Burgan, Michael. Ali’s Knockdown Punch: How A Photographer Captured a Political Protest.

Burgan, Michael.  Ali’s Knockdown Punch: How A Photographer Captured a Political Protest. Capstone Publishers  2017     64p. $34.65  ISBN 978-0-7565-5527-6 ms/hs  nonfiction series: Captured Sports History (Capstone)  Nonfiction  E-BN

This biography of Muhammad Ali features a strong emphasis on photojournalism and is one of the few books for youth that put the life of Muhammad Ali in the context of the larger Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.  The importance of his beliefs, his rise to boxing fame, and iconic images of his victories are concisely presented in a way that is appropriate for readers of all ages. The book also provides details on the photojournalists who documented his life and how they came to be in a position to do so.     

The Capstone series Captured Sports History includes eight titles that discuss unique moments in sports, with biographical information on athletes and photojournalists in the context of the times. Excellent photos and concise writing will appeal to readers of all ages. Grades 4+. 

Summary: This is a biography of Muhammad Ali placed in the context of the 1960s civil rights movement. The photojournalist who captured the images of his boxing career is featured as well. Grades 4-12.     

Muhammad Ali, Boxing, Photojournalism                             --Lois McNicol

Burgan, Michael. Turning Point: Story of D-Day Landings.

Burgan, Michael.  Turning Point: Story of D-Day Landings.  Capstone Publishers      2017  112p  $31.99. ISBN 978-1-5157-3607-3  elem/ms  nonfiction. Series:  Tangled History (Capstone)  nonfiction  VG-BN

The use of eyewitness reports for conveying the history of the D-Day invasion on Normandy's beaches in 1944, a turning point in World War II, makes the action riveting. Both German and Allied commanders and soldiers provide the narrative, as do villagers who were near the military action. The bravery of the Allied Forces provides riveting narrative as assaults occur at a number of beaches.  The book provides an easily accessible retelling of the D-Day invasion.  With glossary, timeline, suggestions for further reading, critical-thinking questions and index, this book would be a perfect choice for language-arts classes to show the difference between primary and secondary sources, as well as for history report-writing. The only thing missing is a map of the beaches and villages, which would allow readers to follow the action visually.     

The series Tangled History provides five new titles that use eyewitness accounts to relay the details of historic events, from natural disasters to wars. Taut suspense and action will keep readers riveted. Grades 3-8.

Summary: Through eyewitness reports, by both Allied and German forces as well as by villagers, the D-Day invasion on Normandy beaches in 1944 comes alive for upper-elementary and middle-school readers.

D-Day Invasion, Personal Narratives                         --Lois McNicol

Burgan, Michael. Death At Kent State: How a Photograph Brought the Vietnam War Home To America.

Burgan, Michael.  Death At Kent State: How a Photograph Brought the Vietnam War Home To America.  Capstone Publishers  2017  64p            $25.99  ISBN 978-0-7565-5424-8     ms/hs  Series: Captured History  Nonfiction  VG-BNS             

This book about the Kent State shootings during the Vietnam War demonstrates the impact a single news photograph was able to have on public opinion regarding the war, the antiwar movement, and the government’s actions at the time.  Although this book discusses a very tragic and important event in recent American history, it includes an incorrect and misleading statement about the US intervention in Vietnam. This statement on page 4 is incorrect: “Since the end of World War II, the Soviet Union had tried to spread its influence and communist system of government around the world. The United States resisted those efforts while supporting democratic governments and trying to build a worldwide capitalist economic system.” The actual truth is that Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Vietnamese fight for liberation from French domination, approached the US for help, and when the US refused him, he turned to the Communist world for support for his struggle. This fact is never stated in the book, and the implication is that the Soviets started the war in Vietnam, which is utterly incorrect.

Despite this biased and incorrect statement, this reviewer is giving the book a BONs rating because it does demonstrate the power of a photograph to change history. The John Filo photograph from Kent State had a profound impact on history and on the legal case that ensued from the event. This is clearly demonstrated in the book, with text, a pictorial timeline, a glossary, a list of additional resources, prompts for critical thinking, source notes, a select bibliography, and an index.    

