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78 pages 2 hours read

Sid Fleischman

The Whipping Boy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1986

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman, Prince Brat and his servant Jemmy run away from the castle and encounter multiple adventures and dangers, including being captured by criminals. The themes of friendship, social class, and personal growth are explored as they navigate these challenges together. The novel includes physical punishment of children and mentions of animal betting and fights.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Sid Fleischman's The Whipping Boy is generally praised for its engaging storytelling and historical charm. Readers commend its humor, adventurous plot, and rich character development. However, some criticize its pacing and find certain elements less realistic. Overall, it remains a beloved children's classic for both educational and entertainment value.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Whipping Boy?

A reader who enjoys The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman likely appreciates adventurous historical fiction with themes of friendship and personal growth. Fans of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Louis Sachar's Holes would enjoy the blend of humor, adventure, and moral lessons.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

570L