Wringer

A Newbery Honor Book and ALA Notable Children's Book from the New York Times-bestselling author of Stargirl and Maniac Magee.
In Palmer LaRue's hometown of Waymer, turning ten is the biggest event of a boy's life. But for Palmer, his tenth birthday is not something to look forward to, but something to dread. Then one day, a visitor appears on his windowsill, and Palmer knows that this, more than anything else, is a sign that his time is up. Somehow, he must learn how to stop being afraid and stand up for what he believes in.
Wringer is a powerful tour de force from Newbery Medal winner Jerry Spinelli.
"Deeply felt. Presents a moral question with great care and sensitivity." — The New York Times
"A spellbinding story about rites of passage." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A realistic story with the intensity of a fable." — The Horn Book (starred review)
"Spinelli's characters are memorable, and they are involved in a plot that, from the first page, is riveting. A wide audience will enjoy this thought-provoking book." — School Library Journal (starred review)
"A story both comic and disturbing, this is lit by Palmer's growing courage." — Kirkus Reviews
"There is action and gentleness and also much to think about in Spinelli's novel." — Booklist (starred review)