The series Captured History showcases various historical events in American history to demonstrate the power of a photograph to change the course of public opinion and policy. Others in the series cover the JFK assassination, the Birmingham march of 1963, the Civil War, and Ruby Bridges’ historic walk to school in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Recommended for middle- and high-school collections and history classes.

           

Summary:  This book about the Kent State shootings during the Vietnam War demonstrates the impact a single news photograph was able to have on public opinion regarding the war, the antiwar movement, and the government’s actions at the time.         

Kent State Shootings                                                                                                  --Carol Kennedy

Burgan, Michael. Total Devastation: The Story of Hurricane Katrina.

Burgan, Michael.  Total Devastation: The Story of Hurricane Katrina.  Capstone Publishers  2017  112p  $23.99  ISBN 978-1-4914-8452-4  elem/ms  Series: Tangled History.  Nonfiction  E-BN               

Told from the viewpoints of weather forecasters, hospital workers, police, citizens and ministers in a chronological format, this book takes the reader on a harrowing journey into the aftermath of the hurricane that devastated New Orleans in 2005.  Hurricane Katrina preparations were inadequate, shelters became overcrowded and unlivable, people were stranded in flooded homes, patients needing electronic devices were without power, and hospitals had to evacuate as best they could.  For 48 hours or more, valiant, heroic people did their best to help and care for the thousands who remained in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina broke the levees. The author makes use of a gripping narrative that will stay with the reader long after finishing the book.  This book could serve as a hi/lo reader for middle school. It will fit into discussions of community preparedness, natural disasters, and events that changed people’s lives.  It includes an index, a glossary, follow-up facts (such as the population decline of 200,000 people , including those who did not return after evacuation), a timeline and discussion questions.  Color photos show the breadth of destruction and people’s efforts to rescue others. Strongly recommended for library collections as the narrative format provided by those who lived the event is compelling and the photos make the text come alive.

The series Tangled History includes two new books that offer a look at life-changing events such as the Holocaust and Hurricane Katrina through personal narrative.  Each book includes a timeline, a glossary, discussion questions, index,  and a bibliography. Grades 4-9. Hi/lo for middle school.

           

Summary: Told from the viewpoints of weather forecasters, hospital workers, police, citizens and ministers in a chronological format, this book takes the reader on a harrowing journey through the hurricane that devastated New Orleans in 2005.  Gripping narrative.  Gr 4-9.

Hurricane Katrina, Natural disasters                                                                          --Lois McNicol

Burgan, Michael. Miracle On Ice.

Burgan, Michael.  Miracle On Ice.   Capstone/Compass Point  2016  64p  $25.49  ISBN 978-0-7565-5290-9  Series: Captured History  ms/hs   
Sports  E-BNS    

The sports rivalry between the Americans and the Soviets was always a fierce one on the world stage during the Cold War.  It was exemplified during both the summer and winter Olympics, when the Americans fielded amateur athletes and much of the Soviet bloc produced state-supported ones. This rivalry came to a head during the 1980 Winter Olympics, when the upstart U.S. team of college players faced off against the mighty Soviets. Their unbelievable win would be forever remembered as the “Miracle on Ice.” In lively and exciting language, spiced with dramatic anecdotes, the author describes the events of that game. He offers biographical tidbits about the men who played that day. The text is enhanced by vibrant color photographs and information about sports photographer Heinz Kluetmeier as well. The book ends with a “Life after the Olympics” section about the members of the 1980 team, an illustrated timeline, a brief glossary, source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Summary: The sports rivalry between the Americans and the Soviets was always a fierce one on the world political stage during the Cold War.  It came to a head during the 1980 Winter Olympics, when the upstart U.S. team of college players would face off against the mighty Soviet team.  Their unbelievable win would be forever remembered as the “Miracle on Ice.”         

Ice hockey, Winter Olympics, Cold War                 --Susan Ogintz