Jack Gantos
Jack Gantos was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. He remembers playing a lot of "pass the chalk" in Mrs. Neiderheizer's class in first grade. He was in the Bluebird reading group, which he later found out was for the slow readers. To this day he'd rather be called a Bluebird than a slow reader. His favorite game at that time was playing his clothes were on fire and rolling down a hill to save himself.
When he was seven, his family moved to Barbados. He attended British schools, where there was much emphasis on reading and writing. Students were friendly but fiercely competitive, and the teachers made learning a lot of fun. By fifth grade he had managed to learn 90 percent of what he knows to this very day.
When the family moved to south Florida, he found his new classmates uninterested in their studies, and his teachers spent most of their time disciplining students. Jack retreated to an abandoned bookmobile (three flat tires and empty of books) parked out behind the sandy ball field, and read for most of the day. His greatest wish in life is to replace trailer parks with bookmobile parks, which he thinks will eliminate most of the targets for tornadoes and educate an entire generation of great kids who now go to schools that are underfunded and substandard.
The seeds for Jack's writing career were planted in sixth grade, when he read his sister's diary and decided he could write better than she could. He begged his mother for a diary and began to collect anecdotes he overheard at school, mostly from standing outside the teachers' lounge and listening to their lunchtime conversations. Later, he incorporated many of these anecdotes into stories.
In junior high he went to a school that had been converted from a former state prison. He thinks the inmates probably fled for their lives once the students showed up. Again, he spent most of his time reading on his own.
In high school he decided to become a writer. But he would have to wait another three years, until he went to college, before he could actually meet other writers and study with teachers who thought writing amounted to more than just cribbing book reports and composing sympathy notes.
While in college, he and an illustrator friend, Nicole Rubel, began working on picture books. After a series of well-deserved rejections, they published their first book, Rotten Ralph, in 1976. It was a success and the beginning of Jack's career as a professional writer. This surprised a great many people who thought he was going to specialize in rehabilitating old bookmobiles into housing for retired librarians.
Jack continued to write children's books and began to teach courses in children's book writing and children's literature. He developed the master's degree program in children's book writing at Emerson College and the Vermont College M.F.A. program for children's book writers. He now devotes his time to writing books and educational speaking.
His publications can take a reader from "cradle to grave" - from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for young adults and adults.
Mr. Gantos is known nationally for his educational creative writing and literature presentations to students and teachers. He is a frequent conference speaker, university lecturer, and in-service provider.
Contributor: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
For more information on this author, please visit his website www.jackgantos.com
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Reviews
Back to School for Rotten Ralph
Jack Gantos
Illustrated by Nicole Rubel
Rotten Ralph is worried that Sarah will forget about being his best friend when she starts school for the first time. Despite his sabotaging her dress and backpack, Sarah still catches the school bus on time. Then Ralph decides that the only thing he can do is pretend to be a school kid too. Sarah wants to make new friends at school. When Ralph is discovered as her cat, Sarah gains a whole classroom of friends. Rotten Ralph fans and children entering school for the first time will appreciate the anxiety and chuckle at Ralph's antics. 1998, HarperCollins, $5.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-443705-1
Best in Show for Rotten Ralph
Jack Gantos
Illustrated by Nicole Rubel
