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The Day My School Got Famous (The Famous Series)
by Jen CarneyA genuinely uplifting, heartfelt, inclusive and moving story, fizzing with mischief and humour - Ian Eagleton, author of Glitter BoyJen Carney weaves humour and empathy into every page! - Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do MathsSince Ferris Foster’s dog got famous, life has taken another surprising turn:1. Ferris’s new foster brother, Nile, has arrived with a BANG, causing mischief wherever he goes!2. An unexploded Second World War bomb has been discovered under Ferris's school, causing it to CLOSE DOWN!3. Ferris is still a cartooning genius, but between temporary homeschooling and Nile’s noisy science experiments, it's practically impossible to draw anything!When the headteacher sets the school a design challenge, Ferris realizes he MUST find a way to work with Nile. But can the boys put their differences aside in order to win the once-in-a-lifetime prize? Or will this partnership have EXPLOSIVE consequences?!BUCKLE UP, READER! THIS BOOK IS BURSTING WITH COMIC STRIPS AND CARTOONS!Praise for THE DAY MY DOG GOT FAMOUS:'Funny, heartfelt and inclusive - a brilliant read!' Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths 'A really fun story with funny illustrations - your kid’s gonna love it!' Lauren Layfield, TV presenter and author of Indi Raye is Totally Faking It'Warm-hearted, accessible and laugh-out-loud funny. It shows that family is bigger than biology - it's about who you love and who you look out for - and there's room for everyone!' Sarah Hagger-Holt, author of Proud of Me "Engaging with fab illustrations. Me and my daughter love Jen's books!" Helen Rutter, author of The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
Wild East
by Ashley Hickson-LovenceWinner of the YA Diverse Book Award 2025, the Two Cities Book Award 2024, the Mal Peet Children’s Award 2024 and the East Anglian Book of the Year 2024, and nominated for the 2025 Carnegie Medal for Writing.A soaring debut YA verse-novel by novelist, poet, and former secondary school teacher Ashley Hickson-Lovence. A perfect next read for fans of Jason Reynolds, Dean Atta and Manjeet Mann.‘A book meant to be heard . . . It's the fresh, “spoken word” style that makes Ronny's story’ The TimesPen in one hand, on my wrist, a ticking clockI've got to make this work, just need a little luck . . .When fourteen-year-old Ronny’s life is struck by tragedy, his mum decides it’s finally time they move out of East London.In his new city, as a Black teenager in a mostly white school, Ronny feels like a complete outsider and struggles to balance keeping his head down with his ambition of becoming a rapper.But when a local poet comes into class, Ronny discovers a world he’s never considered before. Rap is like spoken word, bars equal poetry – and maybe the combination of both could be the key to achieving his dreams?Praise for Wild East:‘A powerful story of resilience, friendship, discovery and growth’ Jeffrey Boakye, author of Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer‘I loved Ronny's kindness, vulnerability, empathy, tenacity and open-heartedness’ Patrice Lawrence, author of Orangeboy‘Raw, moving, and so accessible. A powerful spoken-word style verse novel’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of How To Be Extraordinary‘Welcomes all types of readers . . . Hickson-Lovence has crafted a superb piece’ DD Armstrong, author of Ugly Dogs Don't Cry‘Heartfelt and up-to-the-minute . . . A reminder that even short lines can take you a long way’ The Sunday Times‘This empowering verse novel announces the arrival of an exciting new talent in YA fiction’ Waterstones.com
10 Mistakes That Changed History: The Reckless Rulers, Monumental Mishaps and Disastrous Decisions That Have Shaped Our World.
