Innehållsförteckning för Issue 133 från The Week Junior US

More than eight months after Russia invaded Ukraine, the war has entered a new phase. The Ukrainian army has regained more than 1,200 square miles of land, while Russia is reportedly struggling to maintain its grip on other areas. What is happening? In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that four regions—Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk—belonged to Russia and put its military in charge of them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other world leaders condemned the move as a violation of international law. In particular, Russia claims it is firmly in control of the key region of Kherson, but Ukraine says that control is weakening and its forces are poised to take back the area. What is the war about? Putin says that Ukraine is part of Russia and not…

A YOUNG CHESS CHAMP An Indian teen is now the youngest person ever to beat world chess champion Magnus Carlsen. Donnarumma Gukesh, 16, defeated Carlsen at the Aimchess Rapid tournament. “I look forward to further games,” Gukesh said. REVEALING A NAME Sesame Street fans were in for a fun surprise when Cookie Monster revealed his real name on social media. “Did you know me name is Sid?” he wrote. “But me still like to be called Cookie Monster.” He has said the name before, but few fans knew it. “Sid is a cool name!” one replied. HISTORIC POINTS Bella Rasmussen has just made football history. The Laguna Beach High School senior became the first female player in California to score two touchdowns in a varsity game, helping her team achieve…

British Columbia, Canada Humpback whale freed from fish nets A humpback whale entangled in 300 feet of fishing nets was rescued near Texada Island. A marine mammal rescue team worked from boats for close to five hours to carefully cut the rope loose. The whale then stuck its head out of the water and did a backflip (a rare move called spy-hopping), which freed the rope, and swam off with other whales. The team reported they were “overwhelmed with just happiness.” Siurana, Spain Village stays out of the spotlight The stunning mountaintop village of Siurana, which has a population of 27 people, was selected to be on Spain’s “most beautiful” list—but the town has declined the honor. Mayor Salvador Salvadó worried that being on the list would encourage too much…

Bear Mountain State Park, New York This nature getaway sits in the mountains above the Hudson River. There are miles of hiking trails, including a popular stretch of the Appalachian Trail, which takes hikers up to the peak of Bear Mountain. There are picnic tables under the trees and the large Hessian Lake, where bass and trout swim. Some of the other wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, snapping turtles, deer, otters, and beavers. The park also has the Trailside Museums and Zoo, which has a nature trail from which visitors might see bears, hawks, and lizards.…

Debbie Flinkman Zookeeper, Elephant Trails, Smithsonian’s National Zoo Elephants have many natural advantages that have helped them grow to be so big. An elephant can use the reach of its trunk, powerful tusks, long memory, and intelligence to find and consume food—up to 500 pounds of leaves, branches, fruits, and roots each day. Do you have a question for a zookeeper? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about the Smithsonian’s National Zoo at nationalzoo.si.edu.…

Scientists in China have developed a mask that can detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Airborne respiratory viruses are spread by coughing and sneezing. Even if someone does not seem sick, they can spread virus droplets unknowingly. The mask has a sensor that will recognize even the tiniest viral droplet within 10 minutes of exposure. The mask will then send a signal to the wearer’s phone. The face covering was designed as an early warning system that scientists hope will help contain future pandemics.…

On October 19, Game 2 of Major League Baseball’s National League Championship Series (NLCS) between the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres made history for a unique reason. That day, the starting pitcher for the Phillies was Aaron Nola, and the catcher for the Padres was his older brother, Austin. When it was Austin’s turn to hit, they became the first pair of brothers to face off against each other as batter and pitcher in a major league playoff game. The last brothers to meet in the playoffs were Roberto and Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1996. Four other pairs of brothers have also made joint postseason appearances in the past. The Nolas’ parents were in the stands for the big game, and their father wore jerseys for both teams.…

The first book of the best-selling series The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani has been turned into a new film for Netflix. It takes place in an enchanted world that inspires fairy-tale stories. The movie is rated PG-13 for violence, action, and some frightening images. The film follows teen best friends Sophie and Agatha, who are swept off to a magical academy that trains aspiring heroes and villains. Sophie always imagined life as a princess, but she is sent to the School for Evil. Agatha, who is called a witch by people in her village, is sent to the School for Good. Screenwriter David Magee said the characters come to realize “they are both more than what they think, and they have to evolve in their understanding…

