Maniac Magee

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Prologue-Part 1

Reading Check

1. Where does Jeffrey Lionel Magee run away to?

2. What does Amanda carry, causing Jeffrey to assume she is running away?

3. What does McNab pitch at Jeffrey after he successfully hits his fastball?

4. Where does Jeffrey live after leaving his aunt and uncle’s house?

5. Who invites Jeffrey to live in her home?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does the narrator warn the reader to consider when reading the novel? What instances reinforce the narrator’s claim?

2. What is the difference in the demographics between the West End and East End? What is Maniac’s reaction to it?

3. How does Jeffrey earn the nickname “Maniac”? What important events lead up to the name change?

4. Why does Jeffrey feel compelled to leave his home with the Beales?

Paired Resource

Tall Tales

• This article describes the literary elements of tall tales.
• The information in this resource can be used to discuss the theme of The Power of Myths and Stories.
• What are tall tales often used to explain? How does Jeffrey exhibit characteristics of a tall tale? In what way is Jeffrey’s story like other tales about America?

“Is Having a Sense of Belonging Important?”

• This article explains the ways in which individuals identify themselves with others and the impact of belonging on social and emotional well-being.
• This article’s information connects to the themes of Finding a Home and Overcoming Division and Prejudice.
• What do individuals often associate with belonging? What is the impact of belonging on an individual’s well-being? Why does Jeffrey find it difficult to belong in his community?

Part 2

Reading Check

1. What does Grayson say he wanted to be when he was a child?

2. What does Grayson reveal his first name to be?

3. In what way does Grayson claim Maniac is related to him?

4. What does Grayson ask Maniac to teach him?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the reason for Maniac’s refusal to go to school? What does it reveal about what Maniac wants?

2. What surprises Grayson about the Beales? In what way does it reinforce Maniac’s confusion about the segregation of the East and West End?

3. How is the relationship between Grayson and Maniac mutually beneficial?

4. What causes Maniac to run away again?

Paired Resource

“How to Deal With Negative Emotions: Daily Proven Tips”

• This 4-minute video explores the ways in which individuals should approach difficult emotions. (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing)
• Instructors might find the ideas and advice in this resource useful for leading discussions on Maniac’s troubled emotions and the ways in which he deals with (or avoids) them.

“What Makes a Hero?”

This 5-minute video explores the concept of heroism in literature and storytelling and how heroes are made.

The information in this resource directly supports the idea of The Power of Myths and Stories; through connected discussion, students might also connect the themes Finding a Home and Overcoming Division and Prejudice.

What characteristics make an individual heroic? How is heroism in tall tales different from other heroic tales? In what ways does Maniac become heroic?

Part 3

Reading Check

1. To what location do the boys from Two Mills, Russell and Piper, intend to run away?

2. What are George and John building in preparation for a race war?

3. Where is Russell stuck when Maniac refuses to help him?

4. With whom does Maniac finally decide to live?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why do Maniac’s past caregivers “haunt” him, and how does he resolve to address the issue?

2. What factors in John McNab’s home life likely contribute to his ill treatment of Maniac earlier in the novel? Why is Maniac concerned about spending time with the McNab family?

3. How does Maniac view himself in relation to Russell and Piper? How is he beneficial to the boys?

4. What is Maniac’s purpose in inviting Mars to the McNabs’ party? How does it alter Maniac’s opinion of Mars?

5. How are the East and West Ends’ differences eventually reconciled?

Recommended Next Reads 

Holes by Louis Sachar

• This novel is about a 14-year-old boy who becomes embroiled in a family curse when he is accused of stealing shoes worn by a famous athlete.
• Shared themes include Finding a Home and The Power of Myths and Stories.
• Shared topics include curses, heroism, and friendship.
• Holes on SuperSummary

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

• This novel is about a seventh-grade boy who, grieving the loss of a friend, unintentionally unleashes an evil force in a magical world.
• Shared themes include The Power of Myths and Stories and Overcoming Division and Prejudice.
• Shared topics include grief, folktales, and heroism.
• Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky on SuperSummary