by Paul CoulterWe all make mistakes, but rarely do they change the course of human history. From break-ups that ended empires to naps that sank ships, 10 Mistakes That Changed History is the hilarious retelling of some of the greatest episodes in the story of humankind.Looking at many of the biggest characters and events of the last two and a half thousand years, from Cleopatra to the sinking of the Titanic, historian and comedian Paul Coulter explores how, despite the glamour, entourages and deity-sized egos, historical turning points were often the result of very human errors.Blending history, storytelling and comedy, 10 Mistakes That Changed History is history as you wish you had learned it back at school: a greatest-hits of bad leadership decisions, misguided acts of heroism and catastrophic lapses of judgement.These are the stories that have shaped our world, all with monumental consequences. Because sometimes it's nice to know that, no matter how bad your day is, the greatest names in history stuffed up too.**************Praise for the hit live show:Top pick of the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, credited as one of the best shows by Scottish Herald, Mervyn Stutter and the Edinburgh Reporter.Theatre Weekly “So engaging and entertaining that forgot I was there to review it”Edinburgh Reporter “Entertaining and informative”Corr Blimey “The perfect balance between entertaining and educating"Glam Adelaide “Coulter cleverly weaves the well-researched facts with modern day parallels; turning historical figures into relatable misfits”Edinburgh Fringe Review “Coulter’s storytelling unmatched, and his references to current pop culture relevant and hilarious”LondonTheatre1 “Infectiously charming”On the Record “A hilarious blend of storytelling, facts and comedy”
Dino Dad: The Third Book From Children’s TV Star and Dinosaur Super-fan Andy Day (Dino Dad)
by Andy DayA magical dino-tastic adventure series from children's TV superstar Andy Day, with amazing illustrations from illustrator powerhouse Steven Lenton!What if YOUR dad could change into a dinosaur?Hello! It's me, Ruby Thumb. You might remember me and my dad - we're famous POOPAs. What do you mean you've not heard of us? And you don't know what a POOPA is?! It means we're Protector Of Our Dinosaur Allies - obviously!Me and my dad have loads of amazing adventures in Dinotropolis - an incredible island, full of dinosaurs who live just like us humans do. And when we go there using our special magic Ammonite shell, we turn into dinosaurs too!Let me tell you about the time I spent the week at Pangea’s Largest Outstanding Prehistoric School - or PLOPS, as we call it, ha! - AND took part in the Big School Talent Show. I was quite nervous about starting school - and there were a few dino-tastic surprises along the way - but in the end it was totally roarsome!A hilarious and brilliantly illustrated easy-to-read story peppered with real dino facts - perfect for any young dinosaur-lover!Make sure you read Ruby's first two adventures - Dino Dad, and Dino Dad: Ice Age, out now - and look out for Dino Dad: Dino Detectives, coming Summer 2025. Here's what real readers are saying about Dino Dad!“My son loves both dinosaurs and Andy, so this book was an absolute hit with him”“A great way to help children transition into chapter books with beloved TV star Andy”“The story is fun and engaging, with just the right amount of humour to keep them giggling”“Great book for kids aged 5-8 years old. The artwork is great, the story is fun and there’s also a learning element to it”“A delightful and engaging story that’s perfect for young Andy Day or dinosaur fans”
The Secret Lives of Women Spies
by Charlotte Philby**** FIVE STARS 'Fascinating . . . Few fictional adventures can outdo those recounted here' The Telegraph Step into the Secret World.Charlotte Philby’s grandfather was the most infamous double agent in history.Inspired to find out about his world, Charlotte discovered that there were plenty of untold stories of courage and secrets and daring . . .And so many were about women.There are a host of extraordinary tales involving female spies: from dare-devil skiers delivering top-secret information, to clever codebreakers taking down the world’s biggest criminals, to brave undercover agents fighting alongside the French Resistance.Starring Edith Cavell, Elizebeth Friedman, Noor Inayat Khan and many more, the stories in this book explore the hope, courage, fear, loves and lives of these remarkable women.Featuring top-secret spying info and imagined newspaper articles covering incredible spy stories, this is your chance to find out about the women who hid in the shadows, but deserve to be in the spotlight.
The Night We Lost Him: A Novel
by Laura DaveAn instant New York Times bestseller from the author of The Last Thing He Told Me &“Dave&’s signature blend of twisty mystery, family drama, and moving love story is top-notch&” (The Boston Globe) in this instant New York Times bestseller where estranged siblings chase a fifty-year-old family secret that shaped their father&’s mysterious life—and death… &“Pulse pounding suspense and moving family drama&” —People &“A master storyteller. You won&’t want to miss this one.&” —Harlan Coben &“The perfect mix of heart-pounding and heartfelt…Dave delivers yet another suspenseful page-turner that should be a book club staple for a long time to come.&” —New York PostNora Noone&’s father was many things to many people. To the public he was a self-made titan of industry, whose luxury boutique hotels were among the most coveted destinations in the world. To his three ex-wives, he was a loving yet distant family man who managed to keep his finances—and his families—separate. But, to Nora, he was always a mystery—especially after his suspicious death at his cliffside home. Though the authorities insist there was no foul play, Nora and her estranged brother, Sam, believe otherwise. As they form an uneasy alliance to unpack the mystery, they start putting together the pieces of their father&’s past and uncover a family secret that changes everything. With Laura Dave&’s &“signature blend of pulse-pounding suspense&” (People) and &“trademark emotional heft&” (New York Post), The Night We Lost Him is a &“propulsive&” (Oprah Daily) must-read, with a heartbreaking final twist you&’ll never see coming.
Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them
by Aly CohenHelp relieve chronic illness and holistically bolster your immune system by minimizing exposure to immune-disrupting chemicals, with this approachable, revolutionary &“book that everyone should read&” (Fran Drescher) from integrative rheumatologist Dr. Aly Cohen.Immune conditions and autoimmune diseases are on a meteoric rise in our modern-day world with the biggest triggers existing all around us. With an environment laden with untested and unregulated chemicals, radiation, and light and noise pollution, these immune disrupting chemicals (IDCs) trigger our bodies to go haywire and develop chronic conditions. And while variables like age, medication use, and overall health status factor into the performance of one&’s immune system, doctors are struggling to help their patients find livable solutions for their chronic illness. In this &“must-read for anyone committed to living a healthier, toxin-free life&” (David Perimutter, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author), integrative rheumatologist Dr. Aly Cohen proposes a life-saving solution to minimizing disrupting immune system triggers and activating the body&’s natural detoxification systems. Using clear and accessible language, Dr. Cohen demonstrates the surprising ways in which environmental toxins impact our bodies, linking specific symptoms and illnesses to everyday exposures. You&’ll uncover what&’s lurking in our water, food, personal care products, and household goods. More importantly, you&’ll discover simple and affordable steps to lead a more toxin-free life. Featuring Dr. Cohen&’s 4A&’s of environmental health navigation, full-body survey to assess toxin risk, as well as a 21-day plan to significantly reduce environmental exposure and enhance your detoxification process, this book is packed with valuable resources, including lab test recommendations, DIY household cleaner and personal care recipes, Dr. Cohen&’s Detoxify Food Pyramid©, and over two dozen delicious, detoxifying recipes. Detoxify is your ultimate &“guide that every health seeker needs today&” (William W. Li, MD, New York Times bestselling author).
Scene: A Memoir
by Abel FerraraA kaleidoscopic memoir by acclaimed filmmaker Abel Ferrara, director of the cult classic films Bad Lieutenant, King of New York, and Dangerous Game, offering an unflinching look at his life, career, and the gritty world of independent cinema.Throughout his five-decade career, film director Abel Ferrara—now in his seventies—has been one of cinema&’s most provocative and critically revered figures. Since beginning as an independent filmmaker in Manhattan in the early 1970s—before &“indie films&” were a genre—and refining his craft as a director for the TV show Miami Vice, he has directed more than thirty feature films, most notably the cult classics Bad Lieutenant, King of New York, and Dangerous Game. His work, often controversial for its depictions of sex, violence, and drugs, has been praised for its sincerity and depth, with critics noting that his films take spirituality and morality more seriously than most films do. In Scene, Ferrara opens up about the inspiration for his creativity detailing his dramatic life journey, from his rough upbringing in the 1950s Bronx to reaching the pinnacle of his career while struggling with addiction. This memoir is not just a recounting of his life but a manifesto on what it means to be a true artist—one who refuses to compromise and continues to create boundary-pushing work. Scene is a profound, beautiful, and inspiring account of an artist&’s relentless pursuit of creativity, making it a must-read for film fans and anyone interested in the gritty realities of the entertainment industry.
