I Am Not Joey Pigza
by Jack Gantos
Macmillan 2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- family dynamics
- ADHD and neurodiversity
- resilience
- self-control
- trust
- belonging
- forgiveness
About this book
When Joey Pigza’s long-absent dad suddenly returns as a lottery winner, Joey’s life is thrown into chaos—and even his name is up for grabs. With his trademark humor and honesty, Joey tries to keep his ADHD under control while navigating big changes at home. Readers see him wrestle with who he is versus who others want him to be. It’s a fast, funny, and heartfelt story perfect for middle-grade readers who like character-driven, real-life adventures.
Setting: contemporary Pennsylvania, small-city/working-class neighborhoods
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is I Am Not Joey Pigza right for my child?
Yes — I Am Not Joey Pigza is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include identity, family dynamics, ADHD and neurodiversity.
How long does it take to read I Am Not Joey Pigza?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, I Am Not Joey Pigza takes around 6.5h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does I Am Not Joey Pigza have an AR quiz?
Yes — I Am Not Joey Pigza has an AR quiz available, worth 8 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is I Am Not Joey Pigza?
I Am Not Joey Pigza has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.