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Maniac Magee

Realistic (fiction), Trade Book, Lexile 820

Jeffrey Lionel "Maniac" Magee is an orphan searching for a loving home when he finds himself in a small, segregated town in Pennsylvania. Jeffrey gets the nickname "Maniac" after performing athletic feats of mythic proportions and appearing fearless in the face of bullies and other terrifying situations. Through his brave actions and cheerful friendliness, Jeffrey helps to integrate Two Mills and finds lasting happiness with a loving family.

Book Resources

Check your school or local library for this book.

Maniac Magee
By Jerry Spinelli

Lesson Resources

Trade Book Lesson

Teach the Objectives

All Worksheets

Reading Strategy
Use the reading strategy of visualizing to understand text

Comprehension
Determine author’s purpose in different parts of a text

Grammar and Mechanics
Identify and understand proper nouns

Word Work
Identify and understand three types of figurative language: simile, hyperbole, and personification

Think, Collaborate, Discuss
Promote higher-order thinking for small groups
or whole class

Assessment Resources

How To Assemble Your Lesson Plan

Single-Sided Book

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Trade book lessons fold together just like vertical books