Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

This story is told from Joey's perspective, an upper elementary kid with severe ADHD. SEVERE ADHD. I've never read a book like this - a book that so clearly gives you a perspective of what it's like to have ADHD. Actually, I saw myself in some of the people in Joey's life - people who didn't "get" Joey. A big theme that was brought out to me was how we view other people, how we accept other people. After reading this book, I feel like I have much greater grace and understanding for others.

Joey comes from a very real family - a family with its own troubles. Joey is sent to an alternative school after a series of "accidents" he is involved in. Most of the accidents occur because of his impulsive behavior, and it's so interesting to see how people around him react.

There is so much humor in the story. Several times while I was reading I laughed out loud and several times I dropped my jaw in disbelief. You really have to read it to believe it. It's won several awards, and its sequel has too - Joe Pigza Loses Control. I recommend reading Swallowed the Key first, it will give you the background knowledge to understand the second book.