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History
by S. C. Gwynne*Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award* *A New York Times Notable Book* *Winner of the Texas Book Award and the Oklahoma Book Award* This New York Times bestseller and stunning historical account of the forty-year battle between Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the American West &“is nothing short of a revelation…will leave dust and blood on your jeans&” (The New York Times Book Review).Empire of the Summer Moon spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history. The second entails one of the most remarkable narratives ever to come out of the Old West: the epic saga of the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. Although readers may be more familiar with the tribal names Apache and Sioux, it was in fact the legendary fighting ability of the Comanches that determined when the American West opened up. Comanche boys became adept bareback riders by age six; full Comanche braves were considered the best horsemen who ever rode. They were so masterful at war and so skillful with their arrows and lances that they stopped the northern drive of colonial Spain from Mexico and halted the French expansion westward from Louisiana. White settlers arriving in Texas from the eastern United States were surprised to find the frontier being rolled backward by Comanches incensed by the invasion of their tribal lands. The war with the Comanches lasted four decades, in effect holding up the development of the new American nation. Gwynne&’s exhilarating account delivers a sweeping narrative that encompasses Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, and the amazing story of Cynthia Ann Parker and her son Quanah—a historical feast for anyone interested in how the United States came into being. Hailed by critics, S. C. Gwynne&’s account of these events is meticulously researched, intellectually provocative, and, above all, thrillingly told. Empire of the Summer Moon announces him as a major new writer of American history.
A History of Modern Manga
by Insight EditionsDiscover the major events and artists who have shaped the history of modern manga, with this deluxe expanded volume.Amid reconstruction after World War II, Japan saw the emergence of modern manga, which quickly became a favorite pastime of its citizens. Over the decades, the art form bore witness to the anxieties and dreams of several generations of Japanese citizens, reflecting both dark and joyful experiences. The history of manga is inextricably linked to the social, economic, political, and cultural evolution of Japan. Essential to the daily lives of its inhabitants and to its economy, manga is one of the drivers of the international development of one of the world&’s largest economies. How did the manga market reach one billion copies annually in less than half a century? Who are the major players in this incredible expansion? Discover, over the pages and years, the major events and artists who have marked the history of modern manga in this new, updated and expanded edition. DEFINITIVE GUIDE: Beginning with the advent of modern manga in 1952, A History of Modern Manga covers the development and impact of the art form through to present day. THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE: Discover fascinating new details about essential entries in the manga canon, including Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, Death Note, Naruto, Berserk, and more. STUNNING VISUALS: Features original, full-color illustrations as well as artwork from the featured manga titles! PERFECT GIFT FOR MANGA FANS: A History of Modern Manga is a fantastic gift for manga enthusiasts, as well as fans of Japanese history. A MANGA HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: Explores the unique ways in which historical events you may already be familiar with impacted and influenced manga as we know it today.
The Combat History of German Tiger Tank Battalion 503 in World War II
by Franz-Wilhelm Lochmann Alfred Rubbel Richard Freiherr Von RosenHundreds of photos of Tiger tanks in action. Text chronicles the unit's combat operations in the East and West. Personal accounts from the men who rode in these battlefield behemoths.
AP Biology Premium, 2026: Prep Book with 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP Prep)
by Mary Wuerth Barron's Educational SeriesBe prepared for exam day with Barron&’s. Trusted content from AP experts!Barron&’s AP Biology Premium, 2026 includes in‑depth content review and practice ALIGNED TO THE NEW COURSE FRAMEWORK. It&’s the only book you&’ll need to be prepared for exam day. Written by Experienced Educators Learn from Barron&’s‑‑all content is written and reviewed by AP experts Build your understanding with comprehensive review tailored to the most recent exam Get a leg up with tips, strategies, and study advice for exam day‑‑it&’s like having a trusted tutor by your side Be Confident on Exam Day Sharpen your test‑taking skills with 6 full‑length practice tests‑‑2 in the book and 4 more online–plus detailed answer explanations for all questions Strengthen your knowledge with in‑depth review covering all units on the AP Biology exam Reinforce your learning with multiple‑choice and short and long free‑response practice questions in each chapter that mirror the format of actual exam questions and are accompanied by clear answers and explanations Expand your understanding with a review of the major statistical tests and lab experiments that will enhance your scientific thinking skills Robust Online Practice Continue your practice with 4 full‑length practice tests on Barron&’s Online Learning Hub Simulate the exam experience with a timed test option Deepen your understanding with detailed answer explanations and expert advice Gain confidence with scoring to check your learning progress Power up your study sessions with Barron's AP Biology on Kahoot!‑‑additional, free practice to help you ace your exam! Publisher's Note: Products purchased from 3rd party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entities included with the product.
Lincoln Highway
by Brian ButkoFully revised and updated edition. Filled with all-new vintage postcards and photos. Maps for travelers following the original route.
A Study in Secrets (Last Chance Academy #1)
by Debbi Michiko FlorenceOnly Murders in the Building meets Escape from Mr. Lemoncello&’s Library in this &“intriguing, fast-paced&” (School Library Journal) novel about a girl pulled into a mysterious treasure hunt at her new boarding school.Ever since her mom passed away, twelve-year-old Megumi &“Meg&” Mizuno has been spiraling. After too many low grades and cut classes, she&’s been expelled from school—apparently, everyone else has moved past her grief and expects the same from her. Her dad secures her a spot at the prestigious Leland Chase Academy, a boarding school in middle-of-nowhere New York, called the Last Chance Academy by its student body. If Meg can&’t make it work there, she&’ll be forced to live with her horrible aunt. At first, Leland Chase seems like an average, if very strict, boarding school, though Meg tentatively warms up to her roommate and some of their classmates. Then, one night, a mysterious envelope appears under her door, inviting Meg and her roommate to participate in a scavenger hunt. The only rules: don&’t get caught by faculty or staff and no cheating. The grand prize? A luxury stay at a fancy resort in California. And after learning her dad has plans to sell their family home—with all its memories of Mom—Meg knows she has to win the competition and use the trip&’s one-on-one time to convince Dad they shouldn&’t move. Thanks to her mom, who taught her how to solve ciphers, Meg has a knack for puzzles she uses to get ahead in the hunt. But she quickly learns that her classmates seem to have their own sets of skills keeping them in the competition. And as they get deeper in the game, Meg and her fellow competitors realize the anonymous creator has their own agenda…and LCA isn&’t quite what it seems.
The Recovery Agent: A Novel (The Recovery Agent Series #1)
by Janet Evanovich#1 New York Times bestselling author and &“thriller master&” (Mystery and Suspense Magazine) Janet Evanovich returns with the launch of a &“tense, suspenseful, funny, and wise&” (Lee Child) series blending wild adventure, hugely appealing characters, and pitch-perfect humor.Lost something? Gabriela Rose knows how to get it back. As a recovery agent, she&’s hired by individuals and companies seeking lost treasures, stolen heirlooms, or missing assets. She&’s reliable, cool under pressure, and well trained in weapons of all types. But Gabriela&’s latest job isn&’t for some bamboozled billionaire, it&’s for her own family, whose home is going to be wiped off the map if they can&’t come up with a lot of money fast. Inspired by an old family legend, Gabriela sets off for the jungles of Peru in pursuit of the Ring of Solomon and the lost treasure of Lima. But this job comes with a huge problem attached to it—Gabriela&’s ex-husband, Rafer. It&’s Rafer who has the map that possibly points the way to the treasure, and he&’s not about to let Gabriela find it without him. Rafer is as relaxed as Gabriela is driven, and he has a lifetime&’s experience getting under his ex-wife&’s skin. But when they aren&’t bickering about old times the two make a formidable team, and it&’s going to take a team to defeat the vicious drug lord who has also been searching for the fabled ring. A drug lord who doesn&’t mind leaving a large body count behind him to get it. &“A rollicking adventure and a great start to a new series&” (Booklist, starred review), The Recovery Agent will have you clamoring for more and cheering for the unstoppable Gabriela Rose on every page.
Cruel and Unusual: Scarpetta 4 (The Scarpetta Series #4)
by Patricia CornwellThe inspiration for the Prime Video series Scarpetta—starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis! &“A knockout&” (People) of a thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Cornwell featuring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta.“Killing me won’t kill the beast” are the last words of rapist-murderer Ronnie Joe Waddell, written four days before his execution. But they can’t explain how medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds Waddell’s fingerprints on another crime scene—after she’d performed his autopsy. If this is some sort of game, Scarpetta seems to be the target. And if the next victim is someone she knows, the punishment will be cruel and unusual...
