Highlights For Children November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

www.Highlights.com

What’s a

B L I P PO ? Page 30

Spinning

Superheroes Page 36

Follow the

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h t n o M s Fun Thi

Word Art

r e l z z u P e k a Cupc school’s akes at her

You’ve probably written a story before, but have you ever written a drawing?

ing cupc Daisy is sell akes have of the cupc ll A . le sa e k t for ba mon excep m o c in g in someth pcake spot the cu u o y n a C . e on nt? that’s differe

Using only words, see what clever images you can create.

Send us your drawings!

Answer on page 38.

Tongue Twister

King Cauliflower.

Mystery

P

to ho A n s we r o n pa

38

.

Can you fin this magazine? at another place in

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icturectsures Find tdheaech P of these 12 pi

Veterans Day Decoration By Edna Harrington

ribbon

Make this star frame to honor a veteran. craft foam

Veteran s Day is Novemb er 11. photo of a service member

Dear Reader NOVEMBER 2017 • VOLUME 72 • NUMBER 11 • ISSUE NO. 793

By Christine French Cully Editor in Chief

Founded in 1946 by Garry C. Myers, Ph.D., and Caroline Clark Myers Editor in Chief: Christine French Cully Vice President, Magazine Group Editorial: Jamie Bryant Creative Director: Marie O’Neill Editor: Judy Burke Art Director: Patrick Greenish, Jr. Senior Editor: Joëlle Dujardin Associate Editor: Linda K. Rose Assistant Editor: Allison Kane Copy Editor: Joan Prevete Hyman Editorial Assistant: Channing Kaiser Senior Production Artist: Dave Justice Contributing Science Editor: Andrew Boyles Editorial Offices: 803 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431-1895. E-mail: [email protected]. To submit manuscripts, go to Highlights.submittable.com. (Writers younger than 16: please use the postal address above.) CEO: Kent S. Johnson Vice President, International: Andy Shafran Senior Editor, International: Julie Stoehr Business Offices: 1800 Watermark Drive, P.O. Box 269, Columbus, OH 43216-0269. Copyright © 2017, Highlights for Children, Inc. All rights reserved. HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN is published monthly. ISSN 0018-165X (print) ISSN 2330-6920 (online) Designed for use in the classroom. Sometimes we make our list of customer names and addresses available to carefully screened companies whose products and services might be of interest to you. We never provide children’s names. If you do not wish to receive these mailings, please contact us and include your account number. Printed by RR Donnelley, Glasgow, KY. Periodical postage paid at Columbus, Ohio; Toronto, Ontario; and at additional mailing offices. U.S. Postmaster: Send address changes to Highlights for Children, P.O. Box 6038, Harlan, IA 51593-1538. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065670. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to P.O. Box 99 Stn. Main, Milton, ON L9T 9Z9. To order, make a payment, change your address, or for other customer-service needs, such as changing your contact preference, please contact us: • Online: www.Highlights.com • Call: 1-800-255-9517 • Write: P.O. Box 5878, Harlan, IA 51593-1378 As part of our mission to help make the world a better place for the children of today and tomorrow, Highlights is committed to making responsible business decisions that will protect our natural resources and reduce our environmental impact. AWARDS Highlights has been given awards by The Association of Educational Publishers, The Education Center, LLC, Family Choice Awards, Freedoms Foundation, Graphic Arts Association, iParenting Media, Magazine Design and Production, National Association for Gifted Children, National Conference of Christians and Jews, National Parenting Center, National Safety Council, Parents’ Choice, Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Awards, and Printing Industry Association. HighlightsKids.com is a participant in the Kids Privacy Safe Harbor program of the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

A Helping Hand Earlier today, I was coming to work with my hands full of books and bags. One of our editors, Joan, was walking behind me. She called “Wait!” and rushed ahead to open the door for me. I was glad I didn’t have to put everything down and pick it all up again. It was a small gesture, but it put a big smile on my face. If you read “Goofus and Gallant” every month (page 10), you know that’s how Gallant acts. He’s always ready to lend a hand. Joan is that kind of person, too. I believe most of us want to be kind and helpful—even Goofus. Sometimes we just need to be reminded to pay attention to others and what they might need. The more we practice kindness, the easier it becomes. If you’re interested in practicing kindness, don’t miss this month’s “Gallant Challenge” (page 11). And to learn what other kids think about kindness, be sure to visit HighlightsKids.com for the results of our annual State of the Kid survey. Your friend,

Write to me! [email protected]

This magazine of wholesome fun

is dedicated to helping children grow in basic skills and knowledge,

creativeness, in ability to think and reason, in sensitivity to others, in high ideals and worthy ways of living— ® for children are the world’s most important people . in

VOLUME 72 • NUMBER 11 • ISSUE NO. 793

Dear Highlights,

YUM

—Ross, Texas

It’s easy to get excited when we want to share something, Ross. We hope these tips help.

1 When you

feel like blurting something out, write it down.

2 Would the

teacher want you to share it? If so, raise your hand.

3 Take deep

breaths or count silently as you wait to be called on.

Novem ! be is Nat r 28 ional French Toast Day.

4 For more ideas, talk to your parents or teacher.

32

12 28

6

BrainPlay

8

What do you think puppies dream about?

7

Autumn When runaway leaves dance in the breeze.

You’re the Cover Artist! Highlights covers from kids.

10

Goofus and Gallant® Where are those cleats when you need them?

11

Gallant Challenge Brighten someone’s day!

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The Way Things Used to Be Thanksgiving will be different for James this year.

14

Hidden Pictures® Puzzle Talk about a feast!

15

Jokes A strange dream about a door that won’t open.

4

NOVEMBER 2017

16

A Final Touch of Color Red autumn leaves posed a mystery to scientists.

18

Your Own Pages See more drawings from creative kids like Elliot.

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The Sweet-Treats Schoolhouse School in a gingerbread cottage isn’t always easy.

TOASTY W

hat’s the sea otter’s secret to staying warm in chilly w aters? A thick co at of fur!

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34

Gobble Up the Garden

U.S. Army veteran Melissa Stockwell loves a challenge.

Know your veggies? Dig into this quiz and find out.

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36

Game On! Devin has a tough decision to make.

28 30

Planet Zlippo’s Blippos

You Can Be Coo l, Too! Elliot Park Age 7 • Colorado

Riddles

39

Paws and Think Working in a car factory.

The Timbertoes

®

The kids want to reach the last good apple on the tree.

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38

What is a hot dog’s favorite hairstyle?

How many Blippos are in the space garden?

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Crafts Make Pinecone Owls, a Thankful Turkey, Spinning Superheroes, and more.

My Sci A giant dino from Argentina, black holes, and more.

Divvy Up Desserts Help Katie Cater rearrange the Thanksgiving treats.

Standing Strong

Balancing the Books Bike riding with a basketful of books can be tricky!

40

Ask Arizona® Is it possible to outgrow a friend?

42

Dear Highlights Feeling out of place.

NOVEMBER 2017

5

STAR T Take you on a r brain hike!

Why do peo keep pla ple nts indoors? What is the smallest dot or spot you see every day?

ions Which decis are EASY to make? Which are difficult?

W HAT I S TH E LARGEST O N E?

od These fo me: y words rh

B E E TS CAN A G N DRIPPIM AKE FAUCET MUSIC?

M EATS

SW E ETS

WHY OR WHY NOT?

What name would you create for a funny monster character? For a scary one?

o you s d t a Wh puppie think about? dream

A pen can run out of ink. Name other things that can run out.

Why might engineers put pipes for a town’s water system underground?

quick “She’s as g!” as lightnin could What else e someone b as”? “as quick

If your family had a theme song, what would it be?

name Can you g rhymin other things in s? categorie

TH ENDE

Autumn By Charles Ghigna Art by Edwardian Taylor

When owls hide in the treetops, When fields are stubbly and bare, When geese f ly high in the cool, clear sky, And the days are sunny and fair, When pumpkins appear on the porches And shadows chase after the day, When runaway leaves dance in the breeze— Autumn is on display.

