Innehållsförteckning för Issue 132 från The Week Junior US

More than a month after protests against Iran’s government began, massive demonstrations continue in the Middle Eastern nation. Women are leading a push for equality and greater rights. The movement has spread to cities around the world. Why did the protests begin? Iran is a theocracy, which means its government is run by religious leaders who aren’t elected by the people. Its laws are based on the leaders’ interpretation of Islam (the religion followed by Muslims), which is not the way most Muslims around the world practice the religion. Under Iran’s laws, women must cover their hair with a hijab (headscarf) and wear loose-fitting clothes in public, among other restrictions. The protests began after the death of Mahsa Amini, age 22, on September 16. Amini was arrested in Iran’s capital…

The United Nations UN asks Russia to reverse annexation On October 12, the United Nations (an organization of 193 nations working for peace and cooperation) asked Russia to reverse its annexation (forceful takeover) of four Ukrainian territories. The resolution (formal expression of the opinion or will of the UN) passed by a large margin and demands that Russia withdraw its military from Ukraine. Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UN, called the vote “a historic moment.” Paris, France Protests over rising cost of living Thousands of people marched in Paris on October 16 to protest the rising cost of living expenses. The protests follow weeks of strikes by oil workers demanding higher wages. Some political leaders have called for a general strike (workers in many industries striking). A recent survey…

At The Week Junior, we know children care about what’s happening in the world around them, and we know they have opinions! We worked with YouGov, a company that creates polls, to conduct our third annual Junior Voices survey about what’s on kids’ minds and what they want adults to know. Of the 748 children ages 8 to 14 across the country who responded, 87% said kids should have a say in issues that affect them. Children also ranked the issues they care about most—inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine were at the top of the list—and said they want to help solve these problems. An impressive 82% want to inspire other kids to make positive changes. Here’s what else children had to say. What do you think the…

Scientists and volunteers got hundreds of mosquito bites on purpose, in an attempt to create a vaccine for a disease called malaria. The illness, which is spread by mosquitoes, killed more than 600,000 people in 2020, mostly in Africa. Malaria is caused by a parasite (animal or plant that lives in or on another living thing and survives off it) that mosquitoes can transfer to humans. Vaccines work by exposing people to a small amount of a disease so their body will produce antibodies (chemicals that help fight off a disease). These antibodies provide protection against future infections. The scientists gave the mosquitoes a modified version of the parasite that would trigger enough of a reaction to produce malaria antibodies but not so much that it would make the test…

Pickleball was invented in 1965, but over the past few years, it has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the US. There are currently about 5 million “picklers” throughout the country. The sport’s professional league, Major League Pickleball (MLP), is growing as well. In 2023, it will expand from 12 to 16 teams, and MLP recently announced that several top athletes from other sports have invested in new teams. Big names include National Basketball Association stars LeBron James and Draymond Green, National Football League quarterback Tom Brady, and former tennis star Kim Clijsters. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It can be played as a singles or doubles game. MLP was founded in 2021, and most of its players are from…

Coach’s Name: Okan Yetik Team: Great Falls-Reston Soccer “Coach Okan has been my soccer coach for six years! He is very encouraging and always knows what to say to help us do our best and become better players. Going to practice is so much fun because he always plans interesting drills and activities to make everyone enjoy the sport. Scrimmages are the best because he always plays with us. He is very uplifting and inspiring to all the players on the team. Also, he is my dad.” Juliet, 11, Virginia To nominate a Coach of the Week, send your coach’s name, photo, sport, and team to hello@theweekjunior.com Include your name, age, state, and a few reasons why your coach is great.…

Obvious revisions A close look at Modigliani’s Portrait of the Red-Headed Woman (1918) shows he painted over a wedding band on the subject’s ring finger (pictured). Stone secrets Some Modigliani sculptures feature precise cut marks, which experts say may have been made by a stonemason rather than the artist’s chisel. It suggests he may have repurposed stone possibly meant for a step or a building. Hidden figures On the back of Modigliani’s Bust of a Nude Woman with Hat (1908) is this portrait, Maude Abrantès (1908). Experts were able to make out two more images under the paint on the surface.…

