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Explore the life of Joseph Stalin. The wicked ways of some of the most ruthless rulers to walk the earth are revealed in these thrilling biographies (A Wicked History) about men and women so monstrous, they make Frankenstein look like a sweetheart.
128 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2010
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March 20, 2018I can't be the only American millennial who had a deplorable history education that went like this:
1. Read textbook chapter.
2. Memorize facts from chapter.
3. Copy an outline/notes from the board based on said chapter. Memorize.
4. Take quiz/write essay.
5. Scrub all things from your brain. Return to step 1.
I took World History in ninth grade, and when we got to the Russian Revolution, we watched some movie or another. I don't know, because soon after it started, I was tapped on the shoulder and told I was kicked out of class. (I later learned it was because the teacher thought I was asleep, because it is apparently against the law to lean over your desk and occasionally blink your eyes while watching a movie.) And the next class period, we were on to something else.
So literally I had one day in my entire education dedicated to Tsar Nicholas and Lenin and Stalin and the rest, and I missed it.
It is now nearly 15 years since that event, and this is the first chance I've had to read a book explaining all the stuff I missed from that single day in history class. I suppose yes, I always had a chance, but come on, I've spent more than 20 of my 29 years of life enrolled in some kind of school or another and never had a formal opportunity? And haven't done it on my own because hello, school stuff and tons of other reading commitments. You get it.
Anyway, kvetching about the shitty way we "teach" history in middle and high schools aside, this book was great. Simple but not simplistic, to the point, and clear. Speaks to the audience but doesn't talk down to them. Solid.
1. Read textbook chapter.
2. Memorize facts from chapter.
3. Copy an outline/notes from the board based on said chapter. Memorize.
4. Take quiz/write essay.
5. Scrub all things from your brain. Return to step 1.
I took World History in ninth grade, and when we got to the Russian Revolution, we watched some movie or another. I don't know, because soon after it started, I was tapped on the shoulder and told I was kicked out of class. (I later learned it was because the teacher thought I was asleep, because it is apparently against the law to lean over your desk and occasionally blink your eyes while watching a movie.) And the next class period, we were on to something else.
So literally I had one day in my entire education dedicated to Tsar Nicholas and Lenin and Stalin and the rest, and I missed it.
It is now nearly 15 years since that event, and this is the first chance I've had to read a book explaining all the stuff I missed from that single day in history class. I suppose yes, I always had a chance, but come on, I've spent more than 20 of my 29 years of life enrolled in some kind of school or another and never had a formal opportunity? And haven't done it on my own because hello, school stuff and tons of other reading commitments. You get it.
Anyway, kvetching about the shitty way we "teach" history in middle and high schools aside, this book was great. Simple but not simplistic, to the point, and clear. Speaks to the audience but doesn't talk down to them. Solid.
January 18, 2020
4.5
Writing about complex events in a concise fashion can be very difficult. This book does a great job highlighting the major events in Stalin life as well as giving interesting lesser known facts as well. It is the perfect book for high school libraries or for advanced middle school readers who love history.
Writing about complex events in a concise fashion can be very difficult. This book does a great job highlighting the major events in Stalin life as well as giving interesting lesser known facts as well. It is the perfect book for high school libraries or for advanced middle school readers who love history.
February 22, 2017
I have loved the wicked history series so far. This book was quite surprising especially since I knew nothing about this person till I read and did research about him. Joseph Stalin was always a bully very evolved in vandalism and violence this was no doubt the cause of seeing his abusive and mean father. When he got older he began to work for biggest Marxist group, in the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party. He organized protests and other events. This was just the beginning. He went on to plan many other things. The Soviet Union had promised to run a society for the people. The people got Stalin and he captured people made them starve. He caused millions of deaths including his execution of his many enemies. He filled prison camps. He was surely not the best man of example. He did many things other than this that would surely surprise you. What he did how he did it was sickening. This book will let you read about what happened during world war one and the jaw dropping actions of this one man, Joseph Stalin.
July 28, 2018
Its a great experience knowing Russian history. It just gave me goosebumps knowing about gulags. It's so terrifying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2022
A quick and easy summary of Stalin’s life and impact. Felt somewhat relevant so I grabbed it off the biography shelf. Written mostly in chronological order from birth to death and legacy.
