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library_brandy's review
4.0
Joey's back in a fourth installment! He's still struggling with severe ADD, only this time it's made much, much worse by his father's return and a general upheaval of everything in Joey's life. His father comes back following a lottery win, and wants the whole family to leave their old lives behind--to the extent of renaming themselves, opening a diner, and winning a second lottery. Joey tries to keep it together, and he's really struggling--but it's really difficult when your parents are as f'ed up as Joey's.
Gantos is still in form here--the long, quick sentences really capture Joey's struggles, and when Joey complains that his "insides are buzzing like bees" the reader really has a sense of what he means. It's been a long time since I've read the other Joey Pigza books, but from what I remember, Joey's voice hasn't changed at all.
Gantos is still in form here--the long, quick sentences really capture Joey's struggles, and when Joey complains that his "insides are buzzing like bees" the reader really has a sense of what he means. It's been a long time since I've read the other Joey Pigza books, but from what I remember, Joey's voice hasn't changed at all.
pussreboots's review
4.0
Listening to in the car.
Saw the ending coming... although I was expecting even more trouble. Felt that some things were left up in the air like Joey's truancy, the debt and the cafe.
Saw the ending coming... although I was expecting even more trouble. Felt that some things were left up in the air like Joey's truancy, the debt and the cafe.
heathertruett's review against another edition
My kids loved this book. It stressed me out. The name changing and money-spending and drinking while pregnant. I know, it's supposed to be over-the-top silly. So, perfect for my 11 and 8 year old boys. But I think I'll skip the other Joey books.
brucefarrar's review
4.0
Joey’s good-for-nothing father shows up on his front doorstep, and says that he’s a new man, and even more surprising Joey’s mother welcomes him back. And they’re planning a “re-marriage.” Not only has dad quit drinking, he’s also won the lottery, and to signify his new life he’s changed his name from Carter Pigza to Charles Heinz. He thinks that Joey and his mom should change their names too. He’s bought an old dinner that he plans to paint black and yellow and open as the Beehive Dinner, maybe he’ll put big wings on it. Joey is going to be home schooled to learn the restaurant business. Joey’s not so sure about all this. He doesn’t want to leave his school. It’s the first time that he’s enjoyed being at school, and he’s not ready to forgive his dad for having abandoned him as a young child just because he shows up sober in a new suit with a wad of cash.
This is the fourth in his series about the hyperactive Joey and his loving but dysfunctional family and Gantos reads it with feeling and vigor. He can capture character in dialog and authentically portrays the story’s Pennsylvania setting.
This is the fourth in his series about the hyperactive Joey and his loving but dysfunctional family and Gantos reads it with feeling and vigor. He can capture character in dialog and authentically portrays the story’s Pennsylvania setting.
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