The Dented Head of Joey Pigza Audiobook By Jack Gantos cover art

The Dented Head of Joey Pigza

The Hidden Files of Joey Pigza, Book 1

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The Dented Head of Joey Pigza

By: Jack Gantos
Narrated by: Jack Gantos
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Joey Pigza wants to win! In this audio-only adventure, Jack Gantos’s beloved hero races back into kids’ hearts with a tale about running, perseverance, and life’s inevitable crashes.

Despite his beat-up old shoes and struggles with ADHD, Joey won’t let anything hold him back—after all, he’s the lightning-fast champion of schoolyard races. But when a high-speed collision leaves him with a dented head and more problems than ever, can our infectiously impulsive hero overcome his hurdles and race to the top?

In this zany and surprisingly inspiring listen, perfect for kids ages 8 and up, our chaotic hero realizes he can’t outrun his troubles. Joining him this time around in a series of hyperactive hijinks are his eccentric Granny and his ever-faithful Chihuahua, Pablo. Written and performed by the multi-talented Jack Gantos, and delivered in a wildly energetic voice, this gem is full of the hilarity and heart that made the Joey Pigza creator a Newbery Award-winning children’s book icon.

Cover illustration by Laurie Keller.

©2018 Jack Gantos (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC. Fiction Humorous Fiction Kids Audible Originals Literature & Fiction Neurodiversity Comedy Heartfelt Funny Witty Feel-Good Inspiring

Go Behind the Scenes at Audible Studios

Author and performer Jack Gantos celebrates the special bond of family listening.
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Classic moments from the Joey Pigza series – hear his other adventures

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Book 1: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
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Joey Pigza Loses Control
Book 2: Joey Pigza Loses Control
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What Would Joey Do?
Book 3: What Would Joey Do?
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I Am Not Joey Pigza
Book 4: I Am Not Joey Pigza
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The Key That Swallowed Joey Pigza
Book 5: The Key That Swallowed Joey Pigza
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  • Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
  • Book 1: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
  • Joey Pigza Loses Control
  • Book 2: Joey Pigza Loses Control
  • What Would Joey Do?
  • Book 3: What Would Joey Do?
  • I Am Not Joey Pigza
  • Book 4: I Am Not Joey Pigza
  • The Key That Swallowed Joey Pigza
  • Book 5: The Key That Swallowed Joey Pigza

About the Author and Performer

Jack Gantos has written books for readers of all ages, from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for young adults and grownups. His works include Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, a National Book Award Finalist; Joey Pigza Loses Control, a Newbery Honor book; and Hole in My Life, a memoir that was recognized as a Michael L. Printz Honor Book and a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book. A teacher as well as a writer, he developed the master’s degree program in children’s book writing at Emerson College and the Vermont College M.F.A. program for children’s book writers. Jack is also a proponent for audiobook engagement for children as he believes it sparks their imagination. Hence, the sixth book in the Joey Pigza series, The Dented Head of Joey Pigza, is an Audible Original.

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Heartwarming Story • Relatable Characters • Inspiring Message • Engaging Storytelling • Energetic Performance
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I honestly can't believe how a book so short and so "kids book" could have granted so much to me, an adult reader. Pig a is a character to learn from. His surroundings give a salod and clear view of how life can be hard but at the same time worth figuring out. All you have to do is keep on running.

Beep beep! Witty and hilarious

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The book list me when there was a whole chapter as to why there was this book I just want a story. I should have gone for Emma as one of my free ones. .

Well.....

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I found this story to be well written but occasionally I had to turn it off because so many things were going wrong in the protagonist’s life that I had to stop to decompress from my feelings towards the character which I suppose is a sign that the author successfully made me feel for the character

For what it was it good

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The author’s voice really brings the Joey character to life. The story is one that many children today can relate to, either through a classmate’s life or their own experiences. My children (ages 9 and 14) couldn’t wait to listen to the new adventures each chapter brings.

Funny story with a sweet message

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funny and fun! my 11 year old loved the story. we as parents loved the message.

great family story.

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lovely, inspiring story for big kids and little. a heart-warmer start to finish. read it!

lovely, inspiring story for big kids and little

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A marvelous story that gives an all too accurate insight into the prebubescent ADHD mind. The tale of how Joey got his head dented will inspire ADHD kids and adults like me to achieve greatness!

Inspirational

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One of the best books I’ve read. Gives insight into the mind of a special needs kid and so touching and funny at the same time. #PizgahPower

Hilarious

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This is a "sit in the driveway" until it's finished performance. Educational and inspirational. We'll share this with friends and family.

Incredible

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I wasn't sure if this was for adolescents or adults. I really enjoyed the narrator. The story was interesting. There were parts that I thought would be great for a child to hear and possibly draw guidance for life learning skills. However, there were other parts of the presentation that I would not be comfortable suggesting for an adolescent to hear. It would be great if every child could have such rapport with teachers and achieve success with so much support and self-direction. It was a nice little story.

Interesting Book

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