Who Was Catherine the Great?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Pam Pollack, Meg Belviso, Who H.Q.

Learn how a Prussian princess grew up to be Russia's longest-ruling female leader!

Born in 1729, Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbs was never supposed to come to power. But at age sixteen, she married the heir to the Russian throne. By 1762, Sophie, known now as Catherine, overthrew her immature and incompetent husband, Peter III, to lead the nation. Catherine became the sole ruler of Russia.

This exciting Who Was? title explores how Catherine was able to turn Russia into one of the great powers of Europe by expanding its borders, helping improve its educational system, and advocating for the arts. Her three-decade reign is considered the Golden Age of Russia, and she is called Catherine the Great.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Childrens

108 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2021

About the author

Pamela Pollack is a writer/editor/compiler of children's and young adult books.

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children's history book about this woman who had nothing to do with Russia, yet became their ruler!

[Micaela - Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine was married to Peter who was supposed to be the king of Russia but he was not capable of ruling his country. So when Catherine became Queen of Russia she was a great ruler. I like this book because it taught me more about Catherine.

[Karen Davis Engelbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children's biography of the woman who transformed Russia into one of the most powerful nations in the world. Born in Prussia in 1729, she was summoned to Russia at age 14 to be married to Peter (16), heir to the throne. Peter had also been born in Prussia, and never developed a loyalty to Russia, while Catherine became absorbed in her new homeland. Peter never loved Catherine and was open about seeing other women. Catherine eventually had a few boyfriends of her own, and had children by some of them. When Empress Elizabeth died, Peter succeeded her to the throne, but Catherine had earned many followers who felt she would be much more adept at ruling the country. After six months in power, Peter was dethroned and Catherine took charge. She started schools for girls and elevated the lives of many. She was loved by her people and was the last woman to rule Russia.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine the Great led a truly exceptional life and did some extraordinary things. This little young-reader-friendly biography describes pivotal actions and events throughout her life, placing them in historical, social, and political context. Easy and informative read for children and adults alike.

[Rica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the format of this book and so easy to read with exactly what I need to know briefly about someone. If I want to be more detailed about this person I would read something else. But for purposes of just knowing their significance and a little bit of their personal life, this book works great! I would recommend it for any age.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great book in the “Who Was...”. Series. A concise walk through history, culture and royalty. I highly recommend this book to those who want an easy read to learn about the rise of this renowned woman.

[Karthika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman at that time who had so much power on a huge country - this was just unbelievable for me. She worked hard. But she also had a lot of freedom for a woman. I loved this book.
Some of the illustrations were silly.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine the Great started many new social programs in Russia. She brought about the building of hospitals, schools for both girls and boys and many other things. She was a ruler who knew her people and how to protect their way of life.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this broad history of Catherine the Great. I did not know much about her, other than that she was a prolific leader. It's amazing the things she did as a woman in the 1700's...or really any time period.

[David Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite an interesting account of Catherine the Great, Russia's longest-ruling female leader. She had stormy seas to navigate but managed to win the hearts of the people and the power of the country.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great children's book giving the history of Catherine the Great. Quick read. I learned much since I hadn't studied her a lot in the past.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is great to read. I would give them a five if they included photographs in the book instead of just drawings.

[Yan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on audiobook so I missed it on the illustrations. It was well narrated!!

[Vani Ghanate · Rating 5 out of 5]

An elaborate biography of Catherine the Great in such a small book!

[Kaitlin Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! I learned alot 💯

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I listened to this one)

I knew very little about Catherine the Great, so I found this book to be completely fascinating. Now I really want to read more about her!

[laaibahhh :)]

fascinating!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading with Lainey

[Kip · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids in the library love these books, and I can see why. Really engaging and filled with interesting facts. This one on Catherine the Great also included a ton of great info on her era.

[Melenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Sad.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

love a quick audio that is a bite size piece of history and easy to understand (as they are for children)

[Becky 🤠 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview appropriate for 8-12 year old readers.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating! PG rating

[Sarah P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't read these books, but I picked it up and read it in one sitting! I liked the way the author writes.

[Susan's Sweat Smells Like Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

So entertaining and well written! A sweeping narrative about an incredible woman. My new favorite in this series. Recommended for all ages.