Leslee
11th Grade
Wringer
By:  Jerry Spinelli

Palmer Larue lives in a town called Waymer.  He grows up with a tradition that is held during Family Fest- a festival of contests, amusement rides, and fun.  The main tradition is known as Pigeon Day, where shooters compete for a Sharpshooter's trophy by shooting at pigeons.  The birds that are only wounded and not killed are retrieved by 'wringer-boys' that wring their necks.  This tradition is somewhat of a rite of passage, because you are allowed to do so as a boy when you turn ten.  It is considered an honor.  The problem is that Palmer has been forever haunted from when he was very young when he first attended this ritual.  He does not want to be a wringer.  Through keeping a pigeon named Nipper as a pet, being pressured by Henry, Beans, and Mutto, convincing this group of boys that he is one of them, and the upcoming Pigeon Day, Palmer struggles with this difficult issue of disagreeing with society and tradition. 

I picked up this book because I thought it seemed interesting and continued reading because I thoroughly enjoyed the story.  I would recommend it to anyone who loves animals and standing up for what they believe in.  It is great for all ages. 

This is a great novel that touches on moral dilemmas, vulnerability, doing the right thing, and having courage to change tradition.  I give it a 4**** rating.