42 pages • 1 hour read
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
172
Novel • Fiction
Pennsylvania • 1990s
1998
Middle grade
10-14 years
890L
Super Short Summary
In Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, 10-year-old Joey, dealing with hyperactivity and impulsivity, narrates his struggles with unpredictable behavior, leading to various conflicts at school and home. After an incident at school, Joey is transferred to a Special Education Center where he receives effective medication and therapy, helping him find stability and a hopeful future. Topics in the book include injury, family abandonment, and alcohol abuse.
Mysterious
Challenging
Emotional
Humorous
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
17,881 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jack Gantos' Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key provides a poignant and humorous exploration of ADHD through its lively protagonist. Reviewers praise its realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by those with the condition, though some critique the repetitive narrative and predictability. The empathy in Gantos' writing, however, deeply resonates with both young readers and adults.
Who Should Read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key?
A reader who would enjoy Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos is likely interested in realistic, middle-grade fiction that explores themes of ADHD, family dynamics, and personal growth. Comparable to readers of Holes by Louis Sachar and Wonder by R.J. Palacio, they appreciate stories with strong, emotionally complex characters.
17,881 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Fran Pigza
Fran Pigza
Joey's mother, Fran, is a hard-working beautician who returns after a long absence to bring order to Joey's chaotic life and supports his medical and educational needs.
Grandma
Grandma
Joey's paternal grandmother, who raises him in the absence of his parents, and employs unstable and sometimes harsh disciplinary tactics, reflecting her own struggles.
Mrs. Maxy
Mrs. Maxy
Joey’s classroom teacher, who recognizes his intelligence and good nature, and strives to support his behavior management with patience and creative projects.
Special Ed (Ed Vanness)
Special Ed (Ed Vanness)
Joey's caseworker at the Lancaster Special Education Center, who plays a crucial role in providing Joey with the guidance and resources he needs.
Dr. Preston
Dr. Preston
A doctor who conducts medical evaluations for Joey and prescribes a treatment to improve Joey's impulse control, emphasizing a comprehensive care approach.
172
Novel • Fiction
Pennsylvania • 1990s
1998
Middle grade
10-14 years
890L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.