Kids Baking Championship: Trick or Eat (Discovery+) In the Halloween special of this competition series, four fan-favorite bakers return to the kitchen. The kids battle to create the best Halloween-themed dish in hopes of winning $10,000 and baking equipment. The Owl House (DisneyNOW) The award-winning series known for its diverse relationships is back with the first of three final specials. It continues the story of Luz, a human teen who found a magical realm and learned to be a witch. Now she and her pals are stuck in the human world and want to get out. Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix) The misty landscape of Canada’s Vancouver Island is surrounded by some of the world’s most violent seas. This new documentary series introduces viewers to the animals that live…

Jeff Kinney owns An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe in Plainville, Massachusetts. His office is on the top floor, where he keeps some favorite items “Cheese” aquarium Kinney’s tropical fish aquarium is designed to look like a piece of Swiss cheese, an ode to the “Stinky Cheese Touch” in the first few books. It’s about 9 feet long! Electric scooter Kinney likes to do laps around the office, riding his scooter while he’s taking a phone call. Scrooge McDuck statue The character was created by Carl Barks, Kinney’s favorite cartoonist. The statue weighs about 300 pounds.…

Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has sold more than 275 million copies and been translated into 67 languages. We interviewed him about his new book and more. Do you and series narrator Greg Heffley have anything in common? Greg is a funhouse-mirror version of me—all of my faults are wrapped up in this character. He’s meant to reflect the faults in all of us. Do you play an instrument? I tried to learn piano, but I don’t have the discipline for it. My older brother, Scott, plays in a rock band and owns a music shop. I drew inspiration for this book from him. What’s your favorite style of music? I like rock and pop music. Third Eye Blind is my favorite band—ask your parents who they…

1. Remain calm and kind. There’s a difference between being assertive and being aggressive. Being assertive means to stand up for yourself, while being aggressive means saying or doing things that aren’t kind. Always try not to be aggressive. 2. Tell them to stop. If someone is doing something that you don’t like, the first step is to tell them to stop. This could be “stop calling me those names” or “stop making fun of my food.” You can then provide your reason by using an “I” statement. For example, you can say, “I don’t like it when you tease me about what I eat.” 3. Leave the situation. If the person doesn’t listen, you should leave the situation. This could mean choosing to play with other kids at the…

Word ladder To change the word PLAY into the word BALL, use each clue to fill in a word that is only one letter different from the word before it. If you get stuck, try solving from the bottom up. STEPPING STONES Each figure hides a seven-letter word associated with a visit to the doctor. To find each one, start anywhere and move in an unbroken path through letters that share a border (no jumping!), using each letter once. Spot the difference These two pictures of a brown bear appear to be the same, but take a closer look. There are actually five differences. Can you see them? DETOURS Draw one continuous path from START to END that goes through every single square without crossing itself. For squares with signs,…

Sign up and follow @theweekjuniorus on PopJam, a social media platform for kids 7–12. Ask an adult to download the app from iTunes or Google Play. We asked: Do you think candy corn is yum or yuck? “Yummy, except it tastes nothing like corn.” “Yuck. It is too sweet and has a weird texture.” “I love candy corn! It always reminds me of autumn.” “If I eat too much, it’s yuck, but a little is yum.” “Both. It’s pure sugar, which is gross, but I can’t stop eating it.” In the big debate, we asked: Is chocolate the best Halloween candy? “Definitely. Without chocolate, our candy options would be slim.” “No, because it melts all over your stuff.” “It depends on the type of chocolate.” Now tell us: If you…

The West African nation of Nigeria is experiencing its worst flooding in 10 years. Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency said that unusually heavy rainfall and the excess water from a dam in nearby Cameroon resulted in the disaster. Floods are common in Nigeria, where the rainy season can start in March and typically ends in October. The 2022 season has been particularly intense. When The Week Junior went to press, floods had affected 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states. More than 600 people had died and more than 1.4 million people had been displaced from their homes. About 200,000 houses and nearly 272,000 acres of farmland were destroyed. The water also blocked supplies of food and fuel. Local leaders asked the national government and international agencies to send aid, and authorities…

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF, a panel of health experts) has proposed that doctors screen all US children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 18 for anxiety. The screening would take place during annual medical checkups as a way to identify children who may benefit from extra support. What is anxiety? Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness, often about everyday situations. A certain level of anxiety is common and normal in kids, experts say. Signs that anxiety needs treatment include refusing to attend school or social events, having persistent feelings of helplessness, and experiencing an increase in headaches and stomachaches. About 5.8 million children in the US have been diagnosed with anxiety, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the US health protection…

