Books by Michael Burgan

Who Was John McCain?

by Who HQ, Michael Burgan

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!

In 2008, John McCain ran for president against Barack Obama, becoming a well-known national figure. But his presidential campaign was only one of the many inspirational things John accomplished in his lifetime! John was a decorated member of the US Navy who survived being a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He served as an Arizona senator for thirty years, right up until his passing in 2018. Learn all about John McCain and his life as politician who always tried to work across the aisle and to treat people fairly in this book about the maverick patriot.

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Great Escapes #1: Nazi Prison Camp Escape

by Michael Burgan

Are you ready for some of the most exciting, death-defying escape stories ever told? Perfect for fans of the I Survived series, the first installment in a brand-new, edge-of-your-seat series based on real events!
In spring 1942, Royal Air Force pilot Bill Ash’s plane was shot down by Germans, who captured and eventually brought him to Stalag Luft III, a notorious camp for prisoners of war. The Germans boasted that the camp—which was isolated, heavily guarded, and surrounded by wire fences—was escape proof.
But Ash was ready to prove them wrong. He, along with other POWs, would dig tunnels, hide in shower drains, or jump on trucks—all in the name of freedom. Because resisting the Germans was their mission, and escaping was their duty.
From reluctant reader to total bookworm, each book in this page-turning series—featuring fascinating bonus content and captivating illustrations—will leave you excited for the next adventure!

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Who Was H. J. Heinz?

by Who HQ, Michael Burgan

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.

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Who Is Richard Branson? (Who Was?)

by Who HQ, Michael Burgan

What would you do with a billion dollars? This question gets a definitive answer from billionaire Richard Branson: do everything! Born into a wealthy family in London, Branson suffered from dyslexia and was a poor student. Still, his knack for business started early with a successful parakeet-breeding enterprise at age 11.The charismatic entrepreneur launched his first major business, Virgin Records, at age 22 and spent the next few decades building the Virgin group that now includes more than 400 companies. Known for his eccentric lifestyle and trillion-watt smile, Branson’s hot air balloon flights, innovative leadership, and world record attempts have made him an instantly-recognizable global icon.

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Who Was Theodore Roosevelt?

by Who HQ, Michael Burgan

He was only 42 years old when he was sworn in as President of the United States in 1901, making TR the youngest president ever. But did you know that he was also the first sitting president to win the Nobel Peace Prize? The first to ride in a car? The first to fly in an airplane? Theodore Roosevelt’s achievements as a naturalist, hunter, explorer, author, and soldier are as much a part of his fame as any office he held as a politician. Find out more about The Bull Moose, the Progressive, the Rough Rider, the Trust Buster, and the Great Hunter who was our larger-than-life 26th president in Who Was Theodore Roosevelt?

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Who Was Henry Ford?

by Who HQ, Michael Burgan

Born on a small farm in rural Michigan, Henry Ford’s humble beginnings were no match for his ambition. Ford quickly created a manufacturing dynasty, bringing affordable cars to the masses and forever changing America and the American workplace. Who Was Henry Ford? details his meteoric rise, and explains how the genius behind the assembly line and the Model T shaped modern American industry.

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What Is the Coronavirus Disease COVID-19? (Who HQ Now)

by Who HQ, Michael Burgan

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.

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U.s. Navy Special Forces: Special Boat Units

by Michael Burgan

Introduces the U.S. Navy's special boat units, their history, mission, development, training, and equipment.

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The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (Graphic History)

by Michael Burgan

Follows the discovery and excavation of the tomb of King Tutankhamen, also known as King Tut, and the myth of the curse that afflicted those involved in the tomb's exploration. Written in graphic-novel format.

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The Split History of the D-Day Invasion: A Perspectives Flip Book (Perspectives Flip Books: Famous Battles)

by Michael Burgan

Describes the Allied landings in Normandy, France, that began on June 6, 1944, known as "D-Day," and the events that followed from the opposing viewpoints of the Allies and the Germans.

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The Split History of World War I: A Perspectives Flip Book (Perspectives Flip Books)

by Michael Burgan

Tensions have been brewing in Europe for years. Finally the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary sets off four bloody years of war that eventually involved the entire world, including the United States. It will be called the war to end all wars."" Experience it from two opposing perspectives.

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DK Biography: Ronald Reagan: A Photographic Story of a Life

by Michael Burgan

DK Biography: Ronald Reagan tells the story of the 40th president of the United States, including his boyhood in Illinois, his successful career as a Hollywood actor, his tenure as governor of California, and his two terms in the Oval Office. Along the way, it examines his vision, his strengths and weaknesses, and his enduring legacy as an American icon.
Featuring detailed sidebars, handy vocabulary boxes, and a visual timeline, DK's Biography series is perfect for book reports or anytime reading.
Supports the Common Core State Standards.

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What Is the Story of Batman?

by Who HQ, Michael Burgan, Jake Murray

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.

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Breaking Barriers: The Story of Jackie Robinson (Tangled History)

by Michael Burgan

In an immersive, exciting narrative nonfiction format, this powerful book follows a selection of people who experienced the events surrounding the breaking of the color barrier in baseball.

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Weird But True Know-It-All: Middle Ages

by Michael Burgan

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

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Life as a Gladiator: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose: Warriors)

by Michael Burgan

Gladiators, many of them slaves, entertained Roman audiences by fighting with tridents and swords in huge stadiums. Their fights often were to the death. 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?

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Jack the Ripper (History's Worst)

by Michael Burgan

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it takes to be considered one of the worst figures in history, with this second book in a brand-new nonfiction series that focuses on the most nefarious historical figures.

In 1888, London was terrorized by a mysterious man with a knife. Between the end of August and beginning of November, this man committed five known murders—possibly more. Then, just as suddenly as they started, the killings stopped.

Dubbed “Jack the Ripper” by the press, he slipped through the dark, foggy streets of London’s Whitchapel district, targeting women and leaving no witnesses and no clues as to his identity. The police were stumped. The press went wild. But no one could find Jack the Ripper.

Even today, Jack the Ripper continues to fascinate. Amateur detectives, known as “Ripperologists”, books, movies, and walking tours all focus on one question: who was Jack the Ripper? Get a little closer to finding out with this biography that takes a deeper look at Jack the Ripper…because while he may be one of history’s worst people, his legend lives on.

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The Salem Witch Trials: Mass Hysteria and Many Lives Lost (Tangled History)

by Michael Burgan

Vivid storytelling brings American history to life and place readers in the shoes of people who experienced one of the most notorious moments in American history - the Salem Witch Trials. In the spring of 1692, girls in Salem, Massachusetts, accused several local women of witchcraft. The events that followed were marked by mass hysteria and religious extremism and ultimately led to trials, convictions, executions, and many more accusals. Suspenseful, dramatic events unfold in chronological, interwoven stories from the different perspectives of people who experienced the event while it was happening. Narratives intertwine to create a breathless, What's Next? kind of read. Students gain a new perspective on historical figures as they learn about real people struggling to decide how best to act in a given moment.

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Dino Might! - Groovy Tubes

by Michael Burgan, Greg Wenzel

Readers will dig these books! Groovy Tubes offer more than just a book-they allow children to learn on many levels through reading and playing. An educational book, with fascinating facts, zany illustrations, and photographs or realistic art, provides the base of this three-tiered package. Activities at the back of the book and a game board folded into the box with fact-filled quiz cards will provide hours of fun. The play creatures in the spine tube extend the learning in a tactile way, as all components work together to familiarize children with the subject matter.
It's been millions of years since the last dinosaur roamed the Earth, but dinosaurs remain the subject of much fascination and study. Dino-Might! teaches what dinosaurs ate, where they lived, and how they defended themselves. Also included are possible reasons for their extinction and a timeline that shows the different eras.

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Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The Atomic Bombings that Shook the World (Tangled History)

by Michael Burgan

Vivid storytelling brings World War II history to life and place readers in the shoes of the people who experienced the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. From the development of the bombs and the decision to use them to the moments they were dropped and the devastation they wrought, readers get a firsthand look at events that truly shook the world. Suspenseful, dramatic events unfold in chronological, interwoven stories from the different perspectives of people who experienced the events while they were happening. Narratives intertwine to create a breathless, "What's Next?" kind of read. Students gain a new perspective on historical figures as they learn about real people struggling to decide how best to act in a given moment.

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What Is the Story of Dracula?

by Who HQ, Michael Burgan

Who HQ brings you the stories behind the most beloved--and frightening!--characters of our time.

Find out how Dracula--a smooth-talking count with a dark secret--became the infamous creature we all know and fear.

From appearances in films and animated features to interpretations as a Muppet and breakfast cereal mascot, Dracula has been the inspiration for many other fictional vampires and is now an established figure in pop culture.

Created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 Gothic horror novel, Count Dracula is a nobleman who uses his powers as a vampire to dominate his victims. Even though Dracula didn't succeed in the novel, the fictional character has lived on to dominate the real world as one of its most popular supernatural villains.

Author Michael Burgan explores Dracula's mysterious origins in the historical figures who might have shaped the character, as well as the films and actors that cemented Dracula's place in cinematic history.

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Food Engineering: From Concept to Consumer (Calling All Innovators: Career for You) (Calling All Innovators: A Career for You)

by Michael Burgan

Find out how restaurants and food manufacturers employ scientists to make their products tastier and more convenient.
Calling All Innovators series introduces students to careers in science and technology. The complex text allows readers (Grades 5-8) to determine the main idea and explain how it is supported by key details. Have you ever wondered how your favorite fast food order can taste exactly the same at every one of the restaurant's locations? Or how your favorite potato chips can stay crispy for days after you open the bag? Readers will learn how the fascinating field of food science began, how it has developed over time, and what it takes to become a food scientist today.

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Weird But True! Know-It-All: U.S. Government

by Michael Burgan

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!

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