Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Maniac Magee, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Myth, Reality, and Heroism
Racism
Love, Loss, and Home
Human Dignity, Connection, and Community
Summary
Analysis
Maniac smooths out the crumpled page of Amanda’s book and wonders how he can give it back to her in this condition. Eventually he runs into Mars Bar again, this time with other kids. They slowly back him up against a brick wall, demanding the book. Just then Maniac hears Amanda calling his name. She walks her bike over and demands to know who ripped her book. When Mars Bar tries to blame it on Maniac, Amanda doesn’t believe him. She kicks his prized sneakers while yelling that dealing with her little siblings is bad enough; she won’t have anybody else messing with her books. Mars Bar runs away, to the mocking laughter of some high school kids. Amanda sadly examines the crumpled page, but Maniac promises they can fix it. She invites him over, and he accepts.
Amanda shows that she has an open mind about Maniac—she gives him the benefit of the doubt and doesn’t assume he’s to blame for Mars Bar’s misdeed. Her invitation home is a further proof of her kindness and her own willingness to cross boundaries for the sake of possible friendship.
Themes