Found myself learning a few new facts — maybe biographies aren’t so bad after all!
Found myself learning a few new facts — maybe biographies aren’t so bad after all!
January 21, 2024
He literally is a hypocrite, I liked how the author wrote the whole book and... yeah. Idk what else to say..
July 17, 2021
Informational.
Read this in preparation for the 21-22 school year
Read this in preparation for the 21-22 school year
April 6, 2017
In today's world what everyone needs is dominance, maybe over a small ant . The era of dominance was started way back. The story Stalin :a wicked history talks about the era of sovereignty created by Joseph Stalin. He turned his squad, the Soviet Union into a world power and uprooted millions of peasants and malnourished millions to death. Thus, his sudden occurrence started the reign of ascendancy of the 20th century.
Prachi Utreja
Prachi Utreja
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February 2, 2017When i read the book Joseph Stalin by Sean McCollum, I was very shock. First of all, i didn't know who was Joseph Stalin. Second of all, it made the book more fun. So the reason i was shock was because when the Soviet got Joseph Stalin, Joseph Stalin turned the Soviet into a world power. Also Joseph Stalin was more ruthless than any Russian emperor. And i recommend this book to people who like book about history.
March 27, 2015
Friday, December 19th, 2014
Joseph Stalin grew in a family that had huge economical issues. As a result, his father often utilized his son as a working aid. However, many conflicts occurred between Stalin’s parents. Joseph was seen as being a very turbulent child, as he often utilized violence to respond to his classmates. Yet, he was able obtain “good grades in school” (McCollum 18). Moreover, he often found pleasure in lecture, as it was one of his few manners to relax. Ekaterina Djugashvili, Joseph’s mother, pushed her son into becoming a priest, as she had a great attachment to Christianity. Nevertheless, Stalin soon forgot about religion and based all his time on altering Russia’s politics. He was greatly impacted by Marx’s communist theories, as he desired to construct an identical society as Marx described. He made an alliance with Vladimir Lenin, and created many riots throughout the country.
An individual might be influenced only when exposed to certain aspects and people. Joseph Stalin was highly influenced by his siblings and parents, especially his mother. Indeed, she pushed him to become a respected priest, as he wanted to please her. Secondly, Joseph was able to get political perceptions and ideas from Karl Marx’s novels. For instance, he then made the decision to join “the country’s biggest Marxist group, the Russian Social- Democratic worker’s party” (McCollum 24). Furthermore, he was known organize violent riots against the tsar of Russia. Therefore, one is able to comprehend that the books produced by Karl Marx immensely impacted Stalin’s political view on Russia.
One’s behaviors are the characterization of our ideals and actions. Joseph Stalin was a person in which his family had severe economical complications. Firstly, the perpetual conflict between his parents affected most of Joseph’s young life. For instance, both envisioned very contrasting potential occupations in which Joseph could function “Beso could barely make living as a cobbler, but he was convinced that shoemaking was good enough for his boy… She [Joseph’s mother] was determined to see him wear the long black robes of a Russian Orthodox priest. (McCollum 18). Secondly, Joseph had contrasting ideals and behavior throughout his teenage life. Indeed, he was able to become a priest, however he was known for his violent protesting against the tsar. Therefore, one is able to see that a person’s behavior highly influences the outcome of his life.
Russia was a place in which political opinions were extremely limited. In fact, Russia was the setting of interminable chaos and insecurity. For instance, Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin were able to raise money for the Bolsheviks, and easily caused “a campaign of terrorism against the tsar and his government” (McCollum 29). Indeed, groups of criminals were given weapons, which created terror within most Russian cities. Also, Russia did not permit most of the information to be transmitted through the country, especially political wise. For example, most of Karl Marx’s communist novels were smuggled inside Russia in order to provide a general political opinion to the Russian people. Moreover, Marx’s novels allowed Joseph to own strong political beliefs and the desire to alter Russia. Therefore, one is able to see that a specific location and time could affect people’s perspective on society.
