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  • Published: 1 March 2015
  • ISBN: 9780440870715
  • Imprint: Yearling
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 192
  • RRP: $19.99

Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key



A high-impact, very appealing story about a boy who just can't sit still.

Joey is a good kid, maybe even a great kid, but his teachers never know what he's going to do next. He sharpens his finger in the pencil-sharpener and swallows his house key. He can't sit still for more than a minute - Joey is buzzing!

Told from Joey's own unique viewpoint by acclaimed American author Jack Gantos, this is an exceptionally funny and touching story about a boy with severe attention deficit disorder (ADD).

  • Published: 1 March 2015
  • ISBN: 9780440870715
  • Imprint: Yearling
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 192
  • RRP: $19.99

About the authors

Jack Gantos

Jack Gantos is the award-winning author of more than 50 books for young readers. He is the creator of the Rotten Ralph picture books, Jack Henry short stories, and the Joey Pigza series. He is also the author of Dead End in Norvelt (a Newbery Medal winner), From Norvelt to Nowhere, and the young adult novels The Trouble in Me, The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs, and Desire Lines. His memoir, Hole in My Life, received Michael L. Printz and Robert F. Sibert honors. Gantos was a professor of creative writing at Emerson College, where he developed the master’s degree program in children’s literature, writing, and publishing.

David Tazzyman

Dermot Milligan is eleven, obese and has just started at Big School. He's a big fan of The Lord of the Rings, and he hates his evil sisters, Ruby and Ella (Rubella). His all-time favourite donut is the classic ring, but he's also very keen on jam.

Praise for Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key

It is a tremendous achievement to incorporate so much understanding and explanation into a cracking good story. I found it a vivid and startling book

The School Librarian

One of the funniest recent publications . . . Written with the energetic, breathless, non-stop gusto of the main character

Financial Times

Its wit, verve and strong story make it a fascinating read

TES

[This] could easily become required reading for anyone who works or lives with children and for any child who enjoys brilliant comic writing tinged with the poignancy of reality

The Bookseller

The reader will quickly be engaged by the gritty honesty of this character who has a great deal of moral courage . . . Joey Pigza stays with you long after the last page has turned

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