The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman

Review by Matt H.  Age 12

Prince Horace, also known as Prince Brat, decides to run away. With Jemmy, his whipping boy, the two set off on a daring adventure. Shortly into the journey, they are kidnapped by two scalawags! Can they escape? Can Jemmy lead them safely through the sewers? Will they ever get back to the castle?

The Whipping Boy is short, but well written. It’s funny and has good subplots of friendship and trust. It’s ideally suited for grades 3-5, but also appeals to middle schoolers.

Fleischman, Sid, and Peter Sis. The Whipping Boy. Greenwillow Books, 2003.