The child in this case is Palmer LaRue, known to some of his friends as Snots. One of Palmer’s wishes in life, as he comes to his ninth birthday, is to run with the gang led by mischief-making Beans, even though it means not being so close to his across-the-street friend, Dorothy. Beans, Mutto, Henry, and Snots become the terror of the neighborhood, pulling rambunctious pranks and (to Palmer’s private discomfort) being cruel to Dorothy.

However, Palmer has a secret wish that is more important to him than anything else. And it torments him day and night. He does not want to be a wringer. He does not to be one of the ten-year-old boys who wring the necks of the 5,000 pigeons who are shot down in a sharpshooting contest in the park every summer. His dread of wringing a pigeon’s neck is so strong that it turns into a dread of reaching his tenth birthday.

But time won’t be stopped. Palmer feels more and more hopelessly trapped as Beans, enthusiastic about becoming a wringer, penetrates Palmer’s secret; not only his secret desire not to be a wringer, but also the secret that Palmer has a pet pigeon named Nipper, whom he loves more than anything.

Seldom has one little boy’s suspense and anguish made such a simple, powerful story. Palmer is torn between conflicting loyalties, terrified of being ostracized, ashamed of the things he does to “belong,” yet proud to be part of Beans’ gang; he loves the guys and hates them, cares for Dorothy and hurts her, idolizes his father and resents him, wants to protect Nipper at all costs yet is almost paralyzed by his love for the bird. And in the unforgettable climax of the story, Palmer learns to be honest about everything...no matter what happens afterward.

Robbie Fischer
Arizona USA

Recommended Age: 10+

9/29/04

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