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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Catherine the Great?
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.
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.
108 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2021
About the author
Pam Pollack
78 books38 followersPamela Pollack is a writer/editor/compiler of children's and young adult books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 16, 2026
Who was Catherine the Great? – one of the greatest leaders of Russia. During her reign, Russia became the most powerful empire in the world.
Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst (1729-1796) was born in Stettin, a military town in Prussia. She spoke German, so she learned French, the language of aristocrats. She listened closely to what adults discussed. She was a good observer and she noticed that her mother’s bragging and being the center of attention made her unpopular. So she didn’t want to be this way.
At fourteen, Sophie was chosen to marry Peter, the future emperor of Russia. She was actually excited about it as she was adventures and life in a big country and as cold as Russia didn’t scare her.
Peter was also from Prussia, but he missed his homeland and didn’t like studying Russian, and didn’t like Russia. Catherine was opposite. She took it very seriously, studying the language and the rituals of the Russian Orthodox Church.
They married on August 21, 1745, and Sophie became Catherine. Peter started ignoring Catherine from day one of their marriage. She became very lonely. Thus, she started reading a lot. She especially liked the work of philosophers of the Enlightenment.
When she had her son, which was a big deal for royalty, she used it to her advantage, and started demanding more respect.
There were many important people who so her as a better ruler for Russia than Peter. With the help of the Russian army, she was secretly escorted to Kazan Cathedral where the Russian Orthodox archbishop declared her empress in the eyes of the church.
She dethroned her own husband, who died in July 1762 supposedly naturally, but most likely was assassinated.
She was crowned empress on September 22, 1762. She knew that Russia was deeply in debt. She put her salary back into the national treasury. She studied what was happening in Russia for fifteen hours per day.
She sought out the brightest people she could find to fill the important positions. She listened to representative of each region of Russia, giving people voice.
She truly wanted to improve people’s lives. She built hospitals and made sure the doctors were well-educated, in the long run saving many lives against illnesses. She established schools for boys and girls. She created one of the greatest collections of art, thus, becoming a center of culture and philosophy. She wanted to free all the serfs, but that was very challenging to do.
A French philosopher, Denis Diderot, was so impressed with her that he began to refer to her as Catherine the Great, and others followed.
After the war with Turkey, returning soldiers brought with them bubonic plague, killing thousands of people. Catherine almost lost the control of Moscow.
Then, an imposter pretending to be Peter III created a lot of followers and a lot of trouble. After his capture and execution, Catherine felt she had to be a tough ruler.
In 1773, Paul married a Prussian princess, Sophie, who took the name Maria Fyodorovna.
Catherine, despite not wanting wars, continued to be hungry for more lands, taking over Crimea as she wanted access to the Black Sea, and now wanted to take over Constantinople – to make Russia the largest empire in the world. She didn’t win Constantinople but still gained more new territory.
Catherine loved spending time with her two oldest grandsons. She took charge of their education as she had plans for their future. She also had ideas how she wanted to have the boys raised. She wanted them to plant and to grow their own gardens. They were scolded only in private, and praised in public. She said, “I praise loudly. I blame softly.”
She died on November 17, 1796 of a stroke.
As soon as Paul was crowned emperor of Russia, he enacted a law that only the oldest son could inherit the throne. Catherine became the last woman to rule Russia.
This biography exemplifies a woman who was a great listener and observer, and through this process gained valuable wisdom. She was open to what others had to say, especially philosophers of Enlightenment. She was quiet until she saw an opportunity to demand respect. Thus, gaining power, and with that creating such alliances that backed her to be the ruler. She truly cared about the people of Russia. Her rule wasn’t about filling her coffers with money. It was about what was best for the people, which is very much missing in today’s world.
This illustrated biography for young readers is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst (1729-1796) was born in Stettin, a military town in Prussia. She spoke German, so she learned French, the language of aristocrats. She listened closely to what adults discussed. She was a good observer and she noticed that her mother’s bragging and being the center of attention made her unpopular. So she didn’t want to be this way.
At fourteen, Sophie was chosen to marry Peter, the future emperor of Russia. She was actually excited about it as she was adventures and life in a big country and as cold as Russia didn’t scare her.
Peter was also from Prussia, but he missed his homeland and didn’t like studying Russian, and didn’t like Russia. Catherine was opposite. She took it very seriously, studying the language and the rituals of the Russian Orthodox Church.
