Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos
Summary
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. 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 he fears it will do him more harm than good.
196 pages, 4th grade and up
Discussion questions
Spoiler alert! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!
As the book opens we learn that Joey is on his way to visit his father. What is he expecting the trip will be like?
Joey says about his dad "I just want him to love me as much as I already love him" (pg. 10). Do you think this is possible? Why or why not?
There are several funny scenes in the book. Pick out your favorite and read it aloud to the group.
What is Joey's dad like? What problems does he face?
How does Joey feel about his grandma? What kind of person is she? How did she raise Joey's father?
Why do you think Joey's father wants him to stop using the patches?
What happens after the patches are flushed down the toilet?
What is Joey's experience on the baseball team like? What motivates Joey's dad to be a coach?
When does Joey realize he is losing control? How does he take that control back?
What does Joey learn about himself and his family during his trip?
What do you predict is the future for each of the characters in the novel?
Snacks: Joey has a hard time with food that has a lot of sugar. Try fruit, pretzels, or granola bars.
Created in part with funds granted by the Oregon State Library under the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library. Send feedback to Katie O'Dell, School-age Services Manager
