The Whipping Boy (1986)

read in college ( )

Grass is always greener story about a prince and a common boy named Jemmy. ( )

This chapter book is about a prince and a whipping boy who run away from the castle. They meet two highwaymen along their way and fool them into thinking the whipping boy is the prince and vice versa. This book is for middle school children because long chapter books like this are not for elementary students.

A good, easy story for lower readers. ( )

Summary: This book is about a prince who is a brat. When the prince gets in trouble, there is a whipping boy named Jemmy who gets the whipping instead of the prince. Jemmy was a poor boy that lived on the streets. Then, the two boys decide to run away. The prince and the whipping boy have many adventures when they trade places after becoming involved with outlaws. They are taken hostage, and they have no choice but to trust each other.
Personal Reflection: I thought this book was interesting. I did not know some royal households actually had whipping boys to take the punishments for the prince. I did not have someone to take my whipping when I was a child.
Classroom Extensions: 1 In the classroom the teacher could read the book aloud, and the teacher can give the students a writing prompt for creative writing. For example, would you trade places with a prince. 2. Also, the teacher can read the book aloud and discuss why you should not run away