Maniac Magee Friendship Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Two days later, while playing pepper in the Legion infield, the old man said to the kid, "So why don't you go ahead and teach me how to read?" (26.22)

Who do you trust with your biggest secrets? Probably not the random dude you sit next to on the bus. Big secrets are reserved for true friends. Maniac gets to teach Grayson how to read because Grayson truly trusts him.

Quote #5

As for Maniac, he understood early on that he was being used for the greater glory of Piper and Russell. (37.9)

"Used" is a word that generally has very little to do with friendship. So what's the deal here? Is Maniac friends with Russell and Piper? Something more? Something less?

Quote #6

Why did I do it? was all Maniac could think. He hadn't even realized it till he crossed the line, and he regretted it instantly. Wasn't it enough just to win? Did he have to disgrace his opponent as well? Had he done it deliberately, to pay back Mars Bar for all his nastiness? (38.34)

So maybe Mars and Maniac weren't friends just yet, but we'll admit to being disappointed in Maniac here. At the same time, it's nice to know he's not totally perfect.