Innehållsförteckning för Issue 217 från The Week Junior US

On May 30, a jury in New York City found former President Donald Trump guilty of criminal charges that were made against him. Trump, who held office from 2017 to 2021, is the first current or former US President to be charged with or convicted of a crime. Trump is running for a second term and is expected to be the Republican nominee for President in the election on November 5. The verdict was announced at the end of a six-week trial. What was the trial? Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in order to influence the 2016 election, which he won. They were felony charges, which means they were serious crimes that can be punishable by a heavy sentence, including prison time. The charges were…

A CULINARY HONOR Naples, Italy, commonly believed to be the birthplace of pizza, has taken this year’s top spot on a list of the world’s best cities for food. Pizza margherita, with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, was called “the city’s crowning dish.” A DOUBLE BROOD DOODLE The Google Doodle on May 29 marked the rare emergence of two massive broods of cicadas at the same time across parts of the US this summer. Four red-eyed insects were depicted playing in a rock band. “This event is as uncommon as it is strange to witness,” Google said. VIRAL DOG TRICKS The “paws-in” challenge is sweeping social media, with videos of people and their pups garnering tens of millions of views. Owners stack their hands in front of their dog and wait…

On May 29, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, DC, announced that it will receive a pair of giant pandas from China by the end of the year. The news comes six months after the National Zoo sent giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian and their cub Xiao Qi Ji back to China when the agreement to host them expired. “We can’t wait to celebrate this historic moment, here in our nation’s capital,” First Lady Jill Biden said in a video announcing the agreement. National Zoo director Brandie Smith, who also appeared in the video, said the pandas are one of the zoo’s “biggest conservation success stories.” China is the only natural habitat for giant pandas, and there are fewer than 1,900 living there in…

The Week Junior is thrilled to have Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna and founder of Read With Jenna, as the guest editor of our Summer of Reading issue. Her “Read With Jenna Jr. Summer Reading List” is out now. We spoke to her about the power that reading can have in a person’s life. Can you think of a book that has helped or changed you? I can think of so many, but one of the mistakes I think we make is believing that every book we read has to be profound. I remember being at summer camp and falling in love with the Goosebumps series because I loved to read mysteries and I liked to be scared. So yes, books can change you. Books…

Scientists may have found a treatment for asthma, which affects more than 27 million people in the US, including 4.5 million children. Asthma alters the airways that carry oxygen in and out of the lungs. There is currently no cure for it. There are only medications that treat the symptoms. During an asthma attack, a person’s airways become inflamed. That restricts oxygen flow into their lungs and causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The inflammation damages cells in the airways and increases production of mucus (sticky liquid) in the lungs. Over time, these reactions can lead to permanent harm to the airways. Damaged airways make future asthma attacks more likely, causing a constant cycle of problems for asthma sufferers. Now scientists are testing a treatment that could stop the…

The PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League), which kicked off its inaugural season in January, now has its first champion. In the deciding fifth game of the finals on May 29, which was played at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts, Minnesota beat Boston, 3–0, to claim the Walter Cup. The playoffs began with the top four of the PWHL’s six teams. Boston finished the regular season in third, while Minnesota was fourth. In the semifinals, Minnesota knocked out Toronto, the top team, while Boston eliminated the number two team, Montreal. In the finals, Boston kicked things off with a thrilling 4–3 win. Minnesota forward Taylor Heise, the number one pick in the PWHL draft last year, scored twice in the game. Minnesota comfortably won the next two games and had…

Coach’s Name: Harvey Mills Team: Ball Game Academy (basketball) “Coach Harvey is the best basketball coach I can ask for. He explains drills perfectly and gives us great examples of how to do things. He also tells us how to have the right mindset and how to push each other. He always tries to make us do our best and tells us stories that help us hold ourselves accountable. I really appreciate the life lessons he’s taught me. Basketball is not just a sport. It is also about lessons you can use on and off the court.” Parker, 10, California 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…

