Maniac Magee Table of Contents
Novel Study Title Page for Students...... 3 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 30 – 34...... 28 Vocabulary Study Chapters 30 – 34...... 29 Dictionary Detective! Before the Story – 4...... 4 Understanding the Story Chapters 30 – 34...... 30 Vocabulary Study Before the Story – 4...... 5 Chapter Summary Chapters 30 – 34...... 31 Understanding the Story Before the Story – 4...... 6 Chapter Summary Before the Story – 4...... 7 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 35 – 39...... 32 Vocabulary Study Chapters 35 – 39...... 33 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 5 – 9...... 8 Understanding the Story Chapters 35 – 39...... 34 Vocabulary Study Chapters 5 – 9...... 9 Chapter Summary Chapters 35 – 39...... 35 Understanding the Story Chapters 5 – 9...... 10 Chapter Summary Chapters 5 – 9...... 11 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 40 – 44...... 36 Vocabulary Study Chapters 40 – 44...... 37 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 10 – 14...... 12 Understanding the Story Chapters 40 – 44...... 38 Vocabulary Study Chapters 10 – 14...... 13 Chapter Summary Chapters 40 – 44...... 39 Understanding the Story Chapters 10 – 14...... 14 Chapter Summary Chapters 10 – 14...... 15 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 45 – 46...... 40 Vocabulary Study Chapters 45 – 46...... 41 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 15 – 19...... 16 Understanding the Story Chapters 45 – 46...... 42 Vocabulary Study Chapters 15 – 19...... 17 Chapter Summary Chapters 45 – 46...... 43 Understanding the Story Chapters 15 – 19...... 18 Chapter Summary Chapters 15 – 19...... 19 Time for a Test!...... 44
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 20 – 24...... 20 Answer Key...... 46 Vocabulary Study Chapters 20 – 24...... 21 Understanding the Story Chapters 20 – 24...... 22 Comprehension Worksheets...... 68 Chapter Summary Chapters 20 – 24...... 23 Reading Log...... 88 Dictionary Detective! Chapters 25 – 29...... 24 Vocabulary Study Chapters 25 – 29...... 25 Common Core State Standards...... 89 Understanding the Story Chapters 25 – 29...... 26 Chapter Summary Chapters 25 – 29...... 27
© The Book Umbrella Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
A Novel Study by:
© The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Before the Story - Chapter 4
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
myth Definition:
legacy Definition:
risers Definition:
theories Definition:
deserted Definition:
varsity Definition:
Maniac Magee 4 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Before the Story - Chapter 4
Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
myth • • platforms used on stages legacy • • something from the past that is handed down risers • • a team that represents a school theories • • a made-up story deserted • • ideas varsity • • abandoned by people
Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
myth legacy risers theories deserted varsity
1. The flowers that grow here every year are the ______of Mr. Ford, who planted them years ago.
2. The streets were ______as the rain poured down.
3. It is only a ______that giant alligators live in city sewers.
4. The ______swim team won three medals at their meet.
5. The play’s set designer used ______of different heights to make it look like Jack and Jill were climbing a hill.
6. There are many ______to explain how the pyramids were built.
Write down one thing about Maniac Magee that you think is a myth and one thing you think is true. A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 5 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Before the Story - Chapter 4
Multiple Choice
1. According to legend, what 2. How old is Maniac when he does Maniac keep as a pet? becomes an orphan in Chapter 1?
(a) A baby buffalo. (a) 3 years old. (b) An 8 inch cockroach. (b) 6 years old. (c) A cobra. (c) 10 years old. (d) A box turtle. (d) 11 years old.
Short Answer 3. What is Amanda carrying in her suitcase when she first meets Maniac?
Long Answer
4. What do you imagine Maniac was doing during his “Lost Year”?
Jeffrey’s aunt and uncle thought it was better to never speak to each other rather than get a divorce. How does this behavior affect Jeffrey? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 6 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Before the Story - Chapter 4
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 7 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 5 - 9
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
infamous Definition:
cardinal Definition:
emanations Definition:
stupefied Definition:
pandemonium Definition:
armory Definition:
Maniac Magee 8 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 5 - 9
Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
infamous cardinal emanations stupefied pandemonium armory
1. Of the greatest importance. ______
2. To be well known for a bad reason. ______
3. A wild and noisy uproar. ______
4. Something that comes out of or from something else. ______
5. A building where soldiers are trained. ______
6. To be stunned or shocked. ______
Making Sentences Make a sentence for each word below.
1. Infamous: ______
2. Cardinal: ______
3. Emanations: ______
4. Stupefied: ______
5. Pandemonium: ______
6. Armory: ______
What is something that could happen in your classroom that would lead to pandemonium? Use your imagination! A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 9 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 5 - 9
Multiple Choice 1. Where does Maniac 2. What are John McNab sleep in Chapter 8? and his pals called?
(a) The deer shed at the zoo. (a) The Rattlesnakes. (b) A buffalo pen. (b) The Scare Crew. (c) Amanda’s house. (c) The Soldiers. (d) McNab’s house. (d) The Cobras.
Short Answer 3. In Chapter 7, what does Maniac do when McNab pitches a frog at him?
Long Answer
4. Describe the dinner at the Pickwells in Chapter 6.
The Pickwells are a very large family. Do you think it would be better to grow up in a large family or a small family? Why? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 10 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 5 - 9
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 11 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 10 - 14
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
befuddled Definition:
prospects Definition:
solemnly Definition:
idling Definition:
solitude Definition:
converged Definition:
Maniac Magee 12 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 10 - 14
Match Up A synonym is a word that means the same as another word. For example, happy and joyful are synonyms. Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!
befuddled • • possibilities prospects • • aloneness solemnly • • resting idling • • confused solitude • • seriously converged • • united
Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence.
1. Susie’s unpredictable behavior ( befuddled / prospects ) her mother every day.
2. Heather left the car ( idling / solitude ) while she popped into the shop.
3. Jerry has many summer job ( solemnly / prospects ) to choose from.
4. The streams ( converged / befuddled ) into a big river which flowed into the ocean.
5. Ben ( solemnly / idling ) walked through the cemetery to visit his grandma’s gravestone.
6. I enjoy the ( converged / solitude ) of camping alone, deep in the forest.
What are four words that come to mind when you think about solitude? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 13 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 10 - 14
Multiple Choice
1. Where does Maniac 2. In Chapter 13, what does start living in Chapter 12? Maniac discover he’s allergic to?
(a) McNab’s house. (a) Peanut butter. (b) A buffalo pen. (b) Pizza. (c) Amanda’s house. (c) Candy. (d) A baseball room. (d) Ice cream.
