Michael Burgan Livres

The Middle Ages come to life in this latest installment in the hit Weird But True Know-It-All series, featuring stories of legendary rulers, epic castles, menacing weaponry, and more! Vikings are known for being fierce warriors. But did you know that they used tug-of-war to train for battle--and that the losing team was pulled into a pit of fire? Europe was ravaged by the plague during the Middle Ages. But did you know that the secret ingredient in one cure concocted by medieval doctors was ... "dragons' blood"?! Go beyond the Middle Ages of Europe to explore great empires around the globe, including Ottoman, Shona, Aztec, and the Song dynasty. From Joan of Arc to Genghis Khan, incredible inventions to eyebrow-raising medieval medicines, you'll know it all by the time you finish this book. Packed with important historical information along with the wackiest and weirdest facts ever about the Middle Ages! Complete your collection with: Weird But True Know-It-All U.S. Presidents Weird But True Know-It-All Greek Mythology Weird But True Know-It-All Ancient Egypt Weird But True Know-It-All Rocks and Minerals

Who HQ has way more than 57 reasons why you'll want to read the amazing story of H. J. Heinz--the American entrepreneur who brought tomato ketchup to the masses. Learn how this son of German immigrants from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, turned his small food-packaging company into a booming business known for its fair treatment of workers and pioneering safe food preparation standards. This American success story follows Heinz from his early days as a pickle and vinegar merchant in the 1800s to the name behind the nation's number-one brand of ketchup. The name that's on everyone's lips is now part of the Who Was? series.

This guide to U.S. politics features surprising stories, hidden history, and clear explanations of how our government works—plus loads of weird but true facts! Why is the president called the "commander-in-chief"? And did you know that during a filibuster senators can talk about whatever they want? They have read the phone book, a recipe for fried oysters, and even Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss! In this next WBT Know-It-All, readers dive deep into the U.S. Capitol to uncover everything they need to know about our government—how things get done, who is who, and why things are the way they are. After reading this book, kids will walk away with a wealth of practical knowledge about our government, including the roles of each branch and how things get done. From the Senate to the Supreme Court and everything in between, readers will learn if a vote in Washington, D.C., really “counts,” how the two-party system got started, how many representatives each state has and why, and more. They’ll also be wowed by a ton of weird but true information, like funny laws in some states—in one, it’s illegal to kill Bigfoot!—how members of Congress ride their own mini-subways under the Capitol, and the surprising secrets of the dollar bill! Jam-packed with photos, illustrations, fun facts and info, the Weird But True Know-it-all series is the anything-but-boring way to boost your brain!

Discover a fascinating collection of unusual facts about rocks and minerals that will captivate your friends and family. This book offers intriguing insights into the geological world, showcasing the unique properties, formations, and historical significance of various minerals and stones. Perfect for enthusiasts and casual readers alike, it promises to enhance your knowledge and spark engaging conversations about the wonders of the Earth.

"The book explains the life of Princess Grace"--

Pollution, climate change, and overfishing are killing the world's coral reefs. But you can help! Navigate through three different stories in this ecological rescue mission. With dozens of possible story outcomes, it's up to you to save the coral reefs from extinction. The planet needs you. Will YOU CHOOSE to help?

"Chronicles the life of Edward S. Curtis and his 20-volume life's work, The North American Indian"--

The book explores the historical context of Japanese American internment during World War II, highlighting the fear and suspicion that led to the forced relocation of nearly 120,000 individuals. It examines the impact of these actions on the civil rights of Japanese Americans, who felt their citizenship was undermined. The narrative also addresses the eventual acknowledgment and apology from the government for these injustices, shedding light on themes of loyalty, prejudice, and the struggle for civil rights.

The narrative immerses readers in the historic first flight at Kitty Hawk, where Wilbur and Orville Wright face challenges in testing their aircraft. Through compelling historical photographs and engaging storytelling, children explore the evolution of flight and the initial skepticism surrounding the Wright brothers' achievements, including their reluctance to share their successful flight photograph.

The Nixon-Kennedy presidential debates are vividly illustrated through historical photographs and engaging narration, highlighting their significance as the first televised debates in history. With around 60 million viewers for the inaugural debate, the book explores the profound impact these events had on the election outcome and the evolution of presidential campaigning. It delves into the transformative role of television in politics, revealing how visual presentation influenced public perception and voter behavior.

