The points of issue
First edition published 1986 by Greenwillow Books, New York. First printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page with a number line ending in 1 (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1). Quarter navy cloth over light blue boards with silver spine lettering; black-and-white illustrations by Peter Sis. First-state dust jacket without the Newbery seal.
Is this the true first?
US true first. Newbery Medal 1987.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Missing 'First Edition' statement or a number line not ending in 1 indicates a later printing; book-club editions are unpriced.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Whipping Boy a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition published 1986 by Greenwillow Books, New York. First printing states 'First Edition' on the copyright page with a number line ending in 1 (10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1). Quarter navy cloth over light blue boards with silver spine lettering; black-and-white illustrations by Peter Sis. First-state dust jacket without the Newbery seal.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US true first. Newbery Medal 1987.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Missing 'First Edition' statement or a number line not ending in 1 indicates a later printing; book-club editions are unpriced.
I have a first edition of The Whipping Boy — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.