Peter the Great

Stanley is the author of a number of picture book biographies of great figures of world history. Her detailed illustrations add helpful visual context while still feeling accessible to younger readers. This is an overview of Peter the Great's life in which we glimpse a fascinating monarch and a pivotal point in Russia's history. Stanley highlights Peter’s desire to make Russia more progressive and more like Europe, and includes the costs of his single-mindedness. (I had no idea that St. Petersburg was constructed so recently and so hastily!) I like how Stanley presents a historical narrative that seamlessly includes meaningful context, and provides plenty of “captain ideas” and food for thought for readers of all ages.

Stanley is the author of a number of picture book biographies of great figures of world history. Her detailed illustrations add helpful visual context while still feeling accessible to younger readers. This is an overview of Peter the Great's life in which we glimpse a fascinating monarch and a pivotal point in Russia's history. Stanley highlights Peter’s desire to make Russia more progressive and more like Europe, and includes the costs of his single-mindedness. (I had no idea that St. Petersburg was constructed so recently and so hastily!) I like how Stanley presents a historical narrative that seamlessly includes meaningful context, and provides plenty of “captain ideas” and food for thought for readers of all ages.

Summary: "Peter the Great" is a biography about the once crowned tsar of Russia. Peter was a boy who believed everything should be handed to him. As a man, Peter sought out to better his country in many different ways. He would demand social reforms and work to modernize Russia in unimaginable ways. His greatest accomplishment however was the formation of the Russian navy.

Review: While rather informative, I found it tiring to read through this entire story. I can hardly see a child enjoying this book, although in short segments, it can be a great resource in a classroom. The illustrations in "Peter the Great" are sure to render "oooh's" and "ahh's" by children, but they may find the text to be rather lengthy, such as I did.

Though this book was rather lengthy compared to the other picture books I read I feel this book would be most appropriate for elementary students based on the simplicity of the language used. However, the complexities of the topics may be more appropriate for middle school students. The book is about Peter the Great and his fascination with European advancements and his determination to bring these advancements to Russia. The illustrations were very stylized and reminiscent of Russian art during Peter the Great’s reign. It brings up some significant question; does a leader have the right to impose his will upon his people for the sake of progress, social justice, etc…? I would definitely use this book in a classroom. I would use it show more in as part of a lesson to raise essential questions about progress for discussion and to encourage critical thinking. show less

This book is not only entertaining, but incredibly accurate as a biography of Peter the Great. Although aimed at children, this biography would help anyone who was interested learn why Peter the Great set out to create the city of St. Petersburg. This book would certainly be an excellent tool for providing a baseline to teach children about modernization as well as Russian history. The only drawback about this book is that in the illustrations, Peter the Great blends in with everyone else. Being six feet, seven inches tall, he never blended in with others. However, this minimal detail is the only drawback to this great biography.

Peter the Great's biography from Diane Stanley is a good lesson on finding one's opinion on the character of a historical figure. The text allows the reader to see that what Peter did to better Russia had consequences in the end, some more major than others. In class, this would be a good text to lead a discussion on morality and the definitions of right and wrong. The illustrations are vivid and capture the culture of Russia and are a good touchstone for a lesson on Russian culture.

Peter the Great by Diane Stanley tells the story of how Tsar Peter brought change to "the largest nation on earth", Russia. While Russia was a large nation, they were one that did not welcome change. The people of Russia believed that they should stay true to "the old ways". Stanley starts off by explaining that Peter was "a spoiled child...that believed whatever he wanted he should have." Peter saw how other countries, specifically those of western Europe, had welcomed "modern" advances specifically those involved with seafare. Peter traveled around these European countries learning everything he could from these them. He sent ten ships back to Russia filled with items he found interesting from his travels. Upon his return home, Peter show more was determined to bring the West with him, whether his people wanted it or not. He forced nobleman to cut off the beards and cut the sleeves off the elaborate tunics the wore. Peter's desire to "westernize" Russia "bled the people dry" due to heavy taxes that were imposed in order for him to build his navy. With the money from the taxes, Peter built St. Petersburg; a place he intended to be a great city and home for the country's navy. Peter did succeed in getting what he wanted; nothing stopped him. He was still that spoiled child from his youth.
I think this book would be good to use in a World History class to show how change was brought about in Russia. While other countries in Europe were making advance, Russia turned their back on them. They liked their tradition and wanted it to stay for future generations. However, Peter the Great wanted more for his country and his people. This book shows that while his intentions were good, he forced his wants on his people. I think this book would be good to show the start of the conflict between the classes. Peasants were the ones that suffered the most for Peter's desires. And that suffering of the lower class continues on for centuries until the fall of the monarch. show less