The Whipping Boy

By Sid Fleischman, Peter Sís (Illustrator)

A prince and a pauper must trust each other to escape dangerous outlaws.

3.6/5 Goodreads · 28,897 ratings

90 pages· 13,249 words· Est. 2 hour read

$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In a twist of fate, Jemmy, a street-smart orphan, becomes the whipping boy for the mischievous Prince Brat. When the unlikely duo is captured by outlaws, they must rely on each other to survive. As they navigate treacherous situations, their forced alliance raises questions: Can they overcome their differences and escape? Will their adventure forge an unexpected friendship? This tale of mistaken identity and high-stakes adventure promises humor, suspense, and a journey of trust and transformation.

From the publisher

Award-winning author Sid Fleischman blends the broadly comic with the deeply compassionate in this memorable novel, winner of the Newbery Medal.

A Prince and a Pauper . . . Prince Brat and his whipping boy inadvertently trade places after becoming involved with dangerous outlaws. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like each other. But when they find themselves taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other. “A rollicking tale of adventure and mistaken identity . . . . Robust scenes and characters are vividly evoked.”—Kirkus Reviews

This briskly told tale of high adventure, taut with suspense and rich with colorful characters, was named an ALA Notable Book. Sid Fleischman’s celebrated novel features brief, action-packed chapters and includes black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott Honor artist Peter Sís. “An 18th century tale about the escapades of a resourceful orphan and a spoiled young prince. . . . Full of adventure, suspense, humor, and lively characters.”—The New York Times

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