Friday, January 9, 2015
World War I was a decisive point in Russia’s history, as there was an alteration of ways to manage the country. Indeed, the tsar has caused the deaths of thousands of military soldier in a weekly basis as many fatal errors were made throughout the war. Russian began to protest due the food shortage, inflation and horrific living conditions. Inevitably, tsar Nicholas II was executed by the Bolsheviks (Stalin and Lenin’s group) in 1918, as he lost the people’s respect had no major authority over any individual. The Bolsheviks and Lenin applied an economic policy, which permitted to function without governmental regulation. Soon after, Vladimir Lenin perished of a fatal stroke. Lenin testament was inspected several times in order to potentially elect a new individual to lead the party. Furthermore, Lenin openly criticized as he “called for the removal of Stalin from his position as general secretary” (McCollum 49). Nevertheless, Stalin was able to plot manners to get rid of most of party members in order to access the supreme power in Russia. In fact, he installed a telephonic system that permitted to spy the members of the Bolshevik party. As a result, he was able to exclude most of party members, and was able to start the governing USSR (Russia).
Taking opportunities throughout one’s life is essential component the order to have a successful career and life. Firstly, Stalin was able to use the fact that his colleague friend, Vladimir Lenin, has died. For instance, Stalin “schemed to get rid of his manner rivals, Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev. He installed a phone in his desk that allowed him to eavesdrop on their phone calls” (McCollum 49). Secondly, he was able to manipulate people that he was allied with throughout past years. For example, he received substantial amount of help in terms of respecting the law and executing any form of protest against Joseph Stalin’s rule is strongly prohibited and would cause one’s death. Moreover, he was able to enhance the USSR’s economic power, as he transformed Russia as a true industrial power. Therefore, opportunities that appear throughout one’s life should be taken in order to achieve objectives that one set.
A successful individual always uses their personality’s to promote their own success. Firstly, Joseph Stalin had a cunning manner to eliminate his enemies in the Bolshevik party. Indeed, he emplaced a secret telephonic system as well as a secret police to observe in order to verify and trick his main enemies to leave the country. Secondly, he was able to take over power and implement his political morals, generally radical, to improve the country’s general facet. For instance, he replaced Lenin’s law, “The NEP with Soviet’s union first Five-Year Plan. The new plan would ounce again put the government in control of all parts of the economy.” (McCollum 53). Therefore, one is able to see that Stalin’s severity, audacity and cunning are some aspects that lead to his ascension.
Countries climatical conditions and land utilities have dramatic impact on the population’s economic capacity, as well as their living conditions. Russia suffered a terrible crisis that involved distribution of goods and food. For example, people inhabiting Volga and other cooler regions of Russia were significantly impacted by the scarcity of food and “resorted to cannibalism” (McCollum 45). Secondly, Russia was a country that was going a severe issue in terms of development rate growth. In fact, Joseph Stalin openly declared that Eastern Countries had become political and economic powers due to the strength of their industrial powers. Therefore, one could notice that Russia’s location majorly affected the country’s growth in a disadvantageous way.
Friday, January 16, 2015
The USSR’S people were exposed to a growing number of people affected by famine. Joseph Stalin recruited “25,00 industrial workers and sent them into the countryside to oversee the civilization”(McCollum 54). Indeed the five-year plan that was emplaced enabled Russia to become a stronger industrial powerhouse. Nevertheless, farmers were revolted or had the envy to combat the government. Subsequently, Stalin sent a group of secret police as a way to obliterate any revolts. Stalin was able to gain an agricultural upper hand as thirty million tons of crops were produced yearly, but exported rather shared with the people. Soon, people resorted to cannibalism as the unique manner to survive.
Food is our premier resource of survival and nutrition, and lacking of it could lead one to starve to hunger. Stalin emplaced the five year plan which caused disastrous effects towards the people of the Soviet Union especially farmers. Firstly, Stalin purposely chose rather innocent civilians people that labored for him for the sake of the USSR’s industrial power. Indeed, he captured an approximate of “twelve million laborers had been put to work” (McCollum 62). Second of all, he seized all farmers’ personal property and utilized it to produce a substantial amount of food and crops, which he didn’t distribute to the people of Russia. For example a total amount of thirty million tons of crops were produced, however the population profoundly starved as they were exported towards external countries in order to gain economic benefits. Therefore, one is able to comprehend that the USSR wasn’t able to fully develop, as the people consequentially suffered of famine and diseases.
