The Wringer
By Jerry Spenelli
This book explores the life of a boy named Palmer. He latest birthday brings with it
many rite of passage including becoming a wringer in a local competition. The book
explores many of the changes that go on in Palmer’s life both emotional and physical as
he passes through this point in his life.
Themes: Rites of passage, values of friends, bullying, respect for nature, learning to be
yourself and follow your heart.
Literature Circle Unit
Grade Levels: Advanced 4th or 5th
By Alan Brown
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 1 pp. 1-32; Chapters 1-6
CHARACTER SKETCHER
Your job is to sketch a picture of Farquar. Find character traits that are representative of
this character including the page and paragraph the information comes from . Come up
with a question about this characters motives.
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 4 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
1 Difference of Opinion
1 Prediction
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 8 passages that demonstrate the following:
2 Descriptive
2 Foreshadowing
2 Informative
2 Similes
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words: (pick 4)
punctured p. 3 par. 4
cackled p. 7 par. 1
hoodlums p. 11 par. 1
cringed p. 13 par. 3
yelping p. 16 par. 1
careening p. 17 par. 1
noose p. 24 par. 1
abruptly p. 28 par. 8
SUMMERIZER
Prepare a brief summary of today’s reading. Make sure to include all main ideas and
points.
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 1 pp. 1-32; Chapters 1-6
CHARACTER SKETCHER
Your job is to sketch a picture of Farquar. Find character traits that are representative of
this character including the page and paragraph the information comes from . Come up
with a question about this characters motives.
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 4 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
What is the significance of the newspaper article printed before the first chapter at
the beginning of the book?
This article tells about the event that Palmer refers to throughout the book. This
event is an annual event and involves shooting and killing pigeons.
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
What is the significance of “the Treatment”?
This is a ceremony that every boy must endure when they turn 9 years old. Seems
to be a tradition in the neighborhood, is usually carried out by the bully; seen as
a right of passage in a way. (p. 21 par. 4)
1 Difference of Opinion
Explain the difference in opinion among Palmer’s parents regarding “the
Treatment”.
Palmer’s mother sees it as something that is wrong and should not be carried out
because it causes harm. His father sees it as a tradition and is proud of his son
for being able to endure it without getting hurt. (p. 27 par. 1)
1 Symbolism
What does the gift of the tin soldiers symbolize?
The gift of the soldiers from Palmer’s father symbolizes a right of passage.
Palmer is now of age that he can be responsible and take care and play with this
family heirloom so that it can be passed along to the next generation.
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 7 passages that demonstrate the following:
2 Descriptive
a) “The pigeon’s eye is like a polished shirt button. The pigeon’s eye is orange
with a small black button in the center. It looks up at him…wring it! (p. 4
par. 4)
b) “ The front yards along Palmer’s street were very small… houses were grey.
(p. 12 par. 2)
2 Foreshadowing
a) “Palmer LaRue – Snots—the world’s newest nine-year-old—was one of the
guys. (p. 10 par. 1)
b) “He was not aware… to a flutter of wings.” (p. 32 par. 2)
1 Informative
“Fishface was Beans’s name for Dorothy Gruzik… Maybe now he could finally
find a fish in her face.” (p. 13 par. 8)
1Important
“He rang the doorbell… He screamed and beat them all to the corner.” (p. 14 par.
3)
2 Similes
a) Four hands clamped… twisting it this way and that.” (p. 17 par. 1)
b) By the time… you had to feel it.” (p. 23 par. 5)
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words: (pick 4)
punctured p. 3 par. 4
to put a hole or cut in an object
cackled p. 7 par. 1
talking or laughing in a manner that is annoying
hoodlums p. 11 par. 1
individuals who acted uncivilized or misbehave
cringed p. 13 par. 3
to physically draw up due to disgust or pain
yelping p. 16 par. 1
to yell in a rhythmic manner
careening p. 17 par. 1
to extend or protrude out of
noose p. 24 par. 1
rope tied in a loop usually used for hanging individuals
abruptly p. 28 par. 8
sudden or without notice
SUMMERIZER
Prepare a brief summary of today’s reading. Make sure to include all main ideas and
points.
In this first section of the book, Palmer has his ninth birthday. This birthday represents
many things and is sort of a period of coming of age. Because of this birthday Palmer is
now a part of the boys. They are invited to his birthday party and they give him gifts that
are mostly trash. After that Palmer and the boys got o the park to play. While there they
meet Farquar. He calls Palmer over and gives him ìthe Treatment.î Plamer survives and
goes home. Palmerís mother and father discuss whether ìthe Treatmentî is right or
wrong. Palmerís father then gives him a set of tin soldiers that belonged to his greatgrandfather. At the end of the chapter Palmer goes to sleep haunted by the fact that he is
soon to become a wringer in the upcoming competition.
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 2 pp. 33-58; Chapters 7-11
CHARACTER SKETCHER
Choose the character that you feel is the most important character in this section and
draw a picture of that character. On your picture be sure to include traits of that character
as well as the reason you think this character is so important.
