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1987

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman (William Morrow & Co., $13.56, fourth-grade level). ISBN: 0688062164.	The Medalist In an ancient kingdom, a prince and his whipping boy flee from the castle and experience adventures while becoming close friends. Kids will be surprised to learn that their were actually whipping boys who took the place of royal or upper-class lads who faced punishment. The two boys in this story change places (i.e., identities) from time to time and learn how the other half lives. This is an odd story, a bit like a fable. Kids or teachers looking for literature connections could turn to the Prince and the Pauper.
A Fine White Dust by Cynthia Rylant (Simon & Schuster, $12.80, sixth-grade level). ISBN: 068984087X.	Honor Book A boy who is deeply religious falls under the spell of a revival meeting preacher, only to lose his faith when the man betrays him. This book has a predictable story line but retains the readers interest because rarely do you read about kids this age (and in this day and age) who have such a strong religious commitment. The boy's dilemma about his faith, especially as contrasted to that of the preacher, is well delineated.
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer (Houghton Mifflin, $12, fourth-grade level). ISBN: 0899194397.	Honor Book A boy promises his parents that he will do one thing but ends up doing another in an adventure that claims the life of his best friend, a careless daredevil. This novel offers a harsh lesson about the high price of disobedience and lying. It also demonstrates the power that some kids hold over their peers.
Volcano: The Eruption and Healing of Mount Saint Helens by Patricia Lauber (Bradbury Press, $14.39, fourth-grade level). ISBN: 01327545008.	Honor Book This is science writing at its most accessible. A teacher could derive a host of units from this book, ranging from earth movements, volcanism, life cycles, mutation, erosion, etc. This is a wonderful book but it's ancient history to today's youngsters. Do some prep work before you turn the kids loose on it.

Copyright David Ross 2003