Catherine the Great: Empress of Russia (A Wicked History)
A Wicked History Series
on Goodreads (192)
What’s inside...
Catherine the Great: Empress of Russia (A Wicked History) by Zu Vincent provides a historical exploration of the life and reign of Catherine the Great, delving into her rise to power, political strategies, and modernizing reforms. The book also addresses the more controversial and dark aspects of her rule, including her ruthless methods to maintain power and personal controversies. Vincent presents a balanced view, acknowledging both her significant contributions to expanding the Russian Empire and promoting arts and education, as well as the criticisms related to her leadership. Aimed at young readers, the book offers a comprehensive look into the character of this formidable historical figure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-17
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Catherine The Great
Grigory Orlov
Empress Elizabeth
Johanna Elizabeth Of Holstein-Gottorp
Peter Iii
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Catherine the Great a successful leader?
How do you feel about the decisions Catherine the Great made during her reign?
What challenges did Catherine face and how did she overcome them?
If you were in Catherine's position, what would you have done differently?
How did Catherine the Great impact Russia and the world during her time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about leadership and power by comparing Catherine’s actions to what they would do in similar situations. Highlight the historical context and discuss how different times can influence leadership styles. Ask your child how they think the story would be different if it happened in today's world. This can lead to deeper insights and understanding of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: The book portrays Catherine the Great's rise to power and her effective rule over Russia, showcasing her strategic thinking and bold decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking initiative and making confident choices in leadership roles at school or in group activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Catherine faced numerous challenges both before and after becoming Empress, including palace intrigues and personal betrayals, but she remained determined and focused on her goals.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to persist in the face of setbacks or difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Catherine was known for her efforts to modernize Russia and her patronage of the arts, contributing to a flourishing cultural scene.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and appreciate diverse cultures and histories, enhancing their global awareness and empathy.
Example Lesson: Strategic Thinking
Explanation: The story illustrates how Catherine planned her actions and policies to ensure long-term benefits for her country.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply strategic thinking by planning their studies or organizing their activities to achieve better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Moral Integrity
Explanation: Despite the political challenges, Catherine aimed to rule justly and implement reforms that would improve the lives of her subjects.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of fairness and justice in their interactions and encourage them to stand up for what is right.