Wringer

Maybe my third time for this one, and I've upped my opinion a bit. I had previously found Spinelli's premise a little unrealistic, giving him the opportunity to make some possibly overbearing moral points. Palmer LaRue dreads his upcoming tenth birthday. He wants to fit in with a small gang of rude......more

This book was unique and captivating. It's definitely intended for younger kids, but it's still good all the same. Similar to another of Jerry Spinelli's books, Stargirl, it tells young readers that they don't have to give in to peer pressure. If they don't feel something is right, they need to voic......more

Despite the fact that it rarely shows up on humane-education lists, if I could suggest only one book promoting humane values, it would be Wringer. Obviously inspired by the infamous Hegins Pigeon Shoot,Spinelli weaves the story of a young boy who faces an incredible dilemma: will he follow the pat......more

This 1998 Newbery honor book is powerful, poignant and hauntingly beautiful. This is a remarkable story of peer and social pressure, the courage to sort through the quagmire of self doubt until the mud clears and what remains is a crystal clear reflection of self acceptance. Sensitive, animal loving......more

This reading challenge I’m doing called for a book that makes you feel nostalgic, so why not read a book from elementary?? Omg...I forgot how much I loved this book. It was the first Jerry Spinelli I read growing up and going back and rereading it made me feel like I was back in 3rd grade sitting at......more