Prince Horace is a truly spoiled brat.

He is constantly causing trouble just to get his father's attention. He is a kid who is seriously in need of a good spanking. However, since he is the prince, no one can raise a hand against him.

Instead, his family has taken in an orphan boy named Jemmy. Jemmy's sole purpose in life is to receive punishments on behalf of the prince whenever Horace misbehaves. It is a horrible life for Jemmy, and he longs for his freedom.

Suddenly, one day, Prince Horace decides to run away from the castle, and Jemmy's chance at freedom comes.

I read this book for the first time in second grade. One of the main reasons it appealed to me back then was because of how Prince Horace's unfair arrangement was laid bare from the beginning.

Imagine being punished for doing absolutely nothing wrong, or even worse, having someone intentionally do something wrong in order to get you in trouble! This unjust way of life is immediately identifiable for anyone who has ever had the thought that "life isn't fair".

It is no wonder that Mr. Fleischman was presented with the Newbery Award for his great story.

I'm currently engaged in reading this aloud to my students. It's truly an interesting experience.

We are delving into language that is not commonly used in our present times. It's quite fascinating to explore the archaic words and expressions that were once prevalent but have now become somewhat obsolete.

This particular story is a great one. It has sparked some truly awesome little discussions already within the classroom. The students are actively participating, sharing their thoughts and interpretations.

We are uncovering the hidden meanings and cultural references within the text. It's like taking a journey back in time and experiencing a different era through the power of language and storytelling.

Overall, this read aloud activity has been a wonderful addition to our learning process. It enriches our understanding of language and literature and allows us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the written word.

I vividly remember those cozy days spent around the dining room table. The soft glow of the lamp illuminated the scene as I sat there, coloring with cheap markers. Meanwhile, mom would read this aloud, her voice filling the room with warmth and charm.

As I revisited this today, I noticed that it's actually shorter than I remember. However, Jemmy, the main character, is still as lovable as always. His antics and adventures continue to capture my heart.

And that ending, it still hits home. It has a way of tugging at my emotions and leaving me with a sense of fulfillment. It's one of those stories that you can read again and again, and it never gets old.

Overall, this is a wonderful piece of literature that holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of simpler times and the joy of sharing a good story with loved ones.

An older Newbery winner that has managed to remain relevant and not seem dated.

In the back of my copy, there is a note which states that the concept of the whipping boy, who serves as a stand-in to take punishment for a misbehaving royal, is actually based on historical fact. However, this particular story is fictional.

The story is relatively short, yet it is fairly well-developed for its target audience, which consists of upper chapter book readers and lower middle grade students. The highlight of the book lies in the relationship that blossoms between the bratty prince and the ratcatcher's son who has been turned into a whipping boy.

Themes such as socioeconomic class, the importance of education, and loyalty are explored within the pages of this book, making it an excellent candidate for classroom or book club discussions.

Although I'm not entirely sure how even a simpleton like Cutwater could mistake a bear for a human boy, this is not a major flaw that detracts from the overall enjoyment and value of the story.

Family Read Aloud is truly a wonderful and heartwarming activity.

It brings the family together in a cozy and intimate setting, sharing the joy of reading.

The experience is not only sweet but also wholesome, as it exposes family members to different stories, ideas, and emotions.

It can be a fun little adventure, taking us to far-off places, introducing us to new characters, and expanding our imaginations.

Whether it's a classic novel, a children's book, or a poetry collection, family read aloud allows us to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, gather your family, grab a good book, and embark on this wonderful journey of family read aloud.

You'll be amazed at how much fun and how rewarding it can be.

I read this back in 2nd grade and it has always stuck with me.

It was a simple story, but it had a profound impact on my young mind.

The characters in the story were vivid and relatable, and their adventures captured my imagination.

Even though I was only in 2nd grade, I could understand the emotions and lessons that the story was trying to convey.

Over the years, I have thought about this story many times.

It has served as a reminder to me of the power of storytelling and the importance of holding onto the things that touch our hearts.

Whenever I need a little inspiration or a boost of creativity, I think back to this story and the feelings it evoked in me.

It truly is a piece of literature that has stood the test of time and will always have a special place in my heart.

This book has been sitting on my shelf for quite some time, patiently waiting on my TBR list. Its thin and very compact size, consisting of only 89 pages, caught my attention today. So, I sat down and delved into its pages. Now, it rightfully comes off my TBR.