NOVEMBER 2017

7

You’re the Cover Artist! We asked you what you’d draw if you could illustrate a Highlights cover. Here are some of your fantastic creations.

8

Samantha Patton Age 9 • Minnesota

Ella Gardner Age 11 • Virginia

Auri Marcrum Age 7 • Missouri

Chayne Shevalier Age 7 • Colorado

Rowen Harary Age 9 • New Jersey

Owen Smalley Age 9 • Kansas

NOVEMBER 2017

Sawyer Reed Age 11 • Montana

Aubrey Hairr Age 10 • North Carolina

Alessandra Canzoneri Age 9 • New York

Leslie Garcia Age 10 • Texas

Kaitlynn Masson Age 9 • Virginia

Alexander Tallentire Age 11 • Colorado

Mia Zielinski Age 7 • California

Olivia Jensen Age 9 • Utah

Winston Zhuang Age 8 • Kentucky

NOVEMBER 2017

9

Goaondfus Gallant

There’s some of Goofus and Gallant in us all. When the Gallant shines through, we show our best self.

®

“Be right there. I’ll just grab my skates,” says Gallant.

“Dad, help me find my cleats!” says Goofus.

Gallant tries not to stare so that he won’t make others feel uncomfortable.

Goofus stares at people.

YOUR Goofus and Gallant Moments “I felt like Goofus when I

“I felt like Gallant when

got into the chocolate chips after Mom told me not to.”

I didn’t pout after the other team scored.”

Carolina, Age 8, Ohio

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NOVEMBER 2017

Zan, Age 7, New York

Art by Leslie Harrington.

T GALLAN GE N CHALLE

World Kindne ss Day is Nove mber 13.

I’m getting worried about soccer tryouts.

I can help you practice.

Brighten

Someone’s Day!

A kind word, a thoughtful

gesture, or a helping hand can be all it takes to make someone’s day a little brighter. Give it a try! Notice the people around you, think about what you can do for them, and take action.

Tune In and Help Out As you go about your day, challenge yourself to “tune in” to your friends and family. Notice what they’re doing and how they’re feeling. Then ask yourself if there’s something you can do for them. Here are some ideas: “Just four more bags of groceries to go.” “I’ll carry these two in.”

Art by Keith Frawley.

“I’m not ready for my math test!” “Want me to help you study?” “I’m having the worst day.” “I heard the funniest joke. Maybe it’ll cheer you up.” “I’ll be finished with this work in a half hour.” “I’ll play with the baby to keep him quiet.”

Everybody Wins The more you think about what you can do for others, the easier it becomes. And when you lend a hand, two things often happen: the people you’ve helped feel good, and you do, too!

Did You Brighten Someone’s Day? What did you do recently to help out a friend or a family member? We’d love to know! Send your response, along with your name, age, and address, to Brighten Someone’s Day! 803 Church Street Honesdale, PA 18431 In a future issue, we’ll publish a few responses.

NOVEMBER 2017

11

The Way Things

“I miss Grandma so much!”

Used to Be By Susan Kneib Schank Art by Andy Elkerton

James heaved a bag of groceries into the car. “So much food for one meal!” “I know. Imagine if we were having a real turkey, too,” said Mom. “We’re not?” said James. “Aunt Amy is a vegetarian. She’ll make ‘turkey’ out of tofu,” said Mom. James groaned. “Tofu turkey?” Mom smiled. “You might like it.”

James didn’t want to try vegetarian Thanksgiving at Aunt Amy’s house. James didn’t want to try vegetarian Thanksgiving at Aunt Amy’s house. He wanted things to be the way they used to be, at Grandma’s. James would always help Grandma cook the meal, and she’d tell him about Thanksgiving when she was a girl. He’d laugh as she told about the time she fell in the mud 12

NOVEMBER 2017

while picking pumpkins for pie. That night, Mom and James started preparing food for the next day’s feast. “Why don’t you make the corn muffins?” said Mom. “Grandma always said you made them best.” “I miss her so much!” James said. “I do, too,” said Mom. “But she’d be happy to know we were cooking her favorite recipes, right?” “I guess,” said James. But what about Grandma’s turkey recipe? he thought. Mom chatted while they worked. James stayed quiet. “Will you tell me Grandma’s story about Thanksgiving when she was a kid?” James said before he went to bed. Mom smiled. “You would tell it better. And I found something at Grandma’s that might help you.” She left the room and came back with a small book.

James read the tag on the journal. It said: For James, who loves stories as much as I do. Write what’s in your heart. Love, Grandma. “She meant it for your birthday, but I think you need it early. Why don’t you write her story in here?” said Mom. James opened the journal and stared at the blank page for a while. Then he began to write. “Happy Thanksgiving!” Mom sang the next morning. James sat up. “Tofu turkey. Yippee.” “We’ll have lots to eat,” Mom said. James got ready slowly. He was about to head downstairs when he saw the journal. He slipped it into his pocket. James’s cousin, Amber, answered the door. “You’re here!” she cried. “We can’t wait for you to try our tofu turkey!” “I can’t wait either,” James said

He took a small bite.

“Why don’t you write her story in here?”

politely. “I keep thinking about it.” James felt a lump in his throat when he saw the table set with Grandma’s china. Soon the family sat down. Food was passed. Plates were filled. James looked at the tofu turkey Aunt Amy put on his plate. It didn’t look like turkey. He took a small bite anyway and was surprised. “It’s not bad,” he said. Amber smiled. “Glad you like it.” James looked around. It wasn’t Grandma’s house, but it was family. He patted the journal in his pocket. “Hey, Amber. Want to hear a story later?”

Want ae? challeng

Scarecrow’s Night Off

5 k page 1 Fold bac the e to hid clues. picture

By Neil Numberman

In this big picture, find the artist’s brush, straw hat, waffle, canoe, ruler, teacup, tent, caterpillar, high-heeled shoe, pitcher, golf club, cauliflower, megaphone, drinking straw, and candle.

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NOVEMBER 2017

Check out our Hidden Pictures app!

Picture Clues artist’s brush straw hat

canoe waffle ruler

JOKES

“Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “Annie.” “Annie who?” ” “Annie body home? Tatum, Oregon

teacup

Doctor: How are you feeling? Doughnut: Well, kind of empty. Doctor: Hmm, that’s unusual. You’re a Boston cream! Emma Duerr, Massachusetts

tent

A book never written: Walking to School by Misty Bus.

caterpillar

high-heeled shoe

pitcher

Darby, Iowa

Dangling Earring #1: Want to go to the movies? Dangling Earring #2: No thanks. Let’s just hang around. Fernando Farfan, Quebec, Canada

Stephen: I had a dream and I don’t don t know what it means. Grace: What was it about? Stephen: There was a door with a sign on it, and no matter how hard I pushed, it wouldn’t open. Grace: What did the sign say? Stephen: “Pull.” Jaelyn Lindquist, Wisconsin

Make us laugh! Send a joke or riddle, along with your name, age, and address, to 803 Church Street Honesdale, PA 18431

golf club cauliflower megaphone

candle

drinking straw

BONUS

Can you also find the envelope, needle, peanut, and hairbrush?

Answers on HighlightsKids.com.

Walking the Dog Each afternoon, I walk my dog. Did I say walk? I mean we jog. Did I say jog? I mean we run, Six feet f lying! Oh, what fun! Every day, just after three, I walk my dog—and she walks me. —Sandi Leibowitz

NOVEMBER 2017

15

of h c u o T l a n i F A

PRONOUNCE THE PIGMENTS

O R O L C

The pigment that makes plants green is chlorophyll (KLOR-oh-fill). Yellow and orange colors are carotenoids (kah-RAWT-en-oyds). Reds are anthocyanins (AN-thoh-SIGH-ah-nins).