Scoob! (2020) HBO Max Based on the popular 1970s cartoon series, this comedy stars a large, friendly Great Dane named Scooby-Doo. He helps solve mysteries with his best friend, Shaggy, and pals Velma, Fred, and Daphne. The story reveals how Scooby met Shaggy and formed Mystery Inc. with the others. Now grown-up, their job is harder and they’ve been struggling to stick together. Shaggy and Scooby feel like they aren’t valued and decide to run away, but they’re attacked by supervillain Dick Dastardly. He is after Scooby because he thinks the dog is the key that will help him unlock an ancient treasure. The pair are rescued by superhero Blue Falcon, but Dick Dastardly is still after them. Their friends are looking for them, too. Who will get to Scooby…

(Dial Books for Young Readers) It’s 1942, and Sarah, nicknamed Stick, and her friends run a detective agency out of a lighthouse in Hatteras Island, North Carolina. Using sleuthing skills learned from books, they calls themselves the Dime Novel Kids. (Dime Novels were inexpensive books published in the early 20th century.) When German boats sink an American ship off the island’s coast, the Dime Novel Kids try to uncover the spies on the island who were behind the attack. Will Stick and her friends be able to figure out the mystery in time to stop the next attack? This historical fiction novel is fast-paced and suspenseful. The story contains many twists, and it’s also packed with humor. Be sure to read the note from the author that explains the real-life…

Act By Kayla Miller (Clarion Books) Olivia, a sixth-grader, campaigns for student council because she hopes to change her school’s policy that prevents some students from going on field trips. She has to run against her closest friends. Will their friendship survive? This graphic novel is the third story in the series. Ages 8–12 Don’t Vote for Me By Krista Van Dolzer (Sourcebooks Young Readers) When David sees that super-popular Veronica is the only seventh-grader running for class president, he loudly tells his friend that someone else should run against her. Veronica challenges David, a trumpet player, to be her opponent, and he accepts the challenge. The ending may surprise you. Ages 10–14 Odd Gods By David Slavin and Daniel Weitzman, illustrated by Adam J.B. Lane (HarperCollins) In this series…

Crisscross Each of these country names fits into this grid. Can you find where each one goes to complete the grid? 4 letters CUBA FIJI 5 letters JAPAN SAMOA 6 letters BRAZIL CANADA FRANCE LATVIA NORWAY 7 letters JAMAICA LEBANON MOROCCO NIGERIA 8 letters BOTSWANA 9 letters ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA COSTA RICA VENEZUELA ALL THE SAME Each answer contains the letters T-A-G. Those letters have been placed for you. Can you figure out the words? 1. The price paid to mail a letter 2. Shape of a stop sign 3. Popular social media app for sharing photos and videos 4. Little house in the woods 5. Walk unsteadily Spot the difference These two pictures of a koala bear appear to be the same, but take a closer look. There are actually…

All of us at The Week Junior were happy to hear about the new plan being enacted by the Australian government to save some of that continent’s endangered species (p10). The goal is to prevent 110 species of plants and animals, including koalas, from becoming extinct. It will take a huge effort and more than $320 million over 10 years, and I hope the scientists succeed! This week I was also inspired by our story about John Cena, the actor and wrestler, who has set a world record for granting the most wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation (p9). He has fulfilled 650 wishes for children with serious illnesses. That’s a tremendous number of wishes and a tremendous amount of kindness! You still have time to enter this year’s Winter Cover…

We’d love to see pictures you’ve taken or pictures with you in them! Send them to us at hello@theweekjunior.com, along with anything you’d like to tell us about what’s in the photo. “We made the Pull-Apart Apple Bread, and it was so good!” Micah, 12, Michigan “I love reading The Week Junior outside in the sunshine.” Josephine, 8, California “The Week Junior is really fun to read. I enjoy the Around the World section and the recipes. This subscription is the best gift that I have ever gotten.” Rebekah, 12, Florida…

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: If you could speak to one animal, which one would you choose? “I would speak to a dog to know how they perceive the world.” “Birds, so they could teach me how to fly.” “A cat, because I have five.” “A dog. I always want to know what’s on their mind.” In the big debate, we asked: Should gas-powered leaf blowers be banned? “Yes, it is too expensive and bad for the environment.” “No, but people should not use them if they don’t really need to.” “Yes, as there are many good alternatives.” “I don’t think they need to be banned, but…

On October 20, UK prime minister (similar to a president) Liz Truss announced her resignation after 44 days in office. Rishi Sunak took over the top job on October 25, making him the UK’s third prime minister in seven weeks. Truss, age 47, took office on September 6, replacing Boris Johnson as head of the Conservative Party. In the UK, citizens don’t vote for the prime minister directly. Instead, the political party with the most members in Parliament (similar to Congress) gets to choose a party leader, who becomes prime minister. During her short term, Truss proposed unpopular economic policies to fight rising costs in the UK. This caused the economy to suffer, which resulted in her party calling for her resignation. Sunak, age 42, is of Indian descent and…

