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Wringer Audiobook
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(3.01) - 5,374 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Newbery Honor Book * ALA Notable Children's Book
""Deeply felt. Presents a moral question with great care and sensitivity."" —The New York Times
""A spellbinding story about rites of passage."" —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
""A realistic story with the intensity of a fable."" —The Horn Book (starred review)
""Thought-provoking."" —School Library Journal (starred review)
In Palmer LaRue's hometown of Waymer, turning ten is the biggest event of a boy's life. But for Palmer, his tenth birthday is not something to look forward to, but something to dread. Then one day, a visitor appears on his windowsill, and Palmer knows that this, more than anything else, is a sign that his time is up. Somehow, he must learn how to stop being afraid and stand up for what he believes in.
Wringer is a powerful tour de force from Newbery Medal winner Jerry Spinelli.
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"I though that this was a very good book. It is every boys dream to wring a bird on a special day but only twelve year olds are allowed. But there is one boy that is turning twelve this year and everyone expects him to be excited but he is not. He does not want to be a wringer because he thinks it is sad and feels bad for the birds. I highly recommend this book cause it is fantastic and I already read it more than once"
— Trevor (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Deeply felt. Presents a moral question with great care and sensitivity.”
— New York Times -
“Tender scenes contrast with barbaric images in this spellbinding story about rites of passage…the author maintains a sense of balance showing the best and worst sides of humanity. His eloquently wrought narrative alternates between allegory and realism.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Pacing is the key to the subtle emotional tension Heller delivers as Palmer…Heller maintains this tension through to the final scene of salvation.”
— AudioFile -
“A story both comic and disturbing, this is lit by Palmer’s growing courage and Dorothy's surprising loyalty.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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A Newbery Honor Book in 1998
Wringer Listener Reviews
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" I recommend this book to anyone who liked "Maniac Magee" or "Hoot". "
— Joseph, 2/15/2014 -
" One of the worst books that I have EVER read and I've read quite alot of books.Very repetative. Very boring. I kinda hated this book. Alot. All they talk about is killing pigeons and wringing their necks, which I think is really kind of gross.=( "
— Monica, 2/10/2014 -
" Ok, so I read this back when I was in 6th grade (I'm 21 now) and even though I don't remember most of it, it has stuck with me all these years (just like Milkweed) and I remember being captivated by this story at the time. I would love to read it again now. "
— Jenelle, 1/3/2014 -
" Wringer was such a different book. It was different in a very strong, but good way. I loved this book. I could relate to the characters and I could understand how they were feeling in times of stress. I liked it alot and would read it again. "
— Sara, 1/2/2014 -
" i was OK with this book. i hated the cruelty towards the pigeons. What did they do? I actually found myself getting angry at the ending when snapper dies! "
— Nandanie, 1/2/2014 -
" I liked this book somewhat because it was interesting and suspending. I also liked it because it had a lot of details. "
— Josh, 12/30/2013 -
" I'm a sucker for Jerry Spinelli books. This one is a good coming of age (can you come of age at 10??). Answers questions about standing up to bullying and finding your own moral conscience against pressure. I'd definitely read it aloud to my kid. Lots of room for discussion. "
— Marilyn, 12/24/2013 -
" This book is sad. I don't understand why Palmer wants to be part of the gang but I like it. "
— Subin, 12/24/2013 -
" I read this book a long time ago. I thought it was touching. I'm not sure if I could have stood up against the community to express my beliefs. It's an inspiring read. "
— Alicia, 12/20/2013 -
" this book was ok...I liked that the character was able to overcome the bullies in his life, but it was not the best book I have ever read. "
— Kendra, 11/24/2013 -
" I don't remember this book very well, but I know I enjoyed it because Jerry Spinelli never disappointed me. "
— Shanna, 9/2/2013 -
" I'm not a fan of Jerry Spinelli but this book was amazing! :D The only book of his I loved- fantastic! "