A land’s fertility and environmental conditions are essential for the good that is produced or grown. In fact, Russia owned numerous countryside regions in which farmers owned personal properties, farms and crops fields. Stalin was able to obtain total power upon agricultural and food production. For instance, he attributed all farmers’ land to the government and himself, which “met the government’s harvest demands”(McCollum 54). Secondly, a chaotic atmosphere started to reign throughout Russia. As a matter of fact, due to food limitations imposed by the government the majority of the population perished of a “murder by starvation” (McCollum 67). Therefore, one is able to comprehend how Stalin was able to use Russia’s numerous lands and produce for the sake of his government.
A country’s leader is supposed to demonstrate a strong personality and utilize their countries advantages. Firstly, Stalin demonstrated a huge amount of radicalism and consequences if a civilian disobeyed the law. For instance, one would suffer one of these “three punishments: execution, deportation, or imprisonment”(McCollum 58). Second of all, Stalin came up with an ingenious yet malefic thought. In fact he created labor camps called the gulags that composed 12 million of people, which largely aided industrial the USSR’S economic and industrial growth. Moreover, he provided scarce amounts of nutrition and needs to the labor in order to economize as much money as possible. Therefore one is able to understand that Stalin’s people were undergoing laborious time due to his cruel regime.
Joseph Stalin grew in a family that had huge economical issues. As a result, his father often utilized his son as a working aid. However, many conflicts occurred between Stalin’s parents. Joseph was seen as being a very turbulent child, as he often utilized violence to respond to his classmates. Yet, he was able obtain “good grades in school” (McCollum 18). Moreover, he often found pleasure in lecture, as it was one of his few manners to relax. Ekaterina Djugashvili, Joseph’s mother, pushed her son into becoming a priest, as she had a great attachment to Christianity. Nevertheless, Stalin soon forgot about religion and based all his time on altering Russia’s politics. He was greatly impacted by Marx’s communist theories, as he desired to construct an identical society as Marx described. He made an alliance with Vladimir Lenin, and created many riots throughout the country.
An individual might be influenced only when exposed to certain aspects and people. Joseph Stalin was highly influenced by his siblings and parents, especially his mother. Indeed, she pushed him to become a respected priest, as he wanted to please her. Secondly, Joseph was able to get political perceptions and ideas from Karl Marx’s novels. For instance, he then made the decision to join “the country’s biggest Marxist group, the Russian Social- Democratic worker’s party” (McCollum 24). Furthermore, he was known organize violent riots against the tsar of Russia. Therefore, one is able to comprehend that the books produced by Karl Marx immensely impacted Stalin’s political view on Russia.
One’s behaviors are the characterization of our ideals and actions. Joseph Stalin was a person in which his family had severe economical complications. Firstly, the perpetual conflict between his parents affected most of Joseph’s young life. For instance, both envisioned very contrasting potential occupations in which Joseph could function “Beso could barely make living as a cobbler, but he was convinced that shoemaking was good enough for his boy… She [Joseph’s mother] was determined to see him wear the long black robes of a Russian Orthodox priest. (McCollum 18). Secondly, Joseph had contrasting ideals and behavior throughout his teenage life. Indeed, he was able to become a priest, however he was known for his violent protesting against the tsar. Therefore, one is able to see that a person’s behavior highly influences the outcome of his life.
Russia was a place in which political opinions were extremely limited. In fact, Russia was the setting of interminable chaos and insecurity. For instance, Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin were able to raise money for the Bolsheviks, and easily caused “a campaign of terrorism against the tsar and his government” (McCollum 29). Indeed, groups of criminals were given weapons, which created terror within most Russian cities. Also, Russia did not permit most of the information to be transmitted through the country, especially political wise. For example, most of Karl Marx’s communist novels were smuggled inside Russia in order to provide a general political opinion to the Russian people. Moreover, Marx’s novels allowed Joseph to own strong political beliefs and the desire to alter Russia. Therefore, one is able to see that a specific location and time could affect people’s perspective on society.
