Families who loved Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
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.