They married on August 21, 1745, and Sophie became Catherine. Peter started ignoring Catherine from day one of their marriage. She became very lonely. Thus, she started reading a lot. She especially liked the work of philosophers of the Enlightenment.
When she had her son, which was a big deal for royalty, she used it to her advantage, and started demanding more respect.
There were many important people who so her as a better ruler for Russia than Peter. With the help of the Russian army, she was secretly escorted to Kazan Cathedral where the Russian Orthodox archbishop declared her empress in the eyes of the church.
She dethroned her own husband, who died in July 1762 supposedly naturally, but most likely was assassinated.
She was crowned empress on September 22, 1762. She knew that Russia was deeply in debt. She put her salary back into the national treasury. She studied what was happening in Russia for fifteen hours per day.
She sought out the brightest people she could find to fill the important positions. She listened to representative of each region of Russia, giving people voice.
She truly wanted to improve people’s lives. She built hospitals and made sure the doctors were well-educated, in the long run saving many lives against illnesses. She established schools for boys and girls. She created one of the greatest collections of art, thus, becoming a center of culture and philosophy. She wanted to free all the serfs, but that was very challenging to do.
A French philosopher, Denis Diderot, was so impressed with her that he began to refer to her as Catherine the Great, and others followed.
After the war with Turkey, returning soldiers brought with them bubonic plague, killing thousands of people. Catherine almost lost the control of Moscow.
Then, an imposter pretending to be Peter III created a lot of followers and a lot of trouble. After his capture and execution, Catherine felt she had to be a tough ruler.
In 1773, Paul married a Prussian princess, Sophie, who took the name Maria Fyodorovna.
Catherine, despite not wanting wars, continued to be hungry for more lands, taking over Crimea as she wanted access to the Black Sea, and now wanted to take over Constantinople – to make Russia the largest empire in the world. She didn’t win Constantinople but still gained more new territory.
Catherine loved spending time with her two oldest grandsons. She took charge of their education as she had plans for their future. She also had ideas how she wanted to have the boys raised. She wanted them to plant and to grow their own gardens. They were scolded only in private, and praised in public. She said, “I praise loudly. I blame softly.”
She died on November 17, 1796 of a stroke.
As soon as Paul was crowned emperor of Russia, he enacted a law that only the oldest son could inherit the throne. Catherine became the last woman to rule Russia.
This biography exemplifies a woman who was a great listener and observer, and through this process gained valuable wisdom. She was open to what others had to say, especially philosophers of Enlightenment. She was quiet until she saw an opportunity to demand respect. Thus, gaining power, and with that creating such alliances that backed her to be the ruler. She truly cared about the people of Russia. Her rule wasn’t about filling her coffers with money. It was about what was best for the people, which is very much missing in today’s world.
This illustrated biography for young readers is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
March 20, 2023
Great children's history book about this woman who had nothing to do with Russia, yet became their ruler!
April 18, 2025
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.
January 31, 2023
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.
May 8, 2021
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.
July 14, 2022
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.
March 16, 2021
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.
May 14, 2021
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.
Some of the illustrations were silly.
September 17, 2021
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.
April 10, 2024
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.
February 1, 2025
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.
February 25, 2021
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.
November 30, 2021
This series is great to read. I would give them a five if they included photographs in the book instead of just drawings.
January 29, 2022
Listened to this on audiobook so I missed it on the illustrations. It was well narrated!!
February 12, 2022
An elaborate biography of Catherine the Great in such a small book!
April 10, 2022
Really enjoyed this book! I learned alot 💯
June 28, 2022
(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!
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!
Read
July 10, 2022fascinating!
January 20, 2023
Reading with Lainey
April 6, 2023
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.
May 24, 2023
Good book. Sad.
May 24, 2023
I enjoyed it
September 26, 2023
love a quick audio that is a bite size piece of history and easy to understand (as they are for children)
July 23, 2024
Nice overview appropriate for 8-12 year old readers.
December 21, 2024
Fascinating! PG rating
November 21, 2025
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.
March 18, 2026
Fascinating character in history. She truly was great!
May 15, 2026
Another great one in this series. Library borrow
July 4, 2022
So entertaining and well written! A sweeping narrative about an incredible woman. My new favorite in this series. Recommended for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews