George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides

Written by Rosalyn Schanzer

Narrated by Jonathan Hogan

George Washington and King George III of Britain had a great deal in common-aside from sharing the same first name. Both loved to hunt and farm, both towered above most other men of their day, and both were dedicated husbands and fathers. Yet despite their similarities, they were destined to become bitter enemies. As the Revolutionary War erupted, people on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean formed very different opinions. To the patriotic American colonists, George Washington was a hero and King George a tyrant. And to the British (along with the crown loyalists in America), George Washington was considered a traitor while King George remained a loving father of the people. Truly there are two sides to every story in history. A "lovely book" (School Library Journal, starred review), Rosalyn Schanzer's George vs. George is a 2005 ALA Notable Children's Book and was named a 2005 Best of the Best by the Chicago Public Library.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781470356996

Reviews for George vs. George

[lissabeth21 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a phenomenal read to share with my boys! A terrific, simplified explanation of the world that led up to and engaged in the Revolutionary War. The facts and quotes were woven with moving language bringing the reality of King George and George Washington to life. I had to correct a minor point that could be misconstrued by impressionable young minds, but that's my job and I'm fine doing that, since the book simply states history the way we've taught it for over 200 years. Very nicely done overall.

[barbaralange · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is great at showing students both points of view. It shows how the colonists feel about the American Revolution and how the British feel about it. This would be best used as a read aloud at the elementary level.

[tlwood_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great American History book for young readers! Indeed, all ages might find this book useful. It presents the American Revolution from the point of view of most Americans through George Washington, and from the point of view of most British through King George III. The format of the book is especially well-done because it presents both views side-by-side rather than first one and then the other. The illustrations are well-done and add to the understanding of the events surrounding the American Revolution. One is left with a sense of knowing the major players during this time period in American History.The book is touted as Grade 3-6, though the reading level is a bit higher (AR 7.0). It would be best for mature 4th and 5th grade readers in my opinion if reading on their own, but good for much younger if guided by their history teacher.

[lucindabrant · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fabulous text to use with my Yr 9 History class in our study of the American War of Independence. There are plenty (a gazillion!) books that give the American side, fewer that give the English side, and even fewer that explain both sides of the conflict so succinctly. This slim book with its creative use of illustrations and easy to follow language best summarized the conflict "as seen by both sides" than any other text I used and gave the girls a "jumping off point" to delve deeper. A gem of a book!

[jillclark_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great Book! It discusses the Revolutionary War from both sides and is easy to understand. George Washington and King George III are both discussed in detail but also other major characters as well. There are also many beautiful illustrations that help explain the significance of the events leading to the beginning and end of the war. This is definitely a book for ALL ages and there is something new to learn for all ages as well. My favorite part is the end when it explains what happened to both Georges after the war.

[conuly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Unless you are already a serious historian, I promise you will learn something from this book. It... it may not always be what you WANT to learn (for example, that the Revolutionaries committed atrocities against the Iroquois), but you're bound to learn SOMEthing new.This is a diligently researched book. Do not let the fact that it is a "picture book" fool you - this book is written at about a seventh grade reading level, and it shows. Many pages of dense text, and a lot more informative than most textbooks I had through high school! The author worked hard to avoid painting the British and the Loyalists as monsters - and they weren't! They had reasons for their actions just the same as the revolutionaries did. Likewise, she doesn't present the patriots as unalloyed saints - and they weren't, any more than you and I are! They did good things for good reasons, good things for selfish reasons, and bad things for the same reason anybody does bad things. And yes, horrific acts were committed by both sides in this war, against enemies and innocents alike.The illustrations and quotations enliven and complement the text, but they do not take over the book. I really advise this book for ANYbody wanting to learn more about the Revolution.