Music plays a vital role in many lives, and streaming technology has made it easier than ever to access. While this advancement has opened new musical worlds for billions, it has also created challenges for creators. Explore how major companies are connecting the world through music while striving to support the artists behind it. The entertainment landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade, with innovations in streaming video, music, and cutting-edge technologies capturing our attention. This series delves into key players in this evolving market and their visions for the future. Each title features color photos and back matter, including an index and further reading lists. Key Icons throughout the series promote knowledge-building and awareness, such as "Words to Understand" at the start of each chapter, enhancing vocabulary and comprehension. Sidebars provide additional information for a well-rounded perspective, while text-dependent questions at the end challenge readers to engage with the material more deeply. Research projects encourage further exploration, and educational videos accessible via QR codes offer supplemental content. A glossary of key terms in the backmatter enriches understanding of the field's terminology.

How did the son of a naval officer go on to become a United States Navy captain, an Arizona senator, and a candidate for president? Find out in this addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series!

The 1980 Winter Olympics saw a dramatic clash between the heavily favored Soviet hockey team and a group of U.S. college players. This unexpected showdown culminated in a stunning upset, marking a pivotal moment in international hockey history. The narrative captures the intensity and significance of this iconic match, highlighting the underdog spirit of the American team against the formidable Soviets.

The journey of Richard Branson, a dyslexic entrepreneur who defied academic struggles to become a billionaire, unfolds in this engaging account. Starting with a parakeet-breeding venture at age 11, he launched Virgin Records at 22 and expanded the Virgin group to over 400 companies. Branson's life is marked by his adventurous spirit, including hot air balloon flights and record-setting exploits, all while embodying a charismatic and innovative leadership style that has made him a global icon.

Who HQ brings you the stories behind the most beloved characters of our time. His aliases include the Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, and World's Greatest Detective, but he's best known as Batman, and he's leaping from the night sky onto the page in this fun biography. Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American philanthropist and business owner, and Batman, his crime-fighting alter ego, have been entertaining audiences since 1939. The character was so popular after appearing in Detective Comics that DC Comics decided to give Batman a comic book of his own. In doing so, they created one of the company's most successful franchises. Author Michael Burgan details the history of Batman--from his tragic origin story and his infamous arch enemies--to his iconic depictions in television and movies throughout the years. This book shows readers why this superhero with no superpowers is so beloved around the world.

A raging wildfire burns thousands of homes. A violent earthquake creates a giant tsunami that destroys countless lives. A giant tornado wipes a small town off the map. Discover the true stories of people who survived these terrible disasters and lived to tell the tale in this book from the Fighting to Survive series.

Presents information about the rain forest and the skills needed for survival in its environment, with two separate accounts of people who became lost and used their knowledge of the forest to survive.

Exploring the D-Day Invasion from both the Allied and German perspectives, this book provides a balanced view of the historic event. By presenting the narratives of both sides, it enhances the reader's understanding of the complexities and strategies involved in this pivotal moment of World War II. The dual perspectives aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the experiences and motivations that shaped the battle.

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s Vietnam War, readers are immersed in a turbulent era where they must navigate critical choices. Options include enlisting in the Marines, joining protests, or facing the dilemma of a young Vietnamese man caught between two ideologies. The narrative is shaped by real events, emphasizing the impact of each decision, which could lead to various outcomes, including imprisonment, combat, or death. This interactive experience invites readers to engage deeply with the historical context and personal stakes of the time.

The narrative explores the onset of World War I, ignited by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which escalated tensions across Europe and drew in global powers, including the United States. The book presents a dual perspective, allowing readers to experience the conflict from both sides, highlighting the complexities and human experiences of a war that was deemed the "war to end all wars."

Focusing on the struggles of late 19th-century immigrants, this book highlights Jacob Riis, a Danish immigrant and pioneering photojournalist. His groundbreaking work, illustrated with poignant photographs, shed light on the harsh realities of slum life and aimed to inspire social reform. Riis's compelling images of the poor and homeless, with their direct gaze into the camera, powerfully conveyed their plight and sought to prompt governmental action to improve their living conditions. His influential book, How the Other Half Lives, became a bestseller and raised national awareness about poverty.

Imagine being lost near the North or South poles. All around you is nothing but snow and ice as far as you can see. What would you do? Discover the true tales of daring people who survived through bitter cold, deadly storms, and other dangers with little food or other resources in this book from the Fighting to Survive series.

The narrative explores the intense debates and compromises that shaped the U.S. Constitution during the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Presented in a graphic-novel format, it brings to life the key figures and pivotal moments of this historical event, making the complex discussions accessible and engaging for readers. Through vivid illustrations and dialogue, the book highlights the challenges faced by the Founding Fathers as they sought to create a foundational document for the nation.

