Maniac Magee – Conflict

I’m teaching characterization using Jerry Spinelli’s novel, Maniac Magee. I will focus on the theme of conflict by analyzing the way Maniac interacts with different characters, specifically his “enemies” Mars Bar Thompson and Giant John McNab. At the end of the unit, I could utilize the conversation surrounding Martin Luther King Jr., which explores the idea that through kindness, love, and selfless actions, we have the power to turn conflict into companionship.