Part One

Maniac Magee is divided into three sections.  I like all three parts and think that part one is very well written.   On a scale of 1-10 (where 10 is perfect) what would you give the book so far?  Please explain your score.

Chapter 19

Most of this chapter takes place at Cobbles Pizza shop (mmmm...i love pizza).  Cobbles is on Hector street which divides the East and West sides of Two Mills. 
-Was this just or coincidence?  Why do you think Jerry Spinelli put this store on Hector street? 

Chapter 18

Why is Amanda being so rude to Jeffrey at the beginning of this chapter?  I thought she wanted him to stay at her house, so why is she being rude and mean to him?

Jane Elliot and Segregation

Thank you again for being very mature and having a great conversation with me today about race and racism.  It was a great class!
-What age do you think we should start talking to people about segregation and racism?  Why?

Chapter 17

What is a fishbelly and why was it written on the Beale's house?

Chapter 15

Why does Mrs. Beale slap Jeffrey?  I thought she really liked having him in the house.

Allergies

In chapter 13 we learned that Jeffrey is allergic to pizza.  PIZZA!  That is one of my favorite foods and I can't imagine being allergic to it.
-What is one food that you hope you are never going to be allergic to?  Why?

Chapter 13

Give an example of something positive that is happening in or around the Beale's house due to Jeffrey being there.

Chapter 11

In chapter 10 an older woman stops Mars Bar from fighting Jeffrey, then in chapter 11 Amanda stops Mars bar again. 
What does this tell you about the women who live on the East Side of town?

The Joy of Running

I didn't really have Jeffrey (Maniac) Magee on my mind when I did this but yesterday I got off a bus and instead of walking home I just decided to run. 
 -I ran on the curb, I ran on the sidewalk, I ran up some stairs....and it felt really good!  I challenge all of you to try what Jeffrey does and run somewhere instead of walking there.  You'll be surprised how good it feels.     If you try this, tell us about it here.

Chapter 9

John McNab and the rest of the Cobras (a silly name if you ask me) are chasing Maniac and almost catch him when they suddenly stop at Hector Street.  Why did they stop there when they were so close to catching him?

Chapter 4

Can you find an example of hyperbole in this chapter?  If so please write it here.

Chapter 3

When Amanda gives Jeffrey a book he asks her for her address so that he can return it to her when he is done with it.  She gives him her address and then tells him,
"but you can't come there, you can't even be here."
-What does she mean by this statement?

Chapter 1

Near the end of chapter one Jeffrey (Maniac) screams out Talk! Talk, will ya. Talk! Talk!

-Why was he so upset with his aunt and uncle?