I Am Not Joey Pigza [Paperback]

Just when Joey Pigza's wired world finally seems to be under control, his good-for-nothing dad pops back into his life. This time, though, Carter Pigza is a new man  literally. After a lucky lotto win, Carter Pigza has a crazy new outlook on life, and he's even changed his name to Charles Heinz. He thinks Joey and his mom should become new people, too. Soon Joey finds himself bombarded with changes: a new name, a new home, and a new family business  running the beat-up Beehive Diner. He knows he should forgive his dad as his mom wants him to, and get with the new family program. But inI Am Not Joey Pigza,Joey is afraid that in changing names and going with the flow he will lose sight of who he really is.

In Jack Gantos' rocket-paced new chapter in Joey Pigza's life, a favorite hero discovers what identity and forgiveness really mean, and how to cook a delicious turkey burger. This title has Common Core connections.

Joey's world is turned upside down when his deadbeat dad wins the lottery.

Jack Gantoshas written books for people of all ages, from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for young adults and adults. His works includeHole in My Life, a memoir that won the Michael L. Printz and Robert F. Sibert Honors; the Joey Pigza series, which include a Newbery Honor book and a National Book Award Finalist;Dead End in Norvelt, winner of the Newbery Medal and the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction; and the Rotten Ralph series.

Discussion Questions
1. Carter Pigza / Charles Heinz tells Joey, You have to dig deeper than just your name to know who you are (p. 14). What do you think he means?
2. Do you think Joey knows who he is at his core?
3. Being Freddie Heinz causes Joey to doubt who he is at the core. Is he really different?
4. On many occasions, Joey tries to use his better judgment (p. 18)sometimes he's successful, sometimes he's not. Find examples and discuss.
5. Forlc%