Innehållsförteckning för Issue 157 från The Week Junior US

President Joe Biden is making his first visit as President to Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and to Ireland. In Northern Ireland, he is marking the 25th anniversary of an important peace accord. In Ireland, he will visit the capital city of Dublin and his family’s ancestral homes. What happened? On April 11, Biden arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is the first US President to visit Belfast in nearly 10 years. He praised the Good Friday Agreement, the peace pact that was signed in Belfast in 1998. It ended 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland that led to the deaths of about 3,500 people. The US advocated for the peace pact, and President Bill Clinton encouraged leaders to sign it. What was the conflict? Dating…

SWEET SIPS Boba or bubble tea, a Taiwanese beverage with chewy tapioca pearls, is surging in popularity across the world and the US. The pearls are the top US food import from Taiwan, data shows. The tea is “really everywhere now,” one expert said. GIRL POWER The birth of Audrey Clark was a gift to her relatives in more ways than one. The newborn is the first girl to be born into the Clark family since 1885. Her dad, Andrew, comes from a long line of men with no daughters. Audrey’s mom, Carolyn, said, “We’re so happy that she’s finally here.” A MAGICAL BIRTHDAY Dee Kolafa attended Disneyland’s opening day in 1955. Nearly 70 years later, she celebrated her 100th birthday in the same place. Her family brought her to…

Sabrina Ionescu, a star player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), has teamed up with Nike to create a signature sportswear collection that isn’t gender-specific. This makes her the first women’s basketball player to release a unisex collection with the athletic retail company. Ionescu, age 25, entered the WNBA in 2020 as a guard for the New York Liberty. She got drafted as the first overall pick by the Liberty after excelling on the court at the University of Oregon. She has already had a notable career as a professional, earning a spot on the 2022 All-WNBA Second Team and setting a Liberty franchise record for the most assists in a single season. A featured item in her new line is a sneaker titled the Sabrina 1, which she…

A new study shows that ancient myths (stories shared between people over many years) about sea monsters could have been inspired by real-life whales that used an unusual feeding technique. In 2011, scientists first recorded the feeding technique being used by Bryde’s whales in the Gulf of Thailand, and by humpback whales off the coast of Canada. The whales had been spotted pointing their bodies upright in the water, with their mouths wide open, waiting for fish to swim directly in. This technique was given the name “trap feeding” or “tread-water feeding.” The similarities between this newly observed technique and those used by ancient sea monsters were spotted by Dr. John McCarthy from Flinders University in Australia. McCarthy studies the history of human interactions with the sea, lakes, and rivers.…

West African lions In Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal, a lioness from one of the world’s rarest lion species has given birth to three cubs. The healthy cubs have brought renewed hope that West African lions could be saved from extinction. Joshua trees After a review of the species, the US government decided not to list the western Joshua tree and the eastern Joshua tree under the Endangered Species Act. Scientists say the trees are threatened by climate change and should be protected.…

Jaguar This nimble creature is the biggest cat in the Americas. Habitat loss is posing a threat to the species’ survival. Pink river dolphin A long snout helps the pink river dolphin, also known as a boto, find food in the mud. The pink color makes males more attractive to females. Both water pollution and new dams are harming its home. Poison dart frog The bright colors of this highly poisonous frog act as a warning to any predators. Golden lion tamarin This monkey was once near extinction. A conservation program helped reintroduce the species to the wild, and it can now be found in the lowland coastal part of the rainforest in Brazil.…

From April 6–9, the Masters tournament was held at Augusta National golf course in Augusta, Georgia. The Masters is one of the four major tournaments each year on the men’s Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) tour. Jon Rahm, who is from Spain, was the champion. He earned a $3.24 million prize, a trophy, and the tournament’s signature green jacket. It was the second major title of his career. Rahm came into the event ranked number three in the world, but the win bumped him to number one. He had a total score of 276 over four rounds. Two Americans, Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, tied for second place, four strokes behind Rahm. This year’s Masters was unusual because of the weather. On the second and third day, play was suspended due…

Coach’s Name: Amber Campbell Rink: Mid-South Ice House “Coach Amber is the best coach I’ve ever had. She always has encouraging words, helps me when I need it, and allows me to make mistakes without feeling embarrassed. She encourages her students to believe in themselves and try new things, even when they seem scary. At competitions, she doesn’t care if we win or lose—it’s about having fun and trying your best. She’s helped me grow as a skater and a person, and I look up to her.” Abby, 9, Tennessee To nominate a Coach of the Week, send your coach’s name, photo, sport, and team to thello@heweekjunior.com. Include your name, age, state, and a few reasons why your coach is great.…

Early work Jane Goodall didn’t have a college degree when she began her chimp studies. Her boss, Dr. Louis Leakey, hired her because she was patient and loved animals. Travel companion A stuffed monkey named Mr. H often accompanies Goodall on her world travels. She received him as a gift more than 30 years ago. Since then, Goodall and Mr. H have visited more than 60 nations together. Special sanctuary The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation center in the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the largest sanctuaries of its kind in Africa. It is supported by the Jane Goodall Institute. Since Tchimpounga opened in 1992, it has cared for more than 200 chimpanzees.…

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always April 19 (Netflix) In honor of the 30th anniversary of the hit show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, many of its original stars reunited for this film. When an enemy from the past threatens the world, the rangers must be superheroes once again. The Ghost and Molly McGee (Disney Now) (Disney+) This animated comedy series centers around a grumpy ghost, Scratch, who is eternally bound to an upbeat girl named Molly McGee. In season two, they deal with new, ghost-hunting neighbors. Plus, Molly navigates the challenges of growing up and Scratch gets a new job. Changing Planet (PBS) April 19 or (PBS.org) In this series, Dr. M. Sanjayan, a conservation scientist, visits six areas on the planet that are vulnerable to climate change. He…

What inspired this book? I am passionate about environmental issues and conservation, so I wanted to center a story on ecology. What’s a top concern you have? We need to reduce our dependence on single-use plastics because they harm oceans. Why write mysteries? Writing mysteries forces me to think outside the box. My favorite part is writing the moment before the protagonists “figure it out.” What do you think makes a friendship special? Being seen and known by another person and doing the same for them is special. All friendships, even the ones that come and go, are unique. You can learn something from all of them. Favorite outdoor activity? This is easy: mountain biking!…

Turn off lights When you leave a room, shut off the lights. In the evening, try to wait as long as you can to turn them on. Conserve water Taking short showers and turning the faucet off while you’re brushing your teeth can save gallons of water a day. Avoid plastics Disposable plastic items, like bags, water bottles, and straws, end up in landfills after one use and take years to break down. Instead, carry reusable versions with you. Save paper Instead of drawing or writing on a new pad of paper, use the back of something you’ve already written on or an envelope or flyer that came in the mail. Skip the car To reduce air pollution, walk or bike when you can instead of getting a ride.…

The great skateboarding pig A pig named Norbert from Illinois has attracted attention for his ability to shake hands, do spins, and act in music videos filmed by his owners, Alicen and Vincent Baran. Now Norbert can add another surprising skill to his résumé: skateboarding. Vincent, who is a skater himself, said that within a week of putting a skateboard in front of Norbert, the remarkable pig had learned to ride it by placing his front hooves on the board and pushing with his back hooves. “It’s just the craziest thing to see him roll on by,” Alicen said. Daredevil walks the wire again In 1974, Philippe Petit made headlines around the globe when he walked a tightrope between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York…

“ The Week Junior includes many amazing art project ideas, and they inspired me to make something to support a cause. I decided to help people affected by the war in Ukraine. After I saw my sister, Diya, drawing something that shrinks when placed into the oven, I realized I could draw a picture on those papers, cut them, and shrink them to make keychains. I draw artwork that kids of all ages would like. My goal is to collect $250. I am planning to sell my keychains at a children’s business fair, and I will give half of my profits to Ukraine. I believe even a little help can go a very long way.” Have you done something interesting or raised money for a cause you care about? Whatever you’re…

“We read about the portrait of Abraham Lincoln at the National Portrait Gallery in The Week Junior. We went to Washington, DC, for a family vacation and decided to see it in person. It’s huge!” Loie, 10, and, Suki, 8, Wisconsin “I love getting The Week Junior, and I have collected every issue for the past two years! My favorite parts are the Big Debate and Book Club. My cousins and I look forward to every issue!” Ryan, 12, Florida “We loved making the lollipops out of Jolly Rancher candies!” Billy, 11, and, Lucy, 9, Kansas…

Teacher’s Name: Ms. Sanchez School: Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County “Ms. Sanchez is my science teacher. In her class, we learn so much and she keeps us engaged. At the beginning of the year, we did a unit on the different branches of science, such as zoology and chemistry. Recently, we made DNA models using straws and pipe cleaners. I never knew science could be so fun and interesting. Ms. Sanchez has made me consider a career in science.” Lev, 11, New Jersey 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 In the TV series Jane, what is the name of the main character’s stuffed chimp? 2 True or false? A survey found that more people are afraid of clowns than of heights. True □ False □ 3 Which city was recently named the best in the world for public transit? a) Tokyo, Japan b) Prague, Czech Republic c) Berlin, Germany a □ b □ c □ 4 Valuable artifacts were returned to Greece and Turkey by what US museum? 5 The feeding habits of which animal may have inspired ancient myths about sea monsters? a) Dolphins b) Whales c) Manatees a □ b □ c □ 6 In what US state can people expect to live the greatest number of years? 7 New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu is…

