Palmer LaRue is running out of birthdays. For as long as he can remember, he's dreaded the day he turns ten, the day he's supposed to become a wringer.

In Palmer's hometown of Waymer, a boy's tenth birthday is the biggest event of his life. It marks the day that he is ready to take his place as a wringer at the annual family fest, Pigeon Day. It's an honour and a tradition. But even though he would rather stay nine for the rest of his life than become a wringer, Palmer can't stop himself from getting older. Then an unwanted visitor arrives on his windowsill, and Palmer knows that it is a sign. Somehow, he must find a way to break tradition. He must learn how to stop being afraid, and stand up for what he believes in.

About the Author

Jerry Spinelli is one of the most gifted storytellers in contemporary children's literature. His books include Maniac Magee, winner of the 1991 Newbery Medal; Space Station Seventh Grade; Who put that Hair in my Toothbrush?; and Crash. His novels are recognised for their humour and poignancy, and his characters and situations are often drawn from his real-life experience as a father of six children. Jerry lives with his wife, Eileen, who is also a writer, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

"Deeply felt. Presents a moral question with great care and sensitivity."
New York Times

"[A] spellbinding story about rites of passage."
Starred Review/ Publishers'
Weekly

"As in Maniac Magree, Spinelli invests a realistic story with the intensity of a fable."
Starred Review The Horn Book

Book Information
ISBN 9780007156016
Author Jerry Spinelli
Format Paperback
Page Count 244
Imprint HarperCollins Children's Books
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 209g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 15mm