Friday, January 9, 2015
World War I was a decisive point in Russia’s history, as there was an alteration of ways to manage the country. Indeed, the tsar has caused the deaths of thousands of military soldier in a weekly basis as many fatal errors were made throughout the war. Russian began to protest due the food shortage, inflation and horrific living conditions. Inevitably, tsar Nicholas II was executed by the Bolsheviks (Stalin and Lenin’s group) in 1918, as he lost the people’s respect had no major authority over any individual. The Bolsheviks and Lenin applied an economic policy, which permitted to function without governmental regulation. Soon after, Vladimir Lenin perished of a fatal stroke. Lenin testament was inspected several times in order to potentially elect a new individual to lead the party. Furthermore, Lenin openly criticized as he “called for the removal of Stalin from his position as general secretary” (McCollum 49). Nevertheless, Stalin was able to plot manners to get rid of most of party members in order to access the supreme power in Russia. In fact, he installed a telephonic system that permitted to spy the members of the Bolshevik party. As a result, he was able to exclude most of party members, and was able to start the governing USSR (Russia).
Taking opportunities throughout one’s life is essential component the order to have a successful career and life. Firstly, Stalin was able to use the fact that his colleague friend, Vladimir Lenin, has died. For instance, Stalin “schemed to get rid of his manner rivals, Trotsky, Zinoviev, and Kamenev. He installed a phone in his desk that allowed him to eavesdrop on their phone calls” (McCollum 49). Secondly, he was able to manipulate people that he was allied with throughout past years. For example, he received substantial amount of help in terms of respecting the law and executing any form of protest against Joseph Stalin’s rule is strongly prohibited and would cause one’s death. Moreover, he was able to enhance the USSR’s economic power, as he transformed Russia as a true industrial power. Therefore, opportunities that appear throughout one’s life should be taken in order to achieve objectives that one set.
A successful individual always uses their personality’s to promote their own success. Firstly, Joseph Stalin had a cunning manner to eliminate his enemies in the Bolshevik party. Indeed, he emplaced a secret telephonic system as well as a secret police to observe in order to verify and trick his main enemies to leave the country. Secondly, he was able to take over power and implement his political morals, generally radical, to improve the country’s general facet. For instance, he replaced Lenin’s law, “The NEP with Soviet’s union first Five-Year Plan. The new plan would ounce again put the government in control of all parts of the economy.” (McCollum 53). Therefore, one is able to see that Stalin’s severity, audacity and cunning are some aspects that lead to his ascension.
Countries climatical conditions and land utilities have dramatic impact on the population’s economic capacity, as well as their living conditions. Russia suffered a terrible crisis that involved distribution of goods and food. For example, people inhabiting Volga and other cooler regions of Russia were significantly impacted by the scarcity of food and “resorted to cannibalism” (McCollum 45). Secondly, Russia was a country that was going a severe issue in terms of development rate growth. In fact, Joseph Stalin openly declared that Eastern Countries had become political and economic powers due to the strength of their industrial powers. Therefore, one could notice that Russia’s location majorly affected the country’s growth in a disadvantageous way.
Friday, January 16, 2015
The USSR’S people were exposed to a growing number of people affected by famine. Joseph Stalin recruited “25,00 industrial workers and sent them into the countryside to oversee the civilization”(McCollum 54). Indeed the five-year plan that was emplaced enabled Russia to become a stronger industrial powerhouse. Nevertheless, farmers were revolted or had the envy to combat the government. Subsequently, Stalin sent a group of secret police as a way to obliterate any revolts. Stalin was able to gain an agricultural upper hand as thirty million tons of crops were produced yearly, but exported rather shared with the people. Soon, people resorted to cannibalism as the unique manner to survive.
Food is our premier resource of survival and nutrition, and lacking of it could lead one to starve to hunger. Stalin emplaced the five year plan which caused disastrous effects towards the people of the Soviet Union especially farmers. Firstly, Stalin purposely chose rather innocent civilians people that labored for him for the sake of the USSR’s industrial power. Indeed, he captured an approximate of “twelve million laborers had been put to work” (McCollum 62). Second of all, he seized all farmers’ personal property and utilized it to produce a substantial amount of food and crops, which he didn’t distribute to the people of Russia. For example a total amount of thirty million tons of crops were produced, however the population profoundly starved as they were exported towards external countries in order to gain economic benefits. Therefore, one is able to comprehend that the USSR wasn’t able to fully develop, as the people consequentially suffered of famine and diseases.
