First read in middle school, and reread at least three times now! I’m finally writing a review for this book.

Read: Jan. 19, 2024

Genre: Medieval Historical Fiction
Audience: Children
Book contains: whipping, cutthroats, rats

Purchase a copy from Amazon.ca

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Quick Read and Super Fun!

Jemmy, once living on the streets, has been assigned whipping boy to Prince Horace—otherwise known as Prince Brat. One night, the prince decides to run away from home, and bring Jemmy with him! Will Jemmy ever get away from the prince and back to his free life as a ratcatcher?

This old classic was incredibly enjoyable, even on a third or fourth reread! It’s an easy story to jump back into, and it’s short enough to read all at once and be satisfied by the ending. I loved how diverse everything was, and even though some may think it’s just going from one wild thing to another, I thought it fun and quirky.

The book is told in third person POV with a focus on Jemmy. Some scenes in the beginning are told before Jemmy is introduced, but after he shows up, it solely follows his perspective and includes his personal thoughts. Each chapter is quick and snappy; some end with cliffhangers, others don’t. In my copy of the book, the chapters don’t always begin on a new page, but rather just after a space below the end of the previous chapter.

I, like many other kids in my area, read this book in school. I since acquired my high school’s old library copy and reread it last April, then again this January. I read it while completing an easy cycling workout on my stationary bike. It was a quick read and a good workout!

The main character, Jemmy, is a witty kid (probably around twelve or so). He’s a street kid, and incredibly clever, coming up with escape plans and schemes—though they don’t always work out because of his tail, Prince Horace. The prince is immediately introduced as Prince Brat, and he lives up to his name, though throughout the journey, Jemmy slowly learns more and more about why the prince behaves the way he does.

I love the dichotomy between Jemmy and the prince—one a street rat and the other a spoiled prince. Despite their differences, they have similar temperaments and really good chemistry. It’s hilarious to watch them interact and try to get out of the messes they find themselves in.

Fleischman’s writing style is incredibly simple and great for even young kids. There are a few characters who speak with rough accents and bad grammar, but it’s nothing too difficult to understand. Everything is incredibly visual, which is made better by the illustrations throughout the book.

The pacing was quick and steady. The first chapter introduces the boys and the premise, then they meet the main villains, and about halfway through the book the big adventure starts and the pace picks up.

If you haven’t already read this book, I highly recommend that you do if you like quirky children’s adventures. It’s a great book to read with your kids as well, if you don’t mind a bit of danger.

Related Reviews:

The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White
The Gatekeeper Book 1: Gatekeper’s Key by Krista Wallace