I think we all know someone like Joey Pigza, the title character in this moving, warm glimpse into a boy's life.
Let's let Joey introduce himself, as he does at the book's start, and you will see what I mean:
At school they say I'm wired bad, or wired mad, or wired sad, or wired glad, depending on my mood and what teacher has ended up with me. But there is no doubt about it, I'm wired.
This year was no different. When I started out all the days there looked about the same. In the morning I'd be okay and follow along in class. But after lunch, when my meds had worn down, it was nothing but trouble for me.
One day, we were doing math drills in class and every time Mrs. Maxy asked a question, like "What's nine times nine?" I'd raise my hand because I'm really quick at math. But each time she called on me, even though I knew the answer, I'd just blurt out, "Can I get back to you on that?" Then I'd nearly fall out of my chair from laughing. And she'd give me that white-lipped look which meant, "Settle down." But I didn't and kept raising my hand each time she asked a question until finally no other kid would raise their hand because they knew what was coming between me and Mrs. Maxy.
Writing a book from the perspective of a boy with Attention Deficit Disorder is a daunting task. It would be hard not to fall into the trap of being too syrupy, too trite and to avoid all the stereotypes. But author Jack Gantos walks the mine field carefully and pulls it off perfectly. And just when you think you understand Joey enough that nothing he says or does will surprise you, he will have a moment of great insight and will say something powerful that blows you away.
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Article comments
1 - Scott Butki
I meant to mention that if you have a child or teenager with ADD this is also a good read for them so they can realize they are not alone in their situation.
2 - Scott Butki
A good review of Curious Incident
is here at B.C.
3 - Scott Butki
Have others read this book?
4 - Shantise Byron
I love this book it is so interesting. i love chapter 5 so much
5 - Scott Butki
Cool. What happens in chapter 5?
6 - anonymous
my friend has add in our classroom but he refuses to read this book
7 - Scott Butki
What reason does he give?
8 - luis
hey why you dont separate the summary by chapters
9 - felicia
what is the main idea the wirter was trying to get across
10 - bob
i love it it is good were does he go on a trip
11 - Rebecca!
This is a very good book. I personally like the last chapter, but overall this is a very funny and heart warming story.
12 - Rain Heffner
it is awsome I like the part when he eats the shoe fly pie
13 - Rain Heffner
someone please write
14 - Captain Tight pants
I thought that this book was okay but definitely not a 7th grade level reading book
15 - RDYYFY
I THINK THIS IS A GREAT BOOK.
16 - RDYYFY
HI
17 - scott butki
glad you liked, rdy