Tony Hale Fear was voiced by Bill Hader in the first film and will now be voiced by Tony Hale—the star of The Mysterious Benedict Society—who is known for playing quirky, funny characters. Maya Hawke Fans of the hit sci-fi series Stranger Things will recognize Maya Hawke as Robin. In Inside Out 2, she is the voice of Anxiety. When she saw the character design, Hawke said, “Yes, that’s me!” She thinks the film shows how anxiety can be a healthy emotion. Ayo Edebiri The award-winning actress joins the cast as Envy. Ayo Edebiri voiced characters in last year’s films Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.…

Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation (Disney Channel) (Disney+) The family from the hit animated series Big City Greens takes a vacation in space in this new movie. When an asteroid heads toward Earth, the Greens have to stop it. NASA astronaut Scott Kelly has a special guest-starring role. Wild Ireland: Kingdom of Stone (PBS App) (PBS.org) This episode of Nature explores the mystical landscapes of Burren National Park in southwest Ireland. It follows an animal called a pine marten (a member of the weasel family) as it travels to its natural habitat, and features other birds and mammals of the area. Jim Henson Idea Man (Disney+) Puppeteer and animator Jim Henson (1936–1990), who famously created the Muppets and Sesame Street, is the subject of this new documentary. It is…

A diner with a cheesy theme For six special days, an empty restaurant space in New York transformed into an eatery devoted to Cheez-It crackers. The menu at the Cheez-In Diner featured diner classics “with a Cheez-It twist,” including themed burgers, fries, and “Mac and Cheez-It.” Adventurous eaters could even enjoy a milkshake with the salty snacks blended in. Inspired by diners of the past, the Cheez-In also had a jukebox that played music for a price—not in coins, but in crackers. Supersize steer earns record Romeo, a male cow in Oregon, has been declared the world’s tallest steer by Guinness World Records. Most steers are between 4 feet and 5 feet tall, but Romeo stands 6 feet, 4.5 inches tall—approximately the same height as the famously towering US President…

“I love books and want to be a librarian when I grow up. Little Free Libraries are book boxes where people can trade books for free. When we moved to a new city, I couldn’t find any Little Free Libraries, so my dad recommended I build one! I customized mine to match the houses on my street, and my local library supported the project by giving me a free book to start. I check my library every week, and it’s so fun to see all the different types of books that people leave there. I recommend supporting your local library and Little Free Libraries because reading is fun!” Have you done something interesting or raised money for a cause you care about? Whatever you’re up to, we want to hear…

“City Spies: Golden Gate is about a group of teens who are trying to solve a murder. I think it’s one of the most exciting mystery stories ever!”Aidan, 11, California “I give Across the Desert five stars! It’s about a girl who tries to rescue another girl whose plane crashed in Arizona. It’s a perfect mix of hilarious and bittersweet moments!”Alisha, 10, Wisconsin “We checked out The Turtle of Michigan from our library. I think it is an awesome book for Michigan residents to read.”Vihaan, 8, Michigan…

The Week Junior invites our readers to jump into a summer of super adventures through our Summer of Reading challenge. Reading can take kids anywhere they can think of. They can be the hero of a thousand stories, this summer and beyond. Bring along a friend, create a summer book club, or give a gift of The Week Junior and treat another child to a summer of reading adventures. To order a 25 weekly issue subscription of The Week Junior and save 66%, visit theweekjunior.com/smartfun SUBSCRIBE TO JOIN THE FUN…

Conservationists received good news recently when a big research study found that wildlife protection programs really are effective. Currently, more than 44,000 species are considered to be at risk of extinction. Threats to these species include habitat loss and changes in weather patterns, such as rising temperatures, and many of them are endangered due to human activities. Conservation projects try to boost the species’ populations and help them thrive. For the new study, a team of international researchers looked at 665 conservation efforts between 1890 and 2019. The projects took place around the world and focused on many different species. The results showed that two thirds of these attempts either improved biodiversity (the variety of wildlife in an area) or slowed its decline. The researchers said that when conservation works,…

Dogs are known for looking up at their humans with wide, pleading “puppy-dog eyes” when they’re hoping for a treat or a scratch. While it’s nice to think our pets use this sweet look only with people they love, a new study suggests that wild dogs also use it to communicate with each other. Modern dogs have well-developed muscles in their faces that help them make a range of facial expressions, including the puppy-dog eyes look. A 2019 study found that these muscles were more pronounced in domesticated (adapted to live with humans) dogs than in wild wolves. Scientists believe that dogs evolved (changed very slowly over time) from wolves about 15,000 years ago, around the time they started living with humans. The authors of the 2019 study said their…