Short Answer 3. How does Amanda’s book get damaged in Chapter 10?
Long Answer
4. How does Maniac fit in with the Beale family? Give three examples from Chapter 13 to support your answer.
At the beginning of Chapter 14, Maniac Magee is loving his new life. Write a paragraph describing a time in your life when you felt just like this. What made you feel this way? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 14 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 10 - 14
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 15 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 15 - 19
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
poleax Definition:
unbeknownst Definition:
jabbered Definition:
wiseacre Definition:
incubating Definition:
contortions Definition:
Maniac Magee 16 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 15 - 19
Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
poleax • • without one’s knowledge wiseacre • • talked quickly but made no sense contortions • • taking care of something so it can develop incubating • • twists and turns unbeknownst • • to hit something like you would with an ax jabbered • • funny but annoying Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
poleax wiseacre contortions incubating unbeknownst jabbered
1. In tennis, I like to jump up at the ball and ______the racket.
2. ______to Susan, Emily ate the last piece of chocolate.
3. The children ______in the backseat of the car while their mother drove them to school.
4. Instead of writing something nice, my brother wrote a ______poem in the birthday card he sent me.
5. The eggs are ______under the hen’s warm body.
6. The circus star performed all sorts of ______to get out of the box.
Jeffrey Magee’s nickname is Maniac. Would you like to have a nickname? What nickname do you think would suit you well and why? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 17 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 15 - 19
Multiple Choice
1. Why does Mrs. Beale slap 2. In Chapter 18, what is Maniac in Chapter 15? written on the Beale’s house?
(a) Because he hit her youngest child. (a) “Fish belly go home”. (b) Because of his trash talk. (b) Little kid crayon scribblings. (c) Because he refuses to make his bed. (c) “Maniac lives here”. (d) She slaps him by accident. (d) “No more books”.
Short Answer 3. What is Maniac blind to in Chapter 16?
Long Answer
4. What is Cobble’s Knot?
The beginning of Chapter 17 describes a very hot day in a number of unique ways. For example, it was “so hot, the dogs were tripping on their own tongues”. Make up another unique way to describe a very hot day. A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 18 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 15 - 19
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 19 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 20 - 24
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
testimony Definition:
cunning Definition:
prompt Definition:
dumbfounded Definition:
abruptly Definition:
maddening Definition:
Maniac Magee 20 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 20 - 24
Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
testimony cunning prompt dumbfounded abruptly maddening
1. Smarts and trickery. ______
2. Done without delay; exactly on time. ______
3. To be astonished or amazed. ______
4. Done suddenly. ______
5. Extremely annoying; something that drives you crazy. ______
6. Evidence or proof of something. ______
Making Sentences Make a sentence for each word below.
1. Testimony: ______
2. Cunning: ______
3. Prompt: ______
4. Dumbfounded: ______
5. Abruptly: ______
6. Maddening: ______
In Chapter 24, Grayson feels a need to invite Maniac to stay at the Y. This need is described as a “maddening itch”. Describe a time you have felt this way about something. A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 21 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 20 - 24
Multiple Choice
1. Who are the Heck’s Angels 2. In Chapter 21, how long mentioned in Chapter 20? is the string for the knot?
(a) Tricycle gang of 4-5 year olds. (a) ½ mile long. (b) Mars Bar and his friends. (b) 4 ½ blocks long. (c) McNab and his friends. (c) 10 feet long. (d) A motorcycle gang. (d) 20 inches long.
Short Answer 3. Why does Maniac sleep in the buffalo pen in Chapter 22?
Long Answer
4. Explain Maniac’s reasons for not wanting to go to school in Chapter 23.
Grayson tells Maniac that “I ain’t got no story. I ain’t nobody,” but Maniac believes that “everybody has a story”. What are three things that you would like to know about Grayson’s life story? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 22 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 20 - 24
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 23 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 25 - 29
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
immortality Definition:
repertoire Definition:
blarney Definition:
flaunting Definition:
orneriest Definition:
preposterous Definition:
Maniac Magee 24 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 25 - 29
Match Up Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!
immortality • • collection repertoire • • nonsense blarney • • grouchiest flaunting • • ridiculous orneriest • • displaying preposterous • • greatness
Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence.
1. Albert Einstein achieved ( repertoire / immortality ) in the field of science.
2. Lisa was ( flaunting / orneriest ) her new dress all day.
3. The magician showed us another trick from his ( blarney / repertoire ).
4. I don’t like Luke’s dog because it is the ( orneriest / preposterous ) animal I’ve ever met.
5. Jenny told the teacher a bunch of ( blarney / flaunting ) to explain why she didn’t do her homework.
6. “A cat that can talk? That’s ( preposterous / immortality )!” said Ned.
Write a sentence using three of the vocabulary words from this section. A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 25 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 25 - 29
Multiple Choice
1. In which baseball league and 2. What is the first book Grayson which position did Grayson’s play? reads in full, from cover to cover?
(a) Minor League pitcher. (a) Three Little Pigs. (b) Minor League shortstop. (b) The Little Engine That Could. (c) Major League pitcher. (c) The Little Red Caboose. (d) Major League shortstop. (d) The Man Who Struck Out Willie Mays.
Short Answer 3. What does Maniac and Grayson’s best Thanksgiving dinner consist of?
