Innehållsförteckning för Issue 233 från The Week Junior US

On September 17, the Instagram social media app announced an overhaul of its policies related to young people. The changes are intended to protect millions of users under age 18 and address concerns about teen safety online. What happened? Instagram’s new initiative, called “Teen Accounts,” is now the default setting for minors (people under age 18) who use the app. It includes privacy, content, messaging, and permission settings that determine what teens can see and share in the app, who they can interact with, and how many hours a day they can use it. The changes also enable increased parental supervision of their child’s use of the app. Meta, the company that owns Instagram, said the plan will help young users have an experience that is more appropriate for their…

October 3, 1949 Historic radio station goes on air On October 3, 1949, WERD, the first Black-owned radio station, began broadcasting in Atlanta, Georgia. It was owned by Jesse Blayton, a Black man who was the president of a bank and a college professor. WERD played a mix of genres, including jazz and gospel. During the civil rights movement in the 1960s, the station aired the sermons and statements of Martin Luther King Jr.…

There are so many kinds of reality TV shows, from competitions like The Great British Baking Show and Project Runway to business programs like Shark Tank to animal shows like The Dog Whisperer. The genre first came to US audiences in the 1990s and skyrocketed in popularity in the 2000s. Today, reality TV is a multibillion-dollar industry and a major part of popular culture. Some people say there are too many shows, though, and complain that they feature fake or exaggerated storylines and situations in an effort to win audiences. Other people think they’re still entertaining. What do you think? Has reality television gone too far? Yes—it’s just so fake There’s nothing real about reality television. These shows may not have actors or scripts, but they’re still fake—so what’s the…

Joseph K. Gaydos Senior wildlife veterinarian, SeaDoc Society, UC Davis SVM Jellyfish (also known as jellies) need oxygen to survive, but they don’t have a respiratory system like ours to breathe air in, extract oxygen, and expel waste gases. Instead, they have such a thin layer of outer tissue that the oxygen in seawater can pass through it directly into their body. Do you have a question for an animal expert? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about UC Davis SVM at vetmed.ucdavis.edu.…

A team of scientists at the Smithsonian Institution wants to protect endangered species on Earth by sending the animals’ frozen skin cells to the Moon. Cells are the tiny units that make up all living things. Under the proposed plan, cell samples from animals would be kept safe using a method called “cryopreservation.” This is when living cells or tissues are stored at extremely low temperatures to stop them from decaying (breaking down). There is nowhere on Earth that reaches this temperature naturally. However, on the Moon there are craters near the south and north poles that never get any sunlight and are always at -320° F or below. The team said a special facility would need to be built on the Moon to store the frozen samples. There are…

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a new action-adventure game. It is out now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Echoes of Wisdom is the 21st game in the Legend of Zelda series. In all the past games, the star and hero has been the character Link, but this one is the first to feature Princess Zelda as the main playable character. The game also has a different style of visuals than recent games, which have looked like paintings. Instead, Echoes of Wisdom has simple, colorful characters exploring magical 2.5D environments that look like a toy set. The action is followed with a top-down camera, like Zelda games from the 1980s and 1990s. The story begins with mysterious rifts (openings) appearing all over Hyrule. Anything that ends up in…

Cucumber Quest: The Doughnut Kingdom By Gigi D. ”Cucumber just wants to go to wizard school, but instead he has to go on a quest to save Dreamside from the Nightmare Knight and his Disaster Masters. His little sister, Almond, would love to be a hero, and Cucumber would be happy to let her handle the whole thing for him. But no, Cucumber is the chosen one. This webcomic turned graphic novel is an all-around hilarious story.” Kit, 14, Iowa Do you have a book to recommend? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

Crisscross Each of these things associated with museums fits into this grid. Can you find where each one goes to complete the grid? 3 letters MAP URN 4 letters CASE HALL VASE 6 letters MODERN MUSEUM PATRON 8 letters ARTIFACT COLLAGES FINE ARTS PORTRAIT SECURITY 9 letters SCULPTURE 11 letters ANTIQUITIES MASTERPIECE Take five Five 5-letter words associated with a concert tour are hidden in this grid. For each one, the first letter is somewhere in the first column, the second is somewhere in the second column, and so on. Can you find all five? ALL THE SAME Each answer contains the letters L-E-G. Those letters have been placed for you. Can you figure out the words? (NEED A HINT? Check the bottom of the page.) 1. Against the law…

