פאלמר לארו חושש מהיום בו ימלאו לו 10. בעירו, ילדים בני 10 מקבלים את התפקיד של "סוחט" בפסטיבל המשפחתי השנתי של העיר, יום היונה, שבו נמצאות 5,000 יונים שוחרר מהארגזים והופל בתחרות על פרס חוד. הסיפור עוקב אחר מסעו של פאלמר מחיים המונעים על ידי פחד והכמיהה להתקבל לחיים שבהם הוא צובר את הביטחון לעמוד על מה שהוא מאמין בו.
התלמידים יכולים להמחיש דוגמאות של סמלים, נושאים ומוטיבים ב-Wringer מאת ג'רי ספינלי באמצעות מפת עכביש!
טקסט Storyboard
THEME: Peer Pressure
SYMBOL: Nipper
THEME: True Friendship
Peer pressure is a major theme. Palmer desperately wants to be friends with the gang in his neighborhood led by the bully Beans. He discards his friendship with Dorothy Gruzik and joins in their teasing and "tree stumping" of her to gain their approval. He goes against his beliefs and values and also hides Nipper, fearing what they will think.
A beloved pet, Nipper solidifies Palmer’s feelings that Pigeon Day is wrong and unjust. Palmer discovers pigeons are fascinating and beautiful creatures. Hecan't understand why his town shoots 5,000 every year. Nipper also symbolizes Palmer's self-discovery and self-empowerment. His life has been dominated by fear and peer pressure. After adopting Nipper, he begins to stand up for what he believes.
Friendship is a major theme, but not just the kind based on the gang's bullying and fear. Palmer's has a genuine friendship with Dorothy. He treats her horribly when initiated. However, after Nipper appears, Dorothy is the only one who Palmer can confide in. She accepts and supports him. Their friendship helps Palmer grow more confident and willing to stand up for what is right.