I had no prior knowledge of this story, but I was pleasantly surprised as this middle grade classic unfolded before my eyes. The concept of a whipping boy is quite interesting. It's the boy who is whipped instead of the prince, as by law, a prince cannot be whipped. The prince often gets into trouble, and some unlucky boy has to bear his punishment. It sounds rather horrible at first. However, it turns out that this boy learns to read and write while the prince remains illiterate.

One day, the prince, bored with his luxurious life, decides to run away with the whipping boy. Out in the world, it becomes evident that it's the boy who knows how to survive, not the pampered prince. The prince finally begins to learn some valuable life lessons. There are also some exciting adventures along the way.

It's a charming story that somewhat reminds me of "The Prince and the Pauper." I truly love being able to sit down and devour a book in one sitting. It took me just a little over an hour to read this entire story, and I think that's part of the appeal of middle grade books. You can read them almost in one go, well, not the new ones which are much longer. I also love the thick tomes. I enjoy sinking into a long book, but it's nice to have both options. I guess short stories are similar in that regard.

I'm glad I read this work. There are some truly great books that have won the Newbery, and this one is a prime example. It constantly reminds me of the wonderful literature that exists in the world of children's books.

This is truly a remarkably fun and fast-paced book that, for some reason, I had managed to overlook until now.

Despite the fact that the storyline of this book may seem somewhat familiar, it is written extremely well. The author has crafted a narrative that is engaging from start to finish.

The quick pace of the book is one of its most appealing features. It keeps the reader hooked and eager to turn the page to find out what happens next.

Overall, this book was a thoroughly pleasurable read. It combines a well-known storyline with excellent writing and a brisk pace to create an enjoyable literary experience.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read that doesn't require a huge time commitment.

Cute illustration's ✨ 3⭐

Cute illustrations have a special charm that can capture our hearts and bring a smile to our faces. They are like little works of art that can brighten up any space or add a touch of playfulness to a project.

With their vibrant colors, charming characters, and unique designs, cute illustrations can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used in children's books, greeting cards, websites, social media posts, and more.

Whether you're looking for a fun and engaging way to communicate with your audience or simply want to add a bit of cuteness to your life, cute illustrations are a great choice. So why not explore the world of cute illustrations today and see what wonderful creations you can discover?

⭐⭐⭐ Let the cuteness begin! ✨

Kids generally had a great time reading this story. They were really engaged and seemed to enjoy the overall experience. However, there were certain parts where they were a bit mystified. The mischief and scheming that took place in the story left them a little confused. It was an imaginative read, full of interesting and unique ideas. But it would be best if it was read aloud. When read aloud, the adult can fill in some of the implied action. This would help the kids better understand what was happening and make the story even more enjoyable for them. They would be able to visualize the scenes more clearly and get a better sense of the characters and their motives. Overall, it was a good story that had the potential to be even better with a little bit of extra help from an adult when read aloud.

A short story unfolds about a spoiled prince who has never taken responsibility for his actions. He lives a life of luxury and privilege, never facing the consequences of his misdeeds. One day, he finds himself on an adventure with his whipping boy. The whipping boy is the one who gets punished for the prince's wrongdoings. At first, the prince looks down on the whipping boy and sees him only as a tool for his own convenience. However, as the adventure progresses, something unexpected happens. The two boys start to form an unlikely friendship. The prince begins to see the world from the whipping boy's perspective and realizes the error of his ways. Through their experiences together, the prince learns an important lesson about responsibility and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. This funny and engaging story is a great read aloud, sure to entertain listeners of all ages.

Chapter book - historical fiction
Newbery Medal
For grades 3 - 7

Jemmy is the unfortunate whipping boy of Prince Brat. He has to endure any punishment that is meant for the prince. But one day, the prince decides to run away and takes Jemmy along with him. Their journey leads them into a series of thrilling adventures with notorious outlaws.

This tale is told in a highly entertaining style, filled with plenty of humor and excitement. Prince Brat and Jemmy start off as completely different characters, but as they flee from the castle, encounter outlaws, soldiers, and even navigate through sewers, they develop a believable bond. The short chapters are jam-packed with action, yet also contain enough emotional depth to make the story truly satisfying. The madcap vocabulary and Peter Sis' illustrations add an extra layer of charm to the narrative. It would be an excellent choice for a read-aloud, and the boys' escapades, combined with the book's brevity, will surely appeal to reluctant readers.

The Publisher's Weekly review mainly focuses on summarizing the plot and describing the story. On the other hand, School Library Journal provides a better understanding of the book's strengths and its appeal, while still giving a summary of the action. Additionally, it offers suggestions for similar reads, which is very helpful for readers looking for more books in the same vein.