Prince Brat is a spoiled heir who receives no punishment for his constant mischief; instead, the palace employs Jemmy, an orphaned street urchin, to take every lash on the prince’s behalf. Seeking escape from his tedious royal life, the prince runs away and drags a reluctant Jemmy into the dangerous countryside. The pair is quickly captured by two notorious highwaymen, Hold-Your-Nose Billy and Cut-Water. In a reversal of roles, the captors mistake the literate, poised Jemmy for the true prince and the bratty royal for his lowly servant. The two boys must navigate foggy marshes and avoid outlaws while learning to trust one another to survive their flight back to the city.
Middle-grade readers choose this story for its fast-paced action and the classic dynamic of an unlikely friendship. It appeals to children who enjoy historical settings and tales of identity confusion. The reader walks away with a clear understanding of how shared hardship dissolves social class barriers and why true authority requires empathy. It provides a concrete look at the difference between inherited status and earned character through the lens of a historical adventure.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1986
- Language
- EN
