ISBN: 0374399891
PLOT SUMMARY
In this sequel to JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY, Jack Gantos has improved Joey's ADHD condition with patches of "good meds". Joey has been sent to spend the summer with his absentee father, whom his mother describes as "wired like you, only he's bigger." Joey has thoughts of reuniting his parents, but soon discovers he cannot talk to his father because he never listens, and he never stops talking. Added to the mix is a cranky, chain smoking Grandma, who he often has to push to the store in a grocery cart.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
When Joey's father throws out his medication, it is Joey's awareness of his situation that is rendered with both wisdom and humor: "...all I could imagine was the worst part of me getting on a train a long ways off. That old Joey was coming to get me and I couldn't do anything about it. Day by day he would get closer. Even if I got up and started running away, he would catch me. There was nothing to do but wait, and worry." And eventually he loses control.
The characters are crafted in truth and portrayed with honesty. Carter Pigza is disturbing and presents Joey with a picture of what he could become. But Joey has possibly surpassed his father in maturity because he recognizes the limitations in himself and appreciates the caring adults around him.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist:
"Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read."
Kirkus Reviews:
"A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph, too."
CONNECTIONS
*Other books in the series:
JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY by Jack Gantos, 1998.
WHAT WOULD JOEY DO? by Jack Gantos, 2002.
I AM NOT JOEY PIGZA by Jack Gantos, 2007.
*This book could be used in any study focused on disabilities in children.