Autumn is here and leaves are changing—and falling—around the country. Many Americans use leaf blowers to clear leaves and other debris from yards, parks, streets, and sidewalks. Leaf blowers typically run on gas, electricity, or battery. People who prefer gas-powered blowers say they’re more powerful and get the job done faster, while the other types aren’t strong enough for big projects. Others say machines that run on gas release too much pollution and are too harmful. Several communities have even made it illegal to use gas-powered machines. What do you think? Should gas-powered leaf blowers be banned? Yes—leave the environment alone Gas-powered leaf blower engines are inefficient and release tons of harmful substances into the air. This type of equipment is responsible for 4% of global emissions of carbon dioxide,…

Cheetahs have been reintroduced to India for the first time since 1952, when they were declared extinct in the country. In September, eight wild cheetahs were transported by plane from Namibia, Africa, as part of a project to bring cheetahs back to India. Cheetahs became extinct in the country after losing their habitat and being hunted. The five females and three males, which are between 2 and 6 years old, spent their first few weeks in India in a smaller enclosure to get used to their new home. Experts planned to release them into a larger area in Kuno National Park, near India’s capital, New Delhi, on October 17. The protected area is nearly 1,500 acres of forest and grassland, with prey like antelope and wild boar for the big…

Asking for help can feel scary. We may worry that the request will be rejected or that it will be a burden to the helper. But new research shows that people are more willing to help out than we think. And afterward, they often feel better about having helped than we expect. Scientists conducted a series of six experiments. Altogether, more than 2,100 people were involved in the research. In one experiment, participants had to ask strangers to take their photo at a public botanical garden. In another, participants answered questions about times when they had either asked for or given help. These past experiences included showing someone how to accomplish a task, writing a letter of recommendation, and supporting a friend who was going through a tough time. Researchers…

The Mysterious Benedict Society—a television series based on the award-winning books of the same name by Trenton Lee Stewart—is back for a second season. The show is about four orphans recruited by the genius Mr. Benedict to stop his evil twin’s schemes. The first two new episodes arrive on Disney+ on October 26. This season, Mr. Benedict’s twin, Dr. L.D. Curtain, tries to control people by selling them fake happiness. To foil his plan, the kids must go on a global scavenger hunt. Mystic Inscho, who plays orphan Reynie, told The Week Junior that the show’s usual mix of riddles and puzzles will be more challenging than last season’s. He also revealed that the characters will be evolving. “I’m excited for everyone to see the new spectrum of emotions the…

Talking about books with friends and family can be so much fun, and that’s why The Week Junior is kicking off our brand-new Book Club. Each month, we’ll reveal our Book Club pick, along with discussion questions, in the magazine. We’ll also feature extra content, such as exclusive videos, at kids.theweekjunior.com/bookclub. We’re thrilled to announce that our first pick is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde. It’s the newest book in the beloved series by Jeff Kinney! Future picks may be fantasies, historical fiction, or other genres. Each book will be different, but all of them will be terrific stories. We hope you’ll join us and get reading with other kids like you across the US!…

More than 85 million people around the world participate in skateboarding. The sport is believed to have been first developed in the 1950s by surfers who wanted to do a similar sport on land. Many people have said they enjoy skateboarding because they can do it anywhere, such as on sidewalks and in parks. It’s also a great way to improve your balance, which can help you with other sports. Here’s how you can get started. Find some gear If you don’t have a skateboard, you can ask a neighbor or family friend if they have one you can borrow. While skateboards are made in sizes for kids, you can learn on an adult-sized one too. It may actually be easier to learn on a slightly larger board because it…

Getting dinner to go or delivered is handy when your family doesn’t have time to cook. But the packaging the food comes in can produce waste, so it’s smart to take steps that help the environment. When ordering, request that the restaurant avoid including any plastic cutlery, napkins, or individual packets of condiments, since you can use what you have at home. When you pick up a meal from a restaurant, bring your own reusable bags so the food won’t get packed in disposable ones. If food comes in a plastic container with a lid, wash and store it for future use instead of recycling it. You could use it again for packing your lunch or delivering cookies to someone.…

The family that has lived 1,000 years On the island of Gran Canaria in Spain, one family has broken a world record for having the highest combined age. The Hernández-Pérez family includes seven brothers and five sisters. The youngest, Luis, is 76 years old, and the oldest, Jose, will turn 98 in December. All together, the 12 siblings have a combined age of more than 1,058 years. The family says that sharing the title has made them closer. “It all started as a joke during a family reunion,” they said in a statement. “We never thought we’d break a world record.” Real OR fake? An out-of-this-world match While awaiting the arrival of the SpaceX crew launching from Florida, astronauts from the International Space Station played a challenging game of soccer…