Jourdan Delacruz AGE: 26 SPORT: WEIGHTLIFTING “There are a lot of kids getting into weightlifting. If you don’t want to compete in it, picking up a barbell is still great for the development of other sports. My favorite thing about weightlifting is the effect it’s had on me. I’m a lot stronger physically, obviously, but more so mentally and emotionally. I love the way that being strong as a woman has made me feel.” Brian Bell AGE: 35 SPORT: WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL “I love how technical, intense, and high-impact my sport is. You do everything with your arms—you’re constantly pushing up and down as you move on the court, and then you have to stop and shoot. A lot of cardio goes into it, plus a lot of technical skills in…

A book club is a great way to see friends and keep reading over the summer. How it works is pretty simple: Everyone in the club reads the same book, then meets to discuss it. Book clubs are a fun way to hear other perspectives and discover new books you might not have chosen otherwise. Here’s how to get started. Invite members First, think about the people you would like to be in your club. Consider who would like to read books and talk about them, and invite them to join. Pick a day and time that is convenient for everyone to meet regularly, either once or twice a month. Talk with an adult about who will host and where. You might rotate homes or pick one convenient spot, like…

At a book swap, you can trade books with friends to read new stories for free. You’ll also help the planet by exchanging books instead of discarding them. With an adult’s permission, you can host your own book swap. Pick a date and time and a comfortable place, such as your home, a local park, or a community space at the library. Make a guest list and send out invitations, asking everyone to bring between one and five books they’re willing to give away. Set up a spot for guests to “check in” books as they arrive. Once everyone has gathered, start swapping. For every book each person has brought, they can take one of their choosing.…

June 8, 1789 The Bill of Rights is introduced On June 8, 1789, James Madison, who later became the fourth US President, gave a speech to the House of Representatives (one half of Congress, which makes laws) in favor of adding 19 changes to the Constitution. These changes included giving people freedom of speech and freedom of religion. In the end, 10 changes passed in 1791 and became known as the Bill of Rights.…

So many books are published every year that even the most dedicated reader would never be able to get through them all. Yet many people like to return to books they’ve already read. “Books are like people,” said Jane Brown, a retired literature professor at the University of Washington. “Some you meet once and that’s enough. Some you want to get to know better, and whenever you are with them you discover more about them. Some are old friends you haven’t seen in years but to meet them again is a joy.” Still, many people think their time is better spent discovering a new story. What do you think? Should you read a book more than once? Yes—the experience changes People listen to songs and watch movies over and over,…

June 17–23 is Pollinator Week, an annual celebration of animals that pollinate plants. Pollination involves taking a substance called pollen from the male part of a flower (the stamen) and carrying it to the female part (the stigma). This process is the way many plants reproduce, and at least 75% of flowering plants rely on animals—including bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, flies, and bats—to help. During Pollinator Week, events are held to celebrate and support these creatures. People can also contribute to a community science project by taking photos of pollinators on flowers. Find out more at pollinator.org/pollinator-week.…

Sydney Mayers Large carnivore keeper, Smithsonian’s National Zoo There are four different species of hyena, but only spotted hyenas make laugh-like vocalizations, which are technically barks! These happen when an individual has made a kill, is defending its food, feels threatened, or has a surprise encounter with another group of hyenas or competitors, like lions. Do you have a question for an animal expert? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about the Smithsonian’s National Zoo at nationalzoo.si.edu.…

A wearable device with artificial intelligence boosts walking, hiking, climbing, and running power. The X1 exoskeleton (outer shell) fits around the waist and thighs. It analyzes the wearer’s leg positioning thousands of times a second and adjusts to their stride, pace, and movements. As X1 learns about the wearer, it personalizes its response. X1 can help the wearer carry an extra 83 pounds, improve their running speed, and cut their energy use in half. The device is sleek, lightweight, and battery-powered.…

