Innehållsförteckning för Issue 145 från The Week Junior US

On January 19, the US announced one of its largest commitments to help Ukraine in its war with Russia. Government leaders said the war is entering an important new chapter as it approaches one year since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. What happened? US President Joe Biden’s administration agreed to send about $2.5 billion in weapons and equipment to assist Ukraine. The latest package includes 90 armored combat vehicles, called Strykers, which the US is sending for the first time. The aid also includes more vehicles, ammunition, and systems for defending troops and cities against air attacks. The supplies will be delivered as quickly as possible, ideally within weeks. In 2022, the US sent a total of nearly $50 billion in humanitarian, military, and financial aid to Ukraine.…

The USDA (agency that monitors food safety) has updated its guidelines to require more proof from food companies that label their products organic. Ingredients, soil quality, and animal treatment will be more closely examined to ensure that foods labeled organic are free of substances like pesticides. The revisions, the most significant in more than 30 years, were made so customers can feel confident about organic purchases. They will go into effect in March.…

In September 2022, Seafood Watch, a program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, advised US consumers to stop eating lobster caught in Maine. The program rates seafood by how much its producers protect or harm the ocean. The aquarium said equipment used in the Maine lobster industry is injuring and killing North Atlantic right whales, which are at risk of dying out. As a result, big grocery chains and restaurants stopped selling Maine lobster and people began boycotting it. But the Maine lobster industry said it has made gear safer and its fishing practices don’t harm whales. What do you think? Should we stop eating Maine lobster? Yes—protecting whales comes first Is a good meal worth an animal going extinct? Research shows that more than 85% of right whales…

Rats may not be known for their dance moves, but researchers believe they move their heads in time to music. This is called synchronization—the ability to recognize the beat of a song. Scientists at the University of Tokyo in Japan played several songs for rats and humans in a lab, including Mozart’s “Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major” and Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” They played the songs at faster and slower tempos. Humans usually start toe-tapping at 120 to 140 beats per minute. The researchers thought the rats would prefer a faster tempo to get their heads bopping. Using tiny head-mounted technology, the researchers captured the rats’ head movements. The most intense rat head bops occurred at 132 beats per minute, similar to the speed of the humans…

Jamie Toste Curator, Minnesota Zoo Penguins can swim fast—some even faster than Olympic champion Michael Phelps! Most penguins swim at about 4 to 7 miles per hour (mph). By contrast, Phelps can swim 6 mph. The gentoo is believed to be the fastest-swimming penguin, sometimes managing 22 mph. Do you have a question for a zookeeper? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about Minnesota Zoo at mnzoo.org.…

A new type of straw made of ice will help reduce the use of plastic straws while chilling a drink at the same time. The Ice Guys straw is designed to last long enough for someone to finish their drink and doesn’t leave any waste behind. The straw comes in three sizes and is easy to make at home, using a tube-shaped silicone mold. Users fill it with water or other liquids, such as juice or coffee, freeze it for 30 to 45 minutes, and sip away. The straws should be available to consumers this spring.…

On January 19, two teams from the National Basketball Association (NBA) played a regular-season game at the Accor Arena in Paris, France, as part of the NBA’s Global Games series. The NBA Paris Game 2023 featured the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls won, 126–108. It was the 119th time an NBA game has been played internationally since 1984 and the sixth time a game has been played in Paris. The game was extra special for Pistons guard Killian Hayes, who is from France. During one practice, he said he was glad to “get to introduce my culture—the French culture—to my teammates” and also play in front of his family. The Bulls, who are in 10th place in the NBA Eastern Conference while the Pistons are in last…

Planet Word, a museum in Washington, DC, is helping visitors understand the power of language. It uses immersive and interactive exhibits to highlight ways words are used. Ann B. Friedman, a former reading teacher, founded Planet Word. It has been open full-time since 2021 and is housed in a historic building known as the Franklin School. “Capturing the attention of kids who may think reading isn’t fun, or aren’t sure if reading is for them, is the goal of the museum,” Caitlin Miller, Planet Word’s manager of education programs, told The Week Junior. One big attraction is a magical library where books come to life with sound and video when they are put in certain spots. It has 49 titles, with 25 more coming this spring. Another popular exhibit ar…

