Identity in Maniac Magee
This book would be very interesting for any young reader because
it represents the confusion that every child faces. In reality we
all have two or more identities just like Jeffrey/Maniac had and we all
must battle through them in order to find a place we are comfortable.
People, especially young children going into adolescence, experience a
conflict about who they really are. They may portray one identity
to the outside world and another identity on the inside. Adolescents do
not always enjoy the reputation they have established for themselves on
the outside and like Jeffrey seek the security of understanding and acceptance.
Usually, most people do not have the exotic reputation that Maniac held
but I think that somewhere inside, each one of us knows what it is like
to want to be Jeffrey.
- Jill Schleder, November 19, 1999
Page designed and maintained by:
A. Waller Hastings
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Last updated: February 10, 2000