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To simply put it. One of the best books I have ever read. It really keeps you entertained. A must have for any teacher.
When a child reads this book, they do not catch all of the serious issues that Joey must deal with, from the abandonment of his family members to the ever-spinning tornado that is swirling in his head. Due to its simple vocabulary and its label of "a quick read," it often not even thought of as an option for any grade above fifth. The book, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, by Jack Gantos, is obviously a required text in many elementary schools. Gantos does a fabulous job writing this novel for audiences of all ages, and truly explains the effects of ADHD upon the victim, and in Joey's case, those around the victim as well. However; I received the opportunity to read this book my freshman year of college, in an elementary teaching class, and I sure did learn a lot.The main character, Joey, suffers from undiagnosed ADHD, which causes him to act out in class and potentially harm himself and others. The story goes along with Joey during his school year and the crazy mishaps that he must overcome.This book, though an easy read, truly has a deeper message. He writes the book in a chronological order of events that are easy to follow. I would recommend this book for all ages because it truly is a heartwarming tale of a boy who is struggling with an uncontrollable issue inside of him that he is trying desperately to overcome.
My blog is called "Between the Covers" (bookreview-blogDOTblogspotDOTcom)Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, by Jack Gantos I'm sorry; I just had to. Deep down, Joey knows he is a good boy at heart, but he can't always control himself. The narration makes you totally fall for this kid and feel what he feels. Joey tries his hardest to do the right thing, but something always seems to go wrong.Just reading Chapter 3 was really not enough to enjoy Jack Gantos's writing from the point of view of a young boy with hyperactivity. His medications are supposed to help control this problem, but they aren't always reliable and tend to wear off. To prepare, I just spent my Sunday afternoon reading it from front to cover.
Previously, I had only read Chapter 3 "Handful" when I adapted it to become my ribbon-winning (sometimes) Dramatic Interpretation piece for the Detroit Catholic Forensics League competitions during my senior year of high school. Finally having the chance to read the whole thing, I can tell you: it is a joy.Joey Pigza is "wired." Due to his hyperactivity, he is not following the rules, never paying attention and constantly bouncing off the walls. This is a post from my book review blog from March 16, 2009. You will definitely fall for Joey and understand the hard conditions that I am sure many young other students are trying to deal with as they grow up, both internal and external.Even though this is a book for young adults, I believe it has something to offer for a reader of any age. In class, it becomes a serious problem as the teachers and administrators are constantly threatening to send Joey to the special-ed center downtown. Separate incidents involving a pencil sharpener, swallowing his house key, a field trip to Amish town, and a pair of scissors gets Joey in too much trouble for him or his recently returned mother to handle. I can't wait to see how my reading activity goes with this novel."We read to know we are not alone." - C.S.
When his mother returns one summer, things start to change. I am teaching this book in a sixth grade class I have been working in as part of my education program this semester. Some parts just break your heart while others tend to lift your soul. He has had these issues ever since he was born, just like his grandmother who raised him and his father who left him. His mother is more loving and tends not to shut him in the refrigerator, but Joey's hyperactivity remains. Following Joey on this journey of trying to deal with his hyperactivity and medications that don't always work the way they should is brilliantly done by Gantos's style. Lewis
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key. 3)."You gotta face the hand you're dealt and deal with it, and make your problems be the smallest part of who you are" (p. Gantos, J. Some of the hinted possible reasons include genetics, abuse at the hands of his grandmother, absentee parents, diet, etc.The narrative includes some gross details (including Joey swallowing his house key multiple times) that will probably entertain younger readers more than they did me.Activities to do with the book:Joey's strong voice makes this is a wonderful book to use to encourage students to take on the perspective of another. You have a good heart" (p. New York: HarperTrophy.0064408337The first in a series, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key follows Joey at school and at home as he struggles with his energy and impulse highs and lows. But there is no doubt about it, I'm wired" (p.
You are naturally good. (1998). 148)."You know, Joey, the medication has helped you settle down, but you have been a good kid all along. Underneath Joey's multiple accidents in which he injures himself and even another is a well-intentioned boy who wants to get better.The possible reasons for why Joey is the way he is are multiple and emerge as the reader continues through the text. This book encourages discussions over emotional and physical abuse, lack of control, special education, compassion, forgiveness and getting help.This would also be a book to use for reflective journal writing or for `child in role' exercises in which the student pretends to be a character from the book and answer questions.Favorite Quotes"At school they say I'm wired bad, or wired man, or wired sad, or wired glad, depending on my mood and what teacher has ended up with me. I hope you know that about yourself. 153).For more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com
Do you believe Joey will ever get better. Joey seems to get in trouble from his disruptive behavior. Joey does get sent to a special Ed center, but does Joey ever get better. When other books are published by this author, I would be very happily to glance at them and maybe even read them. The main character Joey always seems to get in trouble like the dead person or the kidnapped person in a mystery novel. His mom returned sending his grandma packing out of the house straight to Joey's dad. All this would be introduced in the outrageous funny comedy.The audience who this book is meant for is teenagers. I prefer that this story of Joey continues.A final opinion of the book is that the author has brought back many past events in many people's lives.
To answer the question I have. "Mrs. The genre I prefer tor read is horror, mystery, and fantasy. The text shows simple language which teenagers can understand. The qualities are about the same.This book is similar to many other books that I have read.
He was raised by his Grandma when his dad ran off and his mom chased him until this past summer. The resolution or solution seems to be the same most of the time. Do you believe so. The living conditions of Joey's life are a house located in a suburban area. In Jack Gantos' Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, the setting occurs mostly school and suburban areas.In the story of Joey Pigza, Joey causes trouble everywhere.
The text allows the reader or you to visualize a scene that appears in the book. A movie I would like to compare this book is the Son of The Mask. Most solutions are happy. One problem the doctor believes causes his disruptive behavior is his living conditions. The author does keep the same audience throughout the book. Another strength is the plot choice, which allows the events to flow into each other in great ease.
Maxy, I ate my key." Have you ever been sent out of class for disruptive behavior. A Strong strength is the author's style of text. Book movie and book seem to have a child who goes outrageously crazy.Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key offers many strengths and weaknesses. A weaknesses is the character description.
I did really enjoy reading the book. This book is similar to other realistic fiction novels. He always seems to hurt himself or even worse others. Another weakness is the resolution.
When I read this book I could see my childhood. The genre is realistic fiction which makes the story seem realistic. The description of characters is pretty vague. If I would rank this book I would give it a "C+/B-."
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