade your readers to do?

Read this book! Don’t read this book!

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Persuasive WritingTo be persuasive is to be good at convincing people to think a certain way.

Write a persuasive passage in which you try to convince your readers that they should either read or not read Maniac Magee. Make sure to include reasons for why you think the story is good or bad using examples from the text. For example, if you tell your readers that the story is funny, tell them

about something funny that happens in the book.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Quotation: ______________________________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________ From page #___________

Why I chose this quotation: ____________________________________________________

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Quotation: ______________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________ From page #____________


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Quotation: ______________________________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________ From page #___________


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Quotation QuestSkim the novel and write down three favorite quotations, or quotations you think are important to the story.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Character 1 Character 2

The similarities these characters share

The differences between these characters

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Character 1 Character 2

Character ComparisonChoose two characters from Maniac Magee and compare them to each other.

What are their similarities and what are their differences?

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Maniac Magee _________________________

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The similarities these stories share

The differences between these stories

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Story ComparisonCompare Maniac Magee to another story you have read. What are their similarities and what are their differences?

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Similarities

Character Name: ___________________________________________________

Differences

My Life - Making ConnectionsIn the spaces below, make comparisons between your life and the life of a character of

your choosing from Maniac Magee.

Name:____________________________________________ Date:_____________________________________


Name:____________________________________________

Reading LogRecord information about the books you read on this chart.


Grade 4RL4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.RL4.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.RL4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions).RL4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean).L4.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.L4.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

Grade 5RL5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.RL5.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.RL5.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on spe-cific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).RL5.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.L5.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 5 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.L5.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

Grade 6RL.6.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.RL.6.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.RL.6.3 Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.RL.6.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and toneRL.6.5 Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.L.6.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.L.6.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.L.6.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Common Core State StandardsThis novel study is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (U.S.)

Novel Study

Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli

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