Races are heating up as political candidates try to get people to vote for them in the midterm election on November 8. A midterm is the election held halfway through a President’s four-year term. Early voting has begun, and voter interest is high. What is happening? All 435 seats in the House of Representatives (one branch of Congress, which makes laws) are up for election, and 34 out of the 100 seats in the Senate (the other branch of Congress) will be elected. The governor (a state’s top leader) will be voted on in 36 states. In 27 states, the secretary of state will be elected. This role is now of greater interest after former President Donald Trump falsely claimed that fraud occurred in the 2020 election. As a state’s…

Many students who entered middle school this year are experiencing their first semester without recess. As children grow into preteens and teens, most US school systems remove this midday period of playtime from the schedule (or replace it with a longer lunch period). This practice follows a common belief that recess is for young children and would be a waste of time for older kids. However, some middle and high schools have experimented with adding periods of unstructured time back into their schedules, saying that it’s better for their school community. What do you think? Should middle and high schools have recess? Yes—give kids a much-needed break Everybody needs time to relax and have fun, even if they’re too old for the playground. School days are long and require a…

Researchers have often wondered why basking sharks swim together in circles. Now, after studying sharks off the west coast of Ireland, they think it is the aquatic animals’ way of seeing lots of sharks at once so they can find the perfect mate. Basking sharks are known for their huge, gaping mouths, which they use to eat plankton (tiny plants invisible to the human eye) while they swim. Basking sharks are typically solitary (live alone). However, between 2016 and 2021, marine scientists filmed 19 circling groups of basking sharks by using drones and underwater cameras. Between six and 23 sharks would form a circle, with equal numbers of males and females, and swim round and round for hours. During each gathering, the males and females took turns to meet each…

Nearly 6 billion pounds of pasta are eaten in the US each year. How did it become such a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike? Let’s follow the strands of pasta’s past to find out. What is pasta? One of the world’s most popular foods, pasta is surprisingly simple and versatile. Its name means “paste” or “dough” in Italian. This may be because pasta typically starts as a thick, wheat-based dough that is unleavened (made without yeast or other ingredients that would make it rise). Sometimes referred to as noodles, pasta is available in hundreds of shapes and sizes. People also vary the ingredients—using buckwheat, rice, potatoes, or vegetables. Where did pasta come from? There is some debate over pasta’s origins. The Chinese may have made a noodle-like food…

NASA’s Perseverance rover, which launched from Earth in 2020, is close to achieving its primary mission on Mars. Nicknamed “Percy,” the wheeled robot’s main goal is to find signs of past life on the planet by collecting samples of rock and soil. These will be analyzed by scientists at NASA (the US space agency). Percy landed in the Jezero Crater on Mars in February 2021. Although Mars is now a dry and dusty planet, scientists believe that water flowed on its surface billions of years ago. The harsh conditions there make the existence of life today unlikely. Scientists hope that samples from inside the Jezero Crater, which would have once been a lake, may prove that life had existed there. Percy has been drilling into the ground in the crater…

The 2022–2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s volleyball season is underway. Recently, there were thrilling matchups between some of the top-ranked Division One teams in the country. On October 19, the University of Texas, the number one team, played Iowa State University. Texas came to the match with a 14–0 record, but in a shocking upset, Iowa State handed the Longhorns their first loss of the season. Both teams played well, with Texas winning the first and third set and Iowa State winning the second and fourth, so the match came down to a winner-take-all fifth set. Iowa State held a slim 10–9 lead before rattling off four consecutive points on their way to sealing the unforgettable win. In Big Ten conference action the same day, third-ranked University of…

Coach’s Name: Vanessa Buster Team: Middleton Vikings Cheer Squad “Coach Vanessa is nice and kind, and she always helps me do what is right, even outside of cheer. She is very positive while coaching, and when I make a mistake, she helps me to know it is OK. She has taught me why it is important to work as a team and to be a good sport (win or lose). Coach Vanessa pushes me to always try my best, and that is why I love cheering for her.” Kourtney, 11, Idaho 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.…

The costumes There were 867 costumes and 600 pairs of boots and shoes created for the film. The suits that School for Evil head Lady Lesso wears were based on styles that actresses like Katharine Hepburn wore in the 1940s. The fairies The School for Good is guarded by fairies. Their look was inspired by jellyfish. They were played by dancers who were filmed with a 360-degree robotic camera. The footage was mixed with computer-generated imagery. The sets The film was shot on location in Northern Ireland and on giant sets built to create parts of the school. The production team purchased more than 20,000 books to fill the School Master’s chambers and a bookstore.…

