In the book Muggie Maggie, cursive writing represents rules and norms favored by adults that are rejected or misunderstood by children. The adults and authority figures in the story, such as Maggie’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Schultz; her teacher, Mrs. Leeper; and her principal, Mr. Galloway, all know how to read and write in cursive and believe that it is important for Maggie to learn it, too. Mrs. Leeper calls cursive writing “a big step in growing up” (8), and though Maggie believes this isn’t true, she’s also frustrated that she is seen as immature for not embracing the task.

While the adults value this traditional knowledge, Maggie is unsure of why she needs to learn it and how it could be useful. Maggie tries to undermine cursive writing—and her parents’ and teacher’s authority—by questioning its usefulness: “‘But I can write print, or I can use the computer,’ said Maggie, arguing mostly just to be arguing” (8). Maggie rejects this part of grown-up culture until she herself has a reason to learn it. Once Maggie works at acquiring cursive knowledge, she quickly adapts to its rules and even uses them to critique her own parents’ work.