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.

What Is the Story of Batman?

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.

Lizzie Borden

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!

Great Escapes #1: Nazi Prison Camp Escape

"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.

An Interactive History Adventure

Life as a Gladiator

Learn about the life of this American genius.

Great American Inventor

Thomas Alva Edison

A biography of the famous seventeenth-century English scientist, Robert Hooke, who investigated light, sound, and microscopic organisms.

Natural Philosopher and Scientific Explorer

Robert Hooke

Text and illustrations present the history, geography, people, politics and government, economy, customs, and attractions of New Mexico.

Land of Enchantment

New Mexico

It’s one of the most famous sports images of all time. Former heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston is sprawled on his back in the boxing rim. Muhammad Ali stands over Liston, holding his right hand as if ready to throw another punch. The reigning world champion had just thrown a short, right-handed punch to the side of Liston’s head. In a flash, Liston had gone down. The photo of the angry Ali standing over the fallen challenger was taken in an instant by photojournalist John Rooney, but the controversy over the 1965 fight lingers to this day.

How a Photograph Stunned the Boxing World

Ali's Knockout Punch

Thomas G. Urban

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.

Empires of Ancient Persia

Eldon Doty

"Labels common stories about the Titanic as fact or fiction and teaches readers how to tell the difference between truth and rumors"--Provided by publisher.

Truth and Rumors

Titanic

An accessible, in-depth biography of John F. Kennedy that covers key events in his presidency, such as the Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis, civil rights, and his assassination. It also explains the cultural significance of the Kennedy administration and how it contributed to a new spirit of optimism in the early 1960s. The book also covers how Kennedy's unexpected and filmed death still fascinates young and older people alike.

John F. Kennedy

In graphic novel format, this book tells the true story of the 1831 Virginia slave rebellion led by slave Nat Turner, who believed he was a prophet.

Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion

"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."

The Split History of World War I

The United States entered World War II after a surprise attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. U.S. officials feared that Japanese Americans would betray their country and help Japan. Nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans were taken from their homes and moved into relocation centers, which some viewed as concentration camps. The internees, backed by many other Americans, believed that their fundamental rights as U.S. citizens had been denied. Years later the government apologized for its unjust actions.

Japanese American Internment

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

Civil Liberties Denied

The Japanese American Internment

The biggest oil spill in U.S. history that polluted the pristine waters of Alaska decades ago and killed thousands of birds, mammals, and fish, still haunts the people who are living with its aftermath. On Good Friday 1989, the huge oil tanker, Exxon Valdez, ran aground in Prince William Sound, spilling millions of gallons of crude oil into the water-oil that would eventually cover more than 1,000 miles of shoreline. Cleanup began immediately but there is still oil in the sound and Alaskans say life will never be the same.

How a Massive Oil Spill Triggered an Environmental Catastrophe

Exxon Valdez

Explores the important connections between human activity and the water cycle and shows how researchers are working to understand such issues as how climate change affects water supplies and how the oceans can help solve the water crisis.

Water for a Thirsty World

Not a Drop to Drink

This book gives middle-school students the lowdown on the consequences of drug use, describing the symptoms of addiction, including the physical, emotional, and social damage that can arise from substance abuse. Alarming facts and statistics share how prevalent drug abuse can be among teens. Forms of tobacco including cigars, cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco contain the highly addictive drug nicotine. This book provides information on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine, both stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system. Personal stories of teens who used drugs and the realities they faced unfold along with advice on how to deal with peer pressure when choosing to say no. Most importantly, there is an entire chapter devoted to getting help.

Michael Burgan

Books

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