“On this reality show, teams compete to win a trophy, $100,000, and the awesome title of Lego Master. In each episode, judges and Brickmasters Amy Corbett and Jamie Berard give the contestants building challenges. Skills, imagination, and time management are all needed to succeed. Host Will Arnett, the voice of Batman in the Lego movies, will keep you laughing with his jokes and funny conversations. As a bonus, Amy and Jamie give Lego tips as you watch, and you can use them to make your own creations.” Madison, 10, Minnesota Do you have a film or TV show to recommend to other kids? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

(Dial Books for Young Readers) Dottie greatly misses her grandma Ima, who died two months ago. When Dottie remembers that her grandma once told her that she had wanted to play in a treehouse when she was growing up, Dottie decides to build a treehouse in her yard. She and her best friend Sam find a pile of free wood and begin building the treehouse on her front lawn. They would’ve built it by her bedroom window, but they don’t want to disturb Dottie’s grandpa, who is staying in her room. A few surprise helpers pitch in to get the job done. The “truth or fake” game that Dottie and her friends play is funny. The chapters are short, and the chapter titles are in the form of a question.…

The Case of the Sneaky Snowman By Carolyn Keene, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan (Aladdin) In this fifth book of a popular series, Nancy and her friends build a snowman and name him Sherlock. When they go for hot chocolate, Sherlock disappears. What happened to him? The friends try to crack the case. Ages 6–10 Peter Powers and the Sinister Snowman Showdown! By Kent Clark and Brandon T. Snider, illustrated by Dave Bardin (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) Peter’s mom calls him “her little snowman” because he can freeze items. When Peter’s dad disappears and items around town go missing, Peter and his friends team up against an army of evil snowmen. Will they succeed? Ages 6–10 Goosebumps: The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena By R.L. Stine (Scholastic Paperbacks) Jordan is…

1. Invite friends. To start, ask a grown-up if you can invite a few friends or families over to swap soup. Choose a day and time, and ask each person to bring a large container of homemade soup, as well as copies of the recipe. 2. Do a taste test. At the swap, have an adult help you heat up the soups. Pass out small bowls and spoons to guests, and ladle a little soup into their bowls for taste tests. To reduce waste, ask everyone to rinse their bowl and spoon in between servings. 3. Choose a soup. Once everyone has tasted the soups, it’s time to trade. You can do this a couple of ways: Each participant can choose a single container of soup to bring home, or…

Keyword crossword Once you have completed the crossword, transfer the letters in the yellow boxes, in order, into the boxes below to get the answer to the Keyword question. (NEED A HINT? Check the bottom of the page.) ACROSS 1 Tool for an artist like Rembrandt, Monet, or Picasso 8 Scary fish found in the Amazon 9 Household pet treasured by the ancient Egyptians 10 Large birds that might roost in barns 11 For some, the favorite part of the school day 14 Illustration on an arm, for example 16 Sound effect heard inside a cave 19 Convertible, taxi, or limo 20 It helps your body fight a disease before you get sick 21 A walking person on a caution sign DOWN 2 Month whose first day is devoted to…

In a surprise announcement on January 19, Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand, said she would step down on February 7. When Ardern became prime minister (like a President) in 2017, at age 37, she was the youngest female head of government in the world. Ardern, whose second term was set to end in October, said she no longer felt she had what it took to do the job. Ardern led the Labour Party and was known for her strict Covid-19 policies, including border closures and nationwide lockdowns, which kept cases down. Ardern also fought for women’s rights, an end to poverty, and stricter gun laws. In New Zealand, voters elect members of Parliament (similar to Congress) in a general election, and the leader of the party that wins…

