Innehållsförteckning för Issue 186 från The Week Junior US

A new report released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on October 25 said that hunger among American families rose sharply in 2022. Elected leaders and advocates for those affected by food insecurity are working to help. What are the findings? The USDA reported that nearly 13% of US households were food insecure in 2022, meaning they lacked reliable access to enough nutrition to lead healthy, active lives. More than 44.2 million Americans, including 13.4 million children, lived in homes that didn’t always have enough to eat—an increase of about 30% (or 10.3 million people) over 2021. Food insecurity was highest among Black and Latino families and single-parent homes headed by women. Food instability rose most in the South and in rural areas. Why is hunger worsening? In 2022,…

The award-winning sitcom Abbott Elementary, about a fictional school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was inspired by Joyce Abbott, who taught sixth grade for 27 years at Andrew Hamilton Elementary in West Philadelphia. One of her students, Quinta Brunson, went on to create Abbott Elementary, naming the show after her. Abbott retired last year, and the high school she attended is honoring her. Before becoming a teacher, Abbott, who was born in Philadelphia, served in the military for 10 years. She earned her teaching degree through Troops to Teachers, a program that supports military veterans who want to become educators. On September 26, Abbott was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Overbrook High School in Philadelphia. During the ceremony, school district superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said that Abbott represents “the…

If you’ve seen the film Finding Nemo, you might remember the character Dory and her attempts to “speak whale.” Now a team of scientists say they could be one step closer to doing that. They used computer technology to analyze whale sounds and think they have translated their first whale word. Sperm whales don’t speak a “language” in the same way humans do, but they communicate by using a series of clicks. Scientists from Project CETI, an organization dedicated to translating sperm whale language, have spent years listening to the creatures. They have placed microphones on whales and planted underwater microphones off the coast of the Caribbean island of Dominica to overhear the animals’ conversations. Now the team is using artificial intelligence (AI, computer technology that allows a machine to…

Iberian lynx The largest wetland in western Europe is being saved from destruction caused by illegal wells, thanks to an agreement by Spanish authorities. The plan is to protect Doñana National Park, an important habitat of the Iberian lynx. Amphibians According to a new study, more than 40% of amphibian species are at risk of extinction due to climate change. Many amphibians have no scales, feathers, or fur to regulate their body temperature, making them especially vulnerable.…

At The Week Junior, we know young people have opinions about what’s happening in the world and want to use their voices to make a difference. We worked with YouGov, a company that creates polls, to conduct our fourth annual Junior Voices survey about what’s on kids’ minds and what they want adults to know. The 702 children, ages 8 to 14, who responded care deeply about others and are not afraid to speak up to inspire positive change. Here’s what they had to say. What are the actions you most wish would happen in the world? Here are your top five priorities for making our planet a better place. 82% of kids said they should have a say on issues that affect them 74% are not afraid to express…

People are more likely to remember math if they learn it immediately before bedtime, according to recent research. It might seem better to study when your mind is fresh in the morning, but scientists in the UK said that a good night’s sleep helps the facts stick in your brain. The study asked 184 adults in the UK, ages 18 to 40, to learn complex multiplication problems by heart. The problems required multiplying numbers from 22 to 33 by six, seven, eight, and nine—for example, 25 times eight. The researchers wanted to test how quickly each adult could remember the answer, rather than calculating it from scratch. The volunteers first had to learn the answers before bed, between 8 and 10:45 pm, and they were tested the next morning. A…

On October 24, the 2023–2024 NBA (National Basketball Association) season began. The defending champions are the Denver Nuggets, and experts predict they will have a strong season along with teams such as the Boston Celtics, the Phoenix Suns, and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Nuggets kicked off their season with a 119–107 opening night win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic had a triple-double (double digits in three statistical categories) with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. One of the most anticipated games the next day was in Texas, between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks. It marked the debut of Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, this year’s top draft pick. The 19-year-old from France is 7 feet, 4 inches tall. His first NBA basket…

Coach’s Name: David Deru Team: Ogden High mountain biking team “I love having Dave as a coach. He is always trying to improve our skills and help us during races. He always makes us keep going and get stronger every day, even if we want to give up. If he notices that we are in the wrong position or gear, he will tell us how to fix it and get us going again.” Mason, 12, Utah 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.…