Rotten Ralph wants to be in the cat show but is desperately afraid that his perfect cousin Percy is going to beat him. To try and show up Percy, Ralph and Sarah embark on a rigorous self-improvement regimen, not that it makes much difference for poor Ralph. During the competition, Ralph realizes that it is futile to pretend to be somebody that he is not, so he lets his true colors shine through--a kaleidoscope of colors. This is the wisest decision Ralph could make. He ends up being awarded for his participation in the cat show. It is perhaps not in the manner which he envisioned, but, nonetheless, it is in a manner fitting his character! Imaginative, colorful illustrations--befitting a coffee table book on modern art--on almost every page accompany the text in this funny, four-chapter book. This title is part of the "Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader" series (Ralph made his debut in 1976) that includes Rotten Ralph Helps Out, Practice Makes Perfect for Rotten Ralph and Rotten Ralph Feels Rotten. Recommended 2005, Farrar Straus Giroux, $15.00. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Cindy L. Carolan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-36358-7
Hole in My Life
Jack Gantos
Jack Gantos, widely read author of the "Rotten Ralph" series of picture books and the Joey Pigza books, among others, did not become an author easily. He feels that he always wanted to write, and that he would become a famous author, but as a young man he never quite got around to putting his words on paper. His family moved around a lot, he didn't feel connected to anyone, and he didn't really care for school. Everything changed in 1971, when he made a really bad choice. For $10,000 (what seemed like a fortune) he agreed to help sail a ship from the Virgin Islands to New York City. An easy job, but the ship was loaded with hashish. Gantos didn't realize that Federal agents had been tracking them nearly all the way. At the age of twenty, he was sent to prison for six years. At first he didn't see any way to change his ways or his life-style, nor did he see anything that would give him reason to change. But he did want to finish high school, and was fortunate in finding a teacher who encouraged him and convinced him that the only way one becomes a writer is by writing, and the only way for a writer to get his work published is to write well. It was not an easy life that Gantos had chosen, but he was determined to succeed, and eventually he did. The book is well put together, and is written in a conversational style that is easy to read without talking down to the reader. Prison life is presented as the horror that it is. An encouraging look at a terrible part of life, and how this remarkable young man was capable of overcoming disadvantages and becoming what he had always wanted to be--a writer. 2002, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Judy Silverman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2003; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Apr. 1, 2002; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2002; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Fanfare Honor List, 2002; Horn Book; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, February 15, 2002; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2003; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2002; Cahners; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2003 Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 2002; Smithsonian; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Heartland Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature Finalist 2004 United States
Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book 2003 United States
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor Book 2003 United States
Thumbs Up! Award Nominee 2003 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award, 2007; Nominee; United States
Eliot Rosewater High School Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Indiana
Garden State Teen Book Awards, 2005; Nominee; Non-Fiction; New Jersey
Green Mountain Book Award, 2006-2007; Master List; Grades 9-12; Vermont
Iowa High School Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; High School; Iowa
Rhode Island Teen Book Award, 2004; Nominee; High School Students; Rhode Island
Tayshas High School Reading List, 2003-2004; Texas
Volunteer State Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Young Adult; Tennessee
ISBN: 0-374-39988-3
Jack Adrift: Fourth Grade Without a Clue
Jack Gantos