Why h does nature paint some autumn leaves red??

By Andy Boyles Contributing Science Editor

The red e is maple tre r the named fo ins in anthocyan es v its fall lea it and in s we rs . spring f lo

When Missy Eppes was

young, she loved to climb her family’s maple tree during the fall. “It turned the most amazing colors of orange and red and yellow,” she says. “I would sit up in that tree in the fall and feel like I was sitting inside the sun.” Today, she is Dr. Eppes, a scientist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She and her students have worked to help solve a puzzle about autumn leaf colors. Scientists understand why summer leaves are

16

NOVEMBER 2017

green and why they change to yellow or orange in the autumn. But autumn reds are different. Some leaves turn red. Others don’t. It’s a mystery. Inside all leaves, all summer long, a green pigment (colored chemical) called chlorophyll catches energy from sunlight for photosynthesis, a process that makes food for the plant. Yellow and orange chemicals called carotenoids are there through the summer, hidden by the

chlorophyll. These lighter colors help catch sunlight and pass the energy to chlorophyll. In the autumn, photosynthesis stops, and the green chlorophyll breaks down. Then the yellow and orange carotenoids show through in the leaves. But for most plants, the red color, anthocyanin, has not been hiding. The leaf doesn’t start making this red pigment until the fall. Dr. Eppes says, “Trees use up a lot of energy to make anthocyanin. So it has

Sweet-gum rn leaves may tu some yellow, red, or n, hue in betwee ow h depending on t much sunligh hits them.

Leaves of the yellow birch can’t make antho cyanin. Wh en the green ch lorophyll breaks dow n, the yello w carotenoids show through.

always been a mystery why they would go to all of that trouble at a time when they should be ‘going to sleep’ for the winter.” Anthocyanins may help a leaf save nutrients that it stored up in the growing season. Dr. Eppes and her students ran a study to test that idea. In a protected area in North Carolina, they counted the kinds of trees that live in rich soil low on the hillsides, and the types that live in poor hilltop soils. Low on the hillsides, they

Watch for Reds

nlight Notice how su uch of red, helps give a to le plant. For even on a sing , e anthocyanins plants that mak nd get more sun te the leaves that ade. sh in than those to turn redder

found more birches, beeches, and other trees that can’t make anthocyanins. These trees have yellow or brown fall leaves. On the hilltops, most of the trees were red maples, sweet gums, and others that can make anthocyanins, giving them red leaves in the fall. “Trees that don’t make anthocyanins seem to naturally live in places with lots of ‘food,’ like f loodplains where nutrients get added to the soil each time the river f loods,” Dr. Eppes

says. “Trees that make anthocyanins seem to live in places that don’t have this buffet.” Dr. Eppes suspects the anthocyanins may lie in the soil after the leaves drop, fertilizing the tree in the spring. Other scientists think the chemical works like sunscreen, protecting the leaf while it moves nutrients into the tree and stores them for the winter. The mystery isn’t solved yet, but scientists are a few steps closer! NOVEMBER 2017

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Your Own Pages

Jacob Katz Age 6 • New York

Tess Dunphy Age 7 • Massachusetts

Seashore

me air surrounds the salty ocean d crash waves swirl an ys beach da end so fast but i stare at ls play ing, thieving seag ul ng good salty air smelli s my hear t grow s tear drip and a saltwater y on k to my sand down my chee legs. re fa well, seashore

Flower

Deer

Rowan Hassler Age 6 • Illinois

Branson Rhone Age 12 • Texas

Mia Vakoc chusetts Age 10 • Massa

Rosy Mama Mama is a rose. Her face is the f lower. Her body is the stem. Her hands are the leaves. Her feet are the roots. Mama is a rose. Abhijeet Ghosh Age 7 • Georgia

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NOVEMBER 2017

Baseball I play ball. A mitt waiting for a f ly ball. A bat waiting for a home run. The bases waiting for players. Home plate waiting for runs. Pitcher waiting for strikes. Fans waiting for wins. And that is what I like about ball. Ben Wiltrout Age 7 • Indiana

Hailey Smith Age 11 • Washington

A Galaxy Far away, I wonder what Lies beyond the Milky Way. Do aliens live? Does another race exist? I wonder when We will know. Or if we will ever know.

Skating at the Rink I see the skates in different colo rs. Red, black, and blue. I see the lights dancing. I love to skate with you! I hear music in the air, And just smile at the rink, Thinking of things No one else can think.

Alex Hancock Age 9 • Kentucky

Madison Stringer Age 8 • Louisiana

Cats

Ahnna Rogalewicz Age 8 • Pennsylvania

ey Peaceful Vall

sweet. I love cats, they ’re so s so nice and neat. They keep themselve paws and feet. They have such nice at next to the creek. They always take a se et! They always love to me

ay valley. elf in a faraw Picture yours ine ls of nice jasm dew The air smel ith morning s is glazed w as gr e th d n A ight. ers are so br A nd the f low ss valley. ugh the endle ro th g in n n You, ru ll of joy Your spirit fu rt open wide. A nd your hea

James Athos Age 6 • Oregon

New England Patriots Helmet Jack Ragosta Age 7 • Rhode Island

Olives are juicy, Olives are sweet, And I love to have Olives for a special treat. My friend does not like them, But I surely do. And if you try them, You might like them, too.

e Gabriel Sass ia rn Age 9 • Califo

If I Were a Bear . . . If I were a bear, I would eat fish and I would hunt for honey. But, If I were a bear, What kind of bear would I be? If I were a bear, I would not dare to be scared, And I would sleep in my lair, And I would like to hibernate. I would be a Cuddly bear. Sohana Gulati Age 6 • California

Natalie Miner Age 8 • Missouri

Share Your Creative Work We’d love to see it! Art must be on unlined paper. Poems must have fewer than 75 words. All submissions must be created by you.

“Meat You There” Alex Harvey Age 9 • Tennessee

We can t return y r so ou ght wa t to keep a c py.

Include your name, age, and address. Mail to Your Own Pages 803 Church Street Honesdale, PA 18431

“In here, all I can think about is eating cookies.”

The

Sweet-Treats

Schoolhouse By Maggie Murphy • Art by Scott Soeder

Little Pig sat on a shortbread

bench, trying to ignore his schoolhouse’s mouth-watering fresh-baked smell. He turned to his brother Middle Pig and said, “I can’t wait until Big Pig starts building our new school. In here, all I can think about is eating cookies.” “Resisting the treats is better than watching the whole class yawning all day,” said Middle Pig. “The weird sleeping spell that hit the castle near our old school sure was strong.”

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NOVEMBER 2017

Little Pig agreed. “We had to move! Who wants to nap during recess? And I’m glad everyone is awake to see the model of my playhouse.” Happily, he peeked into a bag that held a small, fancy straw house. “Quiet for roll call, please,” said their teacher, Mama Bear. “Red Riding Hood?” “Here,” said Red Riding Hood. “Hang up your pretty scarlet cloak on a candy cane, dear,” said Mama Bear. “Thumbelina?” “Here!” said a small voice.