Big world Marvel’s history spans more than 80 years. There are about 80,000 characters in the comic book universe and more than 700 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Heroic first Marvel’s first female superhero was Susan Storm of the Fantastic Four. She made her debut in 1961. There have been three Fantastic Four movies. Jessica Alba, right, played Storm in two of them. An MCU version is in the works. Special star Many Marvel comic book characters, including Spider-Man and Captain Marvel, were created by Stan Lee, right. He famously had cameos (small roles) in Marvel films and died in 2018.…

Baby Animal Cam (Netflix) New episodes of this show stream live on Thursdays at 2 pm ET from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio, but they are available to watch later. They feature animals such as otters and orangutans. Pop-up graphics during the episodes provide facts about each species. The Santa Clauses (Disney+) The story from the hit holiday film franchise The Santa Clause continues in this series. It follows Scott Calvin, an average dad who becomes Santa. In season two, which premieres November 8, Scott is planning to retire, so he trains his son, Cal, to take over his job. Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School (Max) This new documentary centers on 10th graders in a music program at a public high school in Philadelphia,…

Does this book have a message? Yes, be open to friendships, even when someone is different. There’s a big difference between a robot dog and a real dog, yet a wonderful friendship evolves. How did you and your co-author work together? Writing with Gennifer Choldenko was delightful. We thought we’d alternate chapters, but it was better for one of us to write for a while and then send it to the other, saying, “Now it’s your turn.” What surprises kids the most about writing? Kids can’t believe that writing a book takes so long. It took us about three years to plan, write, and revise Dogtown. Do you have dogs? Yes, I have two little bitty dogs who are both rescues. Gennifer has an enormous German Shepherd. Top Thanksgiving dish?…

Moths Through late fall, you’re likely to see moths gathering around porch lights. There are more than 11,000 moth species in the US. How many can you spot? Owls You may hear these birds before you see one. Listen for the “hoot hoot” sound that many species of owls make, as well as a more screeching bird call, which may come from a common barn owl. Raccoons These animals can often be seen at night prowling the neighborhood for food. You may spot them because their eyes glow in the dark. Raccoons can be fiercely protective of their territory, so if you see one, stay back. Bats To spot bats, carefully watch around lamplights or other dimly lit areas. They typically emerge from tree hollows about 30 minutes after sunset…

As temperatures drop this time of year, it can be tempting to crank up the heat at home. However, using extra heat can waste energy and cause pollution. Before your family raises the thermostat, check your home for drafts. Feel around doors and windows for cold air seeping in—which can also mean warm inside air is getting out. To block drafts, you can place rolled-up blankets in those spots on colder days. You can also talk to an adult about using a smart thermostat, which automatically lowers the temperature when nobody is home. Finally, consider what you’re wearing. Putting on a hoodie, socks, and slippers is an easy way to warm up without wasting energy.…

As an adventurous pianist, Alain Roche is known for taking his music to new heights. In fact, he recently performed a concert while hovering in the air above a building site in France. Roche and his piano were held by cables, and he played while looking up toward the sky. The musician said he wanted to work with “mechanical, metallic” sounds and that the dirt and grit on the building site contrasted well with the shiny, polished piano. Roche gave his first “vertical” concert 10 years ago and has toured far and wide with his unusual act.…

We’d love to see pictures you’ve taken or pictures with you in them! Have an adult email them to us at hello@theweekjunior.com, along with anything you would like us to know about what’s happening in the photo. “I had a great time making the crispy monster treats with my aunt, and they tasted good too!” Hannah, 11, Rhode Island “When I saw these haunted houses, I knew they were a perfect craft to decorate our house with for Halloween!” Meyer, 11, North Carolina “This was the best treat I’ve ever had!” James, 8, North Carolina…

1 In the book Dogtown, a dog named Chance befriends a robot dog named what? a) Wire Head b) Gear Head c) Metal Head a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 2 True or false? The Parthenon Sculptures from ancient Greece were once painted with bright colors. True ☐ False ☐ 3 President Biden welcomed the leader of which country for an official state dinner on October 25? a) Australia b) England c) New Zealand a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 4 Scientists think they have figured out the whale sounds that translate to what English word? ____________________ 5 True or false? The Marvels director Nia DaCosta is the first Black woman to direct a Marvel Studios movie. True ☐ False ☐ 6 Which team did the Denver Nuggets defeat to…