Infatuation, injured ducks and evil--okay, mischievous--use of the remote control all have a place in the slightly off-kilter world of fourth-grader Jack Henry, whose life might be just about normal for a 1960s Navy kid living in a trailer park. A series of wacky vignettes loosely add up to a year in the life of Jack, who is trying to figure out his place among a big sister, a younger brother and two parents who dole out conflicting approaches to dealing with people. (Mom says tell the truth; Dad advises telling 'em what they want to hear.) Loosely autobiographical, Jack's world is exaggerated but still exists in a foundation of reality. His journey through several of life's little lessons doesn't end with one big bang of realization, but, like most fourth-graders, he manages to figure it out. Gantos' writing is wisecracking and full of riotous detail; political correctness is not high on his agenda, but his characters, ultimately, survive on the goodness within them. This book is a prequel to the other Jack Henry books, including Jack on the Tracks: Four Seasons of Fifth Grade and Heads or Tails: Stories from the Sixth Grade. 2003, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Diane Frook (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Great Lakes Great Book Award Honor Book 2005 Grades 4-5 Michigan
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2006; Nominee; Fiction; New Jersey
Great Lakes Great Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades 4-5; Michigan
ISBN: 0-374-39987-5
Jack on the Tracks: Four Seasons of Fifth Grade
Jack Gantos
Yes! Jack is back--and as funny as ever. Based on the author's own childhood journals, this fourth book of Jack Henry stories is as hilarious as the first three. Be prepared for Jack telling tales of eating tapeworms, dropping cockroaches in his sister's mouth, and suffering through the unlucky deaths of multiple cats. Jack is cursed with the selected wisdom peculiar to fifth-grade boys--don't open the door to strangers, but do hop on a homemade water ski pulled by a car in a lightning storm. While Gantos comically salutes the sometimes gross and reckless nature of boys in tasteless ways that kids will love, he also weaves genuine insight and sensitivity into the larger, unspoken concerns that inhabit every child's head. Jack is trying hard to be responsible, to convince his older sister that he's mature, and to show his teacher that there's more to boys than snakes and snails. He fails miserably, of course, but his trying will warm readers' hearts (while turning their stomachs and attacking their funny bones). 1999, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Betty Hicks (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Fiction; New Jersey
ISBN: 0-374-33665-2
Jack's New Power: Stories from a Caribbean Year
Jack Gantos
Twelve year old Jack and his unconventional family have moved from Florida to Barbados, and he is anxious to fit in and make friends. Jack describes the adventures and mishaps of his Caribbean year in eight chapters that are linked by his first person, journal-writing perspective. Most episodes, whether they describe what it's like to be painted purple as a cure for blood poisoning or trying to catch a headless chicken, are a mixture of humor and horror. While not for the faint of heart, these colorful tales should appeal to those with a taste for gore, grossness and offbeat characters and situations. 1995, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Thirteenth Edition, 1997; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1995; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Hungry Mind Finalists, 1995; Hungry Mind Review; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 1995; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 2004; Texas
ISBN: 0-374-33657-1
Joey Pigza Loses Control
Jack Gantos
Joey is determined to take control of his own life. In reconnecting with Carter, his absentee father, Joey secretly hopes to reunite his parents, but he finds that he can't really talk to his dad as the man never listens. Actually, he never closes his mouth. Facing some problems with alcohol, Carter figures that Joey can control his hyperactivity just as he did his alcoholism--cold turkey. He tosses out Joey's medication and goes to work, leaving the boy with his quirky chain-smoking grandma. Joey soon realizes that he is becoming his old wired self, and he tries desperately to be normal. Some of his antics will make you laugh out loud, but others are heart wrenching. Joey ends up playing on the baseball team his dad coaches and is a great pitcher. Unfortunately, he is unable to make new friends as his dad is always yelling at the players! Also, Carter is stressed over the baseball playoffs and seems to be losing control. He starts drinking again. After some wild escapades, Joey comes to the realization that it was "my mistakes that made me interesting and that perfect kids were more like mannequins." Adolescent readers will be absorbed with Joey's search to find himself, relate to his imperfections, and will perhaps find a message that will allow them to accept their own limitations. The plot is absorbing and thought-provoking. 2000, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature).
