Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. He has also written fiction and adapted classic novels. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection. Michael has also worked as an editor at Weekly Reader, the classroom news magazine used in schools across the United States. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in history. When not writing for kids, he enjoys writing plays, and his works have been staged across the United States. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie. Historian and award-winning author Don Nardo has written many books for young people about modern history, including studies of the rise of Hitler and Nazism, World War II, international terrorism, and dozens of military topics. In addition, he specializes in ancient history and has published numerous volumes about the histories and cultures of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and peoples of Mesopotamia. Nardo, who also composes and arranges orchestral music, lives with his wife, Christine, in Massachusetts. Danielle Smith-Llera's former life as a teacher led her to write books for young people. She has taught literature, writing, history, and visual arts to students ranging from elementary school to college. Danielle studied English and Visual Arts at Harvard University and exhibits her artwork internationally. As the spouse of a diplomat, she and her family have lived in Washington D.C., New Delhi, India and Kingston, Jamaica.