Mama Bear looked around. “Where are you, darling?” “Over here!” Sharp-eyed Little Pig spotted his tiny classmate and pointed. “She’s on the lemon-drop lampshade, Mrs. Bear.” “Hop to a front desktop, would you, Belina? Good. Baby Bear?” Baby’s shaggy paw waved wildly. “Grrr. I mean, here! Mama, someone’s sitting at my desk.” “Baby, you know that in this temporary location, students share desks. Of course Goldilocks

is allowed to sit with you.” “But she’s eating my desk all up!” cried Baby Bear. “Now that is a problem,” Mama Bear admitted. “Goldilocks, dear, if you break off one more chocolate square from that desk’s lid, I’ll have to give you a timeout in the sugar-free corner. Students, I know it’s a great temptation to sip the gummy-fish aquarium’s lemonade, to snap pretzels off the picture frames, and to sneak jelly beans from the beanbag chairs. Still, you mustn’t. Right now, Fairywoods School District has no other classroom available but this abandoned gingerbread cottage. Until money is somehow raised to purchase the materials Big Pig needs to build a brick schoolhouse, we can’t eat this one.” Mama Bear finished roll call, then said, “Who would like to share for show-and-tell?” Just before Jack eagerly raised his hand, Little Pig’s hoof shot up. “Go ahead, Little Pig,” said Mama Bear. Beaming, Little Pig held up his pint-sized house. “This is a model of the awesome straw playhouse Big Pig will build for me. I saved my pennies for months to buy the straw, and I even helped Big Pig with the design.” “My, what a wonderful playhouse,” said Mama Bear. “It will have everything from towers to balconies. You’re lucky your oldest brother is a master craftspig. I hope it won’t be long before we can get him that load of bricks. Thank you, Little. Jack, it’s your turn now.”

Jack whipped out a harp. “Look, everybody, at this neat magic harp I . . . uh, found. Harp, play!” To Little Pig’s delight, the harp plucked out a tune. Soon Mama Bear was leading the class in a lively song perfect for growling and oinking. But Little Pig’s merry oink rose to a squeal as the door f lew open so hard that—bloof!— powdered sugar puffed like a genie’s smoke. A short man clutching a fistful of straw ran in, yelling, “I’m mad enough to stomp through this peanut-brittle f loor!”

“Mine is a rare talent,” said Rumpelstiltskin. “I spin straw into gold.” “Rumpelstiltskin! Good morning, neighbor,” said Mama Bear. “Don’t call me Rumpelstiltskin! My name is a secret. What’s all this ruckus?” “Jack has brought his magic harp for show-and-tell,” said Mama Bear. Rumpelstiltskin shook his hat in the air. “I need it

quiet, kids! I’m busy making a very special product from straw.” Shyly, Little Pig said, “I like to make things out of straw, too, Mr. Rumpel—um, sir.” “But mine is a rare talent, young pig. I spin straw into precious gold.” “You do? Wow.” Little Pig looked at his model thoughtfully. Should he? It had taken ages to save up for the straw to build his playhouse, but . . . Little Pig cleared his throat. “Mrs. Bear, I have an idea. Let’s have Rumpelstiltskin spin the straw I bought for my playhouse into gold for us. We can pay Rumpelstiltskin for his work with some of the treasure—” “Half,” Rumpelstiltskin said. Little Pig nodded. “Half. Then we could use the rest of the gold to buy the bricks for our school.” So that’s exactly what happened. And that’s why, in honor of Little Pig’s straw playhouse, the new yellow brick school has everything from towers to balconies.

“I have an idea.”

Gobble Up

the Garden Art by Helena Bogosian

et MarkU p Mix-cket would you

d pa umbers? h se e c Wh i c p l ant cu o t y bu

A.

B.

2

Sprouter Space Which o

f th grown in ese has been s Internati pace, on the on al S pa ce Statio A . L e t us s n? ay lettuc e! B. Orange you it’s orang thinking es? C . Positiv e it’s pop corn.

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NOVEMBER 2017

Chomp through these questions!

3Unreal!

ers are f these answ Just two o he other is a sweet T l. vegetables. e with almond mea d a m ” h g r? sto “dou is the impo Which word AY-guh) h OOT-u -B (R a g a b ta u A. R -pan) (MAR-tzih B. Marzipan -ee) (coal-ROB C . Kohlrabi

C.

4 RRaoho-tRah s

Veggies t underg hat grow a thic roun d , edible r k, include o ot A . aspar a gu B . c a rr ot s a n d c a b b a g e . s an d b e et s . C . swe e t an d h ot p e pp e rs .

7 R Yo ate

ur P late

Acco how rding to plat much o experts f e , a co should your l fruit orful va contain ri e sa A . Al nd veggi ty of es? l of i t. B . Ha lf C . N of it. one . Pu in a bow t them l.

5

Fif i Fidoand No Th e Nos s e h u m fo o d s a

th ns cats eat ar at man eu y a A. o n nion d dogs nsafe : s an B. c d h C . b ocolate. garlic . ot h A an d B. fo r

6CoFlooroidng

Plants g e from na t their colors tural pig Chlorop ments. h gives ve yll (KLOR-ohfill) getable s A . t h e sc ientific n am e “ P B . c am o u hil .” fla wild rab ge to hide from bits. C . gr e e n coloring .

8 Dig I

Leg c a n um e s Som pack (LEG bea e exa a pro yoom ns , m p te i n z ) A . o a n d l e s a p un r e p ch . n B . b ions . e as , ana C. p nas . e an uts .

Answers on page 38.

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Br y

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GAME ON!

J or

Bright Lights Devin has led his team to the big game. Now he faces a tougher challenge. By Rich Wallace Art by Gerald Kelley

Devin’s heart sank.

“Corner kick!” Devin yelled

as the ball rolled out of bounds. He rushed to the corner of the soccer field. Players in red jerseys and players in blue bunched up near the goal. A few seconds remained in the game, and the score was tied. Devin kicked the ball hard and watched it loft toward the goal. He sprinted onto the field. Tara trapped the ball and pivoted. A swarm of opponents blocked her path.

24

NOVEMBER 2017

“Right here!” Devin called. Tara nudged the ball in Devin’s direction. He outraced a boy in blue and swept the ball to the side. For a split second he saw a clear opening to the goal. He struck the ball hard and held his breath as it f lew toward the upper corner of the net. Goal!

“Championship game, here we come!”

Seconds later, the referee blew the whistle. Game over. “We won!” hollered Jordan, leaping into the air. “Championship game, here we come!” said Tara, slapping hands with Devin. “Can’t wait till Thursday.” Devin grinned. Thursday would be huge—the big soccer game in the afternoon, and the school’s autumn concert in the evening. Ms. Poltis had chosen Devin to sing a brief solo. “Great work,” Coach said as

Devin sat on the bench and pulled off his cleats. His teammates were super excited. They were on the verge of a title, and Devin was a big reason why. He led the league in scoring, and his soccer knowledge made him like a coach on the field. He couldn’t let his team down by skipping the game. Jordan patted Devin’s shoulder. “You’re the MVP,” he said. “You kept us in that game and then you won it.” “Thanks, but no player wins anything alone,” Devin said. “Eleven of us were on the field. Remember that.” Devin frowned. He’d tell Ms. Poltis in the morning. There were other kids who could sing the solo. He wasn’t the best singer anyway, and he knew it.

the team gathered. “Be here by 6:30 on Thursday to warm up.” “Six thirty?” Devin said. That didn’t sound right. “It’s a night game,” Coach explained. “Under the lights.” Devin’s heart sank. The concert was at 7:00. Same time as the game. He couldn’t possibly do both. “Playing at night will be so cool,” Tara said. “It’ll feel like a pro game.” “Yeah,” said Bryan. “Under the bright stadium lights.”

