Jack Gantos Books in Order

Picture a mischievous red cat wreaking havoc and a boy with ADHD navigating life’s chaos—meet Jack Gantos, the American author who turned his wild experiences into award-winning children’s books! Known for his humor, heart, and knack for storytelling, Gantos has captivated young readers with series like Rotten Ralph and Joey Pigza, blending real-life grit with playful narratives.

Born in 1951, Gantos’s journey from a turbulent youth to a literary star is as compelling as his stories. His ability to transform personal struggles into relatable, laugh-out-loud tales has earned him a Newbery Medal and a lasting place in children’s literature.

The Making of Jack Gantos

Jack Gantos was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and grew up in nearby Norvelt, a town that later inspired his Newbery-winning novel. His family’s frequent moves—to Barbados, South Florida, and the Virgin Islands—shaped a childhood filled with diverse experiences. As a teen, Gantos faced a major setback: at 20, he was sentenced to prison for drug smuggling, an experience he later chronicled in his memoir, Hole in My Life. This low point fueled his resolve to write. After his release, he enrolled at Emerson College, where he met illustrator Nicole Rubel, sparking a lifelong collaboration that began with their first book, Rotten Ralph, in 1976.

Jack Gantos’s Unforgettable Stories

Gantos’s bibliography spans picture books, middle-grade fiction, and young adult novels, all infused with his signature wit and authenticity. The Rotten Ralph series, starting with the 1976 book, follows a naughty cat whose antics delight young readers across 20 titles. Illustrated by Nicole Rubel, these stories balance humor with lessons about behavior. The Joey Pigza series, beginning with Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (1998), introduces a boy with ADHD, drawing from Gantos’s interactions with children and his own chaotic youth. This series earned a National Book Award nomination and a Newbery Honor for Joey Pigza Loses Control (2000).

Gantos’s Dead End in Norvelt (2011) blends history and humor, winning the 2012 Newbery Medal and the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Set in his hometown, it follows a 12-year-old Jack navigating a quirky summer in 1962. His memoir, Hole in My Life (2002), offers a raw look at his prison experience, resonating with teens and earning Printz and Sibert honors. Gantos’s style—vivid, funny, and unflinchingly honest—makes complex themes accessible to young readers.

Why Jack Gantos Matters

Jack Gantos’s impact on children’s literature lies in his ability to weave humor and hardship into stories that resonate across ages. His characters, from the mischievous Rotten Ralph to the empathetic Joey Pigza, mirror the struggles and triumphs of real kids, making his books both entertaining and therapeutic. By tackling topics like ADHD and personal redemption, Gantos has given voice to underrepresented experiences, earning accolades and inspiring readers to embrace their own stories. His work as an educator, developing children’s literature programs at Emerson and Vermont Colleges, has also shaped future writers.

• Born: July 2, 1951, Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania
• Key Works: Rotten Ralph, Joey Pigza series, Dead End in Norvelt, Hole in My Life
• Awards: Newbery Medal (2012), Newbery Honor (2001), National Book Award Finalist (1998)

Ready to dive into a world of mischief and heart? Grab Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key or Rotten Ralph and discover Jack Gantos’s storytelling magic!