Jodi's Classroom Favorites
A collection of my favorite picture, short story, and chapter books that I hope to house in my classroom library!
Maniac Magee
Maniac Magee is such a rich text. I remember reading this book in the fourth grade and falling in love with the characters! This book is intended for an older audience. The messages throughout touch on homelessness, racism, and death. I know that young readers will connect with Maniac, from his knot detangling abilities to his football skills - kids will want to know him! There are many excellent activities to accompany this title, but I love this one from Scholastic! Students are challenged to write a recipe for Maniac Magee based on the authors formula of "one part fact, two parts legend, and three parts snowball."
Writing activity: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/maniac-magee-extension-activities/
Guided Reading - W
Lexile - 820L
DRA - 60
AR - 4.7