A WINNING WATER LILY A Victoria water lily at the Missouri Botanical Garden won top prize in a “water lily weigh off.” The plant, which measures 5 feet across, held 142.1 pounds of weight placed on it. The win was “pretty awesome,” a staffer said. A MIGHTY CHICK A massive king penguin chick named Pesto is causing a monumental sensation. Although he’s only 9 months old, the fluffy male weighs 49 pounds (more than both of his parents combined), eats at least 25 fish a day, and has billions of social media views. Pesto is a “chonky king,” said the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in Australia, where he lives. SHARING A BIRTHDAY Identical twins Marilyn Wright and Madelyn Casper celebrated their 102nd birthday together on September 15 with a big…

As an aerospace engineer, TV host, and author, Emily Calandrelli, nicknamed “Space Gal,” is dedicated to inspiring and educating young people about the wonders of space. Now she is preparing for a major mission: a journey aboard an upcoming Blue Origin space flight. Calandrelli, age 37, is set to become the first woman from West Virginia to travel to space. Growing up, she never imagined this would happen. Her family didn’t have much money, and she chose to study engineering because she wanted a practical career with financial stability. “While I wasn’t always the smartest kid in the room, I was usually the hardest worker,” she told The Week Junior. Calandrelli earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering at West Virginia University and continued her studies at the…

Fall is in full swing, which means the fat bears are back in action! Every year, brown bears spend the season feeding on as much salmon as they can catch, putting on weight in preparation for the cold winter ahead. The 11th annual Fat Bear Week, a celebration of the animals as they bulk up in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, will take place from October 2– 8. Gaining weight is important for bears before they hibernate (go into a deep sleep) to save energy during the winter. While hibernating, bears do not eat or drink and can lose up to one third of their body weight. This means they must have plenty of fat to spare before winter begins. From June to October, many bears in Katmai head to the…

The New York City subway system, the largest and busiest in North America, includes 472 stations, 665 miles of track, and more than 6,000 subway cars. Let’s look at how it began. Before the subway Public transportation in New York City started in about 1827 in the form of horse-drawn carriages, which carried passengers on slow and bumpy rides. In the 1860s, the city began to develop a transit system of elevated trains, built on tracks above the ground. In 1870, inventor Alfred Ely Beach opened a prototype (test model) of an underground subway that consisted of one train car and traveled one block, but it shut down in 1873. Years later, the Great Blizzard of 1888 knocked out transportation, inspiring support for a subway. How it was built Construction…

The automaker Nissan has developed a new paint that can significantly lower the temperature inside a car, even when it’s parked directly in the sun. When treated with the paint, cars stayed as much as 21.6° F cooler than vehicles with regular paint. The paint contains a material that reflects certain kinds of light, which prevents it from heating up as much in the first place. It also has a material that directs heat away from the car. The paint could keep passengers more comfortable and reduce the need for air conditioning.…

A new film is bringing a popular book by Wonder author R.J. Palacio to life. White Bird is based on the 2019 graphic novel White Bird: A Wonder Story and is a tale about two teens and the power of kindness. It arrives in theaters on October 4 and is rated PG-13. White Bird takes place in the present and during World War II (1939–1945). One of the present-day characters is Julian, the bully from Wonder. He is portrayed by Bryce Gheisar, who also played Julian in the 2017 film Wonder. In White Bird, his grandmother, Sara, tells him about a major event in her life. Her story was also recounted in the e-book The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story. Most of the film is a flashback set during the…

The Nut Job PG (Available on all major platforms) “This is a funny film about a naughty squirrel, Surly, who gets banished from his park home after he accidentally destroys the food supply that park animals were storing for winter. He and his friends Buddy, a rat, and Andie, a caring red squirrel, plan to rob a local nut shop to restore the food supply. Unbeknownst to them, the shop is home to a gang of criminals who are plotting to rob a nearby bank. Surly and his friends end up entangled in their plan. I like this film because it has cute animals and good lessons, such as the importance of teamwork and caring for your friends.” Nikita, 12, California Do you have a film or TV show to…

