Little Man is a clumsy little man. He is always bumping into walls, stepping on toys, tripping over his own feet, and knocking things on the floor. But through a series of short misadventures--and with the help of those who love him--he learns that making mistakes is an important part of being human and that laughing at those mistakes is what helps a little boy grow into a little man.

In Jason Platt's debut graphic novel, Ferris Bueller meets Calvin and Hobbes in this hilarious and embarrassing middle school caper that asks the important questions--like how long can one kid vamp before he embarrasses himself in front of his whole school? Newell is always getting into trouble--whether it's showing up tardy for most of the year, or mocking his teachers while authoritarian Mr. Todd is standing right behind him. When disaster strikes and Newell finds himself on track to summer school, he's given one last minute option to get out of it--participating in the upcoming Talent Show. The only problem is that he doesn't technically have a talent to show. Yikes. In this fun and imaginative full-color graphic novel, Jason Platt sends a fast-talking, daydreaming, middle school kid on a desperate quest to pull off a great show and save his summer. This title will be simultaneously available in hardcover.

Why economists' attempts to help poorer countries improve their economic well-being have failed. Since the end of World War II, economists have tried to figure out how poor countries in the tropics could attain standards of living approaching those of countries in Europe and North America. Attempted remedies have included providing foreign aid, investing in machines, fostering education, controlling population growth, and making aid loans as well as forgiving those loans on condition of reforms. None of these solutions has delivered as promised. The problem is not the failure of economics, William Easterly argues, but the failure to apply economic principles to practical policy work. In this book Easterly shows how these solutions all violate the basic principle of economics, that people—private individuals and businesses, government officials, even aid donors—respond to incentives. Easterly first discusses the importance of growth. He then analyzes the development solutions that have failed. Finally, he suggests alternative approaches to the problem. Written in an accessible, at times irreverent, style, Easterly's book combines modern growth theory with anecdotes from his fieldwork for the World Bank.

Meet Edgar and Allan Poe -- twelve-year-old identical twins, the great-great-great-great-grandnephews of Edgar Allan Poe. They look and act so much alike that they're almost one mischievous, prank-playing boy in two bodies. When their beloved black cat, Roderick Usher, is kidnapped and transported to the Midwest, Edgar and Allan convince their guardians that it's time for a road trip. Along the way, mayhem and mystery ensue, as well as deeper questions: What is the boys' telepathic connection? Is Edgar Allan Poe himself reaching out to them from the Great Beyond? And why has a mad scientist been spying on the Poe family for years? With a mix of literary humor, mystery, a little quantum physics, and fun extras like fortune cookie messages, letters in code, license plate clues -- and playful illustrations thoughout -- this series opener is a perfect choice for smart, funny tweens who love the Time Warp Trio, Roald Dahl, and Lemony Snicket.

After the sudden, untimely death of his wife, the wealthy Mr. Incoul proposes to Miss Maida Barhyte: “Marry me, and you will never want for anything again.” Young Maida, under pressure from her mother and facing a future as a housemaid, reluctantly agrees, on the condition that they live as though unmarried—as brother and sister would—until she feels they’ve each come into their own. They wed on these terms and subsequently embark on a honeymoon across Europe. But just as Maida begins to adjust to this unconventional arrangement, the unexpected occurs: at a bullfight in Spain, a former lover resurfaces, vying for her attention once more. Mr. Incoul remains blissfully unaware of this development. Or does he? In Mr. Incoul’s Misadventure, his first published work of fiction, Edgar Saltus eruditely applies the biting pessimism that he previously studied in his philosophical works The Philosophy of Disenchantment and The Anatomy of Negation. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

"The Flying Boat: A Story of Adventure and Misadventure" by Herbert Strang is an exhilarating thriller that takes readers on a perilous journey of exploration and discovery. Set against the backdrop of high seas, the novel follows the daring expedition of a flying boat, braving danger and intrigue at every turn. As the characters embark on their daring voyage, they encounter a series of misadventures that test their courage and resilience. From mysterious encounters to treacherous obstacles, the expedition is fraught with peril, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Strang expertly weaves together elements of adventure and mystery, creating a riveting tale that unfolds with unexpected twists and turns. As the characters navigate the challenges of survival, they must also unravel the mysteries that lurk beneath the surface, adding depth to the narrative. Against the backdrop of the vast expanse of the high seas, "The Flying Boat" is a gripping tale of bravery and determination in the face of adversity. With its thrilling plot and engaging characters, the novel captures the spirit of exploration and adventure, leaving readers captivated until the very end.

I wrote FRUITION because I was interested in what my life might have been like if things had gone differently back in my teens. At the time I was forty-something and I had a lot to think about. Death was on my mind and like many people I expect, I wished I could go back and try again, knowing even a little of what I'd learned. I employed a kind of reincarnation device - four books for four lives. Most of the story is set in the afterlives, which let me enjoy myself inventing landscapes, cities, people and wildlife. I also had fun putting in some philosophical arguments, a love story and a few sex scenes. It's a typical first novel - it's got everything. But the basic question throughout is the same - life goes wrong. There's no one big obvious trauma to blame. Somehow it just never works out. Why is that? And can it be changed? MISADVENTURE is the third of four books in the FRUITION quartet