A land’s fertility and environmental conditions are essential for the good that is produced or grown. In fact, Russia owned numerous countryside regions in which farmers owned personal properties, farms and crops fields. Stalin was able to obtain total power upon agricultural and food production. For instance, he attributed all farmers’ land to the government and himself, which “met the government’s harvest demands”(McCollum 54). Secondly, a chaotic atmosphere started to reign throughout Russia. As a matter of fact, due to food limitations imposed by the government the majority of the population perished of a “murder by starvation” (McCollum 67). Therefore, one is able to comprehend how Stalin was able to use Russia’s numerous lands and produce for the sake of his government.
A country’s leader is supposed to demonstrate a strong personality and utilize their countries advantages. Firstly, Stalin demonstrated a huge amount of radicalism and consequences if a civilian disobeyed the law. For instance, one would suffer one of these “three punishments: execution, deportation, or imprisonment”(McCollum 58). Second of all, Stalin came up with an ingenious yet malefic thought. In fact he created labor camps called the gulags that composed 12 million of people, which largely aided industrial the USSR’S economic and industrial growth. Moreover, he provided scarce amounts of nutrition and needs to the labor in order to economize as much money as possible. Therefore one is able to understand that Stalin’s people were undergoing laborious time due to his cruel regime.
February 18, 2020
“A Wicked History 20th Century: Stalin” by Sean McCollum is a biography book about a general secretary of the Communist party. Born in 1878, иосиф джугашвили (Joseph Djugashvili) also known as Joseph Stalin had a rough childhood. His father, Бесарион Джугашвили (Besarion Djugashvili) was an angry and aggressive man. He would drink heavily and would beat Joseph and his mom. Joseph then threw a knife at his father but he missed. Resulting from this, Joseph became obsessed with violence. Then, he took a turn in life and started to get good grades and became interested in literature and books, but that never changed his violent ways of being. I personally liked this book because I, for some reason, love learning about Russia or the Soviet Union and their culture/back story. I also find it interesting to learn about people who changed the world (negatively or positively.) I don’t recommend this book if you get angry over political or government stuff because this book has a lot to do with it. I also wouldn’t recommend this book if you feel uncomfortable with the suffering of people because Joseph is known for making people starve and taking control of peasants. But even with that being said, I do believe that this is a good book.
October 29, 2024
Stalin, by Sean McCollum, is a biography detailing the life of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The book provides a great summary of the events of Stalin’s life from his poor beginnings in Georgia, studying to be a priest before being kicked out, and then joining a faction of Communists, gaining power to become leader of the Soviet Union, reforming, killing many, and leading his nation in WWII, and his death. Overall, as a lover of history, I find this book to be interesting as it includes some facts about Stalin I was never aware of. This book is great for a quick read and for learning the life of one of history’s biggest figures.
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February 17, 2025Stalin from A Wicked History series explores the rise and rule of Joseph Stalin, one of history’s most ruthless dictators. The book covers his rise to power in the Soviet Union, his use of fear and violence to maintain control, and the impact of his leadership on millions of people.
The writing is straightforward and engaging, making it easy to understand Stalin’s actions and their consequences. It presents both his strategic successes and his brutal policies, showing why he remains such a controversial figure. This book is a great introduction to Stalin’s rule for anyone interested in history.
The writing is straightforward and engaging, making it easy to understand Stalin’s actions and their consequences. It presents both his strategic successes and his brutal policies, showing why he remains such a controversial figure. This book is a great introduction to Stalin’s rule for anyone interested in history.
December 7, 2025
Unit 3 in a nutshell
* Rolling in on the first day of this unit with my raincoat that reads *Only YOU🫵🏼 can prevent fascism*
* Tryin to tell these kiddos that writing a 5 paragraph argumentative essay on whether we should keep manufacturing the penny is *I REPEAT* truly not the worst thing that could ever happen to them. 👀
* Student: Ms. M what are we learning about for the next unit???
Me: The gulags.
Student: What's that?????
Me: You'll get there, comrade.
*Emi: Ms. M, I got to tell you something, but I hope you don't see me differently because of it.
Me: Of course not! What's up, kiddo?
