Innehållsförteckning för Issue 197 från The Week Junior US

A snap of extremely cold weather has broken records and disrupted daily life for hundreds of millions of Americans across the nation. What is happening? From January 15 to January 21, snow, ice, and dangerous cold conditions brought life to a temporary standstill for 79% of the country, from the West Coast to the Northeast and south to Florida. In many parts of the US, the weather closed schools, delayed transportation, knocked out power, and affected the water supply. At one point, more than 231 million Americans were experiencing below-average temperatures. What areas have been affected? Weather records were shattered in numerous states, especially in the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Midwest regions. Dickinson, North Dakota, dropped to a wind chill (what the air temperature feels like to people) of…

A ROARING ARRIVAL For the first time in nine years, an African lion cub was born at Fort Worth Zoo in Texas. The species is in decline, making his birth important to conservation efforts. Named Moja, he is already “pouncing and playing,” the zoo said. A SUPER SALE A rare copy of the first issue of The Amazing Spider-Man series, printed in 1963, sold at auction for a record price of $1.38 million. It is one of two known copies in “near-mint” condition, meaning it has very little damage. “Historically, this is a very important book in the Spider-Man universe,” a comics expert said. SENDING LOVE The US Postal Service (USPS) released the latest stamp in its Love series at a special ceremony in the town of Romance, Arkansas. Since…

At age 12, actress and activist Mia Armstrong has published her first book, I Am a Masterpiece. In the picture book, Armstrong writes about what it’s like to have Down syndrome, a genetic condition that can affect development. The book also offers ways people can be more inclusive of those who are different from them. In 2022, Armstrong made history as the first child with Down syndrome to voice a cartoon character. She voiced Eon, a superhero in the Netflix animated series Action Pack. Armstrong, who lives in California with her parents and brother, has appeared on the show Hello, Jack! on Apple TV+, and last year she made her feature film debut in A Christmas in New Hope. Her commercial work includes modeling for Cheerios, Tommy Hilfiger, and Walmart.…

Earth is filled with an amazing variety of creatures, and an artist has put its diversity on display like never before. Anton Thomas of New Zealand has created a hand-drawn map of the entire planet that features 1,642 animals in their natural habitats. Since childhood, Thomas has had a passion for nature and for drawing maps. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he started working on a project that would represent the “idealistic planet that I wanted”—in which nature ruled over all, Thomas told The New York Times. He spent three years creating the map, which he named “Wild World.” First, he traced a detailed world map in order to capture the Earth’s geographical layout. Then he started drawing natural features and creatures with colored pencils, using a magnifying glass to add…

Manatees Seagrass, manatees’ favorite food, has made a comeback in Mosquito Lagoon on the coast of Florida. Officials say an emergency program to feed lettuce to the sea cows by hand can stop now that the seagrass shortage is over. Polar bears For the first time, a polar bear has died from avian flu. Experts believe the bear may have eaten an infected bird in its Alaska habitat. They say the disease could put Alaska’s already threatened polar bear population at further risk.…

How did people come to rely on a furry animal to forecast the weather? The customs of Groundhog Day date back to the 16th century. What is Groundhog Day? The day is observed every February 2 in the US and Canada. According to legend, if a groundhog (a species of marmot) emerges from its den and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it doesn’t see its shadow, spring weather is coming soon. The day has roots in ancient Europe, in the Christian holiday called Candlemas. Long before modern tools to predict the weather were invented, a sunny Candlemas was thought to mean 40 more days of winter. Later, Germans added small animals, like badgers and hedgehogs, to the holiday. If they saw their shadows,…

Scientists in Switzerland designed a robotic excavator that built a stone wall about 20 feet high and 213 feet long. The machine used laser and visual sensors to create a 3D map of the building site. It scanned and picked up nearby stones to check their shape and weight. Computer software in the excavator determined the best place for each stone to go. Then the machine picked up the rocks one by one and carefully stacked them to create the wall. The team said the technology could be useful for building in remote areas.…

The newspaper USA Today recently released the results of a readers’ choice poll of the best new museums in the US, and the top honor went to the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The museum covers prehistoric to modern-day history and has artifacts that include dinosaur footprints, Native American arrowheads, Civil War bullets, and a touchable cannonball. From July 1 to July 3, 1863, Gettysburg was the site of the deadliest battle in the Civil War (1861–1865). It ended with a Union (northern states) victory over the Confederacy (southern states). Months later, during a ceremony in Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address, considered one of the most important speeches in US history. The museum has an original program from the event. The battle is the…

