Module 4 | The Whipping Boy

PLOT SUMMARY
Spoiled prince Horace, whose whipping boy Jemmy must bear the brunt of his bad behavior, decides to run away from his pampered existence. Jemmy trails Horace into the "real" world, and the two are quickly confronted by a kooky cast of characters, including two thieving highwaymen, a woman and her dancing bear, and a kindly man with a cartload full of potatoes. Although friendship seems unlikely as the book opens, their adventures outside the castle result in Jemmy and Horace's newfound camaraderie, as well as a lesson or two in rat catching.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The book is slight but charming, especially in the description of its rivalry between the whipping boy and the spoiled prince. It's easy to root for Jemmy, but one of the book's greatest strengths is in the sneaky way it compels the reader to eventually root for the prince as well. The supporting characters are memorably wacky, and the ending is sweet if a bit predictable. The Whipping Boy isn't the most expertly crafted of the Newbery winners, but it's certainly a very entertaining entry.

REVIEWS
"This is a brisk and eventful tale which keeps you wondering, almost to the last episode, as to whether the capricious prince will be humanised or not. It should maintain the interest of children acquiring independence in reading, and an author's note at the end, confirming the authenticity of the whipping boy custom, should generate some passionate discussion."
George Hunt, Books for Keeps, No. 59, November 1989

"With sharp, humorous dialogue and wonderfully swift turns and twists in fortune, this is a splendid, extravagant romp just waiting to entertain young readers around the age of seven."
Jack Ousbey, Carousel: The Guide to Children's Books, No. 38, Spring 2008

"The mistaken identity plot is always a good one: children, even fairly old ones, like disguises and this kind of mix-up."
George Gleason, School Library Journal, May 1, 1986, Vol. 32, No. 9

USES IN THE LIBRARY
This would be an excellent book to use as a tie-in for an arts-and-crafts session, where kids could make everything from a shield and sword (using wrapping paper rolls and poster board) to mock stained glass (using construction paper and plastic). It would also be great for a storytelling session where the basic story is told from memory without the use of the text.

CITATION
Fleischman, Sid (1986). The whipping boy. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Module 4 | Bridge to Terabithia

PLOT SUMMARY
At first, 10-year-old Jesse Aarons' new neighbor is nothing but a wrinkle in his plan to become the fastest boy in fifth grade. But soon, Leslie Burke becomes Jesse's best friend, confidante, and reigning queen of Terabithia, a mythical world of their creation. When tragedy suddenly strikes, Jesse learns an unforgettable lesson about friendship, loss, and holding tight to your dreams.

MY IMPRESSIONS
There has been much debate recently about the inaccessibility of some Newbery winners, but Bridge to Terabithia represents everything that is right about the award. The book is a completely relatable, infinitely lovable ode to friendship and loss that appeals to readers of all ages. And there's just no way around the fact that the heartbreaking ending results in a waterfall of big, sloppy book tears (the best kind, some say).

REVIEWS
"Written by the author for her then young son whose best friend was killed by lightning, this Newbery Medal winner moves the heart and spirit with its beautiful writing, wrenching honesty, and hopeful ending."
Valerie O. Patterson, Children's Literature, 2005
Read Patterson's full review at:
http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_paterson_katherine.html

"Not only is the story unusual because it portrays a believable relationship between a boy and a girl at an age when same-sex friendships are the norm but it also presents an unromantic, realistic, and moving reaction to personal tragedy."
Jack Forman, School Library Journal, November 1977, Vol. 24, No. 3 

USES IN THE LIBRARY
The book could be the inspiration for a writing contest in which kids craft essays about what qualities make for a great friend. It could even become fodder for a Best Friends Day, in which best friends pair up for activities such as board games, video games, or trivia contests.

CITATION
Paterson, Katherine (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: HarperCollins.