Wringer by Jerry Spinelli

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Peer Pressure, Bullying

Grade Level: 3-5

Curricular Connections: Health (Peer Pressure), Science (Animal Overpopulation), Language Arts (Persuasive Writing and Speaking)

Palmer is about to turn 10, but instead of being excited, he is dreading it. In his rural town they have an annual Pigeon Shoot Day in which sharpshooters take aim at pigeons released from cages. Those that are hit and wounded but not killed are chased after by wringers who twist their necks to kill them as they hit the ground. The job of wringers is part of a milestone of turning 10 in their community. Everyone Palmer has ever known has looked forward to this event, but he is not. At his birthday party his friends, bullies themselves, animately talk about becoming wringers. Eventually Palmer becomes the subject of their bullying when they find out about his pet pigeon Nipper that he has been hiding in his room. Palmer does show up on Pigeon Shoot day and appears to be a wringer, but he is worried that Nipper is among the pigeons about to be shot. When one pigeon who gets away circles back, he knows it is Nipper. He saves his pigeon in front of the entire town and walks away feeling a sense of relief as he hears a small child ask his father if he could have a pet pigeon too.

Classroom Activities:

1. Have students write a persuasive essay telling why it is better to just be yourself rather than trying to live up to the expectations of friends. Keep the essay simple with an introduction paragraph, 2 to 3 supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. Encourage students to share personal opinions. They could also share examples from their own life as supportive details.

2. Students can research what happens to animals and habitats that are overpopulated. Have them choose sides and hold debates concerning hunting/sport vs. overpopulation.