Wringer (novel) facts for kids
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First edition
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| Author | Jerry Spinelli |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult literature |
| Publisher | HarperTeen |
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Publication date
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1997 |
| Media type | Print Paperback |
| Pages | 228 |
| ISBN | 0-06-059282-6 |
Wringer is a young adult novel written by Jerry Spinelli. It was first published in 1996. The book earned a special award called a Newbery Honor in 1997, which recognizes excellent books for children.
Story Summary
The story of Wringer follows a young boy named Palmer LaRue. He lives in a town called Waymer, which has a very unusual yearly event.
Pigeon Day Tradition
Every year, Waymer celebrates "Pigeon Day." This event is held to raise money for the town's playground. During Pigeon Day, pigeons are released from crates and then shot in the air. Ten-year-old boys in Waymer have a special, and difficult, job. They are called "wringers." Their job is to pick up any birds that are wounded but not dead and quickly end their suffering. This is done by "wringing" their necks.
Palmer's Worries
As Palmer turns nine, his friends—Beans, Mutto, and Henry—start to pressure him. They are all excited about becoming the best "wringers" when they turn ten. Palmer's mother doesn't like his friends, mainly because of this tradition. However, she can't make Palmer choose different friends. Palmer also feels pressure to be like his father, who was known as a great wringer when he was young. Even though Palmer secretly doesn't want to be a wringer, he keeps quiet. He is afraid his friends will make fun of him or leave him out if he speaks up.
A Secret Friend
One day, a pigeon lands on Palmer's window. He secretly takes the bird inside and makes it his pet. He names the pigeon Nipper. To Palmer's surprise, his parents find out about Nipper. But they respect his wish to keep the pigeon a secret. Having Nipper also helps Palmer become friends again with Dorothy. She was his best friend when they were younger. Dorothy also thinks the pigeon shooting festival is cruel to the birds. Palmer's group of friends often bullies Dorothy, which caused a rift between her and Palmer. Later, Palmer realizes how much he had hurt her.
The Big Day
As Pigeon Day approaches, Palmer becomes very nervous. He has allowed Dorothy to release Nipper, hoping the pigeon will stay safe and avoid being caught for the event.
Dorothy tells Palmer that she released Nipper near the railroad tracks. She didn't know that people often capture pigeons from that exact spot to use them for the shooting. When the pigeons are released on Pigeon Day, Nipper gets wounded. One of Palmer's friends, Beans, is at the shooting. He brings the injured pigeon back onto the field to be killed. But Palmer makes a brave choice. He walks onto the field, even with all the gunfire, and carries Nipper away. As Palmer walks through the crowd, who are booing him, he sees a young kid reach out to gently touch Nipper's wing. The kid then asks his father if he can have a pigeon of his own.
