# Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

**Author:** Jack Gantos
**Grade range:** Grades 6–8
**Age range:** 11–13
**First published:** 1998
**Page count:** 153
**Genre:** Realistic Fiction
**ISBN-13:** `9780374336646`
**ISBN-10:** `0374336644`
**Canonical URL:** https://readinglist.school/book/joey-pigza-swallowed-the-key
**License:** [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) — please credit ReadingList.school when citing.

## About this book

To the constant disappointment of his mother and his teachers, Joey has trouble paying attention or controlling his mood swings when his prescription medications wear off and he starts getting worked up and acting wired.

## Themes

- schools
- single-parent families

## Where this book is assigned

### Virginia Readers' Choice

- **recommended** · 6th grade · Virginia — [source: Virginia Readers' Choice past winners, 2000-2001 winner (Middle)](https://vslatoday.org/VRC-past-titles)
- **recommended** · 7th grade · Virginia — [source: Virginia Readers' Choice past winners, 2000-2001 winner (Middle)](https://vslatoday.org/VRC-past-titles)
- **recommended** · 8th grade · Virginia — [source: Virginia Readers' Choice past winners, 2000-2001 winner (Middle)](https://vslatoday.org/VRC-past-titles)

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