Children's fiction

The Whipping Boy

by Sid Fleischman

90 pages · First published 1986

Prince Horace behaves badly because no one is allowed to punish him; instead, an orphan named Jemmy receives every whipping intended for the prince. When Horace impulsively runs away, he orders Jemmy along and quickly discovers that royal privilege is poor preparation for surviving outside the palace. The boys are captured by dangerous highwaymen and must rely on Jemmy’s street sense, wit, and ability to read their captors. Sid Fleischman’s Newbery-winning adventure uses humor and role reversal to turn a spoiled prince and his whipping boy into reluctant partners who learn what courage and friendship actually require.