A Review of What Would Joey Do?
Jack Gantos' Grand Finale in the Joey Pigza Series
Join Joey as he deals with a series of traumatic events and learns to take care of himself as he looks out for others.
Playing off the popular What Would Jesus Do? theme Jack Gantos’ grand finale in the Joey Pigza trilogy both asks and answers a life-altering question – What would Joey do? Readers will at once find themselves surprised, delighted and even amazed at what Joey does and why he does it.
The Evolution of Joey Pigza
From plastic surgeon in Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key to baseball all-star in Joey Pigza Loses Control the lovable, effervescent Joey has been there and done it all. Now he finds himself to be the most mature member of his family. Thanks to regulated medication Joey begins not only to make good decisions, but also to base those decisions on what is best for others.
What does Joey do? He loves. Joey is compassionate and strongly desires to help those around him to find the best in life, which of course gets him in loads of trouble. Although his intentions are noble, Joey evolves into a doormat, putting everyone else’s needs before his own to the extent that it becomes harmful to him and everyone around him. Joey must learn to balance caring for others while also looking out for himself.
Faces New and Old
Once again readers will giggle at the antics of Joey and his faithful sidekick, Pablo, and they’ll shake their heads at grandma, yet love her all the same. Joey’s dad also returns to the scene, once again wreaking havoc with Joey’s mom. The out-of-control pair become so absorbed in hating each other that they forget they even have a child.
Mrs. Lapp and her daughter, Olivia, waltz into Joey’s world during his most traumatic season. Most of the time, they add to the stress. Mrs. Lapp hovers over Olivia, who is blind. Olivia spews venom at every turn, suffering from a hateful disposition brought on by her mother’s smothering. Through the course of the book Joey and Olivia become unlikely friends and accomplices. Although not the star of What Would Joey Do? Olivia effectively portrays the frustrations of children with physical disabilities and their overly protective parents.
A Ten-Tissue Read
During the course of the story Grandma informs Joey that disasters usually come in sevens, and Gantos proves her right. What Would Joey Do? is a very emotional conclusion to the Joey trilogy. Tissues in large supply are recommended, mostly for teachers, parents and other adults who find their way through the pages of Joey’s final chapters. Most grown ups will label the story a tragedy. Sadly, lots of kids simply call it life. Gantos’ fiction is many children’s reality.
The End?
Readers from nine to seventy-nine will clamor for more of Joey Pigza the minute they finish the final chapter. However, Gantos was smart in ending his work after the third book. In so doing, he allows each reader to continue the tale of Joey within the context of his or her own life circumstances. The story of Joey Pigza will continue to be written by hyperactive, conflicted, forgiving, despairing, frustrated, good-hearted, misguided kids for many years to come. He will give them hope, and in return they will write him a happy ending by living one themselves.
Be sure to check out the first two installments of life with Joey Pigza in Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key and Joey Pigza Loses Control.
What Would Joey Do?
By Jack Gantos
Copyright 2003 by Jack Gantos
ISBN: 0-06-054403-1
