I Am Not Joey Pigza

Description

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 Joey is afraid that in changing names and going with the flow he will lose sight of who he really is.
In this 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.

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

Discussion Questions
1. Carter Pigza / Charles Heinz tells Joey, “You have to dig deeper than just your name to know who you are” (p. 14). What do you think he means?
2. Do you think Joey knows who he is at his core?
3. Being Freddie Heinz causes Joey to doubt who he is at the core. Is he really different?
4. On many occasions, Joey tries to use his better judgment (p. 18)—sometimes he’s successful, sometimes he’s not. Find examples and discuss.
5. For private reflection, think about who you are at the core—your qualities, interests, and talents. Are there moments when you doubt yourself or don’t use your better judgment? What might you do to bolster your self-awareness and good judgment?
6. Why is Joey convinced that the only thing his dad has changed is his name?
7. How has a windfall of money changed Joey’s dad? His mom?
8. Throughout the book, Joey is asked to forgive and forget his father’s actions. Why does Joey struggle with this? How does Joey feel after he has forgiven his father?

“Delightful.” —People magazine“Life becomes even more complicated for the wired sixth grader . . . hilarious.” —Starred, Booklist“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.” —Starred, Kirkus Reviews“Another wild ride–over serious terrain.” —Starred, Publishers Weekly“Gantos tells the tale with unfailing humor, delicious wordplay, and many hilarious scenes.” —Starred, School Library Journal“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

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