logo

78 pages 2 hours read

The Whipping Boy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1986

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Sid Fleischman

The Whipping Boy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1986
Book Details
Pages

90

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Medieval England

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

570L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman, Prince Brat and his servant Jemmy run away from the castle and encounter multiple adventures and dangers, including being captured by criminals. The themes of friendship, social class, and personal growth are explored as they navigate these challenges together. The novel includes physical punishment of children and mentions of animal betting and fights.

Adventurous

Playful

Humorous

Heartwarming

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.2

28,656 ratings

55%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Sid Fleischman's The Whipping Boy is generally praised for its engaging storytelling and historical charm. Readers commend its humor, adventurous plot, and rich character development. However, some criticize its pacing and find certain elements less realistic. Overall, it remains a beloved children's classic for both educational and entertainment value.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Whipping Boy?

A reader who enjoys The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman likely appreciates adventurous historical fiction with themes of friendship and personal growth. Fans of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Louis Sachar's Holes would enjoy the blend of humor, adventure, and moral lessons.

4.2

28,656 ratings

55%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

90

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Medieval England

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

570L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.