For children who feel different or struggle to fit in, this story explores a boy's chaotic world as he tries to understand and manage his unique challenges.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels 'wired' or 'bad' because of behaviors they can't seem to control. It's a powerful story for any child struggling with hyperactivity, impulse control, or the feeling that their brain works differently than everyone else's. The book follows Joey Pigza, a boy whose good intentions are constantly derailed by his chaotic energy. His actions, driven by what is clearly ADHD, lead to escalating trouble at school and at home, causing him deep anxiety and shame. Written with humor and profound empathy from Joey's own perspective, this book provides powerful representation, normalizes the struggle, and opens up conversations about getting the right kind of help, including medication and educational support.
The main character engages in several dangerous and impulsive behaviors like swallowing objects.
Sad ContentModerate
The protagonist experiences intense anxiety, shame, and fear about his uncontrollable behavior.
ViolenceModerate
A character accidentally injures a classmate with scissors. Other impulsive, unsafe acts are described.
Sensitive Topics
The book realistically portrays the challenges of living with unmanaged ADHD, including impulsivity, difficulty focusing, and the resulting emotional distress. The approach is direct, secular, and told from the child's perspective, focusing on the internal feeling of being out of control. It addresses the emotional fallout: shame, fear, and low self-worth. The resolution is hopeful but realistic. Joey finds help and feels better, but it is presented as a crucial step in an ongoing journey, not a cure. The topic of medication as a helpful tool is central to the plot's resolution.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a child aged 9 to 12 who has been diagnosed with, or is struggling with symptoms of, ADHD or other impulse control challenges. It's for the kid who feels like they are always in trouble and doesn't know why. It is also an excellent empathy-building read for peers, siblings, and young educators.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the specific unsafe behaviors Joey exhibits, particularly the scene where he accidentally cuts a girl's nose with scissors. It is not described graphically, but it is a shocking moment. This provides an opportunity to talk about consequences and impulses. The role of medication is also a key discussion point that parents should be ready to navigate. A parent might seek this book after getting another call from school about their child's disruptive behavior, or after their child expresses frustration and self-hatred, saying things like "I can't help it!" or "Why am I so bad?"
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with the humor and the feeling of being misunderstood and getting into trouble. An older reader (10-12) will better grasp the emotional depth of Joey's anxiety, his internal battle for control, and the complexities of the medical and educational systems he navigates.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books that discuss neurodivergence from a distance, this book plunges the reader directly into the dizzying, first-person experience. Jack Gantos's masterful use of voice, blending genuine humor with heart-wrenching vulnerability, makes Joey's struggle feel immediate and real. It avoids simple lessons in favor of a raw, empathetic, and unforgettable portrayal of a child trying to find his footing.
Read plot summary
Joey Pigza is a good-hearted kid whose brain is "wired." His impulsivity and inability to focus, symptoms of unmanaged ADHD, get him into constant trouble. He engages in dangerous behaviors like swallowing his house key, putting his finger in a pencil sharpener, and running with scissors, which culminates in him accidentally cutting off the tip of a classmate's nose. This event gets him suspended and sent to a special education center. The story chronicles Joey's chaotic internal and external world as he and the adults in his life struggle to find a solution, which ultimately comes in the form of readjusted medication that helps him feel more in control of his own decisions.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Joey often describes himself as being 'wired' or having a 'dud' brain. What do you think he means by that? Have you ever felt like your body was moving faster than your brain?
2
When Joey accidentally hurts his classmate Maria, the adults react in different ways. Why do you think his new special education teacher was able to stay so calm and helpful?
3
At the end of the book, Joey's new medication helps him feel more in control. Do you think this solves all his problems? What challenges might he still face?
4
Joey swallows his key on a string and pulls it back up. Why do you think he does this, even though he knows it's strange and a little dangerous?