Rommel's Afrika Korps
by George BradfordPortrait of this famous World War II unit at the height of its success Completely illustrated with photos, maps, and diagrams--in color where available In the sands of the Western Desert in 1941-42, Erwin Rommel made history as the Desert Fox, waging a brilliant and bold campaign against the British. Beginning at El Agheila in March 1941, the Afrika Korps--frequently outnumbered--drove the British steadily east across Libya and into Egypt. The German offensive eventually ground to a halt in a series of battles at El Alamein. In impressive detail, George Bradford depicts what it was like to serve and fight in the Afrika Korps, from its tanks and equipment to its battles and daily life.
The Pilgrims of Rayne: The Merchant Of Death; The Lost City Of Faar; The Never War; The Reality Bug; Black Water; The Rivers Of Zadaa; The Quillan Games; The Pilgrims Of Rayne; Raven Rise; The Soldiers Of Halla (Pendragon #8)
by D.J. MacHaleWhen Bobby Pendragon first arrives on the tropical world of Ibara, he finds paradise. There is beauty all around and the people of Ibara are blissfully happy. It's not long before Bobby discovers, however, that they are also blissfully...oblivious. The leaders of Ibara are keeping a devastating secret from their people, one that gives Saint Dane all the opportunity he needs to launch his final assault on Halla. While Bobby struggles to learn the truth in time to thwart Saint Dane, Courtney Chetwynde desperately searches for Mark Diamond. On the heels of a shocking tragedy, Mark has disappeared. Worse, he seems to be under Saint Dane's influence. It's up to Courtney to find Mark and stop him from making a grave mistake that could change the future of all existence.
Migration: Africa's Untapped Potential (Africa Development Forum)
by Maheshwor Shrestha Samik Adhikari Mohamed Abdel Jelil QuyToan Do Kaila Olive Nsababera Ganesh SeshanMigration in Africa is primarily driven by the search for economic opportunity, safety, and security, including from environmental hardships. However, migration's potential to uplift African livelihoods remains largely untapped. While nearly 15 percent of the world's migrant population is from Sub-Saharan Africa, two-thirds of Sub-Saharan migrants stay within Africa, and the majority move within regional economic communities. Africa is also home to a quarter of the world’s refugees, primarily hosted in neighboring countries. Africa is now at a pivotal crossroads. With a rapidly growing young population facing economic stagnation, conflict, and climate change, the continent's workforce is expected to increase by 600 million people by 2050, making up a third of the world's youth. In contrast, labor forces in high-income and upper-middle-income countries are set to decline by 200 million. This demographic divergence opens a window of opportunity for Africa to enhance its migration management systems. Realizing the potential of migration requires deliberate policies to address challenges and maximize the benefits of migration for both origin and destination countries, as well as for the migrants. Investing in migration systems can better support migrants across the migration cycle, from developing skills in demand domestically, regionally, and globally to ensuring dignity and safety in transit or at their destination. Increasing the number of legal migration pathways is crucial to disincentivize irregular movements and foster safe, orderly migration. Effective migration management also includes promoting integration in host societies and facilitating voluntary returns. This can be achieved through instruments such as bilateral labor migration agreements with destination countries. Entering these agreements as a unified bloc would strengthen individual countries' bargaining power, improve conditions for migrants, and maximize the economic benefits of migration. Additionally, the empowerment and self-reliance of refugees and internally displaced persons call for increased collaboration among African nations. “Contrary to preconceived ideas, and in accordance with its vocation as a bank for reconstruction and development, the World Bank adopts an optimistic posture and advocates for the asset that is migration to be jointly and strategically managed by origin and host countries. The day is no longer far away when Africa will offer contingents of qualified migrant workers, actors in the development of countries of origin and important contributors to the world’s economic growth and stability.†? —Tiébilé Dramé, former Minister of Malians Abroad “An insightful review of the untapped potential and policy challenges surrounding African migration.†? —Christian Dustmann, Professor of Economics, University College London, and Director, ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin (RFBerlin)
Rethinking Taxation for Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean: Objectives, Behavioral Responses, and Technological Advances
by Guillermo VuletinRethinking Taxation for Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean: Objectives, Behavioral Responses, and Technological Advances argues for a shift beyond the traditional focus on collection efficiency and equity to explicitly include economic growth as a primary objective. It highlights how taxpayers’ behavioral responses and technological advancements reshape the effectiveness and trade-offs of core taxes. The report introduces targeted cash transfers (TCTs) as a powerful new instrument for achieving equity, potentially allowing for more neutral and effi cient revenue collection through other taxes like value added tax (VAT). It challenges the conventional view of VAT as inherently regressive in the region’s informal economies, suggesting that consumption-based analysis reveals a less clear-cut picture. The report cautions against excessively high standard VAT rates, which can hinder growth, and suggests reevaluating reduced VAT rates in favor of broader base consumption taxes coupled with TCTs. The report argues that the high corporate income tax (CIT) rates in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, coupled with a challenging business environment, incentivize evasion and discourage investment. It advocates for reducing CIT rates to align with other emerging markets, improving enforcement, and exploring public-private partnerships for tax collection. Regarding the personal income tax (PIT), the report notes a narrow base despite high top marginal rates, which may penalize entrepreneurship. It suggests moderately broadening the tax base rather than further increasing top rates. It also proposes focusing on property taxes as a more viable form of wealth taxation, given the prevalence of tangible assets and the increasing feasibility of accurate valuation through technology, contrasting this with the difficulties of taxing highly mobile financial assets. With recommendations for strategic adjustments to VAT and CIT rates, a moderate expansion of the PIT base, and more effective property tax policy, this report provides policy makers, business leaders, and researchers with a practical framework for building more effective, equitable, and growth-oriented tax systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. The analysis is grounded in context-specific insights, encouraging a nuanced approach that considers both behavioral responses and technological progress.
Reboot Development: The Economics of a Livable Planet
by Richard Damania Russ Ebad Ebadi Kentaro MayrReboot Development: The Economics of a Livable Planet explores how the foundational natural endowments of land, air, and water—long taken for granted—are under growing threat, putting at risk the very progress they helped create. For generations, natural resources have powered development, supporting health, food, energy, and economic opportunity. Today, strains on these resources are intensifying. This report argues that failing to maintain a livable planet is not merely a distant environmental concern, but a present economic threat. Drawing on new data, the report shows that over 90 percent of the world is exposed to poor air quality, degraded land, or water stress. Loss of forests cuts rainfall, dries soils, and worsens droughts, costing billions of dollars. The nitrogen paradox emerges—fertilizers boost yields but overuse in some regions harms crops and ecosystems. Meanwhile, air and water pollution silently damage health, productivity, and cognition, sapping human potential. The report warns that these hidden costs are too large to ignore. Yet the message is not one of constraint but of possibility. Nature, when wisely stewarded, can drive growth, create jobs, and build resilience.The report shows that more efficient resource use—like better nitrogen management and forest restoration—yields benefits that far exceed the costs. It also urges a shift to cleaner sectors and producing “better things,†? noting that these provide new sources of growth, creating more jobs per dollar invested. The findings are clear: Investing in nature is not only good for the planet, it is smart development.
Pornocracy
by Jo Bartosch Robert JesselThey say everybody uses porn. They’re wrong. People don’t use pornography: it uses us. And you don’t have to watch it to be one of its victims.In this thought-provoking and timely book, Jo Bartosch and Robert Jessel expose how the multi-billion-dollar pornography industry has humanity gripped in a chokehold. From rewiring our brains and normalising sexual violence, to shaping new protest movements, the pornographic revolution has achieved a stunning and near-total victory.The triumph of the pornocrats is made more sinister by society’s widespread acceptance that ‘all men watch porn’, the denial of its devastating harms, and a lack of political will to curb the power of the global pornography business.The authors answer the questions that politicians and policymakers are too scared to ask. Why, despite over half a century of feminist gains and lessons in schools on ‘consent’, do today’s school children display more sexist attitudes than their parents and grandparents? Do women really want to be choked and humiliated in bed? How can we fight back and reclaim sex, love and relationships?Drawing on the latest research, Pornocracy charts how the neurological shifts caused by porn use reverberate through society. The book also warns of a dystopian future where AI-powered porn and sextech threaten to reduce us all to masturbating meat puppets on an algorithmic production line.Provocative and powerful, Pornocracy tells the story of how pornography fundamentally changed—perhaps forever—what it is to be human.
