REDICTION What do you think this story is going to be about?

Maniac Magee
Theme 4 Lesson 17

Realistic Fiction
Has characters and events that are like people and events in real life. Look for a plot with beginning, middle , and end. Look for a main character who faces a problem.

Vocabulary Words

publicize
make something generally known: to make something generally known or known to a group, typically by advertising When would you publicize something?

distraction
1. something that diverts attention: something that interferes with concentration or takes attention away from something else 2. amusement: something providing entertainment or amusement, especially something that takes the mind off work or worries and helps relaxation 3. emotional upset: a state of great mental upset or emotional intensity Those pop-up Internet ads drive me to distraction. What kinds of things are a distraction in your life?

testimony
1. evidence given in court: evidence that a witness gives to a court of law. It may take the form of a written or oral statement detailing what the witness has seen or knows about a case. 2. proof: something that supports a fact or a claim This win is testimony to the tactical skill of the coach. When would you need to give a testimony?

grimy
covered with grime: heavily ingrained with accumulated dirt or soot When would a person be covered with grime?

foresight
ability to think ahead: the ability to envision possible future problems or obstacles 2. premonition: an act or instance of knowing something beforehand 3. looking forward: the act of looking forward 4. reading taken in surveying: in surveying, an observation or measurement made looking forward When would using foresight be important?

faint
1. dim: not bright, clear, or loud 2. unenthusiastic: done feebly and without conviction damned the new book with faint praise 3. dizzy: dizzy or weak, as if about to become unconscious All of a sudden he felt faint. 4. slight: remote or slight a faint chance Would things be faint if you were looking through a dirty window?

contortions
1. twisted shape or position: a twisting of something, especially a part of the body, out of its natural shape 2. complex maneuver: a bewilderingly complex maneuvering or manipulation of something verbal contortions Have you ever seen something that was contorted?

Pg.446-447
How is Maniac Magee like a normal boy? How is he different? He looks like a normal boy, but he can outrun anyone, is allergic to pizza, and can untie tricky knots.

From what point of view is this story told? How do you know? Read page 440 . Third person omniscient; the narrator is not a character in the story and tells about the ideas of more that one character.

Do you predict Maniac Magee will be able to untangle Cobbles Knot?

Pg 448-449
What details does the author include to make Amanda and Maniac Magee seem like realistic characters? They speak casually and joke around with one another, which is the way most kids their age act with their friends. What simile does the author use to describe the Knot? What does this tell you about the Knot? As friendly as a nest of yellow jackets; hard as a rock. Its appearance makes people not want to approach it. It is hard and solid

How does Maniac Magee feel about the knot? How do you know? He is interested in conquering the knot. The author also says that Maniac Magee has finally found a worthy opponent. How do you know what Maniac Magee and Amanda are doing so far? What point of view is this? How do you know? This is third person omniscient point of view because the story is told by an outside observer and tells what both characters are thinking.

Pg.450-451 Describe what is happening in the second paragraph on page 450 from Maniac Magees point of view. Possible response: I poked and picked at the Knot. I didnt pull it or yank it. Why do you think spectators are getting anxious for Maniac Magee to untie the knot? The children think that because he is able to quickly untie their knots, Maniac Magees reputation and think that he should be able to undo the knot easily.

What do Maniac Magees actions reveal about his personality? He seems to be a thoughtful person who takes his time when working towards a goal. He doesnt let anything or anyone disrupt his concentration or hurry him.

pg.452 - 453 Why does the crowd applaud when Maniac Magee finds the end? Finding the end of the string is the first step towards untangling the knot. How is Maniac Magees working on the Knot affecting Cobbles Corner? Maniac Magee is attracting a large crowd of people , so the pizza shop is selling a lot of food. Do you think Maniac Magee will untie the knot?

Pg .454-455
How does the author let the readers know that Maniac Magee has untangled the Knot without directly stating it? He says that Cobbles Knot was dead. Undone. Gone. And he was given a certificate for a years pizza, which is the prize for untangling the Knot.

What theme is suggested by Maniac Magee untying the knot?

By being patient and persistent, you can solve the problem.