Joey Pigza Loses Control is a wonderful book to use within a classroom.  It will touch many students through its description of what it is like to be hyperactive, or what it is like to visit a parent in the summer that is not the best role model.  Joey Pigza encounters many problems with his dad, Carter.  Joey wants to get to know his dad and wants to spend time with him, but he does not always like the problems his dad finds himself in.
       Joey Pigza Loses Control describes how Joey feels about being hyperactive and having to control his behavior with medication.  Many students will have to control their behaviors with medication, and this book helps them to see that medication is not a bad thing or anything to be ashamed of.  This book will also teach children who are not hyperactive how it feels to be hyperactive.  Joey Pigza Loses Control will teach students to become empathetic and accepting of each other.