The Whipping Boy: A Newbery Award Winner

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

A Prince
and a Pauper

Jemmy, once a poor boy living on the streets, now lives in a castle. As the whipping boy, he bears the punishment when Prince Brat misbehaves, for it is forbidden to spank, thrash, or whack the heir to the throne. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like one another. But when they find themselves taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other.

“With his flair for persuading readers to believe in the ridiculous, Fleischman scores a hit.” - Publishers Weekly

“A rollicking tale of adventure and mistaken identity, written in a style reminiscent of 19th-century melodrama.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A top-notch read-aloud.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Eminently satisfying.” - ALA Booklist

“The Whipping Boy is a quick, fast-paced book full of wisdom and heart. It delivers a full-scale story in a short, accessible format.” - Brightly