The #1 New York Times Best-Selling series tells the story of how COVID-19, a coronavirus, was first identified and how it spread throughout the world in the new Who HQ Now format for trending topics. The coronavirus disease COVID-19 emerged in November 2019. By March 2020, cities all around the world closed schools, offices, restaurants and other public spaces deemed “non-essential” in an attempt to contain the fast-spreading virus. People struggled to follow government orders, stay indoors, and limit contact with others. But the virus that caused one of the world’s deadliest pandemics eventually killed over five million people worldwide. This is the story of how COVID-19 changed the world seemingly overnight, and forever.

Learn more about China's most famous teacher and philosopher, whose ideas are still influential today. Born in 551 BC, Confucius was a young man when he set his heart and mind on learning as much as he could. By his thirties, he'd become a brilliant teacher who shared his knowledge of several subjects, including arithmetic, history, and poetry, with his students. Confucius wanted to make sure that everyone in China had access to an education and devoted his whole life to learning and teaching so he could transform and improve society. His lessons--now known as Confucianism--are practiced by over six million people in the world. They focus on loving humanity, worshiping ancestors, respecting elders, and self-discipline. Confucianism has become the system that governs a total way of life in East Asia.

A visually dynamic companion to the biographical collection Dark Hearts, this collection of biographies details the cruel and often horrifying lives of history's most notorious - and deadly - people.

Jesse OwensÕ gold-medal winning feats at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin struck a mighty propaganda blow against Adolf Hitler. The Nazi leader had planned to use the German games as a showcase of supposed Aryan superiority. Instead, there was American black athlete Owens on the podium being photographed by HitlerÕs personal photographer, Heinrich Hoffmann. In addition, Owens would figure prominently in the groundbreaking film Olympia by HitlerÕs favorite director Leni Riefenstahl. Photo and film captured OwensÕ stunning success and revealed how wrong Hitler was in his beliefs.

War is a time of secrets. Advances in technology during the height of World War II provide new methods for spies to keep secrets, steal information, and destroy enemy plans. Youre about to go under cover. Will   Become a resistance fighter in Denmark, revealing Germanys false claims of protection? Work as a double cross agent, pledging loyalty to one country but actually spying for another? Join the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, shuttling weapons to the Allies and sabotaging German transportation?

Some of the most important changes in American culture have been driven by people born outside the United States. Immigrants may come as refugees, as workers, or as students. They may come as children or as adults. Once here, many speak out for the rights of others or try to build a better country by working within the government. Some give money to good causes. Others point out problems that need to be fixed. Still others create art and music that gives voice to the downtrodden. Here are 25 immigrants who have made a difference by taking a stand.

Exploring Houston's vibrant culture reveals a wealth of fascinating and unique experiences right at your doorstep. This book offers an engaging and enjoyable way to discover the city's hidden gems and diverse heritage, making learning about Houston both entertaining and informative.

The book explores the tragic shooting of Kent State University students by the National Guard in 1970, highlighting the event's impact on the antiwar movement. It delves into the circumstances surrounding the incident and examines the powerful photograph that emerged as a symbol of protest and resistance. Through this lens, the narrative reflects on the broader themes of dissent, governmental authority, and the cultural shifts of the era.

Offering an interactive experience, this book features three distinct story paths, allowing readers to make 37 choices that lead to 14 different endings. Each decision shapes the narrative, creating a unique journey for every reader. The engaging format encourages exploration and replayability, making it a captivating choice for those who enjoy branching narratives and immersive storytelling.

Pollution, climate change and overfishing are killing the world's coral reefs. But you can help! Navigate through three different stories in this ecological rescue mission. With dozens of possible story outcomes, it's up to you to save the coral reefs from extinction. The planet needs you. Will you choose to help?

Series brings history to life using high-interest topics. These graphic novels tell the story of important historical events in a narrative format that will capture kids' imagination and teach them key facts and details.

The British Invasion, Andy Warhol, Swinging London, the Summer of Love, disco dancing, and polyester, the 1960s and 1970s are the era that most people associate with pop culture. So much changed during these decades - from technological advances such as the Moon landing, to conflicts like the Vietnam War.

Gladiators, many of them slaves, entertained Roman audiences by fighting with tridents and swords in huge stadiums. Will you: Fight at the side of Spartacus during a violent gladiator rebellion? Leave your home and family to train at a gladiator school in Pompeii? Try to earn your freedom as a champion gladiator at the Roman Amphitheater?