Emi: ....I....identify...as...a... communist 😔
Me: 🙄
* Rolling in on the first day of this unit with my raincoat that reads *Only YOU🫵🏼 can prevent fascism*
* Tryin to tell these kiddos that writing a 5 paragraph argumentative essay on whether we should keep manufacturing the penny is *I REPEAT* truly not the worst thing that could ever happen to them. 👀
* Student: Ms. M what are we learning about for the next unit???
Me: The gulags.
Student: What's that?????
Me: You'll get there, comrade.
*Emi: Ms. M, I got to tell you something, but I hope you don't see me differently because of it.
Me: Of course not! What's up, kiddo?
Emi: ....I....identify...as...a... communist 😔
Me: 🙄
August 4, 2025
Easy to read history of the rise, reign, and fall of Stalin for middle grade ish . Gives context and history on both Stalin and the country itself. Features photos of people dying of starvation, people dead from famine, corpses lying in rest, and a photo of someone who has been executed via hanging. So while you get than middle grade could read this and understand it/learn it wouldn't be appropriate for younger readers. Does feature many helpful visuals like maps and timelines for readers to go back to.
Read as prep for possibly having to teach this as a pet of a FishTank unit next year.
Read as prep for possibly having to teach this as a pet of a FishTank unit next year.
November 1, 2019
my opinan on the book is that he was a dectator that lated 25 years he was a person that was around world war 2 and he was the type of leader that would executed anyone that got in his way, the people found a way that they need to cross that boarder they needed to leave because it ws to deneou for the people the leader stalin at that tipme was suffering from haveing random strokes he wasnt noticeing what was going
February 27, 2025
"A Wicked History: 20th Century - Stalin" is a gripping biography of one of history's most notorious characters. With compelling writing and evocative photographs, the book chronicles Joseph Stalin's ascent to power, his despotic rule, and the horrific effect of his policies on millions. It serves up historical facts and readable narrative, ideal for children and adults. The book does justice to the complexity of Stalin's personality and the wicked legacy he left behind, and readers are compelled to think about the implications of unlimited power. Overall, it's an informative read that finds a good balance between learning and suspense.
September 26, 2023
This book is great for all of those history-loving people because it portrays Stalin's life pretty well. It shows his childhood life, his teenage life, and his adult life. This book really explains the story of Stalin's life as well as the creation of the Soviet Union. It also goes into detail when the book talks about the WWII.
December 30, 2024
This is a brief yet well written text about Joseph Stalin. My knowledge of Stalin did not extend far beyond his role in World War II, but it's very interesting to learn that his cruelty started early on in his life. The book is written in a concise way that would be accessible for students at a variety of reading levels.
November 13, 2017
There wasn't really good information for me to use at all. I feel like they could've added more info to it. I wouldn't really recommend this book to everyone, but whoever wants to learn a tiny bit of information about Stalin.
April 28, 2018
A nice overview of Stalin and the Soviet Union. I read this to refresh my Soviet history before watching the movie the Death of Stalin. But it didn’t really go into other players in the politburo. I think I’ll need to do some more reading.
June 12, 2019
This was a good summary of Stalin’s wickedness and biography. It helped reading the majority of it on he day of my global final. Stalin was really wicked and it was weird that Lenin’s body was preserved ??!!! Stalin along with other wicked men in history really interest me 🤓
December 29, 2024
One of the weakest explorations of Stalin and the overall historical narrative. Perhaps because I read it for a school project it simply didn’t appeal to me. Surely there are better books on Stalin than this.
March 5, 2018
I am a huge fan of the A Wicked History series. Stalin however, was probably my least favorite read so far. A tyrant he was in life, but the book didn't capture my attention much.
May 22, 2018
A useful and concise overview of Joseph Stalin, for middle-graders. It was just as much information about Stalin as I wanted, which was already enough to be shocking.
December 10, 2018
Very straight forward history of Stalin's terrorizing reign. Learned things about timelines and his work with Hitler.
January 14, 2020
Good introductory work on an historical figure.
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April 28, 2021Grades: 6 - 12
Lexile® Measure: 970L
Guided Reading Level: GR Level Z
DRA Level: 70
Lexile® Measure: 970L
Guided Reading Level: GR Level Z
DRA Level: 70
February 3, 2022
Good book. A quick history of one of the world’s most evil men.
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February 17, 20232 Copies
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews