New Releases by Michael Burgan

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.

Describes the history of the Department of Energy, and how it has evolved, what the pressing issues are today, and what lies ahead in the near future. Takes a potentially dry topic and makes it accessible for the younger reader. Sidebars highlight important issues and figures in history.

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.

"Discusses the shooting deaths of Kent State University students by the National Guard in 1970 and the iconic photograph that became a symbol of the antiwar movement"--

Describes the lives and adventures of some of North America's earliest explorers, discussing the challenges they faced, what routes they took, and their impact on the lives of indigenous peoples they encountered.

"Discusses Jackie Robinson''s breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball and an iconic photograph that captured the historic even"--

"1980 Winter Olympics hockey game for the gold between the United States and Soviet Union"--

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.

"Explores various perspectives on espionage in World War I. The reader's choices reveal the historical details"--

Presents the life and accomplishments of Hillary Rodham Clinton, from her childhood in Chicago and her Yale law education to her success in politics as First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State.

Robberies, murders, kidnappings - Minnesota has been home to several notorious crimes. Some were committed by infamous lawbreakers: the James-Younger gang, John Dillinger, Bonnie & Clyde and others. But not all misdeeds have been done by career criminals. Take a closer look at more than two dozen unlawful acts that rocked Minnesota and often grabbed headlines across the country.

Air raid! The world's great powers are at war again. This is the Second World War, but it is history's first war in which airplanes play a major role. You want to fly and you want to fight. Will you: Fly with the Royal Air Force as a British pilot and fight in the Battle of Britain? Dogfight as an American fighter pilot over the Pacific Ocean? Join the Tuskegee Airmen and be one of the first African-American aviators in the U.S. military?

"Describes the opposing viewpoints of the British and Patriots during the American Revolution"--Provided by publisher.

"Describes the uniforms, gear, and weapons used by the Axis Powers and Allied Powers during World War II"--Provided by publisher.

Recounts photographer Lewis Hines'' fight against child labor in the early 1900s and discusses how his work and the work of others revealed truths about the issue to the public.

Presents a history of earthquakes, profiles child survivors and their later successes, and highlights organizations that have helped victims.

Presents a history of influenza, discusses how it is spread, and explains how vaccines are developed.

"Explores and analyzes the historical context and significance of the iconic Joe Rosenthal photograph"--Provided by publisher.

Water Power.

A look at the Danish resistance to the Nazis during World War II.

A biography of Barack Obama, the forty-fourth president of the United States.

Describes the history and culture of this nomadic Asian people who at one time controlled the lands from Eastern Europe to the Pacific coast of China.

A biography of the Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, whose teachings greatly influenced Chinese culture.

For almost 1,200 years, the Persians ruled a territory that stretched from the Black Sea into Central Asia, from India to Egypt and into the fringes of southern Europe. During that period from 550 BCE to 651 CE, the ancient Persians learned to cultivate crops such as wheat and barley and to domesticate animals; they also demonstrated their talents for architecture and art by building enormous palaces, such as at the site of Persepolis, and through intricate art painted on pottery. As their neighbors, particularly the Macedonian prince Alexander the Great, grew stronger, ancient Persia struggled to maintain its authority. Despite their eventual decline, the Persian empires had significant influence on the ancient world, including the idea of worshipping a single god. As the first monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism would lay the foundation for the development of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Empires of Ancient Persia looks at the rise and fall of the Persian empires, the daily life of the people, and their influence on subsequent civilizations.

A biography of Nikola Tesla, physicist, inventor, and electrical engineer.

Explores the circumstances in Massachusetts that led farmers to rebel against local and state governments soon after the Revolutionary War.

At head of title: Cartoon nation presents.

"In graphic novel format, tells the life story of dynamic heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, who gained fame for his boxing skills, political views, and humanitarian efforts"--Provided by publisher.

Explains the history and meaning behind the Monroe Doctrine, which rejected European attempts to establish new colonies in the Americas.

Profiles the removal of Japanese Americans to relocation centers and internment camps during World War II.