On June 1, the championship match of the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League was played between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. The Champions League is an annual monthslong competition between top soccer clubs in Europe and one of the most prestigious soccer tournaments in the world. The final took place at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Real Madrid won, 2–0, to secure their 15th title, which is the most of any club in history. Madrid, which plays in Spain’s La Liga, won its league title this season and were unbeaten in their Champions League matches. Dortmund plays in Germany’s Bundesliga and finished their season in fifth place. The club won its only Champions League title during the 1996–1997 competition. Although Dortmund were the underdogs against Madrid, they…

In 2015, Disney Pixar’s animated film Inside Out, a heartfelt comedy about an 11-year-old and the emotions living inside her brain, wowed audiences. A sequel, Inside Out 2, continues the story and adds a fresh set of characters. It arrives in theaters on June 14. Inside Out won an Oscar (top film award) for best animated feature and gave people a new way to talk about feelings. It followed Riley, a girl adjusting to living in a new city. The main characters, however, were her core emotions—Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Fear, and Anger—who controlled her behavior from Headquarters. In the sequel, Riley is 13 and navigating physical changes and shifting friendships. The emotions Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui (dissatisfaction), and Envy show up and disrupt the other emotions’ balance. The filmmakers met with…

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I) PG (Disney+, Hulu, or rent on other platforms) “This fantastic film is about a Jedi apprentice and master who go on a mission. When their ship breaks down, they land on a planet and go in search of parts. A young slave boy, Anakin, helps them get their parts by winning a race. He has special powers, and the Jedi master wants to train him. But before they leave the planet, the Jedi meet an evil Sith Lord. Later, there’s a war between the Gungan Grand Army and the Trade Federation’s droid army. The action-packed movie is good to watch with friends and family.” Ethan, 9, and Elliott, 8, New York Do you have a film or TV show to recommend to other…

The Week Junior Book Club Each month The Week Junior chooses a book (such as those shown above) and provides discussion questions and more at theweekjunior.com/bookclub. Read With Jenna Jr. Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna and this issue’s guest editor, has released her 2024 book list for kids at tinyurl.com/TWJUS-Jenna. American Library Association Get the group’s list of notable reads for young people at tinyurl.com/TWJUS-ALA.…

Crisscross Each of these words about reading fits into this grid. Can you find where each one goes to complete the grid? 4 letters PLOT 5 letters GENRE INDEX NOVEL SCI-FI SHELF SPINE 6 letters JACKET 7 letters CHAPTER EDITION LIBRARY MYSTERY PRINTER 8 letters TYPEFACE 9 letters COPYRIGHT HARDCOVER PAPERBACK 10 letters DEDICATION ALL THE SAME Each answer contains the letters T-I-E. Those letters have been placed for you. Can you figure out the words? Spot the difference These two pictures of summer reading appear to be the same, but take a closer look. There are actually five differences. Can you see them? Take five hint: One of the words beginning with C ends with CK. Take five Five 5-letter words that can come before BOOK to make a…

Welcome to The Week Junior’s fifth annual Summer of Reading campaign! This year we are pleased to share that our program to keep kids excited about reading over the summer is bigger and better than ever! The centerpiece of the campaign is our ultimate summer reading list created by kids for kids (p12). We hope the recommendations from children across the country will intrigue you. We are also thrilled to welcome Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna and founder of Read With Jenna, as this issue’s guest editor (p9 and p24). Thank you, Jenna! In addition, Katherine Applegate, Chris Colfer, Kekla Magoon, Johnnie Christmas, and Hena Khan will join us as Author Ambassadors throughout the summer (p15). Thank you to them as well! We invite you…

Enter to win books! This issue kicks off our Summer of Reading campaign! We hope our list of “The 50 Books Kids Love Most” (p12) helps you discover new titles. In upcoming issues, we will feature our Author Ambassadors (p15), who have new books out this year. Finally, we challenge you to read any three books this summer! Once you’ve read them, go to tinyurl.com/TWJUS-ReadingChallenge with an adult to enter our sweepstakes to win books and more! Five winners will be drawn at random. The deadline to enter is August 9. Happy reading! 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,…

Teacher’s Name: Christen Brown School: Walden School “Ms. Brown is a kind teacher and the best librarian! She chooses the best books to read aloud. I’m Trying to Love Math by Bethany Barton is one of my favorites. Ms. Brown has also been the best third grade sub while my teacher was away.”Lillian, 8, Kentucky 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.…