JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Gantos, Jack. 2000. JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. ISBN 0374399894

PLOT SUMMARY:

In Ganto’s sequel, Joey Pigza goes to visit his father for the first time in his life. The summer is full of excitement and struggles as both dad and son suffer from ADHD. The pair bond over baseball where Joey shows great potential. However, trouble arises when the father convinces Joey to go off his medicine, and Joey truly loses control.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Readers will absolutely adore Joey Pigza. Although often in trouble, he is a sweet and fun loving kid. By making audiences privy to Joey’s thoughts, they come to understand how good his intentions really are despite the mess that often results.

The storyline is lively and believable with lots of humor. The scene where Joey puts a big hoop earring in his chihuahua’s ear is sure to leave audiences laughing. There is a nice balance of dialogue and narration allowing the story to progress at a fairly quickly pace that keeps readers engaged.

The book is set in current day America and deals with many issues kids struggle with growing up. From misunderstandings with parents to coping with a disorder, Gantos presents several themes young readers will be able to relate with. These themes do not detract from the enjoyable nature of the story.

AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

Newberry Honor Book

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him.

BOOKLIST: “Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read.”

CONNECTIONS:

*Lead a discussion about ADHD so that students can better understand the disorder.

*Invite students to share about their summer vacations to visit relatives.

*Pair this book with its predecessor JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY ISBN: 0064408337