|
Joey Pigza Loses Controlby Jack Gantos
Order This Book |
|
|
Joey Pigza Loses Controlby Jack Gantos
Order This Book |
Joey hasn't seen his father since he was young and his parents divorced. Joey's parents do not agree on how to care for or parent Joey. Joey's mom reluctantly agrees that he can stay with his dad for a summer visit, which sends Joey racing with sky-high hopes that he and his dad, Carter, can finally get to know each other. There he must cope with his and his father's impulsive natures, and questions of right and wrong. In the story, the readers get to see how Joey learns to manage this—first in ways that are harmful to him, and later in ways that support his needs.
Joey is hyperactive—his mother (custodial parent) has gotten him on medication to help control his hyperactivity, which makes him feel better. He then goes to visit his father and grandmother for the summer. But as the summer weeks whirl by, Carter has bigger plans in mind. He has struggled most of his life to stay in control, and now that he has gained stability with his alcoholism, he wants Joey to learn to control himself without medication, too. Unfortunately, being off medication doesn't work for Joey, and he slowly loses control as his medication wears off. To regain control again, Joey must tell his mother what happened and ask her to pick him up from his father's house.
The author uses a very conversational, humorous voice throughout the book. It is an entertaining story and a must for any child who has ever struggled with hyperactivity, divorce, and feelings that they or their families are not "normal."
This would be a good book for parents of a preteen to share with their child. While it is best suited for those 9 to 13 years old, children as young as six might enjoy it if read to them. It is a story that both girls and boys would enjoy.
When Joey Pigza meets his dad for the first time in years, he meets a grown-up version of his old, out-of-control self. Carter Pigza is as wired as Joey used to be—before his stint in special ed, and before he got his new meds.
When Joe Pigza meets his dad, Carter, for the first time in years, he meets a grownup version of his old hyperactive self-the way he was before his stint in special ed, the was he was before he got his new meds.
During their summer visit together, Carter is eager to make up to his son for past wrongs. He wants to teach Joey how to be a winner. He wants show Joey how to take control of his own life. And Joey is willing to do whatever his dad says, even though-in this high-energy sequel to the acclaimed Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key-he fears it will do him more harm than good.
Jack Gantos is the author of many books, including the Rotten Ralph picture books and several collections of stories for middle-graders featuring his alter ego Jack Henry. He lives with his wife and daughter in Boston, Massachusetts.