Books published by publisher Portable Press

It’s an actual fact—Uncle John is the most entertaining thing in the bathroom!Uncle John and his team of devoted researchers are back again with an all-new collection of weird news stories, odd historical events, dubious “scientific” theories, jaw-dropping lists, and more. This entertaining 31st anniversary edition contains 512 pages of all-new articles that will appeal to readers everywhere. Pop culture, history, dumb crooks, and other actual and factual tidbits are packed onto every page of this book. Inside, you’ll find . . .Dogs and cats who ran for political officeThe bizarre method people in Victorian England used to resuscitate drowning victimsThe man who met his future pet—a stray dog—while running across the Gobi DesertSearching for Planet X—the last unknown planet in our solar systemTwantrums—strange Twitter rants that had disastrous effectsThe true story of Boaty McBoatfaceAnd much more!

It’s all about the facts—and Uncle John is back with a ton of them!For the 32nd year, Uncle John and his loyal researchers have teamed up to bring you the latest tidbits from the world of pop culture, history, sports, and strange news stories. If you want to read about celebrity misdeeds, odd coincidences, and disastrous blunders, Uncle John’s Truth, Trivia, and the Pursuit of Factiness has what you need. With short articles for a quick trip to the throne room and longer page-turners for an extended visit, this all-new edition of Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader is a satisfying read.

Celebrate the big 3-0 with this thrilling 30th edition of Uncle John's Bathroom Reader—and cheers to 30 more!What's even more trusty and awe-inspiring than Old Faithful, the Yellowstone geyser that erupts 17 times a day? Uncle John and the Bathroom Readers' Institute! Every year for the past three decades, Uncle John and his team of tireless researchers have delivered an epic tome packed with thousands of fascinating factoids. And now this extra-special 30th anniversary edition has everything you've come to expect from the BRI, and more! It's stuffed with 512 pages of all-new articles sure to please everyone, from our longtime readers to newbies alike. You'll get the scoop on the latest "scientific" studies, weird world news, surprising history, and obscure facts. Here's just a sampling of what's in store: From foe to friend: presidential rivals who are buddies now What you never thought to do with those old CDs you have lying around Saddam Hussein revealed…and it's not pretty James Bond author Ian Fleming and his most titillating book titles The creepiest murderabilia that no one would want…except these people The origins of Project Gutenberg and its free e-books All-new editions of our most popular series, including Terrible Typos, Phrase Origins, and You Call This Art? Myths and facts about our friends—nos amis—the French The most horrifying things ever lost or found And much, much more!

Giggles, groans, and belly laughs, packed on every page.Kids can’t resist sharing jokes (even you try to stop them), so they always need a fresh supply. We’ve stuffed the pages of this little joke book with the funniest jokes we could find. Old favorites, new favorites, and a few festering stinkers—all guaranteed to make kids laugh out loud. You'll find Q&A jokes, knock-knock jokes, riddles, and one-liners. And, of course, we’ve included entire chapters of those all-time kid-pleasers: elephant jokes, pirate jokes, and space jokes. Here’s a sampling: What's black and white, black and white, black and white? A penguin rolling down a hill. Why don’t zombies eat clowns?They taste funny. Why did the hen scold her chicks?They were using fowl language. What kind of books do skunks read?Best-smellers! How does Darth Vader like his toast?On the dark side.

A graphic biography of civil rights leader and American icon Martin Luther King Jr.This graphical biography tells the story of the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. With full-color illustrations and a historically accurate narrative, Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! will inform and entertain readers of all ages. From his childhood in Atlanta to his rise as an international icon of human rights and a fiery orator who refused to back down in the face of adversity, King’s life story serves as an ongoing source of inspiration.

