Parents' Guide to

The Meaning of Maggie

By Joanna H. Kraus, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Girl comes to terms with dad's illness in relatable tale.

Book Megan Jean Severn Contemporary Fiction 2014
The Meaning of Maggie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Mr_McNeil_
Mr_McNeil_ Adult
September 30, 2020
age 9+

A Modern Classic

Being a kid in the 90's makes me really appreciate this novel a lot. The author weaves pop culture into this upper elementary novel seamlessly. This novel tackles the very serious issues of chronic health problems and the impact it can have on a family. This is definitely a great book to read with a parent, teacher, or book club. The character development and plot will make this is classroom classic.
Ruth S.
Ruth S. Parent
April 3, 2018
age 13+

9+? Gah!

I recently read aloud this to my daughters, and it includes people spooning (making out on the couch, sleeping together on the family couch). Would have been better if Common Sense prepared us more for this. It defiantly needs a 3/5 for sex--at least!
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What's the Story?

Maggie's a super achiever, often student of the month and champion of last year's school science fair. But now her super-cool dad is in a wheelchair, has had to leave his job, and her mom has had to go to work. But Maggie doesn't understand why, and no one will explain. When she discovers that her father has multiple sclerosis, she naively resolves to "fix it." On her 12th birthday, her dad's rushed to the hospital. As painful as this is, she finally accepts the knowledge that the problem's not going to go away and that she and her family will face it bravely.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (2 ):

In THE MEANING OF MAGGIE, author Megan Jean Sovern has taken a difficult topic and made it accessible. Told from Maggie's point of view in the guise of a memoir of her past year, the story's filled with warmth, humor, and a loving, caring family. It will engage readers who appreciate a spunky, temperamental protagonist, and will resonate especially those who've experienced a disability within their family and must confront it with courage.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can discuss how a family member's disability has an impact on the entire family. Has anyone in your family come down with an illness and become disabled? How did it make you feel?

  • Using media resources, investigate how scientists have discovered a way to stop the spread of a specific disease or even to cure it. How did they conduct research and experiments? How long did the process take? What would you like to find a cure for?

  • Start to keep a journal. Include your thoughts about friends, school, the place where you live, your own triumphs and disasters and your wishes for the year(s) ahead.

Book Details

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