Black History Month is set to begin in the US on February 1. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of Black people to US history and to recognize notable Black Americans from the past as well as current leaders in politics, science, the arts, and all aspects of the nation’s life and culture. What is this year’s theme? The theme for 2023 is Black Resistance, selected by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The theme’s aim is to bring awareness to the many ways in which Black people have worked to resist racism and promote equality. Some examples include participating in civic life, establishing schools and hospitals, and creating cultural and religious centers. How did the month come to be? In 1926,…

When Rev. Raphael Warnock won his election in 2021, he became the first Black person from Georgia to be elected to the US Senate (one half of Congress). His new picture book, illustrated by TeMika Grooms, Put Your Shoes on and Get Ready, tells his life story, from growing up to making history in Washington, DC. The senator told The Week Junior he was inspired by the words of his father, a pastor and World War II veteran. Every morning, his dad would wake up Warnock and his siblings with, “Put your shoes on and get ready.” To Warnock, that meant stepping into your purpose, as “we all have a unique and particular role to play in the world.” Warnock, age 53, grew up in Georgia, the 11th of 12…

A new study has revealed that wolves infected by a particular parasite change their behavior, increasing their chances of becoming a pack leader. A parasite is a living thing that lives in or on another living thing (a “host”) and takes its nourishment from its host. The parasite that infected the wolves is known as Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect any warm-blooded animal but can reproduce only in cats. Scientists already knew that it could influence some mammals’ behavior. One previous study showed that chimpanzees infected with the parasite became attracted to leopard urine, making them more likely to get too close to the cats and be eaten by one. This would then put the parasite back inside the leopard, where the parasite is able to reproduce. The recent study…

Honeybees The US has approved a vaccine (medicine that prevents an illness) to protect honeybees from deadly bacteria that have threatened their numbers. It’s the world’s first vaccine for the bees, which play an important role in helping food grow. Hippopotamuses The population of common hippopotamuses in Ghana’s Bui National Park declined from an estimated 209 hippos to 64 after a dam was built there. The construction destroyed some of their habitat and made them more vulnerable to hunting.…

Cheese is popular on sandwiches, on pizza, and all on its own. Where did this delectable dairy food come from? A cheesy history Cheese making dates back about 8,000 to 10,000 years. No one knows who made the first cheese, but it is believed that cheese making began when humans started taking milk from sheep. (Cheese is made from milk—primarily the curd, the substance that forms when milk curdles.) Ancient Greeks and Romans made cheese, as did northern Europeans. By the Roman Empire (625 BCE to its fall in 476 CE), hundreds of cheeses were being made across Europe. A delicacy comes to America When Pilgrims came to America in 1620, they packed cheese with them. In the early years of the US, the states of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and…

A rare cloud formation that resembled white ocean waves appeared over the crest of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming in December. Known as Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds, they’re formed when the air in one layer of the atmosphere moves faster than the air in a lower level of the atmosphere, which moves the tops of the clouds. The term Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds refers to a phenomenon called the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, named after Scottish scientist Lord Kelvin and German scientist Hermann von Helmholtz. This instability occurs when there is a difference in speed between two surfaces as they are interacting. It happens, for example, when wind blows over water and creates waves that move slower than the wind. “Part of the beauty of Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds is that they really show…the fluidity of the atmosphere,”…

The United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) have started their 2023 season. On January 18 and January 20, they played exhibition matches in New Zealand against the country’s national team. The US won the first match, 4–0, and the second one, 5–0. Both teams are preparing for the FIFA World Cup, a major tournament held every four years. It will be hosted by New Zealand and Australia this summer. The US team is seeking its third consecutive World Cup title, and members are currently trying to earn spots on the World Cup roster. The matches gave the players a chance to compete in the stadiums where the US will play during the World Cup group stage. The first match was held at Sky Stadium in Wellington. It set an…

