"A sprightly read that offers many eye-opening, real-world examples of how international development aid can actually work.... The book seethes with the scientific rigor and fact-based optimism that ought to exemplify American foreign aid."
-Miller-McCune

"What does it take to fight global poverty? More money? Better intentions? Actually, Yale economist Karlan and field researcher Appel instead advocate making small but indelible changes in banking practices, health care, and more to improve the lives of the poor. And they're not armchair pedants; they traveled the world to get the ideas furnished in this book. Good work for informed readers."
-Library Journal

"Karlan and Appel write that their goal is 'to speak directly to readers, to lead them into some corners of the world they might not otherwise encounter, and bring them face-to-face with the people who populate those places.' They have succeeded admirably, as both advocates and analysts."
-Kirkus "The first half of the twenty-first century will be remembered by historians as the time when the world eliminated much of its poverty. A few geniuses like Dean Karlan will be seen as responsible. Here is a triumph of careful analysis and creative invention over deep problems that have been seen as endemic and hopeless."
-Robert Shiller, Arthur M. Okun Professor of Economics, Yale University, and author of Animal Spirits, The Suprime Solution and Irrational Exuberance

"A page-turner that guides donors to strategies that improve the lives of the world's poorest people. Karlan and Appel lucidly describe the research supporting their findings while demonstrating how psychological "nudges" combine with economic incentives to make the strategies succeed."
-Paul Brest, President, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation