Every schoolchild in America knows that Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm in the summer of 1752. Electricity from the clouds above traveled down the kite's twine and threw a spark from a key that Franklin had attached to the string. He thereby proved that lightning and electricity were one. What many of us do not realize is that Franklin used this breakthrough in his day's intensely competitive field of electrical science to embarrass his French and English rivals. His kite experiment was an international event and the Franklin that it presented to the world -- a homespun, rural philosopher-scientist performing an immensely important and dangerous experiment with a child's toy -- became the Franklin of myth. In fact, this sly presentation on Franklin's part so charmed the French that he became an irresistible celebrity when he traveled there during the American Revolution. The crowds and the journalists, and the ladies, cajoled the French powers into joining us in our fight against the British. What no one has successfully proven until now -- and what few have suggested -- is that Franklin never flew the kite at all. Benjamin Franklin was an enthusiastic hoaxer. And with the electric kite, he performed his greatest hoax. As Tucker shows, it was this trick that may have won the American Revolution.

Floating on air currents over rural countryside and open city spaces, the Mississippi Kite presents a familiar sight to many people across the southern United States, although this graceful hawk is not well known by name. This engaging natural history, illustrated with superb color photographs, provides all a bird watcher needs to become acquainted with the kite, its life cycle, and its fascinating history with humans. Under various folk names, including Blue Darter, Grasshopper Hawk, and Mosquito Hawk, the Mississippi Kite ranges throughout the southern United States from the coasts of the Carolinas to the plains of the Southwest. The authors describe all aspects of the kite's life cycle, from breeding and nesting, raising young, and hunting and feeding to the kite's annual winter migration to South America. They also trace its intriguing relationship with humans, from its discovery by Europeans in the nineteenth century to the present day. For bird lovers and ornithologists alike, The Mississippi Kite will be an essential introduction to a bird well worth knowing. A special section on conservation and a selection of references for further reading complement the text.

Best friends Lani and Erin couldn’t be more different. Lani’s reserved and thoughtful; Erin’s bubbly and outgoing. Lani likes to do her own thing; Erin prefers an entourage. There’s no possible way they could be interested in the same guy. So when Erin starts dating Jason, Lani can’t believe she feels such a deep connection with him—and it may be mutual. The more Lani fights it, the more certain she feels that it’s her fate to be with Jason. But what do you do when the love of your life is the one person you can’t have? Watch a Video

A woman may find the truth to an unsolved mystery if a killer doesn’t stop her in this romantic suspense novel by a New York Times–bestselling author. Despite her success as a young entrepreneur, Dani Pembroke is a haunted woman. Long ago her mother vanished without a trace, leaving Dani to live with her wealthy relatives, who have their own questionable pasts. Although the residents of Saratoga, New York, gossip that Lilli Pembroke’s disappearance will never be solved, Dani is confident that she will find the truth one day. That day draws near when security expert Zeke Cutler arrives in Saratoga. The two join forces to find out what really happened to Lilli Pembroke. But Dani is unaware that her fearless partner has his own reasons for uncovering the truth . . . and that their search is putting them on track to collide with a killer who will do anything to keep that secret buried. Originally published in 2008. Praise for Tempting Fate “Neggers’s . . . engaging romantic mystery neatly blends fiction with authentic detail.” —Publishers Weekly “[A] chilling thriller.” —Library Journal

Afghanistan, 1975: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

Provides step-by-step instruction for designing a variety of kites, and offers tips on material selection and flying techniques.

Is it Fate, or is it Fortuity? Perhaps it’s Magic . . . Six stories filled with hope and heartbreak, suspense and surprises, and some chuckles. *** One story: To Chase a Lore A food-taster who steals food. His fantastical penalty. Will he survive? Lestrum is a food-taster to the wealthy Overlord’s family. Summoned for stealing food for his wife and child, he fears severe consequences. Instead, he’s blamed for a ghastly crime he didn’t commit. His punishment: exile. That is, unless he fulfills a command—an errand so ridiculous in concept that it stinks of failure from the start. How is he to secure something that existed only in folklore? Lestrum doesn’t know where to begin when he’s released outside his oppressed city. He’s mired in desperation. It wasn’t going to end well for his family and himself. Can Lestrum succeed at the impossible task and reunite with his family? *** Six stories set in a fantasy world (Sigilis Septerra) of seven continents and multiple islands. A food-taster’s impossible penalty An accidentally exposed magical secret A perplexing delusion A plotting Djinn Curses riding descending kites A lady-in-waiting and a supposed witch’s unexpected gift *** FATE & FORTUITY is a short story collection that features compelling characters, surprising plot twists, and entertaining reads. You’ll love Niki Patel’s collection if you like intriguing settings and a highly imaginative set of vignettes. Let these tales take you on an adventure. Buy Fate & Fortuity today!