Long Answer
4. What do Maniac and Grayson teach each other in Chapters 26 and 27?
Grayson had never read a book until adulthood. What do you think would be the hardest thing about being an adult and being unable to read? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 26 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 25 - 29
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 27 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 30 - 34
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
languished Definition:
pungent Definition:
meandering Definition:
stoic Definition:
desolation Definition:
urchins Definition:
Maniac Magee 28 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 30 - 34
Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
languished • • wandering around aimlessly pungent • • small, poor children meandering • • emptiness, loneliness stoic • • weakened desolation • • endures pain without showing emotion urchins • • sharp tasting or smelling
Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary. stoic languished desolation pungent meandering urchins
1. Without being watered, the flower ______for days in the dry pot.
2. Charlie was in a lot of pain after twisting his ankle, but he was ______until he finished the race.
3. The ______smell of the trash can attracted flies.
4. Zack felt the ______of the abandoned amusement park.
5. Peter went ______through the woods and got terribly lost.
6. The ______pickpocketed from rich gentlemen.
The year after Maniac rus away from his aunt and uncle’s house is called “The Lost Year”. What do you think is the most appropriate title for Maniac’s time following Grayson’s death and why? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 29 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 30 - 34
Multiple Choice
1. Where does Grayson 2. What is in the paper move to in Chapter 30? bag in Chapter 31?
(a) The buffalo pen. (a) All of Maniac’s possessions. (b) The woods. (b) Seed to feed the birds. (c) The deer shed. (c) A brand new baseball. (d) The baseball room. (d) A scarf for the baby buffalo.
Short Answer 3. What does Maniac do the day he discovers Grayson has died?
Long Answer
4. Describe the Christmas gifts Grayson and Maniac give each other in Chapter 31.
In Chapter 32, Maniac loses Grayson. This is a difficult and sad time for A Little Maniac. On the other side of this paper, write a paragraph describing a Extra! time when you lost something or someone special to you.
Maniac Magee 30 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 30 - 34
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 31 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 35 - 39
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
nonchalantly Definition:
perilous Definition:
forlorn Definition:
marooned Definition:
exuberance Definition:
ludicrous Definition:
Maniac Magee 32 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 35 - 39
Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
nonchalantly perilous forlorn marooned exuberance ludicrous
1. A show of excitement and enthusiasm. ______
2. In a cool, calm and relaxed way. ______
3. To be foolish or ridiculous. ______
4. Full of risk or danger. ______
5. Trapped. ______
6. Lonely and sad. ______
Making Sentences Make a sentence for each word below.
1. Nonchalantly: ______
2. Perilous: ______
3. Forlorn: ______
4. Marooned: ______
5. Exuberance: ______
6. Ludicrous: ______
Word association - write down the first thing you think of when you read each of the following vocabulary words: A Little Perilous - ______Extra! Exuberance - ______Ludicrous - ______
Maniac Magee 33 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 35 - 39
Multiple Choice
1. How often do Piper 2. How does Maniac win and Russell run away? the race in Chapter 38?
(a) Every other day. (a) On one leg. (b) Every other week. (b) Just barely. (c) Every month. (c) Backwards. (d) Every year. (d) With a huge lead.
Short Answer 3. In Chapter 39, why does the McNab family make a pillbox in their living room?
Long Answer
4. How is John McNab’s house described in Chapter 35?
The feats that the McNab brothers encourage Maniac to attempt help him forget his sadness. Describe ways you cheer yourself up when you are sad. A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 34 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 35 - 39
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 35 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 40 - 44
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
prodded Definition:
gauntlet Definition:
seething Definition:
illusion Definition:
trestle Definition:
vast Definition:
Maniac Magee 36 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 40 - 44
Match Up Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!
prodded • • track gauntlet • • fantasy seething • • urged illusion • • fuming trestle • • immense vast • • challenge Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence.
1. Joey ( prodded / gauntlet ) his best friend to join the basketball team.
2. Ray spiked up his hair to create the ( trestle / illusion ) that he had gotten taller.
3. At the concert I had to pass through a ( seething / gauntlet ) of rowdy audience members to get to the bathroom.
4. Mae set up a ( vast / trestle ) for her model train to run across.
5. Jaden was ( seething / illusion ) after his parents grounded him.
6. Jill loves to listen to the sounds that echo back to her in the ( vast / prodded ) cavern.
At the end of Chapter 42, Mars Bar and the McNabs find themselves in an angry confrontation. The onlookers are described as having “seething eyes,” because they are so angry. Describe a time in your life when you felt you were seething with anger. A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 37 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 40 - 44
Multiple Choice 1. Why do the brothers track 2. Who does Maniac bring with down Maniac in Chapter 40? him to the party in Chapter 41?
(a) To save Russell. (a) Amanda. (b) To untie knots. (b) Mars Bar. (c) To invite him to Piper’s birthday party. (c) Grayson. (d) To get their weekly pizza. (d) One of the Pickwells.
Short Answer 3. Why does Maniac get mad and yell at Piper and Russell in Chapter 40?
Long Answer
4. What is Maniac’s birthday present for Piper in Chapter 41? When will he give it to Piper?
In Chapter 43, we learn that early morning is Maniac’s favorite time of day. What is your favorite time of day and why? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 38 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 40 - 44
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 39 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Dictionary Detective! Chapters 45 - 46
Using a dictionary, find the definitions for the words below.
groggled Definition:
hoarse Definition:
amplified Definition:
loomed Definition:
constellations Definition:
wrenching Definition:
Maniac Magee 40 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study Chapters 45 - 46
Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
groggled • • made louder hoarse • • appeared as a large shadowy form amplified • • a rough or gravelly sound loomed • • named patterns of stars constellations • • twisting suddenly and violently wrenching • • dazed and tired Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
groggled loomed hoarse constellations amplified wrenching
1. The figure that ______in the field turned out to be a scarecrow.
2. Jimmy tried to name all of the ______in the night sky.
3. I had to make a speech today even though I’m sick and my voice is ______.
4. ______the candy bar out of his big brother’s hands, Eugene ran off to eat it by himself.
5. Ben woke up ______even though he got a full night’s sleep.
6. She spoke into a microphone so her voice would be ______.
At the end of Chapter 45, Maniac uses a simile to describe his problems. Find the simile and write it below: A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 41 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story Chapters 45 - 46 Multiple Choice 1. In Chapter 46, who wakes 2. What does Amanda change Maniac up in the buffalo pen? Mars Bar’s name to in Chapter 46?
(a) The superintendent. (a) Almond Joy. (b) McNab. (b) Twix. (c) Amanda. (c) Snickers. (d) Russell and Piper. (d) Milky Way.
Short Answer 3. Where does Maniac move to at the end of Chapter 46?
