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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key Audiobook
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(3.01) - 5,359 listener ratings
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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?
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"Just finished reading this for the class I am teaching J-term. such a cute story about a young boy with adhd and his struggles at school. Great reminder of what students experience are based on how teachers respond to them. Hope the group that selects this book for my class likes it as much as I did!"
— Jill (4 out of 5 stars)
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key Listener Reviews
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" Loved the perspective of the story told from a boy with ADD. It is a very sad story. Although it is YA fiction and won a Newberry, I will wait a while before I intro it to Andrew. "
— Danielle, 2/19/2014 -
" Matt recommended this book. He thought it was funny. The main character has ADHD, amongst many other problems. There were very funny parts, but from a Mom's point of view, it was kinda sad also. The boy seemed to feel alienated so often, and had no friends. His grandmother was abusive (she also had ADHD) and the mother drank ALOT. He does seem to get help in the end, but it makes me sad to think of all the other kids out there like him. "
— Kathy, 2/8/2014 -
" excellent book to see life from the perspective of a adhd child, every teacher should read it "
— Rodney, 2/1/2014 -
" I just read this book for the second time and liked it a lot more than I did the first. I think I had more patience with Joey this time and could really identify with his and the adults' struggles to help him. "
— Michelle, 2/1/2014 -
" Sometimes hilariously funny, other times sad, always entertaining.....Joey is a kid who probably has ADHD and definitely has all sorts of trouble controlling himself in school. It's interesting to hear his side of the story! "
— Laura, 1/26/2014 -
" Literally laughed out loud several times "
— Reba, 1/18/2014 -
" Realistic fiction, upper grades, ADHD "
— Shauna, 1/9/2014 -
" Humor. ADHD. "
— Richard, 12/31/2013 -
" i think that this is an important book this book shows how a home life can mess up a social life read and find out all about it "
— Gea, 11/29/2013 -
" This is a very good book! :) "
— Josephca, 9/26/2013 -
" Such a hilarious take on experiences a child with ADHD goes through! At times, it cuts you to the core. It's an easy read, and so worthwhile to gain insight and have a good laugh. "
— Aubrey, 9/12/2013 -
" I thought it was a good book. I had to read it for summer reading and I had to read it as a class book. It was so good that I didn't mind reading it twice! "
— Marissa, 7/27/2013 -
" I cried, I wanted to hold him and make it all make sense. "
— Tawnya, 12/22/2012 -
" i learned from this book to never swallow a key or your rear is going to hurt when you have to go. "
— Arianna, 9/12/2012 -
" I really liked this book because it is funny and intersting. "
— Karissa, 7/25/2012 -
" This book was interesting. "
— Gia, 6/19/2012 -
" I think that this book is very good because it shows the problems that mentally challenged people have to go through every day "
— Sbarretto16, 6/6/2012 -
" A children's novel about a child living with ADHD. Probably more relevant to a lot of kids than Where the Red Fern Grows. Involves adult themes such as child abuse and alcohol (the mom's "medicine" is Amaretto and Mountain Dew). I had no idea children's books like this existed. "
— Margaret, 3/5/2012 -
" I liked the perspective that this book gave me about a boy with ADD. "
— Susan, 2/15/2012 -
" A YA book that my son and I listened to on a recent road trip. Great fun. Joey is an ADHD boy who is immensely lovable and a pain in the butt. "
— Barbara, 9/10/2011 -
" Although this is a fictional story, the emotions and experience of the main character ring true. I think this is a great book for all teachers to read to gain some insight into the inner workings of a child with ADHD. "
— Nancy, 8/9/2011 -
" This book was great. It is about a kid with ADD and how other people treat him and how it relates to his own self esteem. It is told in his voice and he expalins why he does the things he does and how he feels. Had to put it down a few times because I saw him in so many kids I know. I recommend it. "
— Lindsay, 7/14/2011 -
" This book grabbed a hold of my emotions and would not let go. It was funny yet infuriating, disturbing but at the same time encouraging. I love the perspective it brings to light about ADHD and would recommend this to anyone who teaches. "
— Vanessa, 6/14/2011 -
" I thought this book was a great portayal of how ADHD effects the home life as well as the psyche. And,believe me,i would know. "
— Madison, 5/6/2011 -
" Endlessly funny and captivating. A great look into the mind of a good kid who just can't control his behavior. "
— JoDee, 5/6/2011 -
" Literally laughed out loud several times "
— Reba, 4/25/2011 -
" Non-traditional book that is a wonderful lesson for children. For those kids that have more energy than others, create problems because they're bored and get into trouble...this is the book for them. It was a heart-breaking story with endearing characters you couldn't help but love. "
— Aly, 4/17/2011 -
" Anyone that teaches school, or is thinking about teaching school, is a parent, or has ANY interaction with children NEEDS to read this book. It is honest, eye-opening, hilarious, and even a touch sad in sections. It really makes you aware what it is like for children (or adults) with ADHD. "
— Saundra, 4/14/2011 -
" It was amusing but not my type of book. "
— Lyra, 4/3/2011 -
" I loved these books! It opens your eyes to another life to. Fun! "
— Alexxa, 3/9/2011 -
" This is an awesome book for relunctant readers. Joey is always getting into trouble. His parents are divorced, and he was living with his grandmother. His mother comes back into his life. He is hoping his parents can reconcile their differences, so they can be one happy family. "
— Tracy, 3/6/2011 -
" This book is wild and crazy. It has its funni moments and sad ones too. "
— Candice, 2/24/2011
About Jack Gantos
Jack Gantos has written books for people of all ages, from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for young adults and adults. His works include Hole in My Life, a memoir that won the Michael L. Printz and Robert F. Sibert Honors, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, a National Book Award finalist, and Joey Pigza Loses Control, a Newbery Honor book. He developed the master’s degree program in children’s book writing at Emerson College and the Vermont College MFA program for children’s book writers. He now devotes his time to writing books and educational speaking. He lives with his family in Boston.