That night, Devin lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Finally, he turned on his light. Trophies and ribbons from races, baseball leagues, and free-throw contests lined his shelves. He looked at them for a moment, then picked up a sheet of paper from his desk. After reading the words, he shut his eyes and sang them: “‘No matter how hard the struggle, I will never let you down. . . .’ ” The solo was only four lines in the middle of a song the entire choir would sing. Devin knew the words by heart, but the thought of singing alone made him shiver. Sometimes he was nervous about participating in sports, too, but that always went away as soon as a game started. He’d never sung a solo before. It was a relief to know he didn’t have to now. The soccer

game was a perfect excuse. His team was counting on him. But so was Ms. Poltis. Devin crawled back into bed. It was a long time before he fell asleep. In the morning, Devin hardly ate any breakfast. “Feeling all right, honey?” his mother asked. Devin shrugged. “I’m just not that hungry.” “You had a big day yesterday,” Mom said. “And you’ll have a bigger one tomorrow.” Devin nodded and took a bite of toast. At school, he went straight to the music room. He felt sorry to tell Ms. Poltis that he’d miss the concert. “Good morning, Devin,” said Ms. Poltis. “Good morning.” Devin looked at the f loor. (Continued on next page)

A Tip from the Author Develop your soccer skills by juggling the ball. Bounce it up a few inches with the top of your foot, then put your foot under it and pop it up again. You may be able to do only one or two juggles at first, but you’ll improve quickly. Practice this skill with both feet! Rich Wallace is the author of dozens of sports novels for kids, including the books in the Winning Season and Kickers series. He has played and coached a lot of sports, too. NOVEMBER 2017

25

“I chose you because you work hard.” (Continued from page 25) “All set for tomorrow night?” Ms. Poltis asked. Devin squirmed. He was ready, but not for the concert. “You look worried,” Ms. Poltis said. “You’ll do fine, Devin.” “I . . .” Just tell her, Devin thought. Be brave. “Would you like to practice some more?” she asked gently. “Maybe once,” Devin replied. He liked the song, and he appreciated how kind Ms. Poltis always was. He looked up at her and his eyes filled with tears. “Sit down for a moment,” Ms. Poltis said. “You know, I didn’t choose you for the solo because you’re the best singer.” She smiled warmly.

All eyes would be on him. Devin smiled, too. It was no secret that several other choir members had stronger singing voices than he did. “I chose you because you work hard, like the person in the song. And you have a very nice voice. So don’t be nervous. Be proud.” Devin stood taller. He and Ms. Poltis sang together, and Devin handled the solo perfectly. Then his heart sank again. He hadn’t told her about the soccer game. The one under those bright stadium lights. On Thursday evening, Devin warmed up slowly. He was very excited, and he needed to contain that energy or he’d start too fast and run out of steam.

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NOVEMBER 2017

Once those bright lights come on, you’ll be fine, he told himself. Like always. Devin took a deep breath. So many people had come to watch tonight. In a few moments, all eyes would be on him. He’d made a difficult choice. There would be other concerts. And other championship games. The bright lights came on. Devin stayed calm. He sang with confidence. “‘No matter how hard the struggle . . .’” Devin finished the solo and smiled at Ms. Poltis. He was proud of the choice he’d made.

A Tip from a Kid When playing a team sport, always look out to help your teammates, and always be ready to receive a pass.

Nina Ramsumair Age 12 • Pennsylvania

Share a sports tip! Send it to

Sports Tips 803 Church Street Honesdale, PA 18431

Divvy Up Desserts By Clare Mishica • Art by Josh Lewis Katie Cater is hosting a big Thanksgiving meal for her friends and family, and it’s time for dessert! Katie wants to rearrange the treats on the trays so that each of the red trays has the same number of cookies, each of the yellow trays has the same number of pumpkin-pie slices, and each of the orange trays has the same number of caramel apples. How many treats should be on each tray?

Katie Cater’s cousins Ava, Brayden, and Carter made the desserts for their Thanksgiving gathering. Katie wants to write thankyou notes, but she can’t remember which cousin brought each treat. Use the clues to help her figure out who made each dessert.

CLUES

B O N US ! Find tw o

• Carter’s dessert starts with the same letter as his name.

match in caram g e apples l .

• Ava did not make cookies. • Brayden’s treat is served on a stick. Answers on page 38. NOVEMBER 2017

27

MY SC A sea otter can close its ears and nostrils when it dives underwater to find food or to play.

Otter Hair Traps Air

The sea otter, unlike its smaller cousin, the river otter, is almost always in the water. It even sleeps in the sea, floating on its back. The Pacific Ocean waters where sea otters live are often very cold. Otters don’t have a layer of blubber, as seals and other sea mammals do, to insulate them from the cold water. Instead, they have a special blanket: a thick fur coat with two layers to trap air.

Barbs (jagged edges) on each hair make the fluffy undercoat tangle together, trapping air that keeps the skin warm and dry. Long, thick “guard” hairs clump together to form a waterproof outer coat.

The sea otter spends a lot of its time cleaning and fluffing its fur to keep air in it.

Its dense undercoat has more hairs in a square inch than you have on your whole head!

By Dougal Dixon Art by Robert Squier

Sarmientosaurus sahr-me-EN-toe-SAWR-us “Lizard from Sarmiento” (the town near where the fossils were found)

Large eye sockets, so probably had large eyes

The head and neck More than 60 different species of were found, but titanosaurs (a late group of large the rest of the plant eaters) have been discovered in body was Argentina, but most of them included not. very little of the skull. Sarmientosaurus was found with a nearly complete skull. That gave scientists a better idea Thick teeth, of what a titanosaur head was like. good for

28

slicing tough plants NOVEMBER 2017

Where do things that go into a black hole go? When its feet are held out of the water, they stay warmer and can absorb heat from the sun.

A Highlights Reader (by e-mail)

Things that are pulled into the enormous gravity of a black hole become part of it. Unlike a hole in your sock, a black hole is not an opening; it’s the term for a dead star with a very strong gravitational pull. When a big star—much more massive than our Sun—uses up all its fuel after a few million years,

it collapses, which means that it squeezes its core tightly together and crushes down to almost nothing. In the small region around this super-dense, super-small object, nothing can escape. Things pulled in by its gravity become part of the compressed mass.

Thinking Challenge Murray is in a hurry! He’s dashing out the door, but he wants to give two friends matching lollipops. He has five lime lollipops and five strawberry lollipops in a jar, but the wrappers all look alike. What’s the fewest he should grab to be sure he’ll have two pops of the same flavor? Answer on page 38.

NuUreShee BO b e s lim s

To s two hat’ get ops, wst he p lolli e fewetake? th ould sh

Based on its inner-ear cavity, scientists believe Sarmientosaurus may have heard low rumbling sounds better than its relatives did. WHERE: Argentina

Likely held ld d its head facing down, based on neck bones and position of ear canals

HOW LONG: 40 feet

WHAT IT ATE: Low-growing plants

WHEN: 95 million years ago 252

Triassic

201

Jurassic

145

66

Cretaceous

Present

Cenozoic

Planet Zlippo’s Blippos By Clare Mishica

Small creatures called Blippos live on Planet Zlippo. When it rains, each Blippo splits into two every hour. When it snows, each Blippo splits into three every hour. One day, it rained for six hours. Before the rain began, there was only one Blippo in the space garden. How many were in the garden after the rain stopped? How many would have ended up in the garden if it had snowed instead?

Word Hideand-Seek By Teresa A. DiNicola

Within each pair of words below, there are two words that sound exactly alike but have different spellings and meanings. Can you find them? Example: chair share

BON US!

Are ther e more Blippos with polk a dots or w ithout polka do ts?

1. seed 2. date 3. planet 4. bleak 5. mildew 6. jewel 7. learn 8. wonder

seal weight explain sleek duel your turn bone Answers on page 38.

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NOVEMBER 2017

Answers on page 38.

The

The apples had fallen.

Timbertoes

®

By Rich Wallace • Art by Ron Zalme

It was up too high.

There’s a good one!

They shook the tree.

They threw old apples. It’s too strong.

How can we get it?

Mabel had an idea.

Wait right here.

It was as good as it looked.

It worked!

Balancing the Books By Teresa Bateman • Art by Susan Batori

On Monday, Becca biked to the library. She found a book on horses. “Great!” she said. She checked it out and home she sped. One book. One basket. One girl on a bike—pedaling home with a book that she’ll like. The book was so good that she finished it fast. Good books are like that. They just don’t last. The next Monday, Becca biked back to the library. She knew just what she had to do. Get TWICE as many. She found two. Mummies and monsters. “Perfect!” she said. She checked them out and home she sped. Two books. One basket. One girl on a bike—pedaling home with some books that she’ll like. The books were so good that she finished them fast. She waited around until a whole week had passed. The next Monday, Becca biked to the library again. This time she knew she would need more. TWICE as 32

NOVEMBER 2017

many—that made FOUR. Four books. One basket. One girl on a bike—pedaling home with some books that she’ll like. The books were so good, they seemed to f ly. Then she waited and sighed until a week had gone by. The next Monday, Becca biked back to the library. She hurried in, could hardly wait. Twice more again. She checked out EIGHT!

