Vivid storytelling brings World War II history to life and place readers in the shoes of the people who experienced Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front. The battle began on December 16, 1944, when Germany launched a surprise attack. By the time the battle ended on January 25, 1945, it had not only become one of the war's bloodiest, but also proved to be the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. Suspenseful, dramatic events unfold in chronological, interwoven stories from the different perspectives of people who experienced the battle while it was happening. Narratives intertwine to create a breathless, What's Next? kind of read. Students gain a new perspective on historical figures as they learn about real people struggling to decide how best to act in a given moment.

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.