Sedona is known for its sweeping views of tall, steep sandstone formations that reach toward the sky and appear to change to different shades of red and orange in the rising or setting sun. The Arizona desert town attracts mountain bikers and hikers and is surrounded by miles of rivers and streams. Slide Rock State Park, named for its natural, 80-foot rock water slide, is just outside Sedona. Coues whitetail deer, javelina, coyote, and black bears live there. Native desert plants, like the prickly pear cactus, thrive in Sedona’s landscape.…

Experts have discovered how gentoo penguins, the fastest swimming birds, swim at up to 22 miles per hour. They use a technique called “feathering,” in which they tilt their paddle-like wings at an angle to thrust their body forward. ● LIFE SPAN: 15 to 20 years in the wild ● HABITAT: Ice-free areas of Antarctica and islands ● DIET: Krill, small fish, and squid ● SIZE: Up to 35 inches tall, 11 to 18 pounds ● FUN FACT: These birds can dive deeper than 650 feet and stay underwater for seven minutes.…

A new study has found that Neanderthals were the first humans to kill large, dangerous predators, like cave lions, and to use their furs for ceremonial purposes. The findings add to growing evidence that Neanderthals were not merely scavengers (ate food left behind by others) but were more sophisticated than previously believed. Neanderthals lived about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago in Europe and parts of Asia and are the closest known relatives to modern humans. Cave lions were top predators in Europe and Asia that went extinct about 13,000 years ago. They were about 20% bigger than modern lions and are believed to have feasted on large bears. The recent study was based on two sets of cave lion bones discovered in Germany. One is the nearly complete skeleton of…

MusicClubKids! is a YouTube show with short, music-filled episodes based on pop songs. What makes them unique is that the songs have rewritten lyrics that tell a story that is relatable to kids, such as “You Just Got Detention,” a spin on Charlie Puth’s “Attention.” An hour-long Christmas episode arrives later this month. It will include “Holidays,” based on One Republic’s “Runaway,” and “Eye of the Reindeer,” a take on the hit 1982 song “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. There will be covers of holiday classics, too. The creator of MusicClubKids! is Eric Foster White, a songwriter and music producer who has been nominated for a Grammy Award. He was inspired to change pop song lyrics when his niece got a puppy and Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” was…

Song of Nunu is a single-player adventure game. It was just released for the Nintendo Switch and PC and will be out for PlayStation systems and Xbox platforms in the future. It is a spin-off of the League of Legends franchise. The star of the game is Nunu, a spunky, adventure-hungry 8-year-old boy from the Notai tribe. He has been separated from his mother for several years and wants to find her. He also wants to prove that he is a great warrior. During his first attempt to show his bravery and skill, he tries to kill a Yeti (a creature also called the abominable snowman). However, instead of taking down the beast, whose name is Willump, they become friends. The pair set out to find Nunu’s mother and uncover…

How It’s Made By Thomas Gerencer (Harry N. Abrams) Find out how 50 everyday items, from sports gear to food to cars, came to be with this book that answers “How did they make that?” For instance, did you know that gumball machines were first installed in a New York City subway station in 1907? Ages 8–12 How It Happened: Pizza By Paige Towler and WonderLab Group (Union Square Kids) Tracing the history of grains, tomato sauce, and cheese, this book explains how pizza got its start more than 6,000 years ago. The photo-packed chapters toss out fun facts, such as this one: The amount of pizza eaten in one day in the US could fill up at least 75 football fields. Ages 8 and up Tasty: A History of…

1. Set boundaries. If you reach for your device every time you’re bored, that might be a sign to take a break. Challenge yourself: See how long you can go without touching it, whether it’s two hours or a full day. Then plan to take long breaks every day. You’re likely to rediscover other things you enjoy. 2. Give yourself mini breaks. Sometimes you need to be on a device to do homework. To avoid being distracted, take mini breaks: Do 20 minutes of homework, then allow yourself 5 minutes to check messages and another 5 to get up and stretch before resuming work. 3. Delete addictive apps. Certain games or social platforms are addictive. You can delete those apps, even temporarily. Another option is to stop notifications.…

Can you find all these words associated with driving in the grid? They are hidden horizontally, vertically, or diagonally and can be forward or backward. When you’re done, read the remaining letters to get a bonus message. BRAKES CROSSWALK CURVE DEAD END DETOUR EXIT GPS GREEN LIGHT KEEP RIGHT LICENSE MERGE MILES ONE WAY PARKING POTHOLE RED LIGHT RIDE ROAD ROUTE RUSH HOUR SIGNAL SIGNS SPEED LIMIT STOP STREET TRAFFIC U-TURN YIELD Word ladder Unused letters: In England, speed bumps are called sleeping policemen.…

A HUGE HIKE Alfredo Aliaga, age 92, is the oldest person to hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim. After completing the 24-mile trek, he told reporters it’s never too late to achieve a big goal in life. It’s “only one step after the other,” he said. WELCOMING A FAWN A Philippine spotted deer fawn was born at the Chester Zoo in the UK. Named Hercules, the baby boy was born to parents Nova and Cosmos. About 300 of the highly endangered species live in the wild. The zoo said the “little bundle of fur” is doing great and has taken his first steps. A FINAL SONG One last song featuring all four members of the Beatles has been released. “Now and Then” was created using AI technology to…

November 5, 1940 Franklin D. Roosevelt wins third term On November 5, 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the only US President elected to a third four-year term. Until that time, no President had served more than two terms. Roosevelt decided to run for a third term due to recent developments in World War II (1939–1945) and was also elected to a fourth term. Starting in 1953, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution limited Presidents to two terms.…

In the 1960s and 1970s, visual artists began using a new technology—computers—to create art. Some programmed mathematical algorithms that generated geometric designs, while others made abstract images. Later, photographers began using digital tools to alter their images, and computer-generated animation was developed, which led to the animated films we know today. Now artists can create paintings on their phones, design sculptures on a tablet, and even take a hand-painted work and enhance it digitally. Still, many people feel that art that isn’t created entirely by hand doesn’t count. What do you think? Does digital art count as real art? Yes—if it’s powerful, it’s art The definition of art is something beautiful or emotionally moving that is created with skill and imagination. If digital art inspires appreciation or awe, then it…

It is said that elephants never forget, but scientists now know they are also good at trying new things. After elephants in zoos were seen successfully solving problems, a new study has shown that wild elephants can solve puzzles with no training. Researchers at a wildlife sanctuary in Thailand set up puzzle boxes with three compartments. Each compartment was filled with jackfruit, an elephant favorite, and opened in a different way. Using cameras, they watched 77 Asian elephants to see what they would do. Of the 77 elephants, 44 approached and interacted with the puzzle boxes. By the end of the experiment, 11 elephants were able to retrieve the fruit from one compartment, eight got into two compartments, and five solved all three puzzles to get the treats. Elephants that…

Miles, 11, Arizona Shinji Otsuru Ectotherm keeper, Phoenix Zoo Some insects like human blood because of its nutrients. Instead of chewing and digesting solid food, it is easier to suck on blood, which is already broken down. In the woods, bloodsucking insects target large mammals. In the city, insects may choose humans due to a lack of other large mammals. Do you have a question for an animal expert? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about the Phoenix Zoo at phoenixzoo.org.…

Many modern humans outside Africa have small amounts of Neanderthal DNA (the chemical that carries all the information about a living thing’s body and characteristics). Research has found that some of that DNA causes people to have certain traits today. A recent study of more than 5,900 people in South America found that there are three variations of a Neanderthal gene that make people more sensitive to pain from sharp objects. It does not, however, make them more sensitive to pain from heat or pressure. The study also found that people with Native American ancestry are more likely to carry these genes. For instance, people living in Peru were most likely to have Native American ancestry and also most likely to have the Neanderthal gene variant.…

A new grill uses AI, smart sensors, and infrared heat to cook a steak or other food in three minutes or less. Users set the preferred doneness level. The Perfecta grill measures the food’s size, surface area, and fat content to determine the ideal cook time and temperature. The food is placed in the grill vertically so high-heat burners, which reach up to 1,652º F, can cook both sides at once. Seergrills, the company in the UK that designed the Perfecta, said the device works so quickly that it uses up to 50% less energy than typical cooking methods.…

Athletes from North and South America, Central America, and the Caribbean have been competing at the 19th Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. It is the third-largest multi-sport competition in the world and includes events in 39 sports. The Games began on October 20 and will end on November 5. When The Week Junior went to press on October 31, the US was first in the medal count with a total of 171 medals, including 72 golds. In artistic gymnastics, the US men and women took home 12 medals, including both team golds. In individual events, Kayla DiCello won the women’s all-around, Zoe Miller took gold on the uneven bars, and Kaliya Lincoln won the floor exercise. For the men, Curran Phillips won gold on the parallel bars, and Donnell…

