ISBN: 10-037439989-1
PLOT SUMMARY
In this sequel to Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, Joey is still taking medication to keep him from getting too wired. Wanting to get to know his father, whom he has not seen in years, Joey decides to spend the summer with Carter, his dad, even though his mother is leery of the idea. Joey’s father is a heavy drinker and his grandmother’s health is seriously failing due to emphysema. Joey, encouraged by the fact that his dad coaches a local Little League team, joins the team as the star pitcher in order to help them win the championship. As the summer weeks dash by, Joey realizes that his dad is an older version of himself, before his time in the special education classes and before the new medication. Carter Pigza has great plans for Joey including the idea that Joey can overcome his hyperactivity without the benefit of a doctor’s prescription. Carter’s distorted sense of reality and unpredictable drinking habits make this the perfect recipe for disaster.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this first person narrative, Gantos portrays the characters with real human qualities that adolescents can identify. Joey’s internal struggle and emotional growth are integral to the story, reflecting the way children think and talk in their journey of self-discovery. The story includes topics that can be difficult to discuss, but are nonetheless important to address with teenagers (e.g., divorce, alcoholism, AD/HD, custody disputes, legal issues, etc.). The plot will keep young readers engaged as they root for Joey and his hope to find balance in his life. The author’s message to adults reminds us all that we serve as role models to our children and that they will want to imitate our behaviors. Children identified with AD/HD will appreciate an honest portrayal of their struggle with hyperactivity. This is an important book to read with children diagnosed with AD/HD or who know someone identified it, and for professionals who want to know more.
REVIEW EXCERPTS AND AWARDS
Newbery Honor (2001)
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book (2001)
BBC Blue Ribbon Book (2000)
ALA Notable Children’s Book (2001)
Kirkus Review- Starred
Publishers Weekly Starred review- “Like its predecessor, this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease. Struggling to please everyone even as he sees himself hurtling toward disaster, Joey emerges as a sympathetic hero, and his heart of gold never loses its shine.”
School Library Journal Starred- “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 Starred Review- “Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read.”
CONNECTIONS
Additional reading recommendations:
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos ISBN-10: 0064408337
Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff ISBN-10: 0439692393
Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan ISBN-10: 0064410447
Hope was here by Joan Bauer ISBN-10: 0142404241
A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck ISBN-10: 0142401102
A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin ISBN-10: 0439388813
Belle Prater’s Boy by Ruth White ISBN-10: 0440413729
RESOURCES
http://titlepeek.com/
http://www.librarything.com/work/247417
Vardell, Sylvia. Children’s Literature in Action. Westport, CT. Libraries Unlimited. 2008.
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