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 4 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
1 Prediction
1 MCEOG Question
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 6 passages that demonstrate the following:
1 Descriptive
2 Interesting
2 Informative
1 Surprising
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words: (pick 4)
squeamish p. 23 par. 2
diminishing p. 24 par. 1
disdainful p. 25 par. 5
pronounced p. 43 par. 8
nuisance p. 48 par. 10
apologetic p. 52 par. 1
winching p. 55 par. 1
Connnector
Find 2 examples of passages from the previous section that foreshadow events that took
place in this section. Be sure to write the page and paragraph of the passages that you
find.
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 3 pp. 59-87; Chapters 12-16
CHARACTER SKETCHER
Pick the most important secondary character and sketch a picture of that character. Be
sure to include traits about that character on your drawing. Also write a statement about
how this characters role is important to the main character of this section.
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
1 Difference of Opinion
1 Prediction
1 Question on you own
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 6 passages that demonstrate the following:
2 Descriptive
1 Foreshadowing
2 Informative
1 Similes
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words: (pick 4)
obedient p. 61 par. 4
crimson p. 69 par. 5
plumpness p. 71 par. 2
crouching p. 73 par. 3
snooping p. 85 par.10
SUMMERIZER
Prepare a brief summary of today’s reading. Make sure to include all main ideas and
points.
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 4 pp. 88-116; Chapters 17-22
CHARACTER SKETCHER
Choose any character you would like that appeared in this section. Be sure to include
traits about that character as well as the reason why you picked that character.
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
1 Difference of Opinion
1 Prediction
1 MCEOG Question
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 8 passages that demonstrate the following:
2 Descriptive
1 Foreshadowing
1 Important Quote
2 Informative
2 Surprising
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words: (pick 4)
gargling p. 88 par. 1
acquainted p. 89 par. 1
stupendous p. 94 par. 2
mushy p. 95 par. 3
primitive p. 99 par. 3
bellowed p. 110 par. 2
CONNECTOR
Pick a situation or scenario from this section and relate it to a situation in your own life
when you may have felt the same way or done the same thing. Write down this
experience and share with your group
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 5 pp. 119-144; Chapters 23-26
CHARACTER SKETCHER
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 4 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
1 Difference of Opinion
1 Prediction
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 6 passages that demonstrate the following:
1 Descriptive
1 Foreshadowing
2 Informative
1 Surprising
1 Simile
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words: (pick 4)
dilemma p. 120 par. 3
cackling p. 123 par. 4
carcass p. 129 par. 4
shrieked p. 131 par. 1
expression p. 142 par. 4
SUMMERIZER
Prepare a brief summary of today’s reading. Make sure to include all main ideas and
points.
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 6 pp. 145-173; Chapters 27-31
CHARACTER SKETCHER
Pick an adult character that has been an important part of the story and draw a picture of
them. List their character traits and also include a statement as to why you feel that they
are important to the story.
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 4 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
1 Difference of Opinion
1 Prediction
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 6 passages that demonstrate the following:
2 Descriptive
2 Informative
1 Simile
1 Important Quote
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words: (pick 4)
immensely p. 146 par. 7
muffled p. 148 par. 9
murmur p. 149 par. 15
sensation p. 150 par. 5
walloped p. 151 par. 13
humanely p. 156 par. 2
dopey p. 171 par. 2
SUMMERIZER
Prepare a brief summary of today’s reading. Make sure to include all main ideas and
points.
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 7 pp. 174-203; Chapters 32-37
CHARACTER SKETCHER
Pick any character other than Palmer and draw their picture. On your picture include
important traits of this character as well as how this character contributes to the story.
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 4 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
1 Difference of Opinion
1 Question on your own
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 8 passages that demonstrate the following:
2 Descriptive
2 Foreshadowing
2 Informative
2 Surprising
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words:
roofline p. 182 par. 3
audible p. 185 par. 4
quivered p 194 par. 1
formidable p. 199 par. 3
SUMMERIZER
Prepare a brief summary of today’s reading. Make sure to include all main ideas and
points.
The Wringer
By Jerry Spinelli
Section 8 pp. 204-228; Chapters 38-40
CHARACTER SKETCHER
Draw a picture of what you think Palmer’s character looks like at the end of the book. Be
sure to include his traits and mark those that you think were new traits that Palmer gained
throughout the story.
DISCUSSION DIRECTOR
Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to the questions, and the page and paragraph
where the answers can be found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the
following:
1 “Thinking”
1 Concerning Descriptiveness
1 Question on your own
2 MCEOG
PASSAGE PICKER
Pick 6 passages that demonstrate the following:
2 Descriptive
1 Important Quote
2 Informative
1 Your Pick
WORD WIZARD
Your job is to complete your role sheet for the following words:
churning p. 204 par. 2
banishing p. 205 par 2
3 other words of your choice
CONNECTOR
Compare the Palmer’s character at the beginning of the book with his character at the end
of the book. Make a list of things that changed through the course of the story and the
things in the story that brought these changes about.