AWS Certified AI Practitioner Study Guide: Foundational (AIF-C01) Exam (Sybex Study Guide)
by Shreyas Subramanian Vikram Elango Vivek GangasaniQuickly and intelligently prepare for the AIF-C01 exam and succeed in your first role as an AWS AI practitioner In AWS Certified AI Practitioner Study Guide: Foundational (AIF-C01) Exam, a team of veteran AWS and AI specialists walks you through an efficient and effective path to success on the challenging AIF-C01 exam. You'll demonstrate your knowledge and effectiveness with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), generative AI technologies, and their associated AWS services and tools, independent of any specific job role or industry title. You'll discover how to understand the appropriate uses of AI, ML, and generative AI technologies, when to use the various products and tools available, and how to ask relevant questions within your organization. The book covers the fundamentals of AI, ML, and generative AI, applications of foundation models, guidelines for responsible AI use, and security, compliance, and governance for AI solutions. Inside the book: Complimentary access to the online Sybex learning environment, including practice tests and exams, chapter review questions, flashcards, and a searchable key term glossary Material to help you become familiar with Amazon Web Services tools, including EC2, S3, Lambda, and SageMaker Explanations of Amazon Web Services infrastructure, including discussions of AWS regions, availability zones, and edge locations Perfect for anyone interested in building AI/ML solutions on Amazon Web Services, AWS Certified AI Practitioner Study Guide is a must-read resource for everyone planning to take the AIF-C01 exam, as well as those interested in working—or already working—in this dynamic and exciting field.
Data Engineering for Beginners (Tech Today)
by Chisom NwokwuA hands-on technical and industry roadmap for aspiring data engineers In Data Engineering for Beginners, big data expert Chisom Nwokwu delivers a beginner-friendly handbook for everyone interested in the fundamentals of data engineering. Whether you're interested in starting a rewarding, new career as a data analyst, data engineer, or data scientist, or seeking to expand your skillset in an existing engineering role, Nwokwu offers the technical and industry knowledge you need to succeed. The book explains: Database fundamentals, including relational and noSQL databases Data warehouses and data lakes Data pipelines, including info about batch and stream processing Data quality dimensions Data security principles, including data encryption Data governance principles and data framework Big data and distributed systems concepts Data engineering on the cloud Essential skills and tools for data engineering interviews and jobs Data Engineering for Beginners offers an easy-to-read roadmap on a seemingly complicated and intimidating subject. It addresses the topics most likely to cause a beginning data engineer to stumble, clearly explaining key concepts in an accessible way. You'll also find: A comprehensive glossary of data engineering terms Common and practical career paths in the data engineering industry An introduction to key cloud technologies and services you may encounter early in your data engineering career Perfect for practicing and aspiring data analysts, data scientists, and data engineers, Data Engineering for Beginners is an effective and reliable starting point for learning an in-demand skill. It's a powerful resource for everyone hoping to expand their data engineering Skillset and upskill in the big data era.
Using Amazon Bedrock: Learn to Architect, Secure and Optimize Generative AI Applications on AWS (Tech Today)
by Renaldi GondosubrotoA from-scratch roadmap to building generative AI solutions on AWS with Amazon Bedrock In Using Amazon Bedrock: Learn to Architect, Secure and Optimize Generative AI Applications on AWS, accomplished Software Engineer, developer advocate, and AWS Community Builder, Renaldi Gondosubroto, delivers an in-depth walkthrough of Amazon Bedrock, the keystone generative AI service on the Amazon Web Services cloud. Gondosubroto offers a start-to-finish guide of the service and its capabilities, from prompt engineering with foundational models to building applications using the API, working with multimodal models, and fine-tuning. This book provides hands-on instruction on Amazon Bedrock from an experienced developer and AI specialist. It’s packed with real-world code samples, proven best practices, and techniques that result in reliable, secure, and cost-effective generative AI solutions. You’ll also find: Demonstrations of robust governance guardrails and strategies for reducing development time Repeatable, industry-grade frameworks for continuously iterating and optimizing models in production Contemporary updates that incorporate the latest announcements made by Amazon at the re:Invent conference in December 2024 and beyond Perfect for cloud architects, artificial intelligence engineers, and software engineers, Using Amazon Bedrock is an insightful, original, and practical roadmap to generative AI on AWS that explains the AI fundamentals you need to understand to get started in AWS generative AI development and the hands-on techniques you’ll use every day to transform those concepts into efficient, working solutions.