Kiki’s Delivery Service G (Max, Prime Video, or rent on other platforms) “Kiki is a 13-year-old girl who leaves home to train as a witch for a year. She flies on her broom with her cat, Jiji, and arrives in a new town where she meets a nice woman, Osono, who takes her in. Kiki works for Osono’s bakery, flying on her broom to make deliveries. Her adventures are lovely and very heartwarming. When Kiki faces some challenges that cause her to doubt her abilities, she has to find the courage to believe in herself again. Her cat Jiji talks and is very funny. He is my favorite character in the movie.” Fiona, 12, New Jersey Do you have a film or TV show to recommend to other kids? Send your…

By Ben Guterson, illustrated by Kristina Kister (Christy Ottaviano Books) Zander’s grandmother owns the most incredible department store in the world. Built in the 1800s, the Nine has an art gallery, ice cream shop, tearoom, and Ferris wheel. During summer break, 11-year-old Zander stays with his grandmother, who lives on the top floor. She introduces Zander to Natasha, an acrobat his age who performs at the Nine. When a string of mysterious accidents start happening at the store, Zander’s grandmother tells him that an evil spirit called Darkbloom may have returned. The spirit, which can control people, wants a magical artifact that disappeared from the store nearly 90 years ago. Zander and Natasha talk to employees and look for clues. They notice that walls on many floors contain inscriptions and…

Ban This Book: A Novel By Alan Gratz (Starscape) A parent requests that the novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler be removed from the school library because one of the characters runs away from home. Amy, a fourth grader, devises a plan to get her favorite book and other banned titles back on the shelf. Ages 8–12 Finally Seen By Kelly Yang (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) After five years of living with her grandparents in China, Lina gets to go to the US and live with her parents. Life is not everything she hoped for, but she does find a comforting space in the school library. When her teacher’s book selection for the class is challenged, Lina defends the choice. Ages 8–12 Ink…

Whistling through her nose LuLu Lotus’ world record is nothing to sneeze at. Lotus discovered as a child that she has a natural talent for nose whistling, which is when someone makes musical sounds by controlling the way air flows out of their nose. As an adult, she wondered if this skill might qualify her for a Guinness World Records title. Her volume was measured at 44.1 decibels—about as loud as a bird call—making it the world’s loudest nose whistle. Lotus says her son has the same talent and “it would be a dream come true if he beat my record one day.” Twins born in different years Twin brothers Ezra and Ezekiel Humphrey were born a year apart, at least on paper. Ezra entered the world 12 minutes before…

Patricia, age 10, of Michigan, wants to see the US put an end to bullying and everyone to be kind to each other. She wishes leaders would set an example by being kind. As a reader of The Week Junior, you may be forming opinions about your hopes for the US. If so, we want to hear them! Go to kids.theweekjunior.com/activities to download a form, like the one at right. 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. RIDDLE OF THE WEEK What has branches but no leaves or trunk? A bank IT’S YOUR TURN Email your news, views, and photos to hello@theweekjunior.com. We want to hear from you! To have your letters,…

Teacher’s Name: Mr. Guzik School: Anacortes Middle School “Mr. Guzik makes middle school fun! I am very lucky to have him as my teacher for three periods each day: English, social studies, and drama. He also leads the drama club and most recently directed our performance of Matilda Junior: The Musical. He always gives us positive feedback about how we can improve. All my friends love him too. He is easygoing and kind and has a good sense of humor. He inspires me every day.” Paul, 11, Washington 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.…

Zion is known for its striking red rock, sandstone cliffs, and natural rock arch formations. It was a flat basin about 240 million years ago that was shaped by wind and water to create the landscape there today. Zion has a deep canyon where people hike. A popular route is the Narrows, where visitors walk for miles in the Virgin River. More than 291 species of birds, 78 species of mammals, and 37 species of reptiles and amphibians live in Zion. Plateau lizards, yellow warblers, and rock squirrels are some of the animals to see.…

Punxsutawney Phil isn’t the only seasonal prognosticator. Meet three more animals throughout the US who are called into service to forecast the weather. Quentin the Quahog More than 30 years ago in Nantucket, Massachusetts, the harbormaster began a tradition: a clam that predicts the weather. If Quentin the Quahog squirts seawater to the right when opened, spring weather will arrive early. If it squirts left: more winter. Fil the Beaver While Pennsylvania has Phil, the Oregon Zoo has Fil. Also known as Stumptown Fil, this beaver was born at the zoo in 2011 and started making weather predictions in 2020. The zoo admits that so far, Fil’s dam-building skills are more impressive than his forecasts. Bee Cave Bob the Armadillo With groundhogs in short supply in Texas, Bee Cave Bob…

