I Am Not Joey Pigza - by Jack Gantos (Paperback)

About the Book

Joey's world is turned upside down when his deadbeat dad wins the lottery.

Book Synopsis

Just when Joey Pigza's wired world finally seems to be under control, his good-for-nothing dad pops back into his life. This time, though, Carter Pigza is a new man - literally. After a lucky lotto win, Carter Pigza has a crazy new outlook on life, and he's even changed his name to Charles Heinz. He thinks Joey and his mom should become new people, too. Soon Joey finds himself bombarded with changes: a new name, a new home, and a new family business - running the beat-up Beehive Diner. He knows he should forgive his dad as his mom wants him to, and get with the new family program. But in I Am Not Joey Pigza, Joey is afraid that in changing names and going with the flow he will lose sight of who he really is.

In Jack Gantos' rocket-paced new chapter in Joey Pigza's life, a favorite hero discovers what identity and forgiveness really mean, and how to cook a delicious turkey burger. This title has Common Core connections.

Review Quotes

"Delightful." --People magazine

"* Life becomes even more complicated for the wired sixth grader . . . hilarious. " --Booklist, starred review

"* Stands well on its own, though anyone new to Joey's saga will want to read more. This is Gantos at his best, and that's saying a lot. " --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"* Another wild ride--over serious terrain." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"* Gantos tells the tale with unfailing humor, delicious wordplay, and many hilarious scenes. " --School Library Journal, starred review

"Joey steadfastly remains on his path of self-knowledge." --VOYA

"Gantos is wise and subtle in his exploration of his hero's identity dilemma." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Readers will admire Joey's genuine desire to make his parents proud and laugh at his zany perspectives." --IRA

"Middle grade readers who know Joey will be happy to see his return." --TeenReadsToo.com

"A great continuation of the Pigza saga." --Kathy Taber, Kids Ink Children's Bookstore, Indianapolis, IN

About the Author

Jack Gantos has written books for people of all ages, from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for young adults and adults. His works include Hole in My Life, a memoir that won the Michael L. Printz and Robert F. Sibert Honors; the Joey Pigza series, which include a Newbery Honor book and a National Book Award Finalist; Dead End in Norvelt, winner of the Newbery Medal and the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction; and the Rotten Ralph series.