Surprise someone special with 25 weekly issues and send a FREE puzzle magazine! They’ll thank you every week. Trusted and loved by more than 100,000 readers across America, The Week Junior is the perfect gift to inspire a child in your life. Week after week, accessible takes on current events, scientific discoveries, new book and movie releases, as well as sports, recipes, and crafts, inspire children to read and keep reading. It’s a gift they’ll enjoy long after the celebration. Subscribe here! Discounts available Go online to order. Visit theweekjunior.com/cake SCAN TO ORDER…

Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, this national park protects 10.5 miles of the 77-mile Bluestone River, which is named for the deep blue limestones in its riverbed. It winds through deep gorges and mountains covered with oak, hickory, birch, and sycamore trees. About 200 bird species have been seen in the park, including belted kingfishers, scarlet tanagers, and wild turkeys. The area also provides habitats for black bears, bobcats, opossums, and red-spotted newts. During summer and fall, rangers lead guided hikes along the river.…

“How many years do hummingbirds live?”Kate, 9, Maryland Hummingbirds typically live between three and five years. There are more than 300 subspecies of hummingbirds, and some live longer or shorter lives. The most common type in the US is the ruby-throated hummingbird, which lives three to five years on average. Do you have a question for a zookeeper? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about the Oregon Zoo at oregonzoo.org.…

A good night’s sleep helps people feel better, and now scientists have discovered it can help us live longer too. According to a recent study, healthy sleeping habits help men live almost five years longer and women two years longer. Researchers also found that sleep improves our overall health and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. The study was led by Dr. Frank Qian, a physician with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts. Dr. Qian and his team found that what matters is not only how long you sleep but also how well you sleep. The quality of your sleep must be restful. The researchers stated that good-quality sleep for adults depended on five important factors. First, it’s essential to get seven to…

Terra Nil is a new simulation game with an environmental twist. It is available on Netflix games and for the PC on Steam and other platforms. While many games challenge players to build cities or colonies, the goal in Terra Nil is to build thriving ecosystems (groups of plants or animals in a certain place that affect each other) in areas that start out as wastelands. A book in the game guides your restoration efforts. There are three styles of work you can choose from. A gardener has the most relaxed and low-key approach. You could also work as an ecologist (scientist who studies the relationship of living things to their environment) or an environmental engineer, which is the hardest mode. The first region is in a temperate climate, where…

Meltdown By Anita Sanchez, illustrated by Lily Padula (Workman Publishing) This book shines a light on how the world’s glaciers are in danger. It explains the various types of glaciers and the roles they play on Earth. Colorful photos, charts, and fact-filled boxes make this a fascinating book to read. Ages 8–14 Zero Waste Kids By Rob Greenfield (Quarry Books) There are many items that kids can make, build, or grow instead of buying them, and this book includes several ideas. For example, you can find out how to turn old T-shirts into napkins. The last chapter highlights how to make a difference in your community, such as by starting a program to reuse school supplies. Ages 8–12 Old Enough to Make a Difference By Rebecca Hui, illustrated by Anneli…

While you’re participating in Earth Day, you may feel inspired about ways you and others can help protect the planet. Use this form to help you organize your thoughts and express how you will be more eco-friendly. You can fill it out for yourself or share your ideas with family and friends. To share your thoughts and drawings with us at The Week Junior, ask an adult to email your form to hello@theweekjunior.com. Extra forms can be found at kids.theweekjunior.com/activities. We may publish some submissions in future issues. By submitting this form, you give The Week Junior consent to print it in the magazine and online. Please get your parent/guardian’s permission before sending anything to us.…

When ChatGPT, a chatbot, launched last year, it had more than a million users within a week—and was quickly banned in school districts across the US. The powerful technology uses artificial intelligence (AI, when a computer learns like a human) to help students research, write outlines, draft essays, and do homework. Parents, teachers, and administrators were concerned that students might turn in work done by a chatbot rather than do it themselves. But others think chatbots are a great learning tool and that students and teachers need to figure out how to use them responsibly. What do you think? Should chatbots be banned in school? Yes—chatbots are unreliable Getting help with schoolwork is great, but chatbots don’t always use the most reliable sources or check for accuracy. Students might hand…

The Amazon rainforest, which is about the same size as the continental US, is located in South America. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Andes Mountains in the west. What is a rainforest? Rainforests are forests that get more than 80 inches of rain each year. They have a tall, broad-leaf tree canopy (a thick layer of branches and leaves at the top of the forest). The Amazon rainforest stretches across nine countries in South America: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It spans 2.3 million square miles, with 60% in Brazil. The weather is usually about 80° F and steamy, with no distinct seasons. The Amazon River, which flows through the forest, is about 4,000 miles long and carries…

University in Illinois designed an electronic bandage that helps wounds heal up to 30% faster. The battery-free bandage wraps around a wound and provides a low electric current. It wirelessly transmits information about how the injury is healing, which can then be monitored by medical professionals. The bandage is made with a naturally occurring metal called molybdenum, in a layer so thin that it is biodegradable (able to break down). Once the wound heals, the bandage is safely absorbed into the body.…

The mission of world-famous scientist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall has inspired a new series for kids that is now streaming on Apple TV+. Jane follows a fictional 9-year-old, also named Jane, who is concerned about the environment and animals. Goodall, who was born in the UK in 1934, is known for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees. Today, she is a global environmental and conservation activist. The series was made with her foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute. Jane’s creator, executive producer, and director is J.J. Johnson. He told The Week Junior that he read about Goodall when he was young. “It brought me a great deal of comfort realizing that there were incredible people dedicating their lives to protecting animals—and by extension, the rest of the world,” he said. In…

The Flash (The CW, Netflix) “This series is about forensic scientist Barry Allen. He is struck by lightning and goes into a coma for nine months. When he wakes up, he has the ability to run at super speed, turning him into the hero called The Flash. Soon, he realizes he is not the only one who has been gifted with powers. Villains were turned into meta-humans, and they are attacking Central City. The Flash has to defeat them and protect the city while he solves the mystery of his mother’s murder. I like this show because of the action and suspense. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, begging for more episodes.” Michael, 12, Ohio Do you have a film or TV show to recommend to other kids?…

By María José Fitzgerald (Alfred A. Knopf) When a scar on Barana’s back starts to tickle, she knows it’s a sign that her favorite sea turtle is going to lay eggs on a beach near her village in Honduras (a country in Central America). Thousands of miles away in New Jersey, Abby jumps at the chance to travel to Honduras with her father, who grew up there. Abby and her dad are guests of Barana’s family. The girls don’t hit it off at first, but they soon join forces to figure out who is stealing eggs from the nests of the sea turtles. The group that protects the nests has lost funding. Barana and Abby’s quest to solve this eco-mystery involves a late-night stakeout at a cemetery, missing evidence, and…

Earth Day, on April 22, is a time to celebrate the natural world and raise awareness of the major challenges our planet faces. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in Our Planet,” which asks people to spend their time and resources to help fight climate change. Here are some simple ways you can take action and encourage family and friends to do the same. Attend an event On Earth Day and in the days leading up to it, people across the world will gather at special events. Options include participating in a march or rally to raise awareness of climate change, attending an arts workshop where you might paint a flowerpot, or taking a nature walk. You can visit earthday.org/earth-day-2023 to view a map of events that may be…

Crisscross Each of these round things fits into this grid. Can you find where each one goes to complete the grid? 5 letters BAGEL CLOCK EARTH PEARL PENNY WHEEL 6 letters COOKIE SAUCER 7 letters EYEBALL 9 letters BOTTLECAP DARTBOARD 10 letters HOCKEY PUCK SAND DOLLAR VOLLEYBALL 11 letters CONTACT LENS ALL THE SAME Each answer contains the letters O-L-D. Those letters have been placed for you. Can you figure out the words? (NEED A HINT? Check the bottom of the page.) Spot the difference These two pictures of tree planting for Earth Day appear to be the same, but take a closer look. There are actually five differences. Can you see them? Take five Five 5-letter things associated with phones are hidden in this grid. For each one, the…

One of my favorite things to do as part of my job is work on the front cover with our creative director, Dean. It isn’t easy to come up with new ideas and make the cover look brilliant every week, but somehow Dean does it. When I told him how much I love this week’s cover, he responded that he thinks it’s his favorite cover so far this year. We hope you like it too! And how great that we are highlighting a natural resource as important as the Amazon rainforest in our Earth Day issue (p12). In addition to this story, the issue includes other articles related to Earth Day, from our Arts story about a new TV series inspired by famous scientist Jane Goodall (p20) to our list…

Ariana, who is 11 years old and in fifth grade, told us that an exciting activity at her school is the Color Run, in which students and families participate. She is also proud that her school takes action to donate money to food banks and to help build playgrounds. If you want to share what’s great about your school, go to kids.theweekjunior.com/activities to print out a form. Fill it out, then have an adult email it to us at hello@theweekjunior.com. We’ll feature some of the submissions on this page in future issues. 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,…