Long Answer
4. Describe Russell’s rescue in Chapter 45.
Amanda seems angry at Maniac at the end of the book, but is she actually angry? How do you know? A Little ______Extra! ______
Maniac Magee 42 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Chapter Summary Chapters 45 - 46
1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?
2. What happens in these chapters?
3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?
4. What new words did you learn 5. Draw a picture of something you think in these chapters? represents these chapters.
Maniac Magee 43 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Time for a Test! Maniac Magee
Part A – Multiple Choice
1. In Chapter 2, what 2. Who is the first person 3. What do little kids bring does Maniac say to the to stop and talk to Maniac to Maniac in Chapter 15? people he runs past? in Chapter 3?
(a) “Hi.” (a) Amanda Beale. (a) Pizza. (b) “Out of the way!” (b) McNab. (b) Knots to untie. (c) “Talk!” (c) Grayson. (c) Butterscotch Krimpets. (d) He doesn’t say anything. (d) Mars Bar. (d) Books.
4. What is the homemade 5. Who finds Maniac 6. In Chapter 22, what confetti in Chapter 21 outside of the buffalo does Maniac ask made of? exhibit in Chapter 22? Grayson for?
(a) Homework. (a) Grayson. (a) Pizza. (b) Newspaper. (b) McNab. (b) Books. (c) Amanda’s Encyclopedia A. (c) Amanda. (c) Butterscotch Krimpets. (d) Napkins. (d) Mars Bar. (d) To return to the buffaloes.
7. What kind of music 8. In Chapter 34, how does 9. In Chapter 35, makes up Grayson’s Maniac get Russell and what does Maniac record collection? Piper back to Two Mills? think might be a rat?
(a) Jazz. (a) With butterscotch Krimpets. (a) A mouse. (b) Polka. (b) A visit to the buffalo. (b) A cobra. (c) Christmas carols. (c) Pizza. (c) A box turtle. (d) Rock ‘n’ roll. (d) A compass. (d) A roach.
Maniac Magee 44 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Time for a Test! Maniac Magee Part B – Short Answer
1. What makes Maniac different from the other kids in the East End of woT Mills?
2. Why does Maniac feel like he should leave the Beale house even though he is happy living there?
3. Describe the relationship between Maniac and one of the following characters: Grayson, Amanda, Mars Bar.
Part C – Long Answer
1. Maniac faces many obstacles throughout the story. Describe one obstacle Maniac faces and how he overcomes it.
2. At the very beginning of the story, the narrator explains that there is a legend that surrounds Maniac. After reading the story, do you think he lives up to his legendary status? Why or why not?
Maniac Magee 45 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Before the Story - Chapter 4
Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
myth • • platforms used on stages legacy • • something from the past that is handed down risers • • a team that represents a school theories • • a made-up story deserted • • ideas varsity • • abandoned by people
Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
myth legacy risers theories deserted varsity
1. The flowers that grow here every year are thelegacy of Mr. Ford, who planted them years ago.
2. The streets were deserted as the rain poured down.
3. It is only a myth that giant alligators live in city sewers.
4. The varsity swim team won three medals at their meet.
5. The play’s set designer used risers of different heights to make it look like Jack and Jill were climbing a hill.
6. There are many theories to explain how the pyramids were built.
Write down one thing about Maniac Magee that you think is a myth and A Little one thing you think is true. Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 46 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Before the Story - Chapter 4
Multiple Choice
1. According to legend, what 2. How old is Maniac when he does Maniac keep as a pet? becomes an orphan in Chapter 1?
(a) A baby buffalo. (a) 3 years old. (b) An 8 inch cockroach. (b) 6 years old. (c) A cobra. (c) 10 years old. (d) A box turtle. (d) 11 years old.
Short Answer 3. What is Amanda carrying in her suitcase when she first meets Maniac?
Example - She is carrying her whole library of books in her suitcase.
Long Answer
4. What do you imagine Maniac was doing during his “Lost Year”?
Answers will vary.
Jeffrey’s aunt and uncle thought it was better to never speak to each other rather than get a divorce. How does this behavior affect Jeffrey?
A Little Example - Jeffrey is greatly distressed by this. During the spring musicale, he yells at them to “Talk! Talk, will ya! Talk! Talk! Talk!” Extra! and then runs away.
Maniac Magee 47 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 5 - 9
Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
infamous cardinal emanations stupefied pandemonium armory
1. Of the greatest importance. cardinal
2. To be well known for a bad reason. infamous
3. A wild and noisy uproar. pandemonium
4. Something that comes out of or from something else. emanations
5. A building where soldiers are trained. armory
6. To be stunned or shocked. stupefied
Making Sentences - Answers will vary. Make a sentence for each word below.
1. Infamous: ______
2. Cardinal: ______
3. Emanations: ______
4. Stupefied: ______
5. Pandemonium: ______
6. Armory: ______
What is something that could happen in your classroom that would lead to pandemonium? Use your imagination! A Little Answers will vary. Extra!
Maniac Magee 48 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 5 - 9
Multiple Choice
1. Where does Maniac 2. What are John McNab sleep in Chapter 8? and his pals called?
(a) The deer shed at the zoo. (a) The Rattlesnakes. (b) A buffalo pen. (b) The Scare Crew. (c) Amanda’s house. (c) The Soldiers. (d) McNab’s house. (d) The Cobras.
Short Answer 3. In Chapter 7, what does Maniac do when McNab pitches a frog at him? Example - Maniac bunts a home run.
Long Answer
4. Describe the dinner at the Pickwells in Chapter 6.
Example - The Pickwells eat around a ping pong table. There are ten kids, a baby, three grandparents and great-grandparents, two parents, and a taxi driver. They eat spaghetti. Everyone thinks Maniac is someone else’s friend. They don’t realize until afterward that no one knows him.
The Pickwells are a very large family. Do you think it would be better to grow A Little up in a large family or a small family? Why? Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 49 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 10 - 14
Match Up A synonym is a word that means the same as another word. For example, happy and joyful are synonyms. Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!
befuddled • • possibilities prospects • • aloneness solemnly • • resting idling • • confused solitude • • seriously converged • • united
Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence.
