Joey Pigza Loses Control
By Jack Gantos
Gantos, Jack. 2000. JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL. New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374399891
Plot Summary
Joey leaves home to spend the summer living with his dad and grandma. His mom is afraid his dad really hasn’t changed his ways, but thinks Joey should get the chance to get to know him. Joey has his ADHD under control with patches, but apparently his dad, who is said to be much like him, “self medicates.” What seems to a success at the beginning quickly deteriorates as his dad goes back to old habits, gets rid of Joey’s medicine, and puts too much pressure on Joey to be the star pitcher to lead the team to a championship. Joey rediscovers what makes him his best self and what he has to be grateful for in a series of both humorous and dramatic events.
Critical Analysis
The story is told from Joey’s perspective, and though he goes through many crazy experiences, his inner struggles and emotions are the focus of the story. His language is very accurate to an upper elementary kid and reflects Joeys’ personality, thoughts, and emotions. The events of the story are realistic, though a little wacky but his fits his personality. The combination of lots of humor with doses of drama makes the story very engaging, along with the distinct and strong personalities of the characters. Though most of the story encourages laughter, the end is happy, per se, but is hopeful and poignant.
The setting of the story is present day, generic, and believable which makes it relatable to many. Though predominantly humorous, strong themes are present, including dealing with divorce, family relationships, disability, drinking, change, and unrealistic expectations. The style of the story is distinctly reflective of a young energetic boy with ADHD, which the words and sentence structure often reflect. Joey’s point of view brings an innocent, hopeful, and positive mood and tone, despite serious situations involving realistic people with realistic problems.
Awards, Honors, Best Book Lists
John Newbery Medal, 2001 Honor Book United States Maine Student Book Award, 2002 Second Place Maine Parents' Choice Award, 2000 Gold Fiction United States Parents' Choice Award, 2003 Gold Best 25 Books in 25 Years United States White Ravens Award, 2001 Winner United States United States
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for PreK-Grade 6, 13th Edition, 2002 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United StatesBest Children's Books of the Year, 2001 ; Bank Street College of Education; United StatesBooklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 1, 2000 ; United StatesBooklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2000 ; American Library Association; United StatesBulletin Blue Ribbons, 2000 ; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United StatesChildren's Literature Choice List, 2001 ; Children's Literature; United StatesHorn Book Fanfare, 2000 ; Horn Book; United StatesKirkus Book Review Stars, June 15, 2000 ; United StatesLasting Connections, 2000 ; American Library Association; United StatesMiddle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United StatesNotable Children's Books, 2001 ; ALSC American Library Association; United StatesRecommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; CaliforniaSchool Library Journal Best Books, 2000 ; Cahners; United StatesSchool Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2000 ; Cahners; United StatesTop Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers, 2000 ; Voice of Youth Advocates; United States
Review Excerpts
Susan Dove Lempke (Booklist, Sep. 1, 2000 (Vol. 97, No. 1))
… Gantos has given Joey a remarkably vivid personality, and, blending irrepressible humor with a powerful depiction of a child's longing for normalcy, he has written a dead-on portrayal of a young person assessing the often self-serving behavior of the adults who control his life. Few children these days don't know someone wrestling with ADHD; meeting up with Joey is a fine way to gain insight into the problems "hyper" children face. But the story is more than message. Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read.
… Gantos has given Joey a remarkably vivid personality, and, blending irrepressible humor with a powerful depiction of a child's longing for normalcy, he has written a dead-on portrayal of a young person assessing the often self-serving behavior of the adults who control his life. Few children these days don't know someone wrestling with ADHD; meeting up with Joey is a fine way to gain insight into the problems "hyper" children face. But the story is more than message. Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read.
Laura Hummel (Children's Literature)
… Adolescent readers will be absorbed with Joey's search to find himself, relate to his imperfections, and will perhaps find a message that will allow them to accept their own limitations. The plot is absorbing and thought-provoking.
… Adolescent readers will be absorbed with Joey's search to find himself, relate to his imperfections, and will perhaps find a message that will allow them to accept their own limitations. The plot is absorbing and thought-provoking.
Connections
- Read the previous book Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.
- Use nonfiction articles to help students understand what ADHD is and how it can affect people.