In this National Book Award Finalist selection, Gantos introduces a young boy learning to cope with ADHD. Joey has medicine and strategies in this sequel, but he is still the same Joey. In the opening scene, he sets up living room pillows as targets, accidentally pierces his dog's ear, then solves the problem with a hoop earring. Soon after, Joey is off to live with his heavy-drinking, egocentric father for the first time. He is also living with his grandmother, who switches from crabby to cruel as quickly as she alternates smoking a cigarette and gulping fresh air from her oxygen machine. Readers will sympathize with Joey as his father rationalizes drinking, throws out Joey's medicine, and continually disappoints him. But none of these situations take away Joey's original retorts and comical, unique solutions to problems. Joey's biggest improvement may be his knowledge of self and how he applies it to better control his life. His wisdom and experience with failure show when he sizes up his grandmother. He knows she will always be her two selves--one nice and funny, and the other mean and scary. She will not change because she never feels that anything she does is wrong. All the changing is up to Joey, who says, "That was okay because I knew I could be wrong most of the time." Gantos' writing excellence shows in the way he allows the reader to draw conclusions, while Joey only experiences situations. Gantos still gives us what we love best about Joey--neither medicine nor a bad situation can take away his comic responses. This artist has created a satisfying follow-up. 2000, Farrar, $16.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 1, 2000; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2000; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001; Children's Literature; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2000; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Fanfare Honor List, 2000; Horn Book; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, June 15, 2000; United States
Lasting Connections, 2000; American Library Association; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2001; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2000; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2000; Cahners; United States
Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers, 2000; Voice of Youth Advocates; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
John Newbery Medal Honor Book 2001 United States
Maine Student Book Award Second Place 2002 Maine
Parent's Choice Award Gold 2003 Best 25 Books in 25 Years United States
White Ravens Award Winner 2001 United States United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Colorado
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Vermont
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Children's Fiction; New Jersey
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Kentucky
Maine Student Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Maine
The Nene Award, 2002; Nominee; Hawaii
The Nene Award, 2004; Nominee; Hawaii
The Nene Award, 2005; Nominee; Hawaii
Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Rhode Island
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Intermediate Book (Grades 4-6); Indiana
ISBN: 0-374-39989-1
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Jack Gantos
Joey Pigza is wired. Not just that, but he's got a wired streak in his family. Not just that, but he's heading for deeper and deeper trouble. He can't sit still. He does bizarre things that cross the border from funny to scary in the spin of a wrist. And he can't stop himself. But most of all, he can't figure out why life with the troubled mother he loves is so filled with "everyday sadness." Gantos takes the reader into the fractured world of the child with what we today call ADHD. Whose road to what we might call normalcy is rocky beyond imagining. The reader follows that road in this story, with Joey's direct, edgy, matter-of-fact voice as guide. Gritty, often disturbing, yet ending with a glimpse of the awesome resilience of this young protagonist. 1998, Farrar Straus & Giroux, $16.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Dealing with Alienation, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Great Middle School Reads, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Keep Smiling!, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for Children, 1999; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 1999; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 1998; Cahners; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, December 1998; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 1998; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
California Young Reader Medal Winner 2002 Junior High California
Maine Student Book Award Third Place 1999 Maine
Maryland Children's Book Award Winner 2003 Intermediate Maryland
The Sasquatch Reading Award Winner 2001 Washington
Virginia Young Readers Program Winner 2001 Middle School Virginia
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2001; Nominee; Young Adult; Arizona
California Young Reader Medal, 2002; Nominee; Middle School/Junior High; California
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2000; Nominee; Vermont
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 2000; Nominee; Juvenile Fiction; North Dakota
The Golden Archer Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Intermediate; Wisconsin
Great Stone Face Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; New Hampshire
Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Iowa
Lone Star Reading List, 2000-2001; Texas
Maine Student Book Award, 1999-2000; Nominee; Maine
Maryland Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Maryland
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Massachusetts
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Minnesota
