Wringer (Children’s Book Review)
Wringer by Jerry Spinelli
Written by the author of the well-known Maniac Magee, Wringer likewise follows a preteen boy, Palmer, as he navigates the challenges of growing up. Following Palmer over several birthdays, the novel explores themes that provide rich opportunities for parents to engage their children in meaningful conversation.
Responding to Peer Pressure
Parents should recognize that Wringer is set in a time and place where children enjoyed more independence than many do today. Within that context, Palmer experiences intense peer pressure to fit in, to endure pain without complaint, and to be cruel to others.
While these behaviors are certainly not ones we want our children to imitate, Wringer clearly demonstrates that they do not satisfy Palmer. The more he compromises to gain acceptance, the more unsettled and unhappy he becomes. It is only when he begins resisting peer pressure and making difficult but right choices that he finds peace.
Parents may consider asking:
- Why do you think Palmer wanted so badly to fit in?
- Where do you see Palmer compromise to gain acceptance? (For example, being rude to his neighbor, accepting a nickname he dislikes, or choosing to disobey his parents or be disrespectful to his teacher.)
- How do you think Palmer felt before he 鈥渇it in,鈥 after he was accepted by Beans and his friends, and after he finally stood up for himself?
Facing Fears
A central element of the novel revolves around the town鈥檚 annual pigeon shoot, a fundraiser in which thousands of pigeons are killed in a public, carnival-like atmosphere. Palmer dreads the day he will be expected to participate as a 鈥渨ringer,鈥 responsible for killing wounded birds. That fear lingers throughout the novel.
At the same time, Palmer fears losing his friend鈥檚 approval and that his secrete pet pigeon will be discovered and killed. Through these experiences, Jerry Spinelli takes readers on a journey that reveals both the power of fear and the freedom that comes from confronting it.
Parents may consider asking:
- Palmer initially hid his fear from his parents. What happened when he finally shared the truth with them? Have you ever been afraid to share something with your parents?
- As Palmer confronted his fears, he also had to stand against peer pressure. Why is that often so difficult? What happened when he finally stood up to his so-called friends?
True Friendships
Throughout much of the novel, Palmer longs to be accepted by Beans and his group of friends. He values their attention so highly that he tolerates mistreatment and even joins them in being cruel to others, including Dorothy, a childhood friend.
As the story unfurls, Palmer gradually realizes that Dorothy 鈥 not Beans 鈥 is the friend he can truly depend upon. Although their friendship has been damaged, forgiveness allows it to grow again.
Parents may consider asking:
- How was Dorothy different from Beans? What qualifies as a true friend?
- Palmer treated Dorothy poorly, yet she forgave him. Do you think that was easy or difficult for her? Why?
- How can peer pressure or fear interfere with genuine friendship?
Conclusion
Although not as widely known as Maniac Magee, Wringer is an excellent follow-up for readers who enjoyed Spinelli鈥檚 more famous novel. It also stands well on its own if your child has not read Maniac Magee.
The novel addresses several weighty themes, but does so in a way that is appropriate and engaging for late elementary and early middle grades readers. More importantly, it demonstrates one of literature鈥檚 greatest strengths (link to what makes literature so powerful): allowing children to wrestle with difficult questions in the safety of story, and preparing them to navigate similar challenges in their own lives.
Series notes
The goal of this series is to equip parents with books that are easy to find and to offer conversation prompts that help engage children more deeply with what they read and hear. A word of caution 鈥 some books, particularly chapter books, may introduce the absence of Truth, Goodness, or Beauty, and will provide prompts to guide your student through repercussions to the characters.
If there is a book you would like us to review, let us know! If it is available through the Wake County Public Library system, we will check it out, read it, and share a review if we believe it will be helpful.