1. Susie’s unpredictable behavior ( befuddled / prospects ) her mother every day.
2. Heather left the car ( idling / solitude ) while she popped into the shop.
3. Jerry has many summer job ( solemnly / prospects ) to choose from.
4. The streams ( converged / befuddled ) into a big river which flowed into the ocean.
5. Ben ( solemnly / idling ) walked through the cemetery to visit his grandma’s gravestone.
6. I enjoy the ( converged / solitude ) of camping alone, deep in the forest.
What are four words that come to mind when you think about solitude? A Little Answers will vary. Extra!
Maniac Magee 50 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 10 - 14
Multiple Choice
1. Where does Maniac 2. In Chapter 13, what does start living in Chapter 12? Maniac discover he’s allergic to?
(a) McNab’s house. (a) Peanut butter. (b) A buffalo pen. (b) Pizza. (c) Amanda’s house. (c) Candy. (d) A baseball room. (d) Ice cream.
Short Answer 3. How does Amanda’s book get damaged in Chapter 10?
Example - Mars Bar rips a page out and crumbles it.
Long Answer
4. How does Maniac fit in with the Beale family? Give three examples from Chapter 13 to support your answer.
Example - Maniac fits in really well with the Beale family. He is very helpful and does chores like washing the dishes without being asked. He takes care of the littlest Beales by giving them baths and reading to them. He takes the dog for walks. He also keeps his room very clean. (Examples from Chapter 13 will vary.)
At the beginning of Chapter 14, Maniac Magee is loving his new life. Write a paragraph describing a time in your life when you felt just like this. A Little What made you feel this way? Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 51 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 15 - 19
Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
poleax • • without one’s knowledge wiseacre • • talked quickly but made no sense contortions • • taking care of something so it can develop incubating • • twists and turns unbeknownst • • to hit something like you would with an ax jabbered • • funny but annoying Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
poleax wiseacre contortions incubating unbeknownst jabbered
1. In tennis, I like to jump up at the ball and poleax the racket.
2. Unbeknownst to Susan, Emily ate the last piece of chocolate.
3. The children jabbered in the backseat of the car while their mother drove them to school.
4. Instead of writing something nice, my brother wrote a wiseacre poem in the birthday card he sent me.
5. The eggs are incubating under the hen’s warm body.
6. The circus star performed all sorts of contortions to get out of the box.
Jeffrey Magee’s nickname is Maniac. Would you like to have a nickname? What nickname do you think would suit you well and why?
A Little Answers will vary. Extra!
Maniac Magee 52 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 15 - 19
Multiple Choice
1. Why does Mrs. Beale slap 2. In Chapter 18, what is Maniac in Chapter 15? written on the Beale’s house?
(a) Because he hit her youngest child. (a) “Fish belly go home”. (b) Because of his trash talk. (b) Little kid crayon scribblings. (c) Because he refuses to make his bed. (c) “Maniac lives here”. (d) She slaps him by accident. (d) “No more books”.
Short Answer 3. What is Maniac blind to in Chapter 16?
Example - Maniac is blind to skin color and racial dislike in the neighborhood where he lives.
Long Answer
4. What is Cobble’s Knot?
Example - Cobble’s Knot is a huge, grimy knot no one has ever been able to untangle. Mr. Cobble first offered a reward for untangling it, so that he would get more customers. When Cobble’s Corner was a grocery store, the prize was 60 seconds at the candy counter. Now it is a pizza place, so if you untangle it, you get a free pizza per week for a year.
The beginning of Chapter 17 describes a very hot day in a number of unique ways. For example, it was “so hot, the dogs were tripping on their own A Little tongues”. Make up another unique way to describe a very hot day. Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 53 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 20 - 24
Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
testimony cunning prompt dumbfounded abruptly maddening
1. Smarts and trickery. cunning
2. Done without delay; exactly on time. prompt
3. To be astonished or amazed. dumbfounded
4. Done suddenly. abruptly
5. Extremely annoying; something that drives you crazy. maddening
6. Evidence or proof of something. testimony
Making Sentences - Answers will vary. Make a sentence for each word below.
1. Testimony: ______
2. Cunning: ______
3. Prompt: ______
4. Dumbfounded: ______
5. Abruptly: ______
6. Maddening: ______
In Chapter 24, Grayson feels a need to invite Maniac to stay at the Y. This need is described as a “maddening itch”. Describe a time you have felt A Little this way about something. Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 54 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 20 - 24
Multiple Choice
1. Who are the Heck’s Angels 2. In Chapter 21, how long mentioned in Chapter 20? is the string for the knot?
(a) Tricycle gang of 4-5 year olds. (a) ½ mile long. (b) Mars Bar and his friends. (b) 4 ½ blocks long. (c) McNab and his friends. (c) 10 feet long. (d) A motorcycle gang. (d) 20 inches long.
Short Answer 3. Why does Maniac sleep in the buffalo pen in Chapter 22?
Example - Maniac thought it was the deer pen, but the zoo had switched the pens of the deer and buffalo without Maniac knowing.
Long Answer
4. Explain Maniac’s reasons for not wanting to go to school in Chapter 23.
Example - Everyone gets to go to their real home when school is finished each day. He doesn’t have a real home. He doesn’t want one without the other, so he’s not going to school as long as he doesn’t have a home to go to at night.
Grayson tells Maniac that “I ain’t got no story. I ain’t nobody,” but Maniac believes that “everybody has a story”. What are three things that you A Little would like to know about Grayson’s life story? Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 55 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 25 - 29
Match Up Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!
immortality • • collection repertoire • • nonsense blarney • • grouchiest flaunting • • ridiculous orneriest • • displaying preposterous • • greatness
Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence.
1. Albert Einstein achieved ( repertoire / immortality ) in the field of science.
2. Lisa was ( flaunting / orneriest ) her new dress all day.
3. The magician showed us another trick from his ( blarney / repertoire ).
4. I don’t like Luke’s dog because it is the ( orneriest / preposterous ) animal I’ve ever met.
5. Jenny told the teacher a bunch of ( blarney / flaunting ) to explain why she didn’t do her homework.
6. “A cat that can talk? That’s ( preposterous / immortality )!” said Ned.
Write a sentence using three of the vocabulary words from this section. A Little Answers will vary. Extra!
