Wringer: A Newbery Honor Award Winner (Trophy Newbery) Paperback – July 16, 1998

This book is captivating and intriguing. In a world were peer pressure is such an issue for our young adults, it's refreshing to read a story that challenges that and values humanity above else. If you are a parent worried about what your children will experience and what decisions they will make in life, give them the gift of Wringer and see them fall in love with Nipper, and watch as their humanity unfolds.

This subject matter was difficult for me to digest. Shooting birds then wringing their necks until they are dead. I don't think this is a book for children.

I got this book as an assignment for my daughter. I read the book with her and we found it entertaining. We were able to have nice conversations about bullying, animal cruelty and good/bad friendships.

I liked wringer because it plot. And how the book teaches go for good and not what your friends think. And how its OK to be your self and to be different. Also you cant be forced to do the wrong thing. And that is why i like wringer and Jerry Spuhelli

This is a great book for kids to read. Especially appropriate for 4th through 6th graders. Excellent read for adults too!

Growing up, I read my fair share of Jerry Spinelli books, such as "Loser", "Manic Magee", and "Stargirl". So while searching through his other works, I came across this interesting-sounding premise and came away with a whole new appreciation for pigeons.Nine year old Palmer lives in fear of his upcoming 10th birthday. Every year, his town has an annual Pigeon Day shoot, and at the age of ten, most if not all the boys in town become "wringers"--the kids who wring the necks of the wounded pigeons that are shot. Palmer wants nothing to do with the event, yet finds himself pressured to join his friends and not be made fun of. Will Palmer follow the crowd or stick up for himself? And what happens when his friends find out he's been hiding a pet pigeon in his room?Spinelli really has a knack for getting into the mind of a child, and explaining the problems and dilemmas kids face, and the "kid logic" they use to solve said problems. (Ex: Palmer scoffs how adults don't understand how important it is to get a nickname from the neighborhood gang of "cool" kids, even if that nickname is "Snots". ) As time goes on, the special bond Palmer forms with his pet pigeon is utterly heartwarming, to the point the bird becomes his own character, with his own temperament and personality. During which, I learned a lot of interesting facts about pigeons I would've never known otherwise...which makes the inevitable day of the pigeon shoot that much more suspenseful and nerve wracking; wondering if Palmer's tiny friend will survive the day or not. All the while, Palmer must find the courage to tell his family and friends how he really feels about the business of being a wringer.A very poignant book to read about the perils of peer pressure, as well as a great story for any animal lover.

I was fascinated by this book. It seemed like such an odd topic to write about. Overall I wasn't the biggest fan. I really didn't care too much for the pigeons. That being said I was intrigued by the way Palmer saw his situation and how he rationalized or I guess de-rationalized it. I do think this would be a good book to use in order to teach perception and how adults and children view the world differently.

My daughter bought these books for the 4th grade students at her school. The kids were listening to the teacher read this out loud and asked if they could have their own copy to follow along. It makes my old heart happy to think maybe this world isn't so bad and kids do still like to read actual books and not the internet.