The Whipping Boy Study Guide

The Whipping Boy Study Guide

When the prince is a brat and you aren't supposed to punish him because he is 'royalty,' what is a king to do? Call the whipping boy; he takes the whippings the prince's guardians aren't allowed to give to 'Prince Brat.'

This high-paced story begins with the prince making trouble - again. Jemmy, the whipping boy, is called for and receives the prince's punishment - again. This becomes the pattern for every day: the prince refuses to learn his school lessons and Jemmy gets punished. The prince pulls a prank, and Jemmy gets punished. Jemmy decides, however, that as long as he is there he might as well learn proper manners and how to read and write, even if the prince won't. Then, one fateful night, the prince decides to run away and needs someone to carry his basket. Jemmy is drafted, and a grand chase begins that will change both of them forever!

Through Sid Fleischman's rollicking tale, students will learn:

About the Author: Learn about Sid Fleischman.

Background Information: Whipping boys and historical background.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: In context, dictionary, mood, synonyms, adjectives, point of view, compare vs. contrast, character study, theme, setting.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: Trust God, happiness, relationship with God, do unto others, honor parents, foolishness vs. wisdom, friendship, judge appearances, faithfulness.

Activities and Writing Assignments:  Castles, writing, bulletin board, rats, discussion, cooking, art, Venn diagram, movie, drama, wordsearch.

Suggestions for Further Reading:  We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview! 

• Age Level = 8 and up
• Book Author = Andrew Clausen
• Book Material = Paperback
• Book Publisher = Progeny Press
• Copyright = c2001
• Grade Level = 3-5
• Condition = New