The Whipping Boy

Module 6

Fleischman, Sid. 1986. The whipping boy. Ill. by Peter Sis. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Jemmy, an orphan boy, was taken from his life on the streets and made to serve as the royal whipping boy. He must take the punishment for a young spoiled prince, appropriately nick-named Prince Brat by his subjects. The two boys leave the palace and wind up having the adventure of their young lives. The are chased by two villains named Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy and are saved by a bear named Petunia and a horde of sewer rats. The humorous style of Fleischman's writing comes across in the first few paragraphs. We immediately know that the book is going to make us laugh. The characters are almost too comical to be believed. Jemmy is the only one who seems to have any common sense. Peter Sis's black and white illustrations add more fun to the story. The fast paced exciting plot will keep readers interested until the end. While the idea of a whipping boy is based on historical fact, Fleischman's story is definately a flight of imagination. In spite of the humor, a heartwarming theme emerges as Prince Brat begins to mature and the two boys become friends. The story provides all the elements for a good children's book: adventure, humor and a satisfying ending. This Newbery Medal Winner is recommended for ages 9-12.