Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key - Softcover

Gantos, Jack

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0064408337 ISBN 13: 9780064408332

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books, 2000

Synopsis

As Joey struggles with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, he works extra hard to keep his behavior in check as he begins to feel incapable of doing anything right in the eyes of others. Teachers'/Parents' Guide available.

About this title

Review:

Age: 9-11 years

At school they say I'm wired bad, or wired nad, or wired sad, or wired glad, depending on my mood and what teacher has ended up with me. But there is no doubt about it, I'm wired.

Joey is undoubtedly a handful: his tendency to literally spin down the school halls or bounce around the kitchen can, understandably drive the adults in his life insane. But Joey has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and he really has no control over his actions. He just does whatever pops into his head. And if that includes swallowing a key, then so be it...

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is one of the most unusual and absorbing books any child, or adult, is ever likely to read. Joey's story is at once wildly funny and despairingly sad, but most of all totally convincing. Jack Gantos writes with a dead-pan style that avoids patronising either the readers or Joey himself, and takes us into a world that swings from being breathtakingly wild and exciting to unbelievably confusing.

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is an unforgettable book that everyone should read at least once, and Joey Pigza is an extraordinary boy--not always likeable, but always real--who will undoubtedly stay in the hearts and minds of anyone who gets to know him. --Susan Harrison

Review:

"An accurate, compassionate and humorous appraisal of a boy with attention-deficit disorder."--"Publishers Weekly," Starred Review
"In his first-person narrative, Joey relates incidents that are heart wrenching and humorous. From the powerful opening lines and fast-moving plot to the thoughtful inner dialogue and satisfying conclusion, readers will cheer for Joey, and for the champion in each of us."--"School Library Journal"
"In this rollercoaster of a ride, ingenuously and breathlessly narrated by Joey himself, readers are treated to an up-close introduction to life with attention deficit disorder-or being wired, as Joey puts it. . . . Readers of this compelling tragicomedy will know almost from the start that Joey's not just a good kid-he's a great kid."--"The Horn Book," Starred Review
"Joey; his gutsy, struggling mother; and his long-suffering teachers come to life in this highly readable novel that is sometimes funny, sometimes heartrending, and both entertaining and eng

About this edition

• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0064408337
• ISBN 13: 9780064408332
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 153