The Great Wall of China is a marvel of the ancient world that has stood for centuries. A recent study found that some sections of the wall have been preserved by a “living skin.” Called a biocrust, it consists of thin layers of organisms such as bacteria, moss, and lichen (a plantlike living thing) that are typically found on the surface of soil. The Great Wall is made up of numerous sections built from the 3rd century BCE through the 17th century CE. Many parts were made from tightly packed soil, called rammed earth. This material is often damaged by wind, water, changing temperatures, and salt. Researchers collected samples of eight different sections of the Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty, which ran from 1368 to 1644. They found…

The divisional round of the NFL (National Football League) playoffs took place on January 20 and 21. Eight teams, including the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, competed in thrilling games. In the weekend’s first game, the Baltimore Ravens, the number one team in the AFC (American Football Conference), hosted and beat the fourth-seeded (ranked) Houston Texans, 34–10. The teams were tied 10–10 going into halftime, but Ravens quarterback (QB) Lamar Jackson delivered three touchdowns in the second half to lead his team to victory. In the next game, the San Francisco 49ers, the number one team in the NFC (National Football Conference), and the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers faced off for a record-setting 10th time in the playoffs. The 49ers won, 24–21, in a hard-fought contest at…

Coach’s Name: Sensei Jon Emerson Studio: Martial Arts America (Karate) “Sensei Jon is awesome! He is always supportive and helpful, encourages you, and makes you feel special if you do a move you’ve been working on for a while. He makes everything so fun and makes class go by fast. In board breaking, I worked on one really hard board for a while, then finally broke it. Sensei Jon cheered really loud and everyone joined in. He is truly a really great sensei and trainer/coach and helps you persist through everything.” Piper, 10, New York 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 Incredible Pol Farm (Nat Geo Wild) (Disney+) (Hulu) Veterinarian Jan Pol is famous for treating farm animals around the world and starring in the long-running reality series The Incredible Dr. Pol. In this new spin-off series, Dr. Pol works with his family to transform 350 acres of undeveloped land into a fully functional farm. Masters of the Universe: Revolution (Netflix) The latest chapter in the Masters of the Universe series finds Prince Adam trying to protect Eternia in his royal role and as the warrior He-Man. When evil Skeletor, who is now extra powerful, attacks, the hero faces the challenge with help from his warrior goddess friend Teela. The Boys in the Boat Available to rent or buy on demand This new sports movie is an underdog tale based…

What inspired this book? When I was growing up, Seattle had two big department stores. Something about these big buildings held many possibilities for mystery and discovery to me. Why is Zander close to his grandmother? I didn’t want Zander to be alone, so he’s got his loving grandmother there to give him some guidance and keep him safe. Did you enjoy mysteries? Yes, I like stories with a mysterious feel to them. I don’t think I have ever been drawn to straightforward realism. How do you spend your free time? I love to swim. I just love getting in the water—it’s the best feeling. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Portugal. I’ve been there a few times and it’s beautiful.…

Most tweens and teens need about nine to 11 hours of sleep every night to be their healthiest and do their best in school. However, most kids this age get much less. There are many reasons, including homework, evening activities, and socializing with friends. Here’s how you can get a better night’s sleep. Have a set bedtime When you go to sleep at the same time every night, your body gets used to the schedule and you fall asleep more easily. To figure out what your bedtime should be, think about when you have to wake up and work backward. If you want to get 10 hours of sleep and have to wake up at 7 a.m., you would need to go to sleep at 9 p.m. Wind down before…

Even close friends can disagree or get on each other’s nerves. You may even have an argument or a misunderstanding that hurts your feelings or theirs. If you want to work things out with your friend, wait until you feel calm enough to talk. Then reach out. Ask to speak face to face—conflicts are better resolved offline. To keep from sounding accusatory, try “I” statements, like “I felt hurt when you made fun of my taste in music. Can we talk about it?” Give your friend a turn to speak without interrupting. Repeat what they say to show you’re listening. Then apologize for any role you played in the fight. It may take time for things to feel normal again, but a good friend is worth it.…

In this issue, we report on the exciting start to the Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea (p3). This is the first time the Winter Games, involving 1,900 athletes ages 15 to 18, have been held in Asia. Our team will be watching the action through the Games’ conclusion on February 1—and looking ahead to the Olympics and Paralympics taking place in Paris, France, this summer. This week we also welcome the new members of our Junior Council (p31). These 12 children, selected from more than 700 applicants, will be working with The Week Junior editors and mentors over the next four months to learn how to take action on causes they care about. We would like to thank every child who took the time and made the effort…

“We love reading The Week Junior!”Kavi, 9, with Roshni, 7, Texas “I got an issue of The Week Junior about the Grand Canyon, and it was just as magnificent in real life!”Sean, 9, California “We went to see Wonka after reading about it in The Week Junior. It was awesome! Thanks for the inspiration.”Sasha, 9, New York…

