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The Whipping Boy
The Whipping Boy
Author: Sid Fleischman, Peter Sis (Illustrator)
A Prince and a Pauper
— Jemmy, once a poor boy living on the streets, now lives in a castle. As the whipping boy, he bears the punishment when Prince Brat misbehaves, for it is forbidden to spank, thrash, or whack the heir to the throne. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like on...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780060521226
ISBN-10: 0060521228
Publication Date: 4/1/2003
Pages: 96
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 27

3.6 stars, based on 27 ratings
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

scotgirl avatar reviewed The Whipping Boy on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This is not a particularly easy book for youngsters to read, because there's quite a bit of old fashioned language which has to be explained. I suppose that's good, but not if your child is constantly stopping asking what a word means, it takes the joy out of reading. Actually there were some words I didn't understand! So it's a challenge for the 8-10 yr old range if that's what you want.
reviewed The Whipping Boy on + 87 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
For kids to get their dose of action and thrills, they need not always go to the local multiplex for the latest bang 'em up film. They could try such books as The Whipping Boy, which relies not on exploding spaceships and demonic robots but mythic story, humorous characters and, ready or not, a moral. The plot involves the orphan Jemmy, who must take the whippings for the royal heir, Prince Brat. Jemmy plans to flee this arrangement until Prince Brat beats him to it, and takes Jemmy along. Jemmy then hears he's charged with the Prince's abduction as this Newbery Medal winning book turns toward a surprising close
celeria avatar reviewed The Whipping Boy on + 174 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A beautiful story, both historically accurate and exciting. May be a little dry for some kids, but the sly humour is perfect for others.
reviewed The Whipping Boy on + 518 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
top notch story - fun to read aloud with the different dialects.
teachjim avatar reviewed The Whipping Boy on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I read this book to my students (4th - 5th grade) every year and they always want more!
A great quick read.
Read All 15 Book Reviews of "The Whipping Boy"

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reviewed The Whipping Boy on + 21 more book reviews
Good, quick read.
harmony85 avatar reviewed The Whipping Boy on + 982 more book reviews
Jemmy bears the punishments of Prince Brat, as princes cannot be smacked, whacked, or thrashed in any way. The two boys have nothing in common-they don't even like each other too much-but when they're both taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other.

Ages 9-12 or so.

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People/Characters
Prince Brat (Primary Character)
Jemmy (Primary Character)
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