What Would Joey Do?
by Jack Gantos
Macmillan 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- neurodiversity/ADHD
- family dynamics
- self-control and choices
- identity
- resilience
- friendship
- acceptance
- humor amid hardship
About this book
In the final book of the original Joey Pigza trilogy, Joey is trying hard to make good choices while the adults in his life keep pulling him in different directions. With his trademark humor and honesty, Joey navigates school, family complications, and the everyday challenges of living with ADHD. Readers see him work to control the things he can and find his voice when life gets noisy. Fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt, this is a great pick for upper elementary and middle school readers who like realistic stories with lots of personality.
Setting: contemporary small-town Pennsylvania, home and school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Would Joey Do? right for my child?
Yes — What Would Joey Do? 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 neurodiversity/ADHD, family dynamics, self-control and choices.
How long does it take to read What Would Joey Do??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, What Would Joey Do? takes around 6.5h to finish. The book has 58,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does What Would Joey Do? have an AR quiz?
Yes — What Would Joey Do? has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 What Would Joey Do??
What Would Joey Do? 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.