Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza Loses Control

IN THIS NEWBERY HONOR WINNER, JOEY FINDS OUT HIS DAD IS JUST AS WIRED AS HE IS

When Joey Pigza meets his dad for the first time in years, he meets a grown-up version of his old out-of-control self. Carter Pigza is as wired as Joey used to be — before his stint in special-ed, and before he got his new meds.

Joey’s mom reluctantly agrees that he can stay with his dad for a summer visit, which sends Joey racing with sky-high hopes that he and Carter can finally get to know each other. But as the weeks whirl by, Carter has bigger plans in mind. He decides that just as he has pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, Joey can do the same and become as normal as any kid, without the help of a doctor’s prescription. Carter believes Joey can do it and Joey wants to believe him more than anything in the world.

Here is the continuation of the acclaimed Joey Pigza story, affirming not only that Joey Pigza is a true original but that it runs in the family. Joey Pigza Loses Control is a 2000 New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year and a 2001 Newbery Honor Book.

Reviews

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW
“Like its predecessor, 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. “

More Joey Pigza

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
What Would Joey Do?
I am Not Joey Pigza
The Key that Swallowed Joey Pigza