Critter Fixers: Country Vets (Nat Geo Wild) (Disney+) Veterinarians (doctors who care for animals) Terrence Ferguson and Vernard Hodges are back for a new season of their reality series. The pair will be treating canine companions, baby goats, geese, and more at their busy clinic in rural Georgia. Ghost Writer (Apple TV+) A new cast of kids are starring in the third season of the award-winning series set in a haunted bookstore. Expect characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Charlotte’s Web to appear in the real world and help the team find a missing ancient Egyptian document. ONI: Thunder God (Netflix) This new four-episode animated series follows a young girl named Onari, who lives in a land of gods and monsters from Japanese mythology. As a spirit of…

Mud City By Deborah Ellis “This book is about a girl named Shauzia who has fled a refugee camp in Afghanistan and is trying to survive on her own in Peshawar, Pakistan. Her only company is a dog. She has to find food and look for a safe place to sleep every night. No matter how hard her life gets, she never gives up and she makes a life for herself. Shauzia is a courageous girl and her story is inspirational.” Meher, 10, Virginia Do you have a book to recommend? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

You may frequently see adults following directions on a map on their smartphone to navigate getting from one place to another. But before it was common for maps to be customized online, people would study individual paper maps or a collection of maps in a book to help them get to know an area or how to get there. Maps can also reveal more than directions. You can more clearly get a full picture of an area—its shape, for example, and where roads and waterways are located. Here’s how to get started. Begin with your town If you want to get more familiar with paper maps, try first looking at one that represents your town. Since you already know the area, it may be easier for you to identify roads,…

What you need • 2 cups all-purpose flour• 1 cup salt• 1 cup cold water• Skewers• Baking tray• Parchment paper• Pot• Potting soil• Succulents• Paint• Paintbrush Instructions 1. To make the salt dough for the rocks, first combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Add water a few tablespoons at a time, mixing it in as you go, until it’s clay-like. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then let it rest for 20 minutes. Ask an adult to heat the oven to 250° F. 2. Mold the salt dough into different rock shapes. Use a skewer to pierce a hole through the center of each rock. 3. Place the rocks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place them in the oven to dry for about 2…

Imagine buying a mansion and then drawing all over the walls. Artist Sam Cox—known as Mr Doodle—has decorated his six-bedroom house in Kent, England, with black, cartoon-like drawings. Cox bought the house in 2019 after selling his art, then spent up to 12 hours a day doodling away. He drew on the tub, the bed, and even the toilet. The talented artist says that completing the house is “just the beginning of my childhood dream to doodle the planet.”…

Teacher’s Name: Mrs. Moses School: Park City Day School “Mrs. Moses is a loving art teacher who always takes care of us during classes and helps us whenever we need help. In class she will play some music for us to listen to, and she has good music taste. If she is not helping another student, then she is talking to us and telling us some stories from her outdoor education trips with other grades.” Tyler, 13, Utah Nominate your teacher for Teacher of the Week! Send your reason for the nomination, a photo of your teacher, and your school’s name and address to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

1 What type of pet got his own set of school photos at Drury Primary School in the UK? a) Cat b) Dog c) Rabbit a □ b □ c □ 2 What is the name of the crater where NASA’s Perseverance rover is drilling for rock samples? 3 Which President is said to have brought the first macaroni machine to the US? a) John Adams b) Thomas Jefferson c) James Madison a □ b □ c □ 4 True or false? More than 1,900 species in Australia are at risk of extinction. True □ False □ 5 In the book IslandofSpies, what do the main characters call their detective agency? 6 When did the Hubble Space Telescope take the first image of the “Pillars of Creation”? a) 1990 b)…

The James Webb Space Telescope has unveiled a new image depicting the “Pillars of Creation.” These are large columns of gas and dust where new stars often form. They are situated in a part of space called the Eagle Nebula, which is in the Milky Way galaxy, about 6,500 light years away. Launched in December 2021, the Webb telescope is operated by NASA (the US space agency) and partners, and it is the most powerful telescope ever put into space. The first image of the Pillars of Creation was captured by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope in 1995. In that image, they appear largely as solid columns, with little to be seen beyond gas and dust. In the Webb image, the pillars are slightly transparent, allowing for much more detail. The…

