1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gantos, Jack. 2000. JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9781400086160 (CD book: Unabridged Production).
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Protagonist, Joey Pigza, tells of his long awaited visit with his father, Carter. During his stay, Joey desires to establish a father-son relationship through meaningful conversations that bring up his father’s past. Joey quickly learns that his father refuses to recount the past. Carter, on the other hand, desires to create a new beginning with his son—one that will erase all of his wrongs with Joey. Consequently, Carter decides to make up for his wrongdoing by liberating Joey from the prescription patches that he wears. As a result, Joey Pigza loses control.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jack Gantos has done a superb job immersing the reader into the chaotic mind, inner struggles, and life of his star character Joey Pigza in his unabridged CD book. His use of Craig, the second main character, adds depth to the estrange relationship. Consequently, readers will develop sympathy for Joey as they become aware of the internal emotional tug-of-war that rages within him. They will also grow fond of Joey because his desire to believe in his father—and do right by him—is a testimony of his love and strength. Another element that audiences will be receptive to is the dialogue between the different characters. This element complements the three dimensional characters Gantos created.
It is safe to say that audiences at one time or another have come in contact with a child like Joey. Therefore, can recognize some of the ADD characteristics Joey exhibits. Despite, Joey’s impulsivity, readers will grow fond of him. His sense of humor in times of uncertainty is very relatable. Joey’s infamous phrase, “Can I get back to you on that?” makes one chuckle. Furthermore, the audience can identify with some of the complex issues Gantos imbeds; for instance, being the odd ball, divorce, fractured families, poor parenting, disrespect, disappointment, yet in the midst of it all love. Though troublesome, these issues create rising action that leads to a strong climax and a plausible ending.
Joey’s desire to have his parents get back together is a subtle theme that Gantos brings to the surface. However, the subject of making up for lost time and correcting the error of your ways is highly evident throughout Joey and Craig’s interactions. Craig frequently exalts his revelations, decisions, and advice. On several occasions Craig reveals his new self through figurative language. He contrasts putting his life back together to Humpty Dumpty and repairing his relationship with Joey by seeking him out like the giant sought Jack out in Jack and the Beanstalk. Even though Craig’s intentions are sincere, they go awry.
Similar to Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, the audience sees Gantos’ forthright trademark manifests itself again in Joey Pigza Loses Control. He stays true to Joey by authorizing him to tell the events from his perspective. Joey’s voice is an investment to the tone, mood, and plausibility of the story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Booklist
2001 Newbery Honor Book
NY Time Book Review Notable Book
Booklist Editor’s Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Book
Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him. The ride home isn't smooth, but it is hopeful and loving. Does this mean that he is on the way to a happy, "normal" life?”
Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Like its predecessor (Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key), this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease. Struggling to please everyone even as he sees himself hurtling toward disaster, Joey emerges as a sympathetic hero, and his heart of gold never loses its shine.”
Review in KIRKUS: “As if Joey didn't get into enough trouble in his unforgettable debut, Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (1998), Gantos has him wig out again in this sad, scary, blackly funny sequel.... A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph too.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*To become familiar with Joey Pigza and his history, have groups of students read Gantos’ books and present them to the class via Readers Theater.
a) 1998—JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY.
b) 2000—JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL
c) 2002—WHAT WOULD JOEY DO?
d) 2007—I AM NOT JOEY PIGZA.
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