In 2019, the superhero film Captain Marvel became the first female-led movie in Marvel history. A highly anticipated sequel, The Marvels, arrives in theaters November 10. It is rated PG-13 for action, violence, and brief language. The film is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where superhero characters have interconnected stories. The main characters are Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larson), who is Captain Marvel; her niece Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), who was on the TV series WandaVision; and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), who is Ms. Marvel, a teenage Captain Marvel superfan who gains powers. She is the main character in the TV series Ms. Marvel. In the movie, the three women’s powers end up intertwined, so that each time they use them they swap places, causing their worlds…

Ponyo (Max or rent on demand) “This animated movie is a cute, heartwarming story about a boy, Sosuke, who lives with his mother, Lisa. One day, Sosuke finds a weird goldfish in a bottle and decides to name her Ponyo and take care of her. Ponyo is actually a goldfish princess who has dreamed of life beyond the sea. Ponyo wants to be just like Sosuke and the other humans on land. When Ponyo’s father finds out she has left home, he looks for her and captures her. But no matter what happens, Ponyo and Sosuke will always try to find a way to be with each other.” Kara, 10, New York Do you have a film or TV show to recommend to other kids? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

By Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Wallace West (Feiwel & Friends) Dogtown is a shelter for dogs who don’t have families. Chance, a dog with three legs, has been living there since her family temporarily moved to another country and left her with a pet sitter who turned out to be irresponsible and abandoned her. Chance misses her family, but she tries to cheer up the other dogs at the shelter. She’s not so sure about Metal Head, a robot dog with removable floppy ears and a tail that lights up. Real dogs and robot dogs don’t usually get along, so it’s not surprising that Metal Head keeps to himself. But when a child picks Metal Head to be his reading buddy, Metal Head starts to miss his…

As it starts getting dark earlier, it’s a good time to consider going on a walk at dusk (when the sun has just set) with your family. You may be surprised how different your walking route feels—and looks and sounds—at this time of day. Here’s how to get started. Plan your route Talk to the adults who will be joining you about where to go on your evening walk. Sticking to a familiar route can help you feel comfortable knowing your way around in the dark. You could start your walk when the sun is just setting so your eyes begin to adjust before it’s fully dark. You could also plan to take your walk on a night when the Moon is full or nearly full, which helps provide natural…

Fill in the blanks in each sentence with two words so the second word is the same as the first word with a letter inserted into the exact middle, like REAL and REGAL. (NEED A HINT? Check the bottom of the page.) 1. A———— of wind had knocked over the inn’s vacancy sign, so not a single ————— checked in the whole weekend. 2. We cleaned out our—————— yesterday, and after filling 25 ———————bags, we finally had room in there for the car. 3. My sister is always hungry after her Little League games, so while she—————— and changes clothes, Dad puts——————— of cookies in the oven. Fill in the blanks hint: The words in sentence 3 both begin with B. Fill in the blanks 1. gust, guest 2. garage, garbage…

Since 2020, the first year The Week Junior was published in the US, we’ve conducted an annual survey of kids’ opinions about a wide variety of topics, from current events to world problems. We always want to know what you think! This year’s results are revealed on pages 12 and 13. You told us you talk about the news with family and friends, want a say on issues that affect you, and believe your actions can make a difference. You also said you wish elected officials would address gun violence, food insecurity, and inflation. And you thought soccer star Lionel Messi was the number one newsmaker of the year. My favorite section of the survey is one where kids tell adults what’s on their mind, and this year’s comments included…

If you would like to see your artwork on the cover of The Week Junior, here is your chance! We are accepting entries to our 2023 Winter Cover Contest. At right is the winning cover from our 2022 competition. 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 finished, have a parent fill out the consent form and email it with a digital image of your artwork to covercontest@theweekjunior.com. The deadline to apply is November 8! JOKE OF THE WEEK Why can you never see an elephant in your pajamas? It would never fit in…

Teacher’s Name: Jorge Diaz-Velez School: Marin Horizon School “I am nominating my Spanish teacher, Jorge Diaz-Velez, because Jorge is a great teacher! We learn a lot and it is also really fun. We learn Spanish vocabulary, sing songs, tell stories, and play games. Jorge is also my older brother Ziggy’s Spanish teacher. Ziggy says Jorge is a great teacher when you are older and Spanish gets more complicated.” Marsden, 9, California 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. THE WEEK Junior 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…