Joey Pigza Loses Control: Summary and book reviews of Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos, plus links to an excerpt from Joey Pigza Loses Control and a biography of Jack Gantos.

When Joey 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 way he was before he got his new meds. "He was wired, No doubt about it . . . , Now I knew what Mom meant when she said he was like me, only bigger." 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 to 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. "All I could imagine was the worst part of me getting or a train a long ways off.  That old Joey was coming to get me and I couldn't do anything about it . . . There was nothing to do but wait, and worry."

Media Reviews

School Library Journal Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him. The ride home isn't smooth, but it is hopeful and loving. Does this mean that he is on the way to a happy, "normal" life? Grades 4-8.   Publishers Weekly Like its predecessor (Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key), this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease. Struggling to please everyone even as he sees himself hurtling toward disaster, Joey emerges as a sympathetic hero, and his heart of gold never loses its shine. Ages 10-up   Kirkus As if Joey didn't get into enough trouble in his unforgettable debut, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (1998), Gantos has him wig out again in this sad, scary, blackly funny sequel.... A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph too. (Ages 11-13)

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Phillip
Joey pigza book #3
This book was fantastic, it had a lot of emotion and it described all of Joey's feelings. Joey went from his old wired self to a normal boy. Joey's grandmother died at the end of the book and Joey did everything correctly. I totally understand the...   Read More

Rated of 5 by KIKI
joey pigza loses control
This is really, really great!

Rated of 5 by Louis B
Joey Pigza review
Uh I thought this book was great, it tied in well with the first Joey Pigza, I recommend this book for any one that has a "free book project" or if they want to relax, or just get some laughs. Its a great " pick up and go book"

Rated of 5 by Joe G.
Confusing book
This book is probably the best I've ever read. It was quite confusing, but I enjoyed it!

Rated of 5 by Katlyn
Joey pigza swallowed a key
I love this book. Usually, I can't find a book that is worthwhile, but it was great. If you like books that are funny then you should definatley read it!

Rated of 5 by Mandi
This book was confusing and boring but I have to give the author his props for lettin out all the emotions and all that. But the truth is, I'm just not into those kinds of book. Maybe if the author put a different ending like Joey's father ges over...   Read More

...27 More Reader Reviews

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