Wringer by Marsha Hale

Jerry Spinelli wrote the easy-read, chapter book Wringer. The main character is a young boy named Palmer LaRue. The plot centers on him becoming a wringer at the age of 10, which in his community is a right-of-passage for every boy 10 years of age. All boys welcome with excitement becoming a wringer, not Palmer, he is filled with complete dread. This dread got its roots at a young age when Palmer witnessed something quite awful on final day of the annual "Family Fest." He had watched with his mother and other spectators as a pigeon was shot from the air, wobbled toward him wounded, and then captured by a young boy and put out of its "misery" (as his mother had explained) with a snap of its neck. From this day forward Palmer learned more about the pigeon shoot, but could make no sense of it. Why does everyone in his town hate pigeons? Palmer does not hate pigeons.At the horror of Palmer, the pigeon shoot is supported by EVERYONE in his town because it is a fundraiser for the local park, a key attraction. The adult men pay an entrance fee be a shooter and then compete for the sharp shooter trophy, which Palmer's father proudly displayed his one golden trophy on the fireplace mantel. To make things worse, Palmer's coveted group of buddies, Arthur a.k.a.Beans, Billy a.k.a. Mutto, and George a.k.a. Henry eagerly anticipate their turn at wringer and egg Palmer a.k.a. Snots on to do the same. Palmer does not want to be a wringer, but agonizes over thoughts of disappointing his father and his town and of losing his group of buddies. Utterly complicating his dilemma, Palmer adopts a stray pigeon one snowy day. This pigeon refuses to leave and becomes his pet, his companion, and an enormous secret. If anyone found out that he was harbouring a pigeon--the thing the whole town hated most--what would happen?In the end, Palmer reluctantly uncomplicates his life by ridding himself of his pet pigeon. He refuses his post as wringer and looses his group of buddies. However, on the final day of Family Fest he decides to watch the shoot fearing his pigeon could have been captured. In a twist HIS pigeon is released and the shooters take their best shots. Palmer is forced to take a stand, without regard for anyone and everyone else's beliefs. As the entire town watches, Palmer creates his own right-of-passage. This book creates a wonderful opportunity for teachers and students to discuss what it means to take a stand for what you believe is right while going against the majority. Palmer struggles between acceptance and defiance. On one hand, he tries to accept what his town does and tries to fit in with everyone. But on the other hand, he longs to defy the wrongful beliefs and change his town. He struggles to reconcile these opposing positions. In the end he cannot dodge taking a stand for he is forced to declare what he believes is right, pigeons should not be hated.