Here’s a playlist for the book Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli!
Song 1: That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Gladys Knight.
That’s What Friends Are For relates to Maniac Magee because it demonstrates the friendship between Maniac, Amanda, Mars, John, and Grayson. As he travels to Two Mills he meets and grows closer to all of them through many adventures.
Song 2: Umbrella by Rihanna
This song is about how these two people will stick together no matter whatever they go through. I think this really relates to how Maniac’s friendship develops throughout the story and how they will always help each other and be by one anothers side.
Song 3: My Town by Montgomery Gentry
I think this song almost perfectly represents how Maniac Magee thought about Two Mills. Maniac ran away and came across Two Mills, a town where he was able to meet many people and have a place to finally call home.
Song 4: I’ll Be There by Jackson 5
I’ll Be There is a song where the Jacksons sing all they will do to be present for each other. It can also correlate to how Maniac, his friends, and Two Mills will always be there for each other no matter what happens.
Song 5: The Power of Equality by Red Hot Chili Peppers
As the title suggests this song is all about how everyone should be equal no matter their races. Which was a big problem in Two Mills that Maniac and his friends will have to fix so there is no division in the town.
Song 6: Marching on Ferguson by Tom Morello
Here is another song about equality of how everyone should stand together to fight for equality. This can also be connected to Maniac Magee for how the people of Two Mills were able to put aside their differences to become united.
By, Miguel Candelaria