For children navigating neurodivergence or challenging family dynamics, this book explores self-acceptance and the complexities of finding your own path.
For a child with ADHD who might be questioning their medication or feeling pressured to be 'normal,' this book offers a powerful and validating story. It follows Joey Pigza as he spends a summer with his estranged father, who is just as 'wired' as he is. His dad convinces him to stop taking his medication, believing he can overcome his ADHD with sheer willpower. This chaotic and heartfelt story explores complex family love, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to advocate for your own needs. It's an essential read for opening conversations about neurodivergence and understanding that needing help is a strength, not a weakness.
Joey's father's actions are well-intentioned but misguided and ultimately harmful.
Substance ReferencesMild
A parent's struggles with alcohol are a background element; prescription medication is central.
Sensitive Topics
The book's approach to disability (ADHD) is direct and unflinching. It explores the complex issue of medication from a child's perspective, including parental pressure to stop treatment. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, affirming that needing medication is not a moral failure. Family dysfunction and parental neglect are also handled directly. Carter is portrayed as loving but deeply flawed and irresponsible. The resolution isn't about fixing him, but about Joey understanding him and learning to advocate for himself.
Ideal Reader
A child aged 9-12 with ADHD or another form of neurodivergence, especially one who feels ambivalent about or stigmatized for their diagnosis or treatment. It's also for a child navigating a relationship with a well-meaning but flawed or unreliable parent.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the scenes where Carter flushes Joey's medicine patches and the subsequent chaotic behavior, which includes a dangerous accident involving an amusement park ride. These scenes require context. It's crucial to discuss why Carter's advice, though given with love, was dangerous and wrong, and to reinforce the importance of listening to doctors and to one's own body. A parent hears their child say, "I wish I didn't have to take my medicine," or, "Why can't I just be normal?" The parent may also be dealing with a co-parent or family member who questions the child's diagnosis or treatment plan.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with the zany humor and the powerful desire to please a parent. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the nuances of Carter's character, the medical ethics at play, and the profound, bittersweet conclusion about family and self-acceptance.
What Makes It Special
Jack Gantos's unique, stream-of-consciousness narrative voice is what sets this book apart. He doesn't just describe ADHD; he immerses the reader in the frenetic, heartbreaking, and hilarious reality of Joey's mind. It's an empathetic masterpiece that avoids easy answers and portrays the intersection of neurodivergence and family dysfunction with incredible authenticity.
Read plot summary
Joey Pigza, who is finally stable and doing well on his ADHD medication, goes to spend the summer with his estranged father, Carter Pigza. Joey is thrilled to discover his father is a grown-up version of himself: energetic, manic, and full of big ideas. Carter, who believes in a 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' philosophy, convinces Joey to go off his medication, believing he can 'conquer' his ADHD through willpower alone. This decision sends Joey spiraling into a series of increasingly dangerous, out-of-control episodes, culminating in a serious accident. Ultimately, Joey must reconcile his love for his flawed father with the reality of what he needs to be healthy and safe.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Joey's dad, Carter, thinks Joey can 'win' without his medicine. Why do you think he believes this? Was he right or wrong?
2
Joey really wants to believe his dad and make him proud. Have you ever wanted to please someone so much you did something you weren't sure about? How did that feel?
3
At the end of the book, Joey seems to understand himself and his dad a little better. What do you think he learned about love and taking care of himself?
4
The author writes in a very fast, 'bouncing-off-the-walls' style. How did reading the book make you feel? Did it help you understand what it's like inside Joey's head?
