Gantos, Jack They
Key that Swallowed Joey Pigza (Book #5) 154 pgs. Farrar. 2014. $16.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature
Content: PG Violence: PG
Apparently this is the fifth book in a series,
but it reads almost like a stand alone. Joey is a young boy with a ton on his
plate. He has his own challenges that he is on medication for, his mother is
having some mental health issues, his dad left the family and its almost the
first day of school. But his mother threatens her new baby and goes to the
mental hospital, so Joey is left alone to take care of the baby. His blind
friend shows up and helps him out. His father tries to kidnap the baby.
Everyone learns lessons about life and themselves, especially Joey.
I found this book to be utterly horrifying and
wish I had never read it, the mental illness, the child abuse, the horrible
situation was definitely intense and very unpleasant. That being said, there
are many children in similar situations that may relate to having to be the
parent instead of being the child that they. There is some very real violence
talk, especially around the safety and care of the baby, which would be
upsetting for elementary readers. I think middle school students could handle
some of these real life scenarios and have discussions about them in a
classroom setting.
MS –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian
& Author.
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