If you would like to see your artwork on the cover of The Week Junior, now is your chance! At right is the winning cover from our 2020 contest. The drawing form and consent form that are needed to enter can be found at theweekjunior.com/activities. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and how well they reflect the winter theme and The Week Junior. Be sure your artwork is in color! When you’re done, have a parent fill out the consent form. The consent form and a digital image of your artwork should be emailed to covercontest@theweekjunior.com. The deadline to apply is November 4! RIDDLE OF THE WEEK What word begins and ends with E but contains only one letter? Envelope IT’S YOUR TURN Email your news, views, and photos…

A BIG BOY Fenrir, a pet cat, has been named the tallest living domestic cat by Guinness World Records. Fenrir, who stands 18.83 inches tall, is a Savannah cat, a breed that is part serval (an African wild cat). His owner called him “a big, lovable goofus.” SPOOK-TACULAR SCENES The Dinote family of San Antonio, Texas, is amusing their neighbors as Halloween nears. For the third year, they’re posing their skeleton decorations in a different scene every day. The bony buddies have walked the dog, played golf, and gotten a massage, among other adventures. GIVING AWAY BOOKS More than 2 million kids in California can receive a free book each month, thanks to a new law establishing the Imagination Library Program in the state. Started by singer and actress Dolly…

Throughout her career as an engineer, scientist, and television personality, Emily Calandrelli has always reached for the stars. She even goes by the nickname “Space Gal.” Her new children’s book, Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: 50 Amazing, Bubbly, and Creative Science Experiments to Do with the Whole Family, is packed with her favorite experiments and scientific facts. Calendrelli, age 35, told The Week Junior she originally wanted to be an architect (person who designs buildings and spaces). Then a college course in engineering (the design of programs and machines) changed her path. “That experience kicked off my obsession with the aerospace industry and space exploration,” she said. “And I have not turned back ever.” After earning a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from West Virginia University, Calandrelli continued her…

In nature, octopuses hunt mainly with their sense of touch, using their eight arms to feel out their environment for hidden creatures. Researchers at the University of Minnesota recently studied a different way octopuses hunt—when they identify prey based on sight. The study findings show that while the movement of octopus limbs can look chaotic and uncoordinated, the marine creatures are quite consistent and methodical in how they approach prey. Lead researcher Trevor Wardill and his team placed California two-spot octopuses into water tanks, hiding them in dens where they would have one eye looking out. They then placed either fiddler crabs or white shrimp in the tanks to see how the octopuses would try to snatch them, capturing the interactions on video. The crabs and shrimp behave differently when…

“Do birds see colors or objects differently than humans do?” Dawn, 12, New York Kaitlin Higgins Animal care, Naples Zoo While birds can see the same colors as humans can, they also have the ability to see ultraviolet (UV) colors that are invisible to the human eye. Certain birds may look black to us, but if you were to look at them through a bird’s eye, you would see many different colors. Do you have a question for a zookeeper? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about the Naples Zoo in Florida at napleszoo.org.…

Engineers at Stanford University in California found a way to produce solar electricity at night. Solar panels convert sunlight into energy, so they traditionally work only during daylight hours. This device, however, uses a thermoelectric generator, which creates energy from differences in temperature. In this case, cool evening air is a slightly different temperature than the solar cell in the panel. That becomes energy that is converted into electricity. The team thinks the device could be helpful in areas located far from a power grid.…

The National Football League (NFL) has made a move aimed at keeping its players safe. On October 8, it announced an immediate change to how players are diagnosed and treated if they appear to have suffered a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) called a concussion. A concussion can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. It can damage brain cells and cause headaches, memory loss, and other issues. Repeated brain injuries can have devastating effects. The NFL reviews its concussion guidelines each year. This latest change, however, came after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was injured during a game. On September 25, he was hit by…

A new exhibition at the Barnes Foundation, a cultural and educational institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, takes a look at paintings and sculptures by Amedeo Modigliani, one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Modigliani Up Close focuses on how he worked, the materials he used, and more. Modigliani, who was Italian, lived from 1884 until 1920. Many of his portraits are known for a distinct style with long faces, eyes that look blank, and sloping shoulders. The Barnes, which turns 100 this year, has one of the largest Modigliani collections in the world, and additional pieces were borrowed for the show. An international team of art historians, conservators (people who preserve art), and conservation scientists contributed research to the show. Nancy Ireson, chief curator at the Barnes, told…

