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Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key by Jack Gantos is sad at times, yet funny at times. Joey has a physical problem. He can't sit still. He is always fidgeting with something or other and can't concentrate on the task at hand.  His Mom and Dad left him when he was only in Kindergarten. He was left with his crazy grandmother who didn't exactly take care of him or treat him the way that Joey needed. One day his mom comes back and tries to take care of him. When his meds aren't working he tries to cut 100 bumper stickers. When his teacher leaves the room he goes to get her scissors. He trips over his rabbit slippers that had floppy ears, cutting someone's nose. He is sent to a special ed center which he will be attending until they find the right kind of meds for him. From hard challenges come meeting new friends; Joey fully recovers and his reward is a puppy.

Summer 2003

Reviewer:  Emily D. '10

Joey Pigza a very kind, well-tempered boy, but he has a few problems like can’t sit still and cannot follow the rules. When Joey’s medications are not working, he totally loses control. He always tries to do stuff right; everything comes out wrong, like when Joey swallowed his house key or like when his teachers send him to a Special- Ed school.  Will Joey Pigza ever do anything right?  Will Joey ever go back to his regular school? To find out read this great book!

I would rate this book a nine because it is a great book! It is emotional but very humorous at times. I would recommend this book to kids who like a good laugh but who also enjoy a serious book! 

Winter 2003          

The book Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is about a boy who can't sit still or do anything right no matter how hard he tries.  The only person he lives with is his grandmother, and she just makes things worse.  One day at school, he gets so out of hand he swallows his house key.  He starts to go to the Special Ed at his school, but when that doesn't work, Joey's teacher threatens him that he might have to go to the Special Ed downtown and miss his regular school.  Joey begins to think he's a bad kid, but deep down he knows he's not.

Does Joey get sent to the Special Ed downtown?  Would this help?  What's really Joey's problem anyway?  If you like this book, be sure to read the second one, Joey Pigza Loses Control.

Summer 2002

Joey Pigza is a boy in elementary school who is wired.  He never is able to keep control and his medicine works only half the time.  He thinks he might be like this because his mother drank when she was pregnant with him.  Joey's problems start getting worse and, by accident, he cuts off the nose of a girl in his class.  So he has to go to the special education class downstairs.  If he shapes up in that class, he can return to his regular class.  If he doesn't, he might have to go to the big special education center downtown. 

Read the book to see if Joey can solve his problems or if he has to get more special training.  If you really like this book, and I think you will, there is a sequel called Joey Pigza Loses Control.

Spring 2002