Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

“But each time she called on me, even though I knew the answer, I’d just blurt out, ‘Can I get back to you on that?’” 

This description of Joey’s school day provides a glimpse into the uncontrollable nature of his difficulty, which he describes as being “wired” (3). He is bright and self-aware; when he raises his had in class, he always knows the correct answer to the math drill. Because his medication diminishes in effectiveness as the day goes on, he compulsively replies, “Can I get back to you on that?” (3) in response to the question, and then collapses into hysterics. The narrative describes the mounting frustration of the teacher and the ineffectiveness of techniques such as removing Joey from the classroom to control his habitual behaviors. 

“Her face turned all red.” 

After sending Joey to calm himself in the hallway, Mrs. Maxy emerges from the classroom when he creates a noisy disturbance by spinning around and bouncing into the lockers. She directs him to stand still for five minutes; if he is unable to do so, she will send him to the principal’s office. When she asks which option he will choose, Joey responds, “Can I get back to you on that?’ thereby repeating the phrase that caused him to be sent out of the classroom. Joey is aware of the impact of his behavior upon Mrs.