When the United States won its independence from Great Britain, it also won new lands. Soon, the Louisiana Purchase doubled the country's size. These new lands had to be explored and settled. Brave explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, soon blazed a trail to the West. How did the United States grow after the American Revolution? Why did Thomas Jefferson buy Louisiana from France? What did Lewis and Clark discover on their journey?

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. 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 graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in history. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.