The reading level of “The Whipping Boy” by Sid Fleischman is generally considered to be suitable for children in grades 4 to 6, or ages 9 to 12. It is often categorized under the Lexile measure of around 600L to 800L.
This level indicates that the book is appropriate for early middle-grade readers. The language and themes are accessible, making it a popular choice in classrooms for discussions about friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of actions. The story follows the adventures of a young prince and his whipping boy, offering engaging narrative and relatable characters that resonate with young readers.