The following sites can be used to support and enrich the Book Club unit for Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.

Learn More About the Setting of the Novel

• Valley Forge National Historic Park – Information about the park is provided by the National Park Service.
• Valley Forge History Site – A wealth of information about the events and important people of the Revolutionary War period is presented in a way that is both factual and interesting. The topics covered are far too numerous to list and are all easily accessed and enjoyed by students.
• Schuylkill River – A photograph of the river, a description of its path, and a discussion of its importance are a few of the specific details about the Schuylkill River that can be found on or accessed from this site.

Find Out More About Events in the Characters' Lives

• P & W High Speed Line – This site focuses on various P & W trolley cars and their lines. The text is very informative and is accompanied by photographs of the various cars, including one positioned on a high truss bridge over the Schuylkill River.
• Minor League Baseball – The various leagues and their classifications are given as well as the teams belonging to each league. Other information, such as press releases, schedules, and lists of all-star players, can be found on this official site of minor league baseball.
• Children's Crusade – Visitors can read a brief explanation of the Children's Crusade of 1212.
• Untangling the Mathematics of Knots – Many ideas about knots are presented here, including the mathematics of knots, how to make them, and other activities related to them.

Read Theme-Related Literature

• "The Death of the Hired Man" by Robert Frost – This poem explores the concept of home, inviting intertextual connections with Maniac Magee.
• "Meditation XVII" by John Donne – This meditation on the interconnectedness of all people has resonance with the themes of family and community. "No man is an island. . . . Never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee."

Meet the Author

• Jerry Spinelli – Visitors find a biography, a photograph of the author, a question and answer segment that explores his writing style and source of inspiration, and short descriptions of some of his books. There is also an audio file that can be downloaded.
• In His Own Words – Jerry Spinelli describes the path that led him to become a writer of books for young adults.