Peter the Great

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

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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.

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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

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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 in as part of a lesson to raise essential questions about progress for discussion and to encourage critical thinking.

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I thought this book was a good biography. The author wrote the story using a narrative voice. The author used phrases such as "in the hush of dawn..." and "Like any spoiled child...". These types of phrases are more narrative than informational. I also liked the pictures. They were simple, yet

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realistic and enhanced the story. For example, many pictures expressed the traditional design of Russia. For readers who are unfamiliar with the Russian culture, those images would help them understand it a little more.

The main idea of the biography was to inform readers about the leader that forever changed Russia.

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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

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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.

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A great learn for this book of nonfiction. It is absorbing and historical for students.

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

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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 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.

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