Coach’s Name: Ryan Murphy Team: Dunn Elementary School Cross Country “Coach Murphy is always so supportive of us. He runs with us and also has a group of kindergarten runners that my dad helps coach. He has taught us to cheer for our teammates and even encourage other teams. He doesn’t care if I win every race. He just wants me to do my best and have good sportsmanship. He instills important leadership skills in all of us. He is a great coach and we love him very much.” Rutledge, 10, Kentucky 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.…

Bake Squad (Netflix) This competition series, hosted by Master Chef Junior judge and Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi, is back. In every episode, four bakers will each create a dessert that they hope will be chosen for an event. Prepare for a blue chocolate fountain and an exploding confetti cake. Chasing Waves (Disney+) Get an inside look at Japan’s surf culture in this new eight-part documentary. It spotlights several of the athletes who are shaping the country’s growing impact on the sport. You’ll also find out about Japan’s diverse regions and more than 18,000 miles of coastline. Shape Island (Apple TV+) This new stop-motion animated series is based on best-selling picture books. It features best friends Square, Circle, and Triangle. They each have distinctly different personalities, but they still have…

“Curley lives with his Papaw on a mountain. His parents and little brother died in a coal mining accident. Papaw gives Curley a new word every week and they have to use that word as much as they can. Then a new owner buys the coal mining company and threatens to cut down the mountain. Curley’s friend Jules is also spending less time with him. Join Curley as he works out his problems!” Josie, 9, Colorado Do you have a book to recommend? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

In your school, tests or quizzes may be a part of your regular classroom work. Many teachers use tests to ensure that students have accurately learned the material that’s been studied. If taking a test makes you feel worried, the good news is that there are many easy ways for you to prepare and feel better before the exam or quiz. Here’s how to get started. Be organized Studying for a test will be easier if you organize your notes, handouts, and assignments ahead of time for each of your classes. This way, the information will be there for you when you need to review it. Consider using a separate folder or binder for each subject. You can keep them at home, at school, or in your backpack. Make a…

If there’s a new book you’d like to read, go to your town or school library to see if you can borrow a copy before you buy one. Checking out library books is good for the Earth because you are helping to reduce the natural resources required to make new items. Using the library also helps reduce waste. Once you are finished reading a book, many other people can borrow it instead of purchasing their own copies. You may also discover that the library offers a wider variety of items and activities than you realized, such as puzzles to check out or book clubs to attend. Or you may just find the library to be a relaxing place to read and discover new books!…

A chihuahua named Lindy was feeling stressed after being isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic. But with help from her owner, Mandy Corbett, Lindy found a unique way to deal with the stress: dressing up in fancy gowns and entering dog beauty pageants. Corbett used her sewing machine to craft elaborate outfits for the stylish pup. After just one year of competing, Lindy has racked up a paw-ful of prizes and has made a “complete turnaround,” according to Corbett. Now, Corbett said, “she walks confidently.”…

Teamwork is a vital part of creating The Week Junior every week, but this week I’d like to thank every member of our staff for their collaboration on the front cover in particular. Creative director Dean Abatemarco came up with the striking design celebrating Black History Month, the entire team suggested prominent Americans we could showcase, photo editor Nataki Hewling searched for images, executive editor Mindy Walker had the brilliant idea of identifying every person shown in a Who’s Who box (p4), and senior research editor Doug Grant and copy editor Stacy Cousino checked and rechecked the names. Of course, we could feature only a fraction of the people suggested given our space constraints, but we hope you enjoy trying to identify them—and quizzing your family members! You can find…

What book, TV series, or podcast makes you laugh the most? Do you have a favorite joke to share? Is there a cartoon (or something else) you find especially funny? For a chance to be included in our upcoming Humor Issue (Issue 153), send us what you think is funny and why, along with your first name, age, and the state you live in. Have an adult email what you write, along with your photo, to hello@theweekjunior.com. IT’S YOUR TURN Email your news, views, and photos to hello@theweekjunior.com. We want to hear from you! To have your letters, photos, nominations, recommendations, or ideas considered for inclusion in the magazine, please include your full name, age, and state with your submission. By emailing your submission to us, you give The Week…