By Kyla Zhao (G.P. Putnam’s Sons) Even though May didn’t finish first at the state’s middle school chess championship, she takes home an award for being the best female player and is the subject of a feature story in a chess magazine. The principal asks May and the school’s top soccer player, Mario, to be on a billboard highlighting the school’s accomplishments. May’s friend and teammate, Ralph, is jealous of all the attention she’s receiving and tells her that male chess players are better than female ones. May gets upset and bets Ralph she’ll be chosen as the team captain when the school competes in the national tournament. May and Mario start to become friends, but the pressure to be captain begins eroding May’s confidence during the matches. Playing chess…

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel By Michael Scott (Ember) In this novel, Nicholas Flamel, the nearly 700-year-old character in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, is guarding a book that has the secret to eternal youth. When someone tries to steal it, twin teens try to help. Ages 10 and up Impossible Creatures By Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie (Knopf Books for Young Readers) Christopher and Mal race to save the world’s last magical place in this first book of a new series. They even negotiate with dragons to learn why the magic on a cluster of islands is fading. The book has more than 60 illustrations to swoop you into the story. Ages 10 and up The Marvellers By Dhonielle Clayton (Henry Holt and…

In Rome, Italy, a suspected burglar was caught reading a book in a stranger’s home. After climbing in through a balcony, the suspect saw a book about Greek mythology and started to read it. The intruder later claimed that he thought he had climbed into a room where a friend was staying. However, the owner of the apartment alerted police, and the suspect was arrested with what appeared to be stolen goods in his bag. The book’s author, Giovanni Nucci, said he would like to give the suspect a copy because “I’d like him to be able to finish it.”…

McKenna, who is 9 years old and from Washington, told us she enjoys swimming in the lake and going out for dinner with her grandparents. A favorite memory is snorkeling with them in the Cayman Islands. To celebrate your grandparent or any special older person, go to kidstheweekjunior.com/activities to print out 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 responses in future issues.…

Teacher’s Name: Linda Stanley School: Fruitland Primary School “Mrs. Stanley was my kindergarten teacher, and she always made up fun activities for us to do. At Christmas time, we made a wooden snowman that was the same height as us and painted and decorated it. Now we can look at it every year to remember how small we were in kindergarten. I am happy I still get to see her around school even though I’m not in her class anymore.” Emma, 8, Maryland 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.…

Monhegan Island lies 12 miles off the coast of Maine. The island measures less than one square mile, and its rocky shores are reached only by boat. Fewer than 100 year-round residents live in the village. It has no paved roads, and visitors’ cars are not allowed. A highlight of the island is its 18 hiking trails from the west side to the east, where harbor seals, many species of birds, and dramatic cliffs can be seen from the coastline. Two thirds of the island is a nature preserve, with more than 400 species of wildflowers growing among wild grass and pine trees.…

Beavers Beavers are making a comeback after disappearing from the UK for almost 400 years. They were reintroduced about 20 years ago and had a “baby boom” this summer. There are now about 600 to 800 beavers in England and 1,500 in Scotland. Birds in cities Researchers found that wild birds living near human cities carry bacteria that cannot be treated by antibiotics. The study looked at 30 species, including gulls, crows, and ducks that spend time near landfills or contaminated bodies of water.…

The 2024 WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) regular season came to an end on September 19. The top eight teams advanced to the first round of the postseason playoffs, which began on September 22. On the morning of the first game of the playoffs, the WNBA named Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). It is the third time she has received the honor. This year, Wilson set WNBA records for total points and rebounds. A panel of 67 national sportswriters and broadcasters voted for the MVP, and Wilson was the first player to earn every judge’s first-place vote since Cynthia Cooper did so in 1997. The WNBA will announce more awards during the playoffs, but the Associated Press (AP) also released a list of…

