Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

By: Jack Gantos

Narrated by: Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza can't sit still. He can't pay attention, he can't follow the rules, and he can't help it - especially when his meds aren't working. Joey's had problems ever since he was born, problems just like his dad and grandma have. And whether he's wreaking havoc on a class trip or swallowing his house key, Joey's problems are getting worse. In fact, his behavior is so off the wall that his teachers are threatening to send him to the special-ed center downtown.

Joey knows he's really a good kid, but no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, something always seems to go wrong. Will he ever get anything right?

©2000 Jack Gantos (P)2009 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"An accurate, compassionate and humorous appraisal of a boy with attention-deficit disorder.... For young readers touched by ADD - and for their teachers and parents - Joey gives us the key to his world." ( Publishers Weekly)

I can relate w/Joey, its hard being treated diff.

Would you listen to Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key again? Why?

yes, its got a lot of insight about overactive imaginations. I think a lot of adults are still unaware of the complexity of these disorders & the amount of time, patience, & constant parenting needed to help a child succeed in life with them.

I would like my 2 boys to hear it with me this time, BUT I'm also concerned about putting anymore ideas in their already overactive minds.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joey of course, because of his constant desire to do his best.

Have you listened to any of Jack Gantos’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no but hope to soon!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

Great book, keep'em coming!

Great adhd kids book

This is a super informative, entertaining and positive book about a kid with adhd and the trouble he gets into despite his good intentions. There’s a lot of good stuff here to talk with kids about and a lot of good stuff for adults to learn from.

A pleasure to listen to

I always love listening to authors read their own books, and Jack Gantos doesn't fail. I had read the book in text before, but listened to this with my kids and it was a pleasure. Joey is such an incredible character. His development helps you understand the perspective of a person struggling with emotional and verbal abuse and ADHD. I think it teaches empathy, perspective, and understanding. A great read for any preteen.

Thought-provoking children's story

Would you consider the audio edition of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key to be better than the print version?

For commuting purposes, the audio version is better.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A misunderstood boy gets the help he needs.

great touching story.

Great touching story made me think about how I interact with students who may have various challenges. Good insight into the lives of children.

Sad and funnyat the same time.

If you have ever known someone who struggled with ADHD, you will feel for Joey.

heartfelt

I bought these books for my kids to listen to because it was about a funny kid. I didnt know I would be taught and equipped with the knowledge of a kid with special needs and a hard childhood. this book made me shed tears and laughed so hard that I eventually started listening on my own. it makes me more sensitive to how my words and actions could affect someone positively or negatively.

Everyone loved it!

This is such a heart-warming story, and should be a must-listen for every kid (and parent!). We all know kids like Joey, and hearing the story told from his perspective really sheds light on living with ADHD. There are parts that hit you in the emotional gut - and I found myself crying in the driver's seat as my daughters listened intently in the backseat. The next minute, we're laughing hysterically. After finishing this book, I immediately purchased the second in the Joey Pigza series. It sounds a bit dramatic, but honestly, our family is changed from reading this book. We now have "Joey" moments and laugh - and my kiddos better understand the "difficult" kids in their classrooms. Would recommend this book to everyone!

Wonderful book

The reader kept Me very interested throughout the entire book. Would definitely recommend purchasing this story

This is one of my favorite books

It is funny,chaos and fun good story and feel like it is a very good book to read and I think it is a very good first few chapter books 5 stars would recommend