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 1999-2000; Nominee; Minnesota
Prairie Pasque Award, 2001; Nominee; South Dakota
Sasquatch Reading Award, 2001; Nominee; United States
Young Reader's Choice Award, 2001; Nominee; Grades 4-8; Pacific Northwest
ISBN: 0-374-33664-4
ISBN: 0-06-440833-7
Practice Makes Perfect for Rotten Ralph
Jack Gantos
Illustrated by Nicole Rubel
Latest in the early-reader series that started with the publication of Rotten Ralph in 1976, this lucky-13th tale pits mischievous Ralph, the naughty, tabby cat, against his hoity-toity, tiger-striped, feline cousin Percy. With their human friend Sarah, they visit the newly arrived carnival to have a day of fun and games. Cousin Percy's long practice tossing balls and beanbags at various targets in his house pays off, and he wins an armful of prizes for Sarah. Ralph, on the other hand, sure of his own prowess, keeps missing and losing--until he decides to start cheating. Confronted with his duplicity, Rotten R. reluctantly returns his ill-gotten gain and, thus, wins back Sarah's approval. Having resolved to try one last game, the dunking booth, Ralph and his exuberant, high spirits win the day. Young readers who are ready to move from simple picture books to simple word-and-chapter books will be delighted with this carnival romp and learn that pride never pays (neither Ralph's kind, nor Percy's), honesty is always the best policy, and, of course, practice makes perfect. Hopefully, children's librarians will have the whole series in their collections. Like any memorable fairy tale, this story has it all--entertainment and a moral (or two or three). Thanks to Rubel's extravagantly colored illustrations, both the eye and the mind come away winners. 2002, Farrar Straus Giroux, $15.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Earlene Viano (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-374-36356-0
Rotten Ralph Feels Rotten
Jack Gantos
Illustrated by Nicole Rubel
Rotten Ralph has returned for another hysterical adventure. This time, Rotten Ralph raids trashcans. He eats squishy squid and licks furry fish. The next morning, Rotten Ralph's breath smells worse than rotten. His stomach rumbles and roars. Sarah makes a pillow bed for Rotten Ralph in her red wagon. She takes him to the vet while Ralph clutches his spit-up bucket. At the vet, Ralph spits out the thermometer and kicks the vet off his stool. Then, Ralph takes medicine to make him throw up. That night, Ralph stays at the veterinarian's but he is homesick for Sarah and slips out of the vet hospital. Rotten Ralph sneaks back to the house just in time to eat a large banana split. Early readers will love another adventure with Rotten Ralph. 2004, Farrar Straus Giroux, $15.00. Ages 5 to 7.Reviewer: Mindy Hardwick (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Booklist Book Review Stars, Jul. 1, 2004; United States
ISBN: 0-374-36357-9
Rotten Ralph Helps Out
Jack Gantos
Illustrated by Nicole Rubel
Readers will absorb a fair amount of information about ancient Egypt as they follow Sarah's research for a school project. Rude and rough Ralph is not impressed with Sarah's Egyptian study and makes sardonic comments to himself throughout the story. He makes a pyramid of books in the library and draws tomb art on the walls just to annoy the librarian and spoil Sarah's fun. But worse, he tries to apologize by helping Sarah with her projects and makes his usual mess. All is patched up, however, when Ralph makes himself up as the Sphinx and goes to school as Sarah's project. While Ralph never addresses Sarah directly, she seems to understand him enough to read his mind. On the last page, Ralph thinks, "I love candy" and Sarah answers, "I know you do"--perhaps a new depth for this friendship? This volume introduces a new series, one packaged in easy chapter book format rather than as a picture storybook format. Same cat, though, with the same semi-bad attitude, the same long-suffering friend and owner, and the same warm outcome. 2001, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $14.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 2001; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Parents' Choice Award Silver 2001 Picture Books United States
ISBN: 0-374-36355-2
What Would Joey Do?
Jack Gantos
In this final book of the "Joey Pigza" trilogy, Joey's life is again turned upside down by his parents' feuding. Trouble begins the moment his dad rides into town and his mom starts yelling. Joey wants to help his parents, but Grandma Pigza warns him to stay clear of the whole fracas. She wants Joey to focus on making a life for himself and finding a friend he will be able to count on when she is gone. As one disaster after another occurs, Joey learns the importance of looking out for the one person who needs to count on him more than any other--himself. The medley of exaggerated characters in this wild, wacky book provide comic relief to a story that, in real life, might very well be a tragedy. 2002, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Oct. 1, 2002; United States
Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2002; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2002; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Parent's Choice Award Silver 2002 Fiction United States
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor Book 2003 Language Arts-Grades K-6 Novels United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Vermont
The Golder Archer Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Intermediate; Wisconsin
Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Wyoming
Maine Student Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Maine
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Kansas
ISBN: 0-374-39986-7
Added 05/16/06
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