Teton County Call Number: J SPINELLI
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This story centers around 9-10 year old, Palmer, who is a sensitive soul. Every year in Palmer's town there is a pigeon shoot in the park. Palmer dreads turning 10 because he will be expected (he thinks) to be a "wringer." (one in a group who charges the field after a shoot to collect pigeons, dead or wounded, and to wring the necks of the wounded)
The dread of becoming a wringer is central to the book, but Spinelli deals with the theme of identity in various ways. Palmer is accepted into a gang of boys who call him "Snots," and in being accepted, he stops spending time with this neighbor and friend, Dorothy.
I enjoyed this novel because it portrayed Palmer's struggles of understanding, and shows how following his heart, in the end, brings him peace.