Maniac Magee 56 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 25 - 29
Multiple Choice
1. In which baseball league and 2. What is the first book Grayson which position did Grayson’s play? reads in full, from cover to cover?
(a) Minor League pitcher. (a) Three Little Pigs. (b) Minor League shortstop. (b) The Little Engine That Could. (c) Major League pitcher. (c) The Little Red Caboose. (d) Major League shortstop. (d) The Man Who Struck Out Willie Mays.
Short Answer 3. What does Maniac and Grayson’s best Thanksgiving dinner consist of?
Example - They have a 5 lb roast chicken, gravy, cranberry sauce, applesauce, Spaghetti Os, raisins, pumpkin pie, and butterscotch Krimpets.
Long Answer
4. What do Maniac and Grayson teach each other in Chapters 26 and 27?
Example - Grayson tells Maniac Minor League baseball stories while giving Maniac baseball lessons. Maniac teaches Grayson his alphabet and how to read. At the library’s used book sale, they buy picture books for Grayson to use while learning to read.
Grayson had never read a book until adulthood. What do you think would A Little be the hardest thing about being an adult and being unable to read? Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 57 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 30 - 34
Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
languished • • wandering around aimlessly pungent • • small, poor children meandering • • emptiness, loneliness stoic • • weakened desolation • • endures pain without showing emotion urchins • • sharp tasting or smelling Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary. stoic languished desolation pungent meandering urchins
1. Without being watered, the flowerlanguished for days in the dry pot.
2. Charlie was in a lot of pain after twisting his ankle, but he was stoic until he finished the race.
3. The pungent smell of the trash can attracted flies.
4. Zack felt the desolation of the abandoned amusement park.
5. Peter went meandering through the woods and got terribly lost.
6. The urchins pickpocketed from rich gentlemen.
The year after Maniac rus away from his aunt and uncle’s house is called “The Lost Year”. What do you think is the most appropriate title for Maniac’s time following Grayson’s death and why? A Little Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 58 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 30 - 34
Multiple Choice
1. Where does Grayson 2. What is in the paper move to in Chapter 30? bag in Chapter 31?
(a) The buffalo pen. (a) All of Maniac’s possessions. (b) The woods. (b) Seed to feed the birds. (c) The deer shed. (c) A brand new baseball. (d) The baseball room. (d) A scarf for the baby buffalo.
Short Answer 3. What does Maniac do the day he discovers Grayson has died?
Example - Maniac reads books and cries himself to sleep that night.
Long Answer
4. Describe the Christmas gifts Grayson and Maniac give each other in Chapter 31.
Example - Maniac gives Grayson a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a homemade book called “The Man Who Struck Out Willie Mays.” Grayson gives Maniac butterscotch Krimpets, a new baseball, and Grayson’s old, worn glove from his Minor League days.
In Chapter 32, Maniac loses Grayson. This is a difficult and sad time for Maniac. On the other side of this paper, write a paragraph describing a A Little time when you lost something or someone special to you.
Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 59 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 35 - 39
Which Word? On the provided lines, write the matching vocabulary word for each definition.
nonchalantly perilous forlorn marooned exuberance ludicrous
1. A show of excitement and enthusiasm. exuberance
2. In a cool, calm and relaxed way. nonchalantly
3. To be foolish or ridiculous. ludicrous
4. Full of risk or danger. perilous
5. Trapped. marooned
6. Lonely and sad. forlorn
Making Sentences - Answers will vary. Make a sentence for each word below.
1. Nonchalantly: ______
2. Perilous: ______
3. Forlorn: ______
4. Marooned: ______
5. Exuberance: ______
6. Ludicrous: ______
Word association - write down the first thing you think of when you read each of the following vocabulary words: Answers will vary. A Little Perilous - ______Extra! Exuberance - ______Ludicrous - ______
Maniac Magee 60 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 35 - 39
Multiple Choice
1. How often do Piper 2. How does Maniac win and Russell run away? the race in Chapter 38?
(a) Every other day. (a) On one leg. (b) Every other week. (b) Just barely. (c) Every month. (c) Backwards. (d) Every year. (d) With a huge lead.
Short Answer 3. In Chapter 39, why does the McNab family make a pillbox in their living room?
Example - They are preparing for the East Enders to revolt and storm the house.
Long Answer
4. How is John McNab’s house described in Chapter 35?
Example - The house is smelly and dirty. As Maniac arrives, the dog is seen peeing on the floor. There is garbage all over the house. A partially dissected bird is on the kitchen table. The refrigerator only has beer and mustard in it. There is a hole in the ceiling, so you can jump down from the second story. Maniac thinks roaches are raisins at first.
The feats that the McNab brothers encourage Maniac to attempt help him forget his sadness. Describe ways you cheer yourself up when you are sad.
A Little Answers will vary. Extra!
Maniac Magee 61 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 40 - 44
Match Up Match the vocabulary words with their synonyms!
prodded • • track gauntlet • • fantasy seething • • urged illusion • • fuming trestle • • immense vast • • challenge
Best Word Circle the word which works best in each sentence.
1. Joey ( prodded / gauntlet ) his best friend to join the basketball team.
2. Ray spiked up his hair to create the ( trestle / illusion ) that he had gotten taller.
3. At the concert I had to pass through a ( seething / gauntlet ) of rowdy audience members to get to the bathroom.
4. Mae set up a ( vast / trestle ) for her model train to run across.
5. Jaden was ( seething / illusion ) after his parents grounded him.
6. Jill loves to listen to the sounds that echo back to her in the ( vast / prodded ) cavern.
At the end of Chapter 42, Mars Bar and the McNabs find themselves in an angry confrontation. The onlookers are described as having “seething eyes,” because they are so angry. Describe a time in your life when you felt A Little you were seething with anger. Extra! Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 62 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 40 - 44
Multiple Choice
1. Why do the brothers track 2. Who does Maniac bring with down Maniac in Chapter 40? him to the party in Chapter 41?
(a) To save Russell. (a) Amanda. (b) To untie knots. (b) Mars Bar. (c) To invite him to Piper’s birthday party. (c) Grayson. (d) To get their weekly pizza. (d) One of the Pickwells.
