Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner)
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2014
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and prejudice
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Genre
Themes
- racism and prejudice
- friendship
- identity and belonging
- community
- homelessness
- courage
- empathy
About this book
Maniac Magee follows Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee, a runaway who becomes a local legend for his unbelievable running and daring feats. As he crosses the invisible lines of a racially divided town, Maniac befriends people on both sides and begins to stitch the community together with kindness and courage. Spinelli’s writing blends humor and heart with accessible language, making big ideas about prejudice, family, and belonging easy to discuss. A powerful, fast-paced read that hooks middle-grade readers and sparks thoughtful conversation.
Setting: a racially divided small town in Pennsylvania (Two Mills), late 20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner) right for my child?
Yes — Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner) is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include racism and prejudice, friendship, identity and belonging.
How long does it take to read Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner)?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner) takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner) has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner)?
Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner) has an AR reading level of 4.7, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.