Professional wrestler and actor John Cena has set a world record for granting the most wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit organization that helps fulfill the wishes of children who have a serious illness. After Cena granted his 650th wish in September, Guinness World Records announced it as the official world record. Cena, 45, started his pro wrestling career in 1999. He became a crowd favorite on World Wrestling Entertainment in 2002 and was also the face of its campaign against bullying, having been bullied as a child himself. Cena has five US and 16 world championship wins. One of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, he has appeared in many action and comedy movies, including as Peacemaker in the DC Comics superhero films. According to Make-A-Wish, Cena…

The government of Australia has announced a new plan to save 110 species of animals and plants from becoming extinct (when a species no longer exists), as well as protecting large areas of land. Australia has more than 1,900 species that are threatened by extinction. A special report released by the Australian government in July showed that Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent and, compared to other rich countries, has one of the worst rates of species decline. The recently elected Australian government’s new 10-year plan aims to change this. It has named 110 “priority species” to protect from extinction. This includes 22 birds, 21 mammals, 11 reptiles, and 30 types of plants, as well as frogs, fish, and invertebrates (animals without a spine). Species on…

Parrots A group of 275 parrots was rescued from Malama Manu Sanctuary on Pine Island, Florida, after Hurricane Ian. Storm damage cut the parrots off from food. Among the rescued birds were macaws, cockatoos, and rare king parrots. Small animals Guinea pigs, ducks, and geckos are being surrendered to animal shelters or other rescue organizations in large numbers. Rescue centers report people who adopted them during the pandemic are no longer able or interested in caring for them.…

For many years, a great number of scientists have accepted the theory that dinosaurs were wiped out by an asteroid (large rock that fell from space), but an alternate theory is now gaining attention. New research suggests that big volcanic eruptions may have contributed to the end of the dinosaurs. About 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid hit Earth. The impact triggered earthquakes and tsunamis that flooded the land, and clouds of debris and ash blocked out the Sun around the planet. Many scientists believe this caused about 75% of all plants and animals on Earth to die off, including dinosaurs that were not avian (relating to birds). The asteroid’s impact is thought to have created the Chicxulub Crater, a 110-mile-wide cavity near what is now the Gulf of…

In June, the well-known Korean pop (K-pop) group BTS announced they would be taking a break from working together to focus on solo projects. On October 17, however, their record label revealed additional plans: All seven men (Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook) are going to enlist in the South Korean military. BTS formed in 2013 and have broken world records for song sales and streams. In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 must spend 18 to 21 months in the military. The members of BTS are in their 20s, so the question of if and when they would need to join the military had been an issue for years. South Korea allows people who “enhance national prestige”—such as classical musicians, ballet…

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway is a new racing game. It was recently released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation platforms, Xbox systems, and PC. It is similar to the popular Mario Kart franchise, but with Nickelodeon-inspired twists and turns. The Kart Racers series began in 2018, and the features of the game have expanded with each installment. The first game offered 12 playable characters, and the second one had 30. The new version stars 40 Nicktoon icons as drivers, including characters from popular shows Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Loud House. For the first time, the characters will be voiced by actors, so you’ll get to hear their catchphrases as they compete. Racers build a team by choosing pit crew members with various special talents. The crew helps…

Did you always want to be a writer? Yes, I realized I was a writer in first grade. Why do you like spy stories? I love spy stories because the stakes are high. The characters risk everything for a belief or a place or people they love. Are your characters based on real people? There’s a tiny bit of me in every character I write, even the characters I don’t like very much. Stick is a lot like my mother. What makes historical fiction important? When you have a great story woven into history, it makes history come alive. If you could travel to any time period, what would you choose? I’d like to travel through the Americas before the Europeans came, to see how people lived.…

They were made of clay. One of the oldest known maps was carved into clay around 700 to 500 BCE. It shows Mesopotamia, a historical region in Western Asia. Sailors made them better. Starting in the 15th century, maps became more accurate because more sailors were traveling the seas and recording the routes they used to go from country to country to trade goods. Some are valuable. The first known map to mark “America” on what is now the US was created in 1507 by a German mapmaker. There is only one surviving copy, which is worth $10 million. They can be misleading. Some historical maps include places that never existed. Some mapmakers drew in fake towns in order to catch people who copied their maps and tried to sell…

Creating a meal plan is like making a schedule for what you’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner for the next week. Sit down with a parent and brainstorm meals you’d like to have each day, and write them down on a calendar or a piece of paper. Your family can then use the schedule of meals to make a grocery shopping list. Research has shown that meal planning can help your family eat healthier and reduce food waste. This is because having a plan to use all the food you’ve bought at the store makes you more likely to eat everything before it spoils. This keeps food scraps out of landfills, which is better for the environment.…

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 kids.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! IT’S YOUR TURN Email your news, views, and photos to hello@theweekjunior.com.…