1 Japan is one of how many countries to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon? 2 True or false? Male green honeycreepers usually have green feathers. True □ False □ 3 The Detroit Youth Choir performed at which famous concert venue? a) Carnegie Hall b) The Hollywood Bowl c) Madison Square Garden a □ b □ c □ 4 In the book The World-Famous Nine, what is the evil spirit that can control people called? 5 The skull of what kind of dinosaur was found in a cliffside in the UK? a) Pliosaur b) T. rex c) Allosaurus a □ b □ c □ 6 True or false? Mia Armstrong was the first child with Down syndrome to voice a cartoon character. True □ False □ 7 How many…

February 3, 1995 Female astronaut pilots space shuttle On February 3, 1995, NASA astronaut Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot a space shuttle. She piloted the shuttle Discovery to deploy a 2,600-pound satellite into space. Collins called the role “a dream come true.” In 1999, she made history again, becoming the first woman to command a mission into space. She led the crew of the shuttle Columbia to release a telescope into space.…

Perhaps you’ve heard the sound of an entire classroom of kids learning to play the recorder at the same time. Or maybe you have performed at a piano recital or listened to a sibling practicing the trumpet or violin. Learning to play a musical instrument is hard work, but it can also be rewarding and fun. It’s exciting to learn new skills, and research shows that actively creating music by playing an instrument is like a workout for the brain, especially when you’re young. But that doesn’t mean everyone is cut out to play an instrument or is even interested in it. What do you think? Should all students have to play an instrument? Yes—it’s so good for you Studies show that kids who play a musical instrument do better…

Marco Wendt Wildlife ambassador, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance We are not sure why guinea pigs are tailless, but they are not alone. Their name can be confusing because they are not pigs, nor are they from Guinea. They are rodents in the family Caviidea, which includes other tailless rodents like the capybara. For these animals, a tail is not needed. Do you have a question for an animal expert? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about the San Diego Zoo at sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org.…

A device used to treat brain injuries worked so well that, following a trial, some patients refused to have theirs turned off. The trial, which began in 2018, involved five people between the ages of 22 and 60. They all had cognitive (related to mental activity like thinking or reasoning) problems after suffering severe brain injuries between three and 18 years earlier. The injuries meant they had difficulty performing some tasks. For the trial, doctors implanted a tiny device into each patient’s brain during an operation. The device used “deep brain stimulation” (DBS), which rebuilds connections between neurons. Neurons are tiny cells, and there are billions of them in the brain. Whenever you do anything, chemical and electrical signals move between your neurons. The tiny device applied electricity to parts…

Last year was jam-packed with new games for consoles, computers, devices, and mobile phones, and this year will be just as busy. In fact, several exciting new games have already been announced for 2024. One game expected this month is the award-winning Paper Trail. It is a puzzle-adventure game in which you find your way by “folding” and “tearing” the image on the screen as if it were a sheet of paper. The visual changes create pathways for the main character, a girl named Paige who is discovering her special powers. It will be available on Steam and the Nintendo Switch. Foamstars (rated Teen) is an online action game that is a bit like Fortnite but with frothy foam blasters. It will be released on February 6 on PlayStation Plus…

Blended By Sharon M. Draper ”This book is about a girl whose mom is white and her dad is Black and they are divorced. She is split between their two homes, moving back and forth. Both of her parents are about to be married, but they just won’t stop arguing with each other. She feels split in half between them and does not like it. She hopes her parents will be nicer to each other and that she won’t be different.” Austyn, 11, Texas Do you have a book to recommend? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

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. ACROSS 1 Topping poured on roast turkey, mashed potatoes, or biscuits 4 Classroom furniture 7 Common tree often used as a street name 8 Classic monster who transforms during the full moon 9 Where a house’s basement is located 12 Recreational vehicle for traveling over icy terrain 16 Animal also called a panther 17 Hawaiian flower necklace 18 One of your five main senses 19 In some photos from the 1940s, families are seen gathered around this device DOWN 1 Like Ebenezer Scrooge or Dudley Dursley 2 Important body part for a quarterback 3 Shows signs of being tired or bored…

“I love reading The Week Junior and wanted to share something I am passionate about. For the past few years, I have been raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats children with cancer and other illnesses. In 2023, I started a fundraising team with five other girls, and together we raised nearly $8,000 for St. Jude. We came in second place for our efforts. Making an impact is easier than you think! You can reach out to friends and family and encourage them to donate. My friend held a lemonade stand and put her earnings toward this amazing cause. Helping others is fun, but it also really makes a difference and can even save lives!” Have you done something interesting or raised money for a cause you…