Eight books. One basket. One girl on a bike—pedaling home with some books that she’ll like. The books were so good that she finished them fast. (Though she tried, really tried, to make the books last.) The next Monday, Becca biked back to the library. Reading was great! Amazing. Keen. She’d get TWICE as many. She checked out 16. Sixteen books. One basket. One girl on a bike—pedaling home with some books that she’ll like. But with books stacked so high,

In three weeks, she’d need 128! Then 256! What could she do? she could just barely see. And the bike started weaving alarmingly. She made it home—whew!—without causing a crash. She read all the books in sort of a dash. But now Becca thought of the two weeks ahead. Twice 16 would be 32, and twice 32 would be so much more. Her bike basket just couldn’t hold 64! Then it hit her. Her horrible fate. In three weeks, she’d need 128! Then 256! What could she do? She thought and she thought for a day, maybe two. Finally, her sister decided to speak. “Don’t you know that the library’s open all week?” The next day, Becca biked back to the library. She loved to read. That much was true. She found good books and checked out . . . two. Two books. One basket. One girl on a bike—pedaling home with some books that she’ll like. The books were so good that she finished them fast. Good books are like that. They just don’t last. But now, when she’s done, Becca hops on her bike and hurries to pick out more books that she’ll like. She’s there every day, her joy guaranteed—for as everyone knows, readers just have to read. NOVEMBER 2017

33

STAN DI NG STRONG

U.S. Army veteran Melissa Stockwell loves a challenge.

By Marty Kaminsky

O

n a bright, warm day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, eight athletes from six countries sprint toward the finish line. The date is September 11, 2016, and they are competing in the first-ever women’s paratriathlon, a threerace event in the Paralympic Games. They have completed the 750-meter swim and the 20-kilometer bicycle race. Now they are closing in on the finish, the end of the 5-kilometer run. Melissa Stockwell, whose left leg was amputated above the knee, is one of the front-runners. Her husband, Brian, and their 18-month-old son, Dallas, urge her on. With her teammates waiting at the finish line, she pushes through her exhaustion and pain. Melissa says, “I saw my two teammates standing at the finish line with an American f lag and told myself to GO, GO, GO!” With a burst of energy, she crosses the line, winning a bronze medal to go with Allysa Seely’s gold and Hailey Danisewicz’s silver. Americans have won all three top spots! The three wave the f lag and share a joyous hug as the crowd roars.

Proud to Wear the Army Uniform Growing up in Michigan, Georgia, and Minnesota, Melissa was a talented gymnast. As a student at the University of Colorado, she joined the United States Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps). “I was born a patriot,” she explains. “I was dedicated to serving my country and to wearing an Army uniform.” Photos: page 34 by Getty Images/Raphael Dias; page 35 (left) Getty Images/Harry How, (right) courtesy of Dare2tri.

She was wearing that uniform on April 13, 2004, two years after she graduated. She was a second lieutenant, riding in a Humvee in Baghdad, Iraq. As the armored vehicle drove under an overpass, it struck a roadside bomb. The explosion spun the vehicle into a guardrail, severely injuring Melissa’s left leg. A helicopter rushed Melissa to a hospital, where an emergency operation

“Continue to believe in yourself and find a way to succeed.”

saved her life. Eventually, Melissa found herself back in the United States, where complications from her injury required another 15 surgeries. She received a Bronze Star for her bravery and a Purple Heart in recognition of her injury.

Strength Through Sports Her spirit remained strong. “I could either accept the loss of my leg or live in a constant state of ‘why me?’” she says. “But I knew I wouldn’t be myself until I could get back to athletics of some kind.” Melissa’s mother, Marlene, recalls her daughter’s attitude as she regained strength through swimming. “Seeing so many patients with injuries far worse than hers, she realized that she was lucky to have the chance to live a life again and became more determined to live in honor of those soldiers who would not.” Only 52 days after her injury, Melissa took her first steps on a prosthetic leg. One day, Melissa saw a presentation about the Paralympic Games—athletic events for people with disabilities. Inspired, she ramped up her swimming to a competitive level. Although she was considered a long shot, Melissa made the 2008 USA Paralympic Team and represented her country in Beijing, China. She was disappointed with her performance but was chosen to carry the United States f lag at the closing ceremonies. “It was a moment I want to relive over and over, representing my country,” she says. After the 2008 Olympics,

Inspiring Others Melissa Stockwell coaches with Dare2tri, an organization she co-founded with Keri Serota and Dan Tun. Based in Chicago, the nonprofit group encourages people with physical disabilities and visual impairments to participate in triathlons.

Melissa was invited to try paratriathlon. She loved the challenge. She trained and went on to win the International Triathlon Union Paralympic World Championships in 2010, 2011, and 2012. She won numerous championships and was named the women’s USA Paratriathlete of the Year in 2010 and 2011. She counts her 2016 bronze-medal win in Rio de Janeiro as one of the best moments of her life. Today, Melissa keeps training and gives inspirational talks based on her experiences. “Don’t take no for an answer,” she says. “Continue to believe in yourself and find a way to succeed.” NOVEMBER 2017

35

Crafts Ma hi Next Montth!

Locker Organizer By Heather Boltz

1. Cut the top off a snack box. Cut 3–5 inches off both sides and the front. Leave a rectangular basket at the bottom. 2. Glue magnets on the back. Decorate the box with scrapbook paper and stickers. Hang it in your locker or on your refrigerator.

Did you hear the one about the owl? It was a hoot!

Pinecone Owls By Anne Renaud

1. Cut wings, eyebrows, a beak, and a face shape from craft foam. 2. Glue them to a pinecone. Add wiggle eyes.

Spinning Superheroes

Save some feathers and have your Thanksgiving gu ests write what they ’re thankful for!

By Caroline Hatton

1. On an index card, draw the pattern shown at right. Draw and color a superhero using markers. 2. Cut along the red dotted lines. Fold along the black lines. Hold the bottom panels back with a paper clip. 3. Gently bend the cape— one panel forward, one panel backward. Drop your superhero from up high and watch it spin to the ground.

Thankful Turkey By Jennifer Hill

1. Cut a turkey’s head, body, wings, and feet from poster board. Decorate them with cardstock, yarn, and markers.

2. Cut 15 feathers from cardstock. Write something you’re thankful for on each feather. Glue them onto the turkey.

Craft Challenge! Create a self-portrait out of colored paper and glue. Craft samples by Buff McAllister. Photos by Guy Cali Associates, Inc., except locker by iStock/RichLegg.

NOVEMBER 2017

37

Feathered Fun

S L E D RI D What do you call two birds in love?

1

Lydia, California

“I didn’t think they could fly.”

“I’ve been following your tweets.”

cross Why did the robot the road? Lucia Ma

What fish helped the knight underwater?

3

Answer page 2 Fun This Month Cupcake Puzzler The frosting and wrapper don’t match. Mystery Photo —Tree bark.

page 22 Gobble Up the Garden 1. A 2. A 3. B 4. B 5. C 6. C 7. B 8. C

page 27 Divvy Up Desserts There should be eight cookies on each red tray, seven pumpkin-pie slices on each yellow low tray, tray and nine caramel apples on n each orange tray. BONUS:

grab three pops. That way, even if the first two he grabs are different flavors, the third will give him a matching pair. BONUS: To be sure he gets two that are both lime, he needs to grab seven pops. That way, even if the first five he grabs are all strawberry, he’ll still have two pops that are lime.