These oddball stories about real-life crimes will make you shake your head.Loaded with dozens of entertaining and amusing articles about actual crimes, this latest book from Portable Press will definitely leave you scratching your head. Dumb crooks, celebrities gone bad, unsolved mysteries, odd laws, and more—Strange Crime has plenty of stories that will make you ask yourself, “What could they possibly have been thinking?” This easily portable paperback book is ideal for readers on the go. Take it to school, to work, to jury duty!Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Winner - 2018 BRONZE Winner for Humor (Adult Nonfiction)

It’s all about the facts—and Uncle John is back with a ton of them!For the 32nd year, Uncle John and his loyal researchers have teamed up to bring you the latest tidbits from the world of pop culture, history, sports, and strange news stories. If you want to read about celebrity misdeeds, odd coincidences, and disastrous blunders, Uncle John’s Truth, Trivia, and the Pursuit of Factiness has what you need. With short articles for a quick trip to the throne room and longer page-turners for an extended visit, this all-new edition of Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader is a satisfying read.

A fascinating and entertaining biography of Alexander Hamilton, in graphic novel format.Alexander Hamilton: The Fighting Founding Father! tells the story of one of the most ambitious and controversial figures in American history in a graphic novel format. From a rough childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis to the highest levels of American politics, Alexander Hamilton’s life was filled with adventure, conflict, and controversy. Full-color illustrations and an entertaining narrative make this graphical biography of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury accessible for readers of all ages.

Uncle John got a Factastic facelift for the 28th all-new edition of this beloved book series — now with a classy flexibound cover on the outside and a sleek style on the inside! All of Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader favorites are packed into these 512 glorious pages – from little-known history to the origins of everyday things—plus odd news, weird fads, quirky quotes, mind-bending science, head-scratching blunders, and all sorts of random oddities. Oh yeah, and thousands of incredible facts! Feel smarter (and a bit more dignified) as you settle into:• Weird Body Parts of the Rich and Famous• The Wild Man of Borneo• Cryptic Movie Titles Explained• "Pathological Generosity" and Other Real Medical Conditions• How to Perform CPR on Your Dog• When Postal Workers Go Rogue• Start Your Own Country!• Animals Under the Influence• Welcome to No Mans Land• The Mad Potter of Biloxi• Saved From the Trash: The “Lost Leonardo”• The Ten Longest Wars in History• Stomach-churning Food-Safety Mistakes• You Swallowed What?• Incredible Stories of Survival• The Case of the Stolen Bridge and Other Weird Crime ReportsAnd much, much more!

The inspiring story of Abraham Lincoln’s life, in graphic novel format. Considered by many historians to be the greatest American president, Abraham Lincoln led the Union at the greatest turning point in the nation’s history. Abraham Lincoln: Defender of the Union! tells the story of one of America’s most admired figures in graphic novel format. From his childhood on a farm in Kentucky to the battlefields of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln served the United States with resolve, intelligence, and courage unlike that of any other president. Readers of all ages will be entertained and educated by the full-color illustrations and historically accurate narrative of this graphical biography.

A fascinating and entertaining biography of Amelia Earhart, in graphic novel format.When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, she immediately became an American icon and a subject of endless fascination for generations to come. In Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky!, the story of the bold and daring aviator’s life is presented in graphic novel format, with full-color illustrations and historically accurate details. From her hardscrabble childhood to her final flight—and mysterious disappearance—Earhart’s journey will entertain, captivate, and inspire readers of all ages.

Aspiring engineers will get a head start with this introduction to the past, present, and future of engineering.Enter a world of engineering with detailed explanations of the history of discovery and innovation that has made modern technology possible. Engineering Made Simple presents the fundamentals of making and creating, from the physics of flying to the chemistry of manufacturing. Each of the ten chapters will connect readers with a topic that helps make sense of engineering. Learn what it means to be an engineer, understand the laws scientists use to push the limits of speed and safety, and discover a past—and anticipate a future—of amazing machines and constructions. Each section will help aspiring young engineers engage with relevant areas in their school’s curriculum, complete with knowledge-testing quizzes. Do you like the idea of designing and creating a better world? With this book, young people will discover just how simple—and exciting—engineering can be.