Short Answer 3. Why does Maniac get mad and yell at Piper and Russell in Chapter 40?
Example - The boys use Grayson’s glove as a football.
Long Answer
4. What is Maniac’s birthday present for Piper in Chapter 41? When will he give it to Piper?
Example - Maniac has a compass for Piper. The boys can only have it if they go to school every day for the rest of the year.
In Chapter 43, we learn that early morning is Maniac’s favorite time of day. What is your favorite time of day and why? A Little Answers will vary. Extra!
Maniac Magee 63 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Vocabulary Study - Answer Key Chapters 45 - 46
Match Up Match the words in the left column to their definitions in the right column.
groggled • • made louder hoarse • • appeared as a large shadowy form amplified • • a rough or gravelly sound loomed • • named patterns of stars constellations • • twisting suddenly and violently wrenching • • dazed and tired
Fill in the Blank Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the provided vocabulary.
groggled loomed hoarse constellations amplified wrenching
1. The figure thatloomed in the field turned out to be a scarecrow.
2. Jimmy tried to name all of the constellations in the night sky.
3. I had to make a speech today even though I’m sick and my voice is hoarse.
4. Wrenching the candy bar out of his big brother’s hands, Eugene ran off to eat it by himself.
5. Ben woke up groggled even though he got a full night’s sleep.
6. She spoke into a microphone so her voice would be amplified.
At the end of Chapter 45, Maniac uses a simile to describe his problems. A Little Find the simile and write it below: Extra! “If there were answers, they were as far away as the constellations.”
Maniac Magee 64 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Understanding the Story - Answer Key Chapters 45 - 46
Multiple Choice
1. In Chapter 46, who wakes 2. What does Amanda change Maniac up in the buffalo pen? Mars Bar’s name to in Chapter 46?
(a) The superintendent. (a) Almond Joy. (b) McNab. (b) Twix. (c) Amanda. (c) Snickers. (d) Russell and Piper. (d) Milky Way.
Short Answer 3. Where does Maniac move to at the end of Chapter 46?
Example - Maniac moves back to Amanda’s house.
Long Answer
4. Describe Russell’s rescue in Chapter 45.
Example - Piper runs to get Maniac to rescue Russell. When Maniac notices that Russell is on the trolley trestle, he leaves. Piper screams after him. He asks Mars Bar to rescue Russell. Russell won’t let go of Mars Bar, so Mars Bar takes the boys to his house. They don’t want to leave. They play and eat at his house until Mars Bar’s dad drives them home that night.
Amanda seems angry at Maniac at the end of the book, but is she actually angry? How do you know?
A Little Example - She is angry, but she is still Maniac’s friend and proves this by insisting he live with her. She is really just concerned about her Extra! friend and is trying the “tough love” approach.
Maniac Magee 65 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______
Time for a Test! - Answer Key Maniac Magee
Part A – Multiple Choice
1. In Chapter 2, what 2. Who is the first person 3. What do little kids bring does Maniac say to the to stop and talk to Maniac to Maniac in Chapter 15? people he runs past? in Chapter 3?
(a) “Hi.” (a) Amanda Beale. (a) Pizza. (b) “Out of the way!” (b) McNab. (b) Knots to untie. (c) “Talk!” (c) Grayson. (c) Butterscotch Krimpets. (d) He doesn’t say anything. (d) Mars Bar. (d) Books.
4. What is the homemade 5. Who finds Maniac 6. In Chapter 22, what confetti in Chapter 21 outside of the buffalo does Maniac ask made of? exhibit in Chapter 22? Grayson for?
(a) Homework. (a) Grayson. (a) Pizza. (b) Newspaper. (b) McNab. (b) Books. (c) Amanda’s Encyclopedia A. (c) Amanda. (c) Butterscotch Krimpets. (d) Napkins. (d) Mars Bar. (d) To return to the buffaloes.
7. What kind of music 8. In Chapter 34, how does 9. In Chapter 35, makes up Grayson’s Maniac get Russell and what does Maniac record collection? Piper back to Two Mills? think might be a rat?
(a) Jazz. (a) With butterscotch Krimpets. (a) A mouse. (b) Polka. (b) A visit to the buffalo. (b) A cobra. (c) Christmas carols. (c) Pizza. (c) A box turtle. (d) Rock ‘n’ roll. (d) A compass. (d) A roach.
Maniac Magee 66 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Time for a Test! - Answer Key Maniac Magee
Part B – Short Answer
1. What makes Maniac different from the other kids in the East End of woT Mills?
Example - Maniac is different because he is an orphan with no home. He is also white and the kids in the East End of Two Mills are African American.
2. Why does Maniac feel like he should leave the Beale house even though he is happy living there?
Example - Maniac feels like he should leave, and ultimately does, because some people in the East End do not want him there because he is white. Someone writes a derogatory term on the Beales’ house about Maniac and someone steals Amanda’s book which he blames himself for. Maniac does not want to cause trouble for the Beales, so he leaves.
3. Describe the relationship between Maniac and one of the following characters: Grayson, Amanda, Mars Bar.
Answers will vary.
Part C – Long Answer
1. Maniac faces many obstacles throughout the story. Describe one obstacle Maniac faces and how he overcomes it.
Answers will vary.
2. At the very beginning of the story, the narrator explains that there is a legend that surrounds Maniac. After reading the story, do you think he lives up to his legendary status? Why or why not?
Answers will vary.
Maniac Magee 67 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Before Reading
Title of Book:
Author of Book:
Have you read anything by this author before? If so, what was it?
Look at the front cover. What hints do you think it gives about the story?
Read the back cover. What do you learn about the story from the back cover?
Based on the front and back covers, do you want to read this book? Why or why not?
Maniac Magee 68 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Who is Jerry Spinelli? Use the internet and other resources to research the author of Maniac Magee, Jerry Spinelli. Before Researching
1. What do you already know about Jerry Spinelli?
2. What do you want to find out about Jerry Spinelli?
After Researching
3. What have you learned from your research?
4. Where did you get your information?
Maniac Magee 69 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______My Character Chart Draw a picture and record important information about each important character as you read the text.
Maniac Magee 70 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______My Character Chart (Cont’d)
Maniac Magee 71 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Making Predictions Can you predict the future? What do you think will happen next in the story? Write down two predictions inside the crystal balls. Revisit this page later to answer the last question.
