Maniac Magee

Reading Guide Chapters 18 - 32

Chapter 18

 What is Jeffrey Magee’s reaction to FISHBELLY being chalked on the Beale’s house? Why does he make this choice?

 Why is Amanda Beale upset with Jeffrey?

 Paraphrase the reactions of the Beale family to Jeffrey’s leaving ‘home.’  How does Chapter 18 conclude.

Chapter 19

 Write a summary – Who – What – Where – Why – When

Chapter 20

 Write a summary – Who – What – Where – Why – When

Chapter 21

 Write a summary – Who – What – Where – Why – When

Chapter 22

 How does the author, Jerry Spinelli, begin Chapter 22? What is so unique about this writing? What type of punctuation does he use to build suspense?

 Characterize Greyson.  What might a ‘zep’ be? Cite the text evidence.

Chapter 23

 What might ‘krimpets’ be? Use context clues to decide the meaning.

 What else do we know about Grayson?

 Why does Maniac Magee not want to attend school?

Chapter 23 continued

 “The old man just looked at him for a while with a mixture of puzzlement and recognition, as though the fish he had landed might be the same one he had thrown away long before.” Expound upon what this sentence might mean.

Chapter 24

 What new character traits does Grayson have?

 What is the ‘worm in Grayson’s head?’ Explain Maniac Magee’s response to it.

Chapter 25

 Describe the relationship developing between Grayson and Maniac Magee.  What is the significance of the paragraph about Willie Mays?

 “The batters were teeing off as if it were the invasion of Normandy Beach.” What figurative language is used here to help with describing the scene?

Chapter 26

 Further describe the relationship developing between Grayson and Maniac Magee.  What is Maniac Magee doing with the money Grayson gives him each morning for Krimpets?

 What character trait about Grayson do we discover at the end of Chapter 26? Cite the text evidence.

Chapter 27

 Draw a Venn diagram – compare and contrast Maniac Magee to Grayson  Summarize Chapter 27 – Who – What – When – Where – Why

Chapter 28

 Summarize Chapter 28 – Who – What – When – Where – Why  Describe the mood at the end of Chapter 27.

Chapter 29

   Describe the opening setting for Chapter 29.

Summarize Chapter 29 – Who – What – When – Where – Why What is the mood at the end of Chapter 29? Support your answer with text evidence.

Chapter 30

 What writing technique does the author use to make this chapter visual to the reader?

 List 5 adjectives from this chapter.

Chapter 31

 What is the setting (time, place) for Chapter 31?

 Reflect upon your most special Christmas.  …and what is the surprise ending of this chapter? Do you think this was a good writing technique? Why or why not?

Chapter 32

 What is the setting (time, place) for Chapter 32?

 Summarize Chapter 32 – Who – What – When – Where – Why

Reflection Time

 Look back at the questions for 22-32. Select a scene that may relate to you in some way. Write about a personal experience or your personal thoughts about.