margeryb's review
4.0
I had been vaguely aware of the premise of this book (that there were princes who had 'whipping boys' to take punishment beatings for misbehavior for them) since I was a kid because there were a few years there that my mother was a middle school English teacher. Thus, with that knowledge and the knowledge this was a Newbery winner, I had expected a more serious, historical fiction novel. Turns out I got (pleasantly) surprised by a humorous, hijinks-filled, mild adventure book that I could imagine a lot of children reading, once they - like me - got over the harshness of the premise.
Audio-wise, this was an old audio production. Even though I was listening to it via e-audio, they hadn't even edited out the 'end of disk' part, lol. However, despite being older, the narration was really good, with the reader giving all the characters great voices that helped play up the silliness and over-the-topness of many of the characters.
Audio-wise, this was an old audio production. Even though I was listening to it via e-audio, they hadn't even edited out the 'end of disk' part, lol. However, despite being older, the narration was really good, with the reader giving all the characters great voices that helped play up the silliness and over-the-topness of many of the characters.
sarahcoller's review
3.0
Ha! Super fun book! I'd not read this since about the 5th grade, but read through it last night in preparation for my kids' Battle of the Books competition this summer. It was one I read for BotB in 5th grade so I thought it would be fun to assign to them. Love the funny names like, Hold-Your-Nose-Billy and Cutthroat...and one I didn't "get" when I was a kid: Captain Harry Nips. Ha!!!!
mgrining's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
This book is about a boy named Jamey, he's a whipping boy for "Prince Brat". Jamey is more likely to be mistakin as a prince. I really liked how this book kept me on the eage of my seat. And it's kind of funny in some parts. I found nothing to coplane about this book. Overall this books is a great quick read.
sandraagee's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this classic award-winner. It's a hard one to categorize by genre: Is it fantasy? Historical? Does it really matter? After all, in the end it is a story of unlikely friendship. Quick and painless, but full of action.
sc104906's review
3.0
Based on rare historical occurrences, Prince Brat has a whipping boy. Every time Brat does something wrong, instead of getting a spanking himself, Jemmy must bear the punishment. Jemmy dreams of running away and an opportunity arises when Prince Brat decides he wants to run away too. Jemmy's plan to get away from the prince is foiled, when they are captured by thieves, who want a ransom. The two boys may have to set aside their issues to save themselves from these dastardly men.
This book is funny and perfect for a young boy. Not a perfect piece of literature, but it will keep the young ones interested. The historical setting of this book is kinda sketchy, but readers can move beyond it.
This book is funny and perfect for a young boy. Not a perfect piece of literature, but it will keep the young ones interested. The historical setting of this book is kinda sketchy, but readers can move beyond it.