Chapters 16-21 main ideas and understandings

1. Maniac Part 3
Chapters 16-21

2. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls are large waterfalls that are on the border between
New York and Ontario, Canada.

3. A prairie dog
A prairie dog is a member of the squirrel family. This rodent
lives in underground burrows chiefly in the central and
western United States.

4. The Wonders of the World
The Wonders of the World are seven works of art and
architecture regarded by ancient Greek and Roman observers
to be the most outstanding structures of antiquity. Included
among them are the Pyramids of Egypt and the Hanging
Gardens of Babylon.

5. Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, a German-American physicist, developed the
theory of relativity. He is considered to be the most well-
known scientist of the 20th century.

6. Yellow jackets
Yellow jackets are small wasps that can sting painfully and
repeatedly.

7. Vocabulary
veering—changing direction
vacant—empty or unoccupied
propel—to drive forward
hibernating—being inactive or dormant
slithered—slid like a snake
incredible—unbelievable
contortion—twisted expression
pitiful—deserving sympathy
opponent—one with an opposite position in a contest
distraction—something that takes your attention away from what
you’re doing

8. Questions to Think About
1. Why do people begin to dislike Maniac?
2. Does Maniac continue to live with Amanda and
her family?
3. Does Amanda help Maniac become more
popular?
4. Is Amanda helped or hurt by her association with
Maniac?
5. Why does Maniac leave town?

9. Some literary devices
used in this section:
Theme
p. 60 "You move on now, Whitey."
p.66 "You can't get a library card without an address."
p.76 Between the curbs, smack dab down the center....
Simile
p.59 the fire hydrant..was gushing like Niagara Falls
p.70 Cobble's Knot was about as friendly as a nest of yellowjackets
p.71 His eyes lit up like flashbulbs
Mood
p.59 created by sensory language - Cool. Wet.Screaming. Happy.
Onomatopoeia
p.62 The water thundered across the silent street.

10. Metaphor
p.73 a volcano of cheers