Maniac Magee Overview

Questions and Answers

On what part of the railroad was Jeffrey running when the Pickwell kids saw him?

Maniac was on the steel rail.

How did Jeffrey become known as Maniac Magee?

When other kids would talk about him, they would refer to him as a 'maniac.'

Why was Jeffrey sent to live with his aunt and uncle?

His parents died in a train wreck.

Who was the first person who stopped and spoke to Jeffrey?

Amanda Beale who went to school in the East End. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Mars Bar confused when Maniac took a bite of the candy bar?

Because white kids never put their mouths where black kids had put theirs, and Mars Bar did not know what to think of Maniac for doing that. Signup and view all the answers

What was 'The Lost Year'?

The year that it took Jeffrey to get from Hollidaysburg to Two Mills when it should have only taken him about a week. Signup and view all the answers

What type of pitch did McNab always throw?

McNab always threw a fastball. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'finsterwallies'?

Finsterwallies are when your body is trembling from fright. Signup and view all the answers

What did Maniac do when Mars Bar offered him a bite of his candy bar?

Maniac took a bite of it. Signup and view all the answers

How was Jeffrey able to eat spaghetti at the Pickwells' house?

He blended in with the other 10 Pickwell kids, and each kid thought he was one of the other one's friend. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jeffrey Magee's Background

Jeffrey Magee, known as Maniac, ran along the steel rail of the railroad, which is where the Pickwell kids first saw him.
He became known as "Maniac Magee" because other children described him as a maniac due to his adventurous and fearless acts.
Jeffrey was sent to live with his aunt and uncle after losing his parents in a tragic train wreck.

Key Relationships

Amanda Beale was the first person to approach and speak to Jeffrey; she was a student from the East End.
Maniac shocked Mars Bar by taking a bite of his candy bar, breaking the social norms between black and white kids at the time.

Significant Events

"The Lost Year" refers to the time it took Jeffrey to travel from Hollidaysburg to Two Mills, which should have taken only about a week; the delay remained a mystery to everyone.
McNab, a character in the story, is known for always throwing a fastball in baseball games.

Emotional Themes

"Finsterwallies" describe the physical reaction of trembling from fear, reflecting the emotional struggles faced by characters like Maniac.
During his stay at the Pickwells' house, Jeffrey managed to fit in with the ten other Pickwell siblings, allowing him to enjoy a meal without drawing attention to himself.

Description

Explore the life of Jeffrey Magee, affectionately known as Maniac, who captured the imagination of kids with his audacious adventures and his journey from tragedy to triumph. This quiz delves into his key relationships, significant events, and the emotional themes woven throughout the story.