Leo Mohlenkamp, Ohio

g Why didn’t the do ll? ba ot play fo

4

Jolee, Illinois

What is

5

page 30

a

Planet Zlippo’s Blippos

hot dog’s favorite

There were 64 Blippos in the space garden after the rain. If it had snowed, there would have been 729 Blippos in the space garden. BONUS: There are more Blippos without polka dots.

hairstyle? Sadie Zipser, Texas

Word Hide-and-Seek

How do you stay dry in the shower?

1. see, sea. 2. ate, eight. 3. plane, plain. 4. leak, leek. 5. dew, due. 6. ewe, you. 7. earn, urn. 8. won, one.

6

Jenna Ross, New Hampshire

page 43 Picture Puzzler

2

sylvania rtin-McCann, Penn

7

Thanks for the Treats Carter made cookies, Ava made pumpkin pie, and Brayden made caramel apples.

What do you get when you cross a frog and a rabbit? Amber, Colorado

How far can a fox run into the woods? Reagan Pettis, Ala

page 28

8

bama

My Sci

Thinking Challenge —To be sure he gets two of the same flavor, he should

9

Lincoln Cain, Misso

uri

Answers: 1. Tweethearts. 2. It was programmed like a chicken. 3. A swordfish. 4. Because it was a boxer. 5. A bun. 6. Don’t turn on the water. 7. A bunny ribbit. 8. Halfway. After that, it is running out of the woods. 9. Because they’re always spotted.

Covers: Follow the Fun! by Howard McWilliam; What’s Wrong?® by David Helton Illustration credits: Page 2: Kevin Zimmer; 6: Erin Mauterer; 15: Jokes by Rich Powell, “Walking the Dog” by Lee Cosgrove; 29: (black hole) Victor Davila; 30: Planet Zlippo’s Blippos by Joe Rocco, Word Hide-and-Seek by Joey Ellis. Photo credits: Page 2: iStock/ghostdom; 3: Gina Lenz; 4: (french toast) iStock/JMichl; 4–5: (otter) iStock/ only_fabrizio; 6: (ladybug) iStock/Antagain, (plant) iStock/Chansom Pantip, (beets) iStock/pjohnson1, (meats) iStock/fcafotodigital, (sweets) iStock/Issaurinko, (girl) iStock/shapecharge, (pen) iStock/mludzen, (puppy) iStock/ master1305, (pipes) iStock/stuartbur, (boy) iStock/JBryson; 8–9: (bookshelves background) iStock/ikopylov; 16–17: (background) iStock/Thanrada1988, (maple leaves) iStock/Ramaboin, (birch leaves) MiRafoto.com/Alamy Stock Photo and iStock/ginton, (sweet-gum leaves) Jochen Tack/Alamy Stock Photo, (leaves on branches) iStock/Johnrob; 28–29: (otter) iStock/AKauroraPhotos; 29: (lollipops) iStock/mayakova.

ns play Why don’t Dalmatia k? ee hide-and-s

Making Cars

d n s w a a P Think

Why is it faster to make cars on an assembly line than to make each car separately from start to finish? Why might people use robots to do certain tasks? Why do you think car companies change the designs of their vehicles from time to time? If you could design your own vehicle, what features would you give it? Art by David Coulson.

I’ll take a convertible!

Ask izona

®

Growing Apart By Lissa Rovetch • Art by Amanda Morley

Dear Growing Up, I never even thought about that question until last week. And believe me, last week I thought about it a lot. A couple of my mom’s friends have kids my age, and we’ve been playing together since the time we were babies. Even though we went to different schools, we continued to see each other every few months. And for many years, we got along great. Until last Saturday.

For many years, we got along great. Until last Saturday. 40

NOVEMBER 2017

Megan and Sylvie arrived at my house around noon. It had been longer than usual since I’d seen them, so I was very excited.

“What do you want to play?” I asked, opening my family’s game cupboard. “Let’s play Go Fish,” said Sylvie. “No way! Go Fish is a baby game,” said Megan. “Let’s play something with more strategy.” “Ugh, strategy games are so much work,” Sylvie grumbled. “Can’t we please just play a fun game?” “I’m sorry. I happen to think games that make you figure stuff out are fun,” Megan said. “How about this memory match-up game?” I suggested. “It’s kind of in the middle. Not too easy, not too hard.” Sylvie shrugged. “How about we take out your costume trunk and make up a play instead?” That sounded fun to me, but Megan didn’t like the idea at all. “You really want to play dressup?” Megan said. “I haven’t played dress-up in years.” I needed to change the subject. “Hey, look! The sun

“You really want to play dress-up?”

“Lunchtime! Who wants spaghetti?”

came out. Want to go kick the soccer ball around for a while in the backyard?” They both agreed, and for a few minutes it seemed like the perfect activity—until it wasn’t. “Hey, ’Zona,” Megan said, kicking the ball my way, “do you think your mom would be up for taking us to the mall later?” “Ooh, that sounds great. My friend Maddy says Connor’s Toy Store is having a huge sale on Puny Pets,” Sylvie said. “To be honest,” said Megan, “I was thinking more along the lines of shoe stores than toy stores.” As you might imagine, I was finding it hard to think of an activity that would make everybody happy. “What happened to us?” I asked.

“We used to get along like three peas in a pod.” “I know! This is the worst day ever,” said Sylvie. “It’s like all Megan wants to do is prove how cool and grown up she is.” “Well, it seems to me that all Sylvie wants to do is prove she’s still a little kid,” Megan replied. Luckily, that’s when my brother, Tex, ran outside hollering, “Lunchtime! Who wants spaghetti?” I don’t know if Megan and Sylvie had run out of stuff to disagree about or if their mouths were just too full of spaghetti to talk, but lunch was by far the best part of our visit. As soon as Megan and Sylvie left, I told my parents how the visit had gone. We agreed that Sylvie, Megan, and I all happen to

be growing up in different ways at different rates. And since I seem to be somewhere in the middle, I should probably get together with each of them separately, at least for a little while. So, dear Growing Up, I do think it’s possible to feel as if you’re growing up faster than your friend. If it’s too tough to find activities you both enjoy, maybe you could take a little break from hanging out for now. But remember, that doesn’t mean your friendship has to end once and for all. People change over time, and in a few months or even a few years, who knows? You might be best friends forever.

Ciao for now,

Arizona NOVEMBER 2017

41

Dear Highlights I am the shortest and youngest person in my class, and my classmates call me “Tiny Mouse.” How can I make them stop? Stella, North Carolina

We often hear from kids who are teased about their height, whether they are short or tall. But there are advantages and disadvantages to being any size. If you start to feel upset about being small, it might help to make a list of the benefits of being the shortest and youngest. For example, perhaps you find that you bump your head less often! The next time someone calls you “Tiny Mouse,” try not to let it bother you. Your classmates probably don’t mean to hurt your feelings. You might even play along and come up with a funny reply. However, if the teasing feels hurtful, try talking to a parent or teacher.

I’m supposed to bring my eyeglasses to school, but sometimes I forget. Can you help me?

I play in a homeschool orchestra where everyone else is a different religion than I am. Sometimes I

feel a little out of place. What can I do to feel better? Sydney (by e-mail)

Nobody likes to feel out of place. Sometimes we’d rather just blend in. But when you think about it, the world would be boring if we were all the same. Take your orchestra, for example. If everyone played the same instrument, the music would probably sound pretty dull. Like an orchestra, life is interesting because of its variety. We are all unique individuals with our own talents, beliefs, appearances, and personalities. When we work together, we can make beautiful music. When you feel out of place, try thinking about the things you have in common with your fellow musicians. You all share a love of music, for instance! It may also be helpful to talk to your parents about how you’re feeling.

Jasper (by e-mail)

You might try leaving yourself a note or a drawing of your glasses on your backpack, the bathroom mirror, or some other place you’re sure to see it before school. You could also work to develop a habit of packing your

42

NOVEMBER 2017

glasses at the same time every day, such as right after breakfast or before putting on your shoes. It can take a little time to develop new habits, but you can do it if you keep working at it.

