In Maniac Magee, the focus of naming and identity tie into the theme of home and fitting in. When Maniac is at the Beales, he feels that he has a home, and when he is home he is Jeffrey. "Jeffrey Magee," the name, is all he has left of his parents. Outside of the home he is "Maniac," a nickname he does not want that other children do. Just as Mars Bar and Giant John needed identity outside of the home, Jeffrey needed an identity inside the home. This identity he needs ties into home so that can feel secure and that he "belongs" somewhere.