Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

Copyright: 1998

Publisher: HarperTrophy

About the Novel:

Joey Pigza can't sit still. Not even for five seconds. Some people think he's crazy, while others think he's had too many cookies for breakfast. One second he's thumping around in his seat, the next he's running around with scissors or jumping from the top of a barn into piles of hay. One time he even ate an entire pie - by himself. But Joey's shenanigans only last so long, because after Joey takes his bad behavior too far his teacher Mrs. Maxy sends him away... Where does Joey go, and does he ever lose his springs? Find out more when you read Joey Pigza swallowed the Key.

What is this book like?

• Educational (teaches children about ADHD)
• Stereotypical (teachers should be aware of  the possible negative attitudes towards children with disabilities and be ready to discuss these as a class - the book describes such children very stereotypically and does not resolve negative attitudes or indicate in any way that they are hurtful, invalid, or naive.  
• Believable: Novel is clearly written from the perspective of a 10 year old
• Fast paced

Online Resources to Support Text:

Author's Official Webpage
Author Jack Ganto's site includes teacher's guides to some of his most popular novels and series, reviews and descriptions of many of his books, biography and photos of the author, and even contact information to ask Jack himself some questions personally! How cool!

Lesson Plans
Site includes an in depth lesson for the teaching of this novel, focusing on ADD/ADHD.

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Before reading create a KWL chart with the children to discuss what they already know about ADD and ADHD and what they want to know. While reading the novel the children can add things to the chart as they learn them. Teacher should make sure that students are aware that this novel is a work of fiction and so all of the elements of this disorder may not be completely accurate. It may be wise to compare this novel during discussion of the KWL chart to factual information over the internet or via a nonfiction text.

2. During reading the teacher and children should discuss Joey's viewpoint as he discusses what he sees in the special education classroom focusing on his descriptions of the students. Have students discuss why Joey feels the way he does, why he describes things the way he does, and compare Joey to the other students (including the general education students). Are special education children really that different? Are children with disabilities nice? Should they be included in the classroom or should they be separated? It is imperative that the stereotypes represented in this novel by discussed and it is necessary that children who read this novel will realize that all children are unique and different but that they are all just as important.

3. Have children write an expository writing piece about what they learned about ADHD. Encourage children to use internet as well as nonfiction text to compare the novel to actual symptoms and behaviors of the disorder.