— Myra, 7/21/2013 -
" The best book I've read, even better than the third Harry Potter! "
— Conner, 5/24/2013 -
" A good Book meant for people who like to read about someone who love's to take care f animals, it's also meant for people who like to see what happens when ever someone gets it all and then loses it in one day. "
— Nolan, 5/22/2013 -
" i read it in 5th grade! luved it! "
— C, 5/11/2013 -
" I loved this book. The ending was just sad. Amazing book! "
— Elisha, 4/4/2013 -
" SO. AMAZING. I was speechless. "
— Liliko, 2/20/2013 -
" A boy who has to find the courage to stand up for himself, until one day an unexpected little feathery bird comes and helps him stand up to what he believes in. Shows how you should find the strength in yourself to make you desires come true. "
— Analilia, 2/8/2013 -
" I'm slowly reading the Newberry Honor books! Just ok, again! "
— Jolene, 12/8/2012 -
" I like his other books better, but pretty good. "
— Erika, 10/3/2012 -
" This is a definitely going to be a classic. I read this in a boring study hall but quickly devoured it whenever I could. I really hope that everyone gets a chance to read this book, as it is a legit hit to everyone who has read it so far. "
— Moe, 2/24/2012 -
" Im reading this book now and its really good so far and sad at the same time! "
— Jordan, 2/3/2012 -
" This was an overall decent book. It was well written by a great author. I loved how he captures the thoughts of the character Palmer. It was a good book with many suspenseful and interesting parts. "
— Carter, 1/4/2012 -
" I had a hard time getting past wringing the necks of pigeons! Otherwise, I thought the book was well written and does a nice job with the issue of peer pressure. "
— Nancy, 6/16/2011 -
" the wringer is about a town where they kil birds for fun. This boy saves and keeps a wounded bird, and frains it to fly back when its in trouble or four food. He tries to make the town see that they should kill the bird but to take care of them. a sort of good book. "
— Rebecca, 5/24/2011 -
" Brilliant! One of the best children's novels ever. "
— Ed, 5/15/2011 -
" A good Book meant for people who like to read about someone who love's to take care f animals, it's also meant for people who like to see what happens when ever someone gets it all and then loses it in one day. "
— Nolan, 5/4/2011 -
" It was horrible and really boring. Nothing happens in it. "
— Sabrina, 4/26/2011 -
" can I give a zero? Love Spinelli. Hate Wringer. "
— Kim, 4/23/2011 -
" I didnt like it at first bc when they had to wring the necks but i liked how he stood up for what he belivied in. Also i loved the ending where the little girl said,"daddy can i get one." "
— Bre, 4/22/2011 -
" Read for 6th grade English class "
— Stockwell, 4/16/2011 -
" This book is very good also.It leaves you with suspense and always wondering whats going to happen next. This is a real page turner. "
— Michaelroy, 4/9/2011 -
" this is an AWESOME book!! its about a pigion with a weird eye so.......ENJOY!!!! "
— Samantha, 4/8/2011 -
" It was actually kind of well written, but wringing pigeons necks is too sickening to enjoy the writing. "
— Jenna, 4/2/2011 -
" I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but I page 42 really hooked me. This book is a bit disturbing, but is has a good message. "
— Catherine, 4/1/2011 -
" Not my fav. Read-out-loud but it was ok I guess. Palmer was weird a d stuff and having a pet pigeon! What? "
— Caitlin, 3/23/2011 -
" I read this book like five years ago and it was awesome! "
— Miqa, 3/15/2011
About Jerry Spinelli
Jerry Spinelli discovered his calling in 1957 when his high school football team won a big game. The town celebrated and his fellow students raced through the streets, but Jerry sneaked back home and marked the occasion in his own way. He wrote a poem. Later the town newspaper published it. He has been a writer ever since. Married to Eileen Spinelli, who is also a writer, Jerry was for many years an editor for the Chilton Company. Now a full-time writer, he lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. His immensely popular books include Space Station Seventh Grade, Jason and Marceline, Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush?, and Maniac Magee, which has won more than fifteen state children’s book awards in addition to the Newbery Medal.
About Johnny Heller
Johnny Heller, winner of numerous Earphones and Audie Awards, was named a “Golden Voice” by AudioFile magazine in 2019. He has been a Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Award winner from 2008 through 2013 and he has been named a top voice of 2008 and 2009 and selected as one of the Top 50 Narrators of the Twentieth Century by AudioFile magazine.