Coach’s Name: Anna-Maria Hadbah Team: Dearborn Dolphins Swim Club “Coach Anna is my favorite coach for a lot of reasons. I have had a bunch of coaches, but Coach Anna makes a real effort to give me personal attention so I can hit my goals. Even though there are a ton of other swimmers with me, she always gives me tips, whether I am at a meet or practice. She’s always been helpful and kind. I have become a better swimmer because of her.” Benjamin, 10, Michigan 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.…

Wonder In this 2012 book, fifth-grader Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, attends school with other kids for the first time. It isn’t easy, but he becomes a model of kindness. Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories This compilation from 2015 features three previously published e-books written from the perspective of kids in Auggie’s life: bully Julian, old friend Christopher, and classmate Charlotte. Pony In 2021, Palacio introduced fans to Silas, a 12-year-old boy with a friend who is a ghost. After Silas’ father is taken by outlaws, he sets out to find him on a pony the criminals left behind. The book has themes of bravery, courage, and friendship.…

National Parks: USA (Nat Geo) This new series showcases national parks in different countries, and the first season explores five in the US: Zion, Yellowstone, Katmai, the Everglades, and Olympic. Each episode has stunning footage and insights from experts on the beauty and significance of the parks. The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist (Netflix) In the third film based on Aaron Blabey’s The Bad Guys book series, Mr. Wolf and his crew visit a haunted mansion on Halloween. They steal an amulet, but it turns out to be cursed and triggers real hauntings. The team has to return it to make things normal again. The Voice (NBC) Mondays at 8 p.m. ET The hit singing competition series is back. Returning coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani are joined by new coaches…

Did you play chess when you were growing up? I started playing chess at age 6. I played with my grandpa, and I would not let him leave the chessboard until I won! I played competitively for many years. What is the book’s theme? Everyone deserves a fair shot! You can’t judge someone’s skills based on their gender. Also, it’s great to want to win, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying an activity. What do you hope kids take away from this book? I hope May’s adventures inspire readers to hold on to what brings them joy. Your passion is yours to own, regardless of other people’s opinions and expectations. What’s something you enjoy in your free time? Falling in love with a song and listening to it…

In recent years, more people have chosen to eat more plant-based foods—such as beans, vegetables, and whole grains—and less meat, poultry, and fish. They may have meat sometimes, but their goal is to eat vegetarian more regularly. If you want to try it with your family, here’s how. Spread enthusiasm You can share what you have learned about eating a plant-based diet with the dinner decision-makers in your home. They may be more easily convinced if you take a role in planning meals. “If you’re coming up with a dinner idea, that’s a big help to your family,” Jenny Rosenstrach, author of the new cookbook The Weekday Vegetarians Get Simple, told The Week Junior. (See the book and her recipe for empanadas on the opposite page.) Take it a step…

SHARE THE BENEFITS OF EATING LESS MEAT There are many different reasons people might decide to eat less meat or none at all. Some people make the choice for ethical reasons, meaning they don’t want to eat animals because they’re living creatures. Another reason is because eating plants can be better for the environment. Farming vegetables and grains requires less water, land, and other natural resources than what’s needed to produce meat, which means it’s more eco-friendly to eat those non-meat foods. Explain to your family your reasons for eating less meat, then ask if you can be involved in shopping for and preparing meals with that goal in mind.…

Fat Bear Week is back! Right now in Katmai National Park in Alaska, the brown bears who live there are chomping on salmon to bulk up before their long winter hibernation (p10). The question is: Which bears are bulkiest? Two colossal competitions are about to reveal the answers. First, young bears will take part in the Fat Bear Junior contest. After that, animals will compete for the top prize during Fat Bear Week. Members of the public will cast their votes online to crown the chubbiest champ. You can find out more at fatbearweek.org! Speaking of impressive competitors, many people are saying that Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is the best player in Major League Baseball history—and that the spectacular game he played on September 19 was the…

“We made the cheesy ham sliders, and they were delicious!”Asher, 10, Texas “We loved reading The Week Junior on our long trip to Stonehenge!”Ameya, 9, and Ansha, 9, Oregon “I love Mario, and I liked the story about the game on the On Screen page.”Caspian, 8, New York…