33 pages • 1 hour read
Wringer
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Waymer, Pennsylvania • 1990s
1996
YA
9-12 years
690L
Super Short Summary
In Jerry Spinelli’s 1997 middle-grade novel Wringer, Palmer LaRue dreads turning ten because it means participating in a town tradition as a "wringer" who kills wounded pigeons during the annual Family Fest, a week-long event culminating in a mass pigeon shooting. Struggling to reconcile his fear and societal expectations, Palmer finds courage through his friendship with a pigeon named Nipper and reconnecting with his compassionate former friend, Dorothy. Killing animals for sport is a part of the book.
Challenging
Emotional
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
15,809 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Wringer by Jerry Spinelli engages readers with its delicate exploration of peer pressure and ethical dilemmas faced by young protagonists. Critics appreciate Spinelli's compelling narrative and well-developed characters, though some feel the story's darker themes may be intense for younger audiences. Overall, its moral complexity is widely praised, though its intense moments might be challenging for sensitive readers.
Who Should Read Wringer?
Readers who enjoy Wringer by Jerry Spinelli often appreciate coming-of-age stories with deep emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas. Fans of Louis Sachar’s Holes and Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet will likely be drawn to Spinelli’s exploration of peer pressure, tradition, and the struggle for individual identity amidst societal expectations.
15,809 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dorothy Gruzik
Dorothy Gruzik
Palmer's neighbor and friend who is known for her bravery and sensitivity. She stands up to bullies and becomes an important confidant for Palmer.
Beans (Arthur Dodds)
Beans (Arthur Dodds)
The leader of a group of boys known for their boisterous and often cruel behavior. He has a love for beans and is notorious for his aggressive antics.
Henry (George)
Henry (George)
A tall and meek member of Beans's group, he displays a hidden kindness and warns Palmer of impending trouble, setting him apart from his peers.
Mutto
Mutto
Part of the Beans Boys, he is known for following Beans's lead without hesitation and appears to genuinely enjoy their mischievous activities.
240
Novel • Fiction
Waymer, Pennsylvania • 1990s
1996
YA
9-12 years
690L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.