Great book for ages 11 and up because you can really get a sense from the main character of what it's like to be growing up with ADHD. There is a lot of drinking that his mom and grandma do and there are some disturbing parts with his mom and grandma.
Tools for this page
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
(1998, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Jack Gantos)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Sympathetic, realistic portrait of boy with ADHD.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Parents need to know that this is an entertaining, sympathetic, and accurate depiction of a child with ADHD.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about ADHD. Do you know someone who acts like Joey? Do you ever feel like he does? Do you think his family could do a better job helping him? Do you like Joey? Why or why not?
Our Members Say
See all 23 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Educational
i think it good for kid to read because i teaches them education by warning them of what not to do,such as running with scissors.
I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Read this book WITH your kids, and discuss!
I loved this book. Great material for discussing behavior, consequences, and attitude with young people. I would not let my kids read it without discussion, This book doesn't offer moral judgments about pharmaceuticals, ADHD, personal responsibility, chemical imbalances, etc. It just paints a powerful picture, from a kid's perspective, of what a kid feels. The cruelty from other kids, the low self worth, coping with caregivers who may have their own shortcomings, etc. I believe pharmaceuticals (psychotropic drugs) are WAY over-prescribed, and that the whole psychiatric establishment is prone to corruption by big pharma, and values treatment over recovery. Nevertheless, this book tends to portray the industry in a positive light, and reminds me that for all its shortcomings many people are truly helped. Great fodder for getting kids to think about consequences, other people's feelings, judging others, making a difference in the world, and coping with life's challenges. I recommend - but only if you read it, too, and discuss.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you read it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
