Title: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Authors: Jack Gantos

Themes: ADHD, Anxiety, Bullying, Communication, Coping Skills, Developing Empathy, Developing Perspective, Friendship, Gratitude, Individuation, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Social Skills

Age Recommendation: Elementary through Junior High School 

Summary: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key is the story of a boy being treated for ADHD and mood swings. Joey is a character that most kids with mood disorder and/or ADHD diagnoses will relate to. Joey takes medication for his ADHD, which he refers to as "dud meds" because he doesn't believe they help him manage his impulsive behaviors at all. Joey has a good relationship with his mom but struggles in school; this is the first book in the Joey Pigza series and I recommend all of them.  

Ideas / Interventions: As an intervention, either read portions of this book with your client during therapy sessions, or assign your client to read a section with a parent between visits. Often, kids who struggle with severe ADHD don't enjoy reading, so it's okay to move very slowly through this book. As your client develops skills for managing their impulses, have them problem solve for Joey. Ask you client to make suggestions for what Joey could have done differently in situations that lead to trouble.