Teacher’s Name: Mr. Carotti School: Syracuse Latin School “Mr. Carotti teaches us 7th grade science and makes his class amazing. He doesn’t talk down to us and is super kind! He makes every student feel comfortable and happy around him. He tells jokes and makes us laugh during class. He respects everyone and is probably one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.” Virginia, 12, New York 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.…

We asked: What is your favorite city in the world? “Paris. It is so beautiful and all of the landmarks.” “Hollywood!” “Taipei, there are so many cool skyscrapers.” “New York City because of all its beautiful lights.” In the big debate, we asked: Should kids get to stay up late for special events? “Yes, they will remember those memories for the rest of their lives.” “I think it depends if they have school the next day.” “They totally should be able to celebrate and have fun with their parents.” “Kids should be able to stay up for special events. However, I do not consider weekends as special events.” Now tell us: What about 2023 has already been great for you and why?…

1 What is the name of the 23-year-old Chihuahua mix who set the record for world’s oldest living dog? a) Sam b) Spike c) Spot a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 2 In what year did a Harvard Medical School study on happiness begin? 3 True or false? Jumping beans move in random directions to find shade. True ☐ False ☐ 4 The 2023 Lunar New Year marked the start of what year in the Chinese tradition? a) Year of the Cat b) Year of the Ox c) Year of the Rabbit a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 5 How many official varieties of cheese are recognized by the US dairy industry? 6 A cloud formation that resembles waves was photographed in what state? a) Idaho b) Montana c) Wyoming…

A FEATHERED FAREWELL Three peacocks that lived at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City have “retired” to an animal sanctuary. The aging birds—Harry, Jim, and Phil—roamed church grounds for about 20 years. “We love them,” said a church leader. SENDING LOVE Pet lovers can honor their furry friends with the latest Love Forever stamps from the US Postal Service (USPS). The illustrated stamps feature a kitten or a puppy with a heart. The USPS dedicated them at an event at an animal shelter in Texas, where adoptable animals were on hand. HONORING LIBRARIANS Ten outstanding public or school librarians have received the 2023 I Love My Librarian award. Honorees were nominated by people in their communities and received $5,000 each. They “positively impact the lives…

1. Bessie Smith 2. Simone Biles 3. Frederick Douglass 4. Colin Powell 5. Mae Jemison 6. Maya Angelou 7. Sidney Poitier 8. Chuck Berry 9. Toni Morrison 10. Barack Obama 11. Rosa Parks 12. Ruby Bridges 13. Ketanji Brown Jackson 14. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 15. Louis Armstrong 16. Quinta Brunson 17. Neil deGrasse Tyson 18. LeBron James 19. Lena Horne 20. Muhammad Ali 21. Malcolm X 22. Faith Ringgold 23. Ida B. Wells 24. John Lewis 25. Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. 26. Misty Copeland 27. Harriet Tubman 28. Chadwick Boseman 29. Jackie Robinson 30. Billie Holiday 31. Serena Williams 32. Amanda Gorman…

United Kingdom Schools may temporarily close Some schools in the UK are expected to temporarily close on seven days in February and March, when teachers plan to go on strike (when employees stop doing their jobs to protest pay or working conditions). Teachers are speaking out about their salaries, saying they are not high enough to cover the cost of necessities like housing and food, which are on the rise due to inflation (the rate of increase in the cost of goods and services). Milan, Italy Frog wellies return In the UK in the 1980s, green wellies (rain boots) with a frog’s face were a common sight. Now the design is having a comeback thanks to the fashion label JW Anderson. The label approached the maker of the wellies, Wellipets,…

