Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos is about Joey Pigza who has ADHD and has a very hard time following directions and sitting still. Joey means well but he can’t help but cause trouble. Between his own obstacles at home and his challenging behavior strongly impacting his time at school, life is not easy for Joey. Joey really is a good kid he just has a hard time getting others to see that, no matter how hard he tries trouble seems to follow him wherever he goes. When his teachers threaten to send him to a special education school away from all his friends Joey tires harder than ever to prove that he can be good, but will it be enough?
I would recommend this story to children 10 and older and especially to those like Joey or who know someone like him. It teaches you empathy and to understand that sometimes no matter how hard they try, some people really can’t control themselves and it isn’t their fault.
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