Sunday, July 18, 2010

Peter the Great by Diane Stanley


A. Bibliography
Stanley, Diane. Peter the Great. Morrow Junior Books. 1999. ISBN# 0-688-16708-X

B. Plot/Summary
The biography of the tsar (king) of Russia in the late 1600's and early 1700's who wanted to transform Russia into a modern state. He did this by going to Europe, learning their ways and forcing Russians to change to match the Europeans.

C. Critical Analysis
The accuracy for this book is impeccable. As a history teacher, I know the story of Peter the Great very well and Stanley did a wonderful job with presenting the facts in an easy to understand manner for all ages of readers. Stanley cites her sources at the beginning of the book with all the copyright information.

The organization of the book is sequential and logical. Stanley follows the life of Peter the Great from early childhood to his death.

The front cover of the book is intriguing enough to make children want to read the book. Stanley did a wonderful job with the illustrations and making Peter the Great look regal, yet interesting. Inside the book, the illustrations are very colorful and full of small details that really add to the biography.

The style of writing is interesting and easy to understand. Yet, Stanley doesn't "talk down" to the reader. She presents the information in such a way to encourage curiosity and question what else Peter the Great did to improve Russia? Diane Stanley is very passionate and enthusiastic about this topic. She included many interesting details that tend to get lost in quick teaching of Russia's history. After reading this book, readers would have a greater understanding as to how one great man could change the course of history for Russia.

D. Awards/ Review Excerpts
Golden Kite Award, 1987
Booklist Editors Choice

C.C. Graham (The Five Owls, 1987) " The depth of color and the minute detail achieved by Stanley are splendid."

E. Connections
*other books by Diane Stanley
Good Queen Bess:The Story of Elizabeth I of England
Cleopatra
Shaka: King of the Zulus

* curriculum ideas
This book would lend itself to a puppet play or students role playing.

Older students could research and present more information on one or two of the many changes that Peter the Great made in Russia.

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