Maniac Magee

About this book

Jeffrey "Maniac" Magee, a legendary orphan runner, crosses the racial divide of a fictional Pennsylvania town. Spinelli's Newbery Medal novel is widely assigned in 5th-7th grade for its approachable take on race relations and homelessness.

Where this book is assigned

• Common Core State Standards (ELA)

  • recommended· 5th gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 4-5 Newbery Medal
  • recommended· 6th grade · Pennsylvaniasource: PA Core Standards — Pennsylvania-set novel

Similar grade-level books

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  The Giver
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• 
  The Diary of a Young Girl
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• 
  The House on Mango Street
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Common questions

What grade level is Maniac Magee?

Maniac Magee is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 4–7, with a Lexile measure of 820L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

What is the Lexile level of Maniac Magee?

Maniac Magee has a Lexile measure of 820L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.

What curricula assign Maniac Magee?

Maniac Magee appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is Maniac Magee banned in schools?

Maniac Magee does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.

What themes does Maniac Magee explore?

Central themes in Maniac Magee include race, homelessness, family, legend and reality, prejudice. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.