Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by: Jack Gantos

Ages: 10+

Joey Pigza is a young boy who has big problems. He is constantly getting into trouble. He swallows his house key, puts his finger in a pencil sharpener, disrupts a class field trip, and runs with scissors and cuts the tip of a girl’s nose off. He is on medication for his behavior problems, but it does not seem to be very effective. He is suspended from school, and goes to a Special Education Center where he receives help. Some of his problems are related to his family. He does not have a father figure in his life, he lived with his Grandma (who emotionally abused him) because his mother was not in a fit state to look after him, and his mother has had problems with alcohol. Will Joey get the help he needs at the Special Education Center to fix his problems? Will he be able to return to school? Find out in Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.

I am not a big fan of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key after reading it. I do not think some of the content is very age appropriate for young children. It deals with some very heavy issues. I do not think it is appropriate for children to see the way Joey’s Grandma was treating him. The book also shows Joey’s mother using alcohol as “medicine.” This can show children that alcohol is okay to use when they are having a bad day or need to feel better. Also, Joey is left to be home alone after school until his mom gets home. Another reason this book may not be appropriate for kids is because of some of the language used. There are a few cuss words throughout the book. This book also presents the idea that drugs solve your problems. As long as you have the right medication, your problems will be solved. Instead of just going straight to medication, altering your lifestyle and behavior should be the first step. Although I did not really enjoy this book, it does teach the reader quite a bit about ADD/ADHD. I like how the book is told through the eyes of a boy with ADD/ADHD. This allows the reader to go along for the ride, and lets the reader see what life with ADD/ADHD is like through the eyes of Joey. Joey gives the reader the key to his world. The writing is also terrific. The text is exciting and the author keeps the reader on their feet. The characters were realistic and Joey’s family life was well done. Some of the dysfunctions, including neglect and secrets, are common in families today. However, since Joey is telling the story, it is hard to get a clear picture of the other characters. This book teaches about acceptance, and how other people can accept someone who is “different.” It may also help children accept kids they know who get in trouble a lot, or give them hope if they are the kid who gets in trouble a lot. There is also a sense of forgiveness and second chances found in this book. If parents allow their children to read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, it is a wonderful medium to bridge the gap between the “normal” children and the “weird” or “disabled” children.