Shark Tale (2004) Peacock This comedy, set in an undersea reef city, follows Oscar, a small fish who dreams of fame and fortune, and Lenny, a kindhearted shark who can’t please his tough-guy dad because he refuses to eat other fish. When Oscar is unable to repay a gambling debt, he is taken to dangerous waters as a punishment. Lenny happens to be there with his brother, Frankie, who is trying to get him to hunt fish. Frankie is suddenly killed by an anchor, and after Lenny swims away in sorrow, Oscar makes it look like he slayed the shark himself. Word spreads, and his dream of being a celebrity comes true—except that it’s all based on a lie. Meanwhile, Lenny worries he’d be shamed if he returns home, so…

(Amulet Books) Greg’s older brother, Rodrick, takes center stage in the 17th book of this popular series. You may remember that Rodrick is the drummer in the rock band Löded Diper. When the group enters a Battle of the Bands contest, Rodrick asks Greg to be a “roadie” (person in charge of loading and unloading equipment). Greg accepts because he thinks being the brother of a famous musician is better than being a celebrity himself. Shortly before the band goes onstage for their first gig in more than a year, Rodrick realizes he left his drumsticks at home. He sends Greg to find a new pair, and this turns into a hilarious misadventure. When the band finally starts playing, the lead singer forgets most of the lyrics. They’ll need more…

For our first-ever Book Club pick, The Week Junior received an advance copy of Diper Överlöde and permission to share some of it with you. Here is the first page of the story. WIN A SIGNED COPY OF DIPER ÖVERLÖDE! For a chance to win, email your name and address to contests@theweekjunior.com with Diper Överlöde in the subject line. Enter by midnight on November 11, 2022. See theweekjunior.com/terms for complete rules.…

Boardslide A boardslide is when a skateboarder jumps up on a railing or ledge at a skate park, then moves across the railing before sliding down it. Manual Also called “pulling a manny,” this trick is similar to being on a bike and popping a wheelie (lifting up the front wheel). To do it, skateboarders lean back on the board so the front wheels come up as they roll on the back wheels of the board. Ollie An ollie is when a skateboarder jumps in the air and the board stays with their feet. Riding switch Most skateboarders have one foot they prefer to have in the front of the board. However, experienced skateboarders encourage learners to “ride switch.” This means to practice having the other foot in front of…

This week we are thrilled to announce an exciting new venture: We are launching The Week Junior Book Club (p22). This is a club inspired by you—your love of books and your interest in talking about them. Every month we’ll reveal our Book Club pick in the magazine and online at kids.theweekjunior.com/bookclub, and we’ll include discussion questions you can use with friends and family. It is our great honor to feature best-selling author Jeff Kinney’s latest work—Diper Överlöde, the 17th book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series—as our first Book Club pick. Thank you to Jeff for giving us an exclusive first look at the book and a behind-thescenes peek into his studio. I hope you’ll participate in the club and tell your friends about it! This week…

“I love reading The Week Junior everywhere I go! My mom and I were visiting New York City, and we went to see the Chroma: Ancient Sculpture in Color exhibit! The statues were cool.”Vera, 11, Florida “We made pull-apart apple bread with caramel sauce from How To! It was delicious!”Logan, 10, Oregon “I love reading all the news from around the world.”Zachary, 8, Virginia…

1 A New Hampshire man turned the back of his apartment building into a version of what video game? a) Donkey Kong b) Pac-Man c) Mario Bros a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 2 What is it called when an octopus uses its whole body to catch crabs? 3 In the new season of the show The Mysterious Benedict Society, a group of orphans must stop an evil scheme by Dr L.D. Curtain to sell fake versions of what? a) Love b) Laughter c) Happiness a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 4 True or false? Major League Pickleball will have 12 teams in 2023. True ☐ False ☐ 5 What part of the Statue of Liberty just reopened for the first time since 2020? a) Book b) Torch c) Crown…

Reading sparks a lifetime love of learning, gets kids on track for success, and helps them identify and follow their passions. There are stories in The Week Junior that speak to every child and inspire them to keep reading. Give The Week Junior and save 66% off the cover price. For less than $2 an issue, less than the cost of a full-size candy bar, your child can be inspired to read every week! Plus, if you subscribe today, your child will receive a free puzzle magazine! Order online at theweekjunior.com/pumpkin or scan to subscribe…