Why do you think this will happen?
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Why do you think this will happen?
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Did any of your predictions come true? What ended up happening in the story? ______
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Maniac Magee 72 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Plot Mountain A story’s plot is made up of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and conclusion. After you’ve finished readingManiac Magee, fill in the spaces below. 3. Climax The most exciting and emotional part of the story.
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2. Rising Action 4. Falling Action The things that happen to push The events that happened the story forward as we head during the climax are dealt with. toward the climax.
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1. Exposition 5. Conclusion We learn background information about the The story comes to an end. story’s characters, setting, and basic plot.
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Maniac Magee 73 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Story Timeline Fill in the plot timeline by deciding on the most important plot points of Maniac Magee and recording them in the order they happen.
Beginning 1
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End
Maniac Magee 74 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______What is Conflict? Conflict refers to the problems and challenges that make stories interesting and move plots along. Conflict is an important part of any story. Below are some of the different conflict types you may encounter as you read.
Man Versus Man Man Versus Nature Two or more characters A character struggles against struggle against each other. a force of nature such as the weather or an animal.
Man Versus Society Man Versus Self A character struggles against A character struggles a part of society such as a to overcome his or her company, religion, school, etc. own weaknesses.
Look for some examples of conflict inManiac Magee and add them to the chart below.
Example of Conflict Type of Conflict ______
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Maniac Magee 75 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Story Setting The setting is the time and/or place in which a story happens.
1. Describe the setting of Maniac Magee. When and where does it take place?
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2. Draw a picture of a setting described in the story.
3. Explain what you have drawn above.
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Maniac Magee 76 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______What is a Theme? The theme a central topic or idea of a story. A story can have one or more themes. Some examples of themes are acceptance, cooperation, bravery and determination. What do you think one theme of Maniac Magee is?
One theme of Maniac Magee is...
Find three examples from the book that supports this as one of the themes.
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2.______
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Maniac Magee 77 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Problem Solving An important part of any story is the problem which the main character faces. Write down the main problem faced in Maniac Magee below, then brainstorm some possible solutions to the problem.
Solution Idea 1 Solution Idea 2
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The Main Problem of the Story
Solution Idea 3 Solution Idea 4
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Maniac Magee 78 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Cause and Effect An action or development in a story is the ‘cause’. The result of the action or development is the ‘effect’. Find some examples of cause and effect inManiac Magee and record them below. Cause
Effect
Cause
Effect Cause
Effect
Maniac Magee 79 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Character Types In fictional stories, there are many different types of characters that play different roles. Read about different character types below, and decide which character fromManiac Magee fits each character type. (Some characters may fit more than one character type).
Major Characters Minor Characters Major characters play a big part in the story. Minor characters pop up to help (or hurt) They influence the plot and take part in solving the story’s major characters. the main problem of the story. Example(s) from the book: Example(s) from the book:
The Protagonist The Antagonist The protagonist is the main character of The antagonist is the character the story. Stories are often told from their (or characters) who causes problems point of view. for the protagonist. Example(s) from the book: Example(s) from the book:
Dynamic Characters Static Characters Dynamic characters change through the story, Static characters do not change. Their usually because they overcome a challenge personalities and attitudes are the same at the which makes them grow as a person. end of the story as they were at the beginning. Example(s) from the book: Example(s) from the book:
Round Characters Flat Characters Round characters have complicated Flat characters don’t have complicated personalities and more than one character trait. personalities. Readers know them by only one character trait. Example(s) from the book: Example(s) from the book:
Maniac Magee 80 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Character Map Write a different character name in each bubble below. Then, draw different styles of lines in different colors (as shown in the Relationship Key) to show the relationships between each character.
Relationship Key
Friends Classmates/Co-workers Family Teacher/Boss Enemies Other
Maniac Magee 81 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Facts and Opinions
A fact is something that is proven to be true. An example of a fact is, “The month after July is August”. An opinion is a feeling or belief about something. An example of an opinion is, “July is the best month of the year!” In the spaces below, record four facts and four opinions about Maniac Magee.
1.______F ______A 2.______C 3.______
T ______
S 4. ______
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O 1.______P ______I 2.______N ______I 3.______O ______
N 4. ______
S ______
Maniac Magee 82 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Persuasive Writing To be persuasive is to be good at convincing people to think a certain way. Write a persuasive passage in which you try to convince your readers that they should either read or not read Maniac Magee. Make sure to include reasons for why you think the story is good or bad using examples from the text. For example, if you tell your readers that the story is funny, tell them about something funny that happens in the book.
With this passage, what do you hope to persuade your readers to do?
Read this book! Don’t read this book!
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Maniac Magee 83 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Quotation Quest Skim the novel and write down three favorite quotations, or quotations you think are important to the story.
Quotation:______
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Why I chose this quotation: ______
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Quotation:______
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Why I chose this quotation: ______
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Quotation:______
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Why I chose this quotation: ______
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Maniac Magee 84 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Character Comparison Choose two characters from Maniac Magee and compare them to each other. What are their similarities and what are their differences?
Character 1 Character 2
The similarities these characters share
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The differences between these characters
Character 1 Character 2
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Maniac Magee 85 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______Story Comparison Compare Maniac Magee to another story you have read. What are their similarities and what are their differences?
______Maniac Magee ______
The similarities these stories share
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The differences between these stories
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Maniac Magee 86 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Date:______My Life - Making Connections In the spaces below, make comparisons between your life and the life of a character of your choosing from Maniac Magee.
Character Name: ______Similarities
Differences
Maniac Magee 87 © The Book Umbrella Name:______Reading Log Record information about the books you read on this chart.
© The Book Umbrella Common Core State Standards
This novel study is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (U.S.)
Grade 4 RL4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RL4.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text. RL4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions). RL4.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean). L4.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. L4.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Grade 5 RL5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RL5.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL5.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on spe- cific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact). RL5.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. L5.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 5 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. L5.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Grade 6 RL.6.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RL.6.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments. RL.6.3 Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. RL.6.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone RL.6.5 Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot. L.6.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. L.6.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. L.6.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. Novel Study
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
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