Chapter Book 2

Author	Jack Gantos
Title	Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Illustrator	N/A
Readability Score	Grade level equivalent:  5.2 Lexile Measure: 970L DRA:  50 Guided Reading: T
Genre	Fiction
Subgenre	Realistic Fiction
Theme	This book emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential we possess within ourselves.
Primary and Secondary Characters	Joey, Mom, Grandma, Mrs. Maxy, Mrs. Jarzab, Maria Dombrowski, Mrs. Howard, Special Ed
Award(s) date of publication	1998, National Book Award Finalist
Publishing Company	Harper Trophy
ISBN Number	0-06-440833-7
Brief Summary	Joey is “wired.”  He has difficulty sitting still and following rules despite his best intentions.  When Joey was in Kindergarten, both his father and mother ran off leaving him behind with his grandmother who also happens to be “wired.”  Joey’s mother returns when he is in fifth grade and reassumes her role in Joey’s life.  Grandma quickly takes off leaving Joey alone with his newly returned mother.  Joey shares the horrors of growing up with Grandma with his mother, including the time she attempted to place him in the refrigerator.  Joey’s mom tries to get him back on the right track by having him placed on medication.  However, his medication tends to wear off after lunch each day.  Joey’s lack of control tends to place him in various predicaments that often end with him hurting himself accidentally.  One day his out of control behavior ends with him hurting a classmate, Maria.  As a result, Joey’s teacher, Mrs. Maxy and principal, Mrs. Jarzab decide that he can no longer be in a regular school.  He is expelled and sent to a special school where he meets Special Ed.  With Special Ed’s guidance, Joey gets his behavior under control and the correct amount of medication prescribed.
Picture of book cover
Description of how you would use book with students	I would use this book in literature circles and book clubs.  Joey is a character with whom many students will be able to relate.  His antics are humorous, yet very much realistic.