SuitabookThe Whipping Boy
Sid Fleischman
- Reading
- You could pause after the boys’ escape to consider what each needs from the other, then revisit that question as their relationship changes. The book also offers a chance to talk about privilege and fairness.
- Themes
- Privilege and unfair punishment: Jemmy is made to receive the beatings meant for the prince, whose arrogance and temper go otherwise unpunished. The story frames this arrangement as injustice and shows the prince beginning to confront his flaws.
- A friendship across social positions: Jemmy resents the prince, but the boys must work together during their flight; a friendship develops as they encounter people beyond the palace. Their growing connection gives the adventure a compassionate counterpoint to the prince’s earlier disregard for Jemmy.
- Worth knowing
- Jemmy is repeatedly punished in the prince’s place. The adventure also includes bloodless chase scenes and gruesome threats from the highwaymen; the punishment is central to the story’s injustice.