Most Popular Books by Michael Burgan

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. You''re about to go under cover. Will you: Become a resistance fighter in Denmark, revealing Germany''s 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?

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it takes to be considered one of the worst figures in history, with this fourth book in a nonfiction series that focuses on the most nefarious historical figures. Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one. On August 4, 1892, the murders of wealthy and prominent Andrew and Abby Borden rocked the small town of Fall River, Massachusetts. The accused? Mild-mannered and highly respected Lizzie Borden, daughter of Andrew and stepdaughter of Abby. But did she actually do it? And if she did, why? Lizzie had as much to gain from the death of her father as anyone. Despite his wealth, Andrew did not believe in spending money and Lizzie had grown frustrated with the situation. And her actions in the days before the murder—trying to buy a type of strong poison—as well as those after the murder—burning a dress she claimed was stained—didn’t help. On August 11, Lizzie was arrested. But after a sensational trial, she was found not guilty. Rumors lingered. Stories persisted. And Lizzie continues to fascinate even today.

A jet plane soars through the sky. A drone hovers above an enemy target waiting to release its deadly rocket. A GPS satellite circles Earth, sending information that helps you get where you want to go. Behind all these activities are the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.

Chronicles the separation of East and West Berlin in the post-World War II years and the closing of the borders on August 13, 1961 when East Germany''s Communist government stopped its citizens from fleeing to the West.

On-point historical photographs combined with strong narration bring the story of the Nixon-Kennedy presidential debates to life. TV was new in those days, and these were both the first debates ever held between two presidential candidates and the first to be televised. About 60 million people tuned into the first debate, or more than 1/4 of the country''s population. Readers will learn just how much effect seeing the debates had on the results of the election and how they changed presidential campaigning forevermore. Readers will understand the significance behind this event through text and clips of the event itself via the Capstone 4D augmented reality app.

Every battle has two sides, and the D-Day Invasion during World War II is no different. Experience the event from perspective of the Allies, and then read the perspective of the Germans. A deeper understanding of the battle from both sides will give readers a clearer view of this historic event.

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.

"Covers UFOs, aliens, and alien abductions, including specific examples and skeptical arguments against the belief in aliens"--Provided by publisher.

A biography of the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, from her childhood in war-torn Prague, Czechoslovakia, to her appointment as the first woman Secretary of State.

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.

Discusses the Stamp Act, its effect on the American colonies, and role it played in securing independence.

"Deadly tornadoes. Devastating earthquakes. Killer tsunamis. When it comes to nature''s fury, people can do little more than hold on tight and hope to live through it. Learn the true stories of Carmen Chévere Ortiz, Evans Monsignac, William and Dennie Spann, and others as they fought to survive through terrifying natural disasters." -- Page [4] cover.

Learn about the life of this American genius.

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

"Describes the lives of gladiators in the Roman Empire. The readers'' choices reveal the historical details of gladiators rebelling with Spartacus, training at a gladiator school in Pompeii, and trying to earn their freedom"--Provided by publisher.

Introduces the U.S. Army''s Airborne Rangers, their history, mission, development, training, and equipment.

Enhanced by period maps and first-person accounts, presents the history of colonial Massachusetts.

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.

"Historical photographs ... bring the story of CNN to life ... [including] how Ted Turner developed the idea of a 24/7 news network ... [which] changed the way news was delivered, and gave rise to the 24-hour news cycle on the internet as well as TV"--