The story takes place in England in the 1800's.The tale is about the adventures of a whipping boy,someone who takes punishment for royalty,and his master, Prince Brat. Througout their incounters and escapes from two highwaymen, they began to understand each other. Their attitudes change from hate and mistrust to friendship and respect. ( )

The Whipping Boy is a 1987Newbery Award book. It is a story about two unlikely boys finding friendship. The king’s son, Prince Horace, also known as Prince Brat is spoiled rotten. He is usually up to no good. During a feast, the prince sneaks around the chairs of the lords and ties their wigs to the back of their chairs. When they stand up their wigs fall off. This upsets the king but because of his royalty no one is allowed to whip or harm the royal prince. An orphan, Jemmy, takes the young prince place. Jemmy is known in the castle as the whipping boy. Jemmy shows his bravery during these whippings and refuses to cry. In a last attempt to get his fathers’ attention, Prince Horace decides to run away and orders Jemmy to come along. During this new freedom, the boys are captured by two men who come up with a plan to ransom the prince. During attempts to escape from these criminals the boys come across people willing to help them. The boys escape is not easy as difficulties among the boys prevent them from working as a team. As their journey continues, the two boys learn to overcome their differences. When the prince decides it is time to return home he explains the escape to the king. The whipping boy is pardoned. In the end everyone involved will have learned valuable lessons.

The twist and turns in the plot of this story make this Newbery a must read. Kids will love this adventurous tale as well. Throughout the story there are many lessons to be learned. I would recommend this story to middle school age children. Well written text makes it easy to visualize the chain of events in this story.

As an extension I would have students read the story "The Lottery Rose", written by Irene Hunt who is also a Newbery award winning author. I would have students compare the live of the two orphaned boys in each book. After reading The Whipping Boy, students could write a paper about of the characters in the story. Students would describe this characters personality and any other information they have learned about this character. Students could write an essay to explain what they would do if the Prince Brat and Jemmy showed up at their house during their run away. Would they help the boys? Why or why not?

Prince “Brat” is a nasty, rude boy who lives a life of luxury he does not have to worry about getting in trouble because hi has Jemmy, his “whipping boy”. When the two run away and are kidnapped they form a bond of friendship.

I liked this book because it was not only informational but also had a good meaning behind it. I read the book to my seven year old daughter and she was so caught up in the story she didn’t want me to stop.

In the classroom, I would have the student research real ”whipping boy” and write a paper of how and where they were used. Students could also write a paper on their views of how the “whipping boy” was used, was it right or wrong?

"That was the best book I have in a long time" That was what I would have said in third grade but now I would say it is not that good of a book for older kids. ( )

Great book, if you like adventure you should read it! ( )