This park in central California spreads across 26,000 acres and was designated a national park in 2013. Once an ancient volcanic field, its craggy mountaintops, dramatic spires, and caves were formed due to millions of years of volcanic activity. The San Andreas fault zone—one of the world’s major fault zones (where two tectonic plates meet, potentially causing earthquakes)—runs close to the park’s eastern side. The landscape can be explored through more than 30 miles of trails. Pinnacles is home to California condors and other rare animal species such as the California red-legged frog.…

The gloomy octopus appears to “throw” objects at its neighbors. New research has observed the animal gathering up material, like silt, and then pumping water from its body to push it toward other gloomy octopuses. This is a rare trait. • LIFE SPAN: 11 months on average • HABITAT: Reefs off the coast of Australia • SIZE: Including arm span, up to 6 feet • DIET: May include crabs, snails, and each other • FUN FACT: A gloomy octopus can change its skin color and shape to look like seaweed.…

Scientists in California recently made a major breakthrough in a process called nuclear fusion. For the first time in 60 years, they conducted an experiment that produced more energy than it used up, an achievement known as fusion ignition. The research could give humans an almost unlimited source of “clean” energy, which does not release dangerous pollution that contributes to climate change. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun and other stars in our universe. It’s called “fusion” because it involves atoms (the building blocks of all matter) fusing (joining) together. In the 1960s, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) thought it might be possible to re-create that process on Earth with lasers (intense light beams). For decades, LLNL scientists used lasers to heat atoms of…

A new live-action series based on the best-selling book series The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black is coming to Disney+ later this year. Over the past few months, several actors have been cast in the major parts. The latest actor to join the series is Jack Dylan Grazer, who was the voice of Alberto in the film Luca and starred in the movie Shazam! and its upcoming sequel. He will voice Thimbletack, a creature that lives in the walls of the Spiderwick Estate. The Spiderwick Chronicles is a fantasy adventure series that centers on the young Grace siblings: twin brothers Jared and Simon and their older sister, Mallory. When they move to their family’s old mansion, they discover a magical and potentially dangerous world of fairies and…

Colossal Cave is a new adventure game. It was recently released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation systems, Xbox platforms, and the PC. While it can be played as a handheld game, it can also work with a virtual reality headset. It was designed by Roberta Williams, a Hall of Fame video game designer who has made many famous games, such as King’s Quest. Colossal Cave is a reimagining of Colossal Cave Adventure, a text-only computer game from the 1970s that is in the Video Game Hall of Fame. It was created by a programmer who wanted to connect with his daughter. He was inspired by the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons and the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky, the longest cave system in the world. The system includes a real place…

Did you have a treehouse as a child? I didn’t have a treehouse, but I had a friend who had a terrific one in her backyard, and I loved it so much. Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Yes, when I was 10 years old, my beloved grandmother died. And she lived fairly close to us. She was an incredibly spunky woman who taught me how to swim. What’s a personality trait you’re proud of? I like that I asked a lot of questions growing up, and I continue to ask a lot of questions. What books did you enjoy growing up? Judy Blume’s books. I actually wrote a letter to Judy Blume because I loved her writing. Favorite winter activity? I think that sledding down a…

Focus on main ideas Don’t worry about writing down every single thing your teacher says. Instead, focus on the main points of the lesson, including key words, phrases, and summaries. Add color and symbols You can use a highlighter to go over any notes that cover the most important points your teacher made. If there are words or concepts you want to know more about, circle them and follow up later. Get clarification If you’re worried that you missed a point, ask your teacher to repeat it. Or put a star or sticky note next to that information and ask about it later. Redo as needed If you feel your notes are messy or could be organized better, rewrite them in a notebook or type them up on a computer.…

“My dad and I made the Lunar New Year cherry blossoms and it was so much fun!”Lily, 9, New Jersey “I always take The Week Junior with me to read when I travel—even to Cloud Gate in Chicago!”Asher, 9, Texas “I helped my mom with this falafel recipe. It was delicious!”Zuri, 9, Minnesota…