Write to us!

Please include your name, age, and full address. Mail to

Dear Highlights 803 Church Street Honesdale, PA 18431 Or e-mail us at [email protected].

Art by Keith Frawley.

r e l z u z P Picture

Art by Kelly

Kennedy

r , the elevato le p m a x e r o tel. F is scene? Blunder Ho th e in th t t a h g y ri b b e lo ot quit miss in the things are n r e th o Things are a t a h ” arrows. W has two “up

Answers on pa

ge 38.

What’s Wrong?

®

Which things in this picture are silly? It’s up to you!

Visit our Web site!

Find each object below in the big picture. Number the circles under the objects as you find them. Then read the silly story using the numbered objects!

y! And a Silly Stor

Weird Science Today was the school __________ fair, and I was so excited 1

to reveal the project I’d been working on for months:

bird

golf club

mitten

sailboat

banana

envelope

pizza

ruler

car

magnifying glass

cane

scarf

my Robotic __________ 2000—Robo for short. I had some 2

finishing touches to make. All I had left to do was tighten the __________ and wind up the __________ on the left side of his 3

4

head and he’d be ready. But right then, something strange happened. My friend Abby’s pet __________ went running by. 5

All of a sudden, Robo seemed to have a __________ of his own. 6

He set his __________ in motion and rolled off. “Stop, Robo!” I 7

called. I pressed the green __________ on my remote, but Robo 8

kept on rolling. He bumped into a __________ , then he ran over 9

my teacher’s __________ . When he had crossed the room, I 10

thought he was about to run right into a __________ . Ouch! 11

But, to the amazement of the whole room, he had caught Abby’s pet and saved the __________ . Go, Robo! 12

(Hidden objects are larger than objects shown above.)

Art by Dave Klug.

Ask izona

®

y s s o B McBossyboss By Lissa Rovetch • Art by Amanda Morley

Dear Bothered, First of all, I think you just set the record for most B words in a row! Second—and this is kind of embarrassing to admit—my little brother and sister could probably relate to your situation. They were always saying that I was bossy. And it wasn’t until I met a very bossy person that I understood how they felt! My school was holding a fundraiser called the Fall Fling Fair, and everyone was going to help out. I was pretty excited about it. But my excitement quickly turned into complete and utter miserability! I know miserability

probably isn’t in the dictionary, but just wait—you’ll see what I mean.

“I won’t be the leader,” said Bossy. “I’ll just tell everyone what to do!” There were lots of committees to choose from: music and entertainment; tickets and advertising; refreshments; party decorations; games and activities. I chose the last one because games and activities sounded like fun. “OK, everybody,” said

Mr. Pinsky, the Fall Fling organizer, “we have a lot to do and not much time. So you’ll need to cooperate with your team.” Unfortunately, cooperate and team seemed to be foreign words to one particular member of my group. For the purpose of this letter, I’ll refer to him as Bossy McBossyboss. “I’ll be the leader!” he announced. “We’re not supposed to have leaders,” my friend Mareya Becker reminded him. “Remember what Mr. Pinsky said? Each person is an equal member of the committee.” “OK, I won’t be the leader,” said Bossy. “I’ll just tell everyone what to do!” I laughed, thinking that he was joking. “Should we start by making a list of possible games?” said Jackson. “How about that duck pond one?” Mareya took out a notebook and wrote Duck Pond. “I always like Go Fish,” she said, adding it to the list. “Isn’t that a card game?” I said. Mareya shook her head. “This is a different kind of Go Fish. In this one, people put fishing poles in the pretend water and pull out surprises.” “That’s a game for babies!” Bossy blurted. “We need challenging games that test people’s skills.” “How about we have hard games and easy games?” suggested Jackson. “Yeah,” I said. “Something for everybody!” “Let me see that.” Bossy grabbed the list, then put a big X through Go Fish and wrote Balloon Darts.

“Excuse me,” said Mareya. “Don’t you think that was a little rude—just grabbing the list without asking?” “Relax,” Bossy said. “Everyone loves Balloon Darts. Trust me. I’ve been to lots of fairs!” Every time we got together, Bossy McBossyboss did the same thing. Whether we were choosing games, trying to figure out prizes, or setting up booths, he never seemed to realize that he was part of a team with three other people. At last, it was the day of the Fall Fling Fair, and we were all running around getting ready. “You need to make the horseshoes sign hang straighter,” Bossy commanded. “It’s way too crooked.” “Would you please do it yourself ?” I said. “I’m kind of busy organizing the prizes.” “There are way too many pink balloons on the wall,” Bossy complained. “You should

add more blue ones.” “Feel free to go ahead and add them,” Mareya said. The best (or maybe the worst) example of Bossy McBossyboss’s bossiness happened when the Fall Fling Fair finally started. This adorable little girl was fishing for a prize at our Go Fish booth, and Bossy grabbed the fishing pole right out of her hands!

It took an adorable little kid to put Bossy in his place. “You’re holding it all wrong,” he told her. “Do it like this!” If that had happened to me when I was four or five, I would have stood there silent and confused. But this little girl looked up at him, took a big breath, and said, “That may be the right way for you to do it,

“You need to make the horseshoes sign hang straighter.”

but it’s not the right way for me.” And that, dear Bothered, was probably the best thing this little girl could have said. Bossy people aren’t bad people—they just may not realize that their way doesn’t have to be the right way for everyone. The good part of this experience is that it helped me understand how my brother and sister felt when I told them what to do and didn’t stop to be polite or consider their feelings. Now that I try to act more patient and less bossy, we get along much better. So if I were you, I think I’d nicely ask your brother to stop acting like Bossy McBossyboss and remind him that you’re much more likely to listen when he suggests things in a friendly way.

Ciao for now,

Arizona

Paws and Think

Backstage at the Play

What are these people doing behind the scenes? What do you notice about the way members of the stage crew are dressed? Why might they be dressed that way? What are some differences between the jobs people do onstage and backstage? What are some similarities? Art by David Coulson.

Is it time to take a bow-wow?

Report Cards By Joan Stevenson Art by Robert Squier

James rode the

to bus

. school

Jake rode in the

to car

dog-obedience

. school

James learned to read

and do math. books

Jake learned to sit, stay, and fetch. One morning, James said, “I get my

today.” report card

Mom said, “Jake gets his

today, too!” report card

That afternoon, James rode the

home from bus

He dashed into the

. school

. house

Mom was having a

of coffee. Jake was under the cup

“I got a good

. table

,” said James. “How did Jake do on his report card

“I don’t know,” said Mom. “He ate it!”

?” report card

Building

a School

The kids in the village of Mhangeni came together and used determination, smarts, and strength to build their own school. Story and Photos by Cecil Dzwowa

I

f the nearest school were 10 miles from your home, how would you get there? Perhaps your mom or dad would drive, or a school bus would take you. But what if your parents did not have a car, or there wasn’t even a road from your house to the school? What would you do? Just stay at home and forget about your studies?

Hard work and many hands were needed to clear bushes and grasses and to fill pits.

The children in the new village of Mhangeni in Zimbabwe, Africa, were faced with a somewhat similar challenge. Mhangeni was created by villagers who moved from different parts of Zimbabwe. When they arrived, it was summer and there was no school. All the families were busy building their huts. “Nobody thought about the school,” said

Matsa, one of the village elders. “We realized very late that there was no nearby school for the kids.” The villagers, along with the children, panicked. The parents held an emergency meeting but couldn’t come up with a solution. Nobody in the village had a car. And between Mhangeni and the nearest school was a game

preserve with wild animals— too dangerous for the children to travel through. Then someone came up with an idea. Near the village stood an old, abandoned farm warehouse. It could be cleaned, renovated, and turned into classrooms. The parents repaired the leaking roof. Using