Palmer LaRue se je bal dneva, ko bo dopolnil 10 let. V njegovem mestu 10-letniki dobijo delo "ožemalcev" na mestnem letnem družinskem festivalu, dnevu golobov, kjer je 5000 golobov izpustili iz zabojev in sestrelili v tekmovanju za nagrado ostrostrelec. Zgodba sledi Palmerjevemu potovanju od življenja, ki ga vodita strah in hrepenenje po tem, da bi bil sprejet, do življenja, kjer pridobi samozavest, da se zavzame za to, v kar verjame.
Učenci lahko ponazorijo primere simbolov, tem in motivov v Wringerju Jerryja Spinellija s pajkovim zemljevidom!
Snemalna Knjiga Besedilo
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.