Read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
A Review of Jack Gantos' Hilarious, Heart-Warming Tale
Meet Joey Pigza, a lovable,exuberant boy who suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). His antics will make you laugh; his struggles will make you cry
Joey Pigza possesses good intentions and a heart of gold, but neither helps him make good choices. His Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-affected brain works against him every time. In his first book in a series of three starring the effervescent Joey Pigza, Jack Gantos invites young readers to befriend the boy with the infectious personality who simply cannot calm down.
ADHD Defined
To fully grasp the meaning of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, one does not need a medical degree or an official definition; he needs only to hang out with Joey Pigza. Readers will laugh at his antics, including swallowing his house key and plastering his stomach with Band-Aids while waiting to see his doctor.
In getting to know Joey readers will come to understand that attention deficit does not mean intelligence deficit. Joe is very smart, creative and energetic, none of which he can control. Kids with ADHD, diagnosed or not, will relate to Joey’s frustration at being labeled a “bad kid.” Parents of ADHD kids who read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key with their kids will also find an empathetic friend in Joey’s imperfect but loving mom. Even kids who do not suffer from ADHD and are blessed with stable families will enjoy Joey. Most kids know someone who suffers from ADHD. Joey can help them better understand their pals and be more patient with their hyperactive behavior.
Family Dysfunction
Joey’s grandma suffers from Emphysema, yet smokes cigarettes like a freight train. His parents are divorced. He never sees his dad and rarely spends time with his mom, who works long hours and has a drinking problem. Joey reaches out in empathy to many different types of suffering readers. He feels not only the pain of children with ADHD, but also that of children of divorced parents, seriously ill family members, over-worked moms, absent dads and alcoholics.
A Pointedly Portrayed Pigza
In telling Joey’s tale Jack Gantos pulls no punches. Joey’s personal and family problems do not hide under the rug or in the closet; rather they are dragged into the light for readers to experience. Gantos doesn’t paint Joey’s teachers as longsuffering saints. They are very real and very frustrated. They are also committed to helping a troubled child. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is a transparent glimpse into the world of ADHD, as seen through the eyes of one who lives in it every day.
The Key to Understanding
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key will deliver tears to the cheeks of readers, through laughter as well as emotional moments. Kids with ADHD or family problems need to get acquainted with Joey Pigza, as should their parents, teachers and classmates.
To Be Continued
The final page of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key will leave readers begging for more, and they’re in luck. They can continue their journey with Joey in What Would Joey Do and Joey Pigza Loses Control. Like the first, the second and third books in the Joey trilogy will inspire and lighten hearts.
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
By Jack Gantos
Copyright 1998 by Jack Gantos
ISBN: 0-374-33664-4 or 0-06-440833-2 (paperback edition)
