Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
by Jack Gantos
Reviewed by Paul T. (age 11)
Paul T. is a member in University Settlement's Summer Camp 3 (2000-2001)
This book was about a boy named Joey Pigza. Joey is a child who sometimes loses his control. He was on medications, but unfortunately, they don't seem to work consistently. In the book, there are example of how Joey "loses it." For example, he swallows a key! I think this book was a good example of what it's like to be a "different" kid.
Really though the message of the story is that its all in your mind. Because he kept on thinking he was "messed up," there were consequences. Sometimes Joey was able to control himself and do good things like help kids who were worse off than him.
I recommend this book to older children who want to understand why children act the way they do sometimes.