King George III (A Wicked History)
A Wicked History Series
on Goodreads (100)
What’s inside...
The book 'King George III (A Wicked History)' by Philip Brooks explores the life and reign of King George III, the monarch of Great Britain and Ireland during a tumultuous period that included events such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution. The narrative delves into his policies, personal life, and the controversies surrounding his rule. It examines his role in the loss of the American colonies and his subsequent portrayal as a tyrant in American history, while also discussing his mental health issues, which later in life led to periods of incapacity. The book aims to provide a nuanced view of a king often remembered for his wickedness and failures, offering insights into his intentions, challenges, and the complexities of his character.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-17
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
King George Iii
George III of Britain and Ireland
Discussion points
What do you think motivated King George III's decisions during his reign?
How did the actions of King George III impact the people around him and his country?
If you were in King George III's place, how would you have handled the American colonies?
Why is it important to learn about historical figures like King George III?
How do you think history might have been different if King George III had made different choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by setting a comfortable setting for the discussion, perhaps over a cozy meal or during a family book night.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings openly, without interrupting or correcting them immediately.
Use follow-up questions to dig deeper into your child’s responses, promoting critical thinking.
Relate the historical scenarios in the book to modern-day events to help your child draw parallels and understand the relevance.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion, boosting their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical perspectives
Explanation: The book provides insights into the character and reign of King George III, offering a nuanced view of his decisions and their impacts.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate the complexity of historical figures and events, fostering a more critical and empathetic approach to learning history.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The narrative discusses King George III's errors in judgment, particularly regarding the American colonies, and the consequences that followed.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to recognize the importance of admitting mistakes and learning from them to avoid negative outcomes.
Example Lesson: The impact of leadership
Explanation: The book highlights the role of leadership in shaping a country's destiny, illustrated through King George III's influence on England's history.
Real-World Application: Teaches children about the responsibilities associated with leadership and its effects on a community or nation.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding mental health
Explanation: It touches upon King George III's struggles with mental illness, portraying a compassionate view towards his challenges.
Real-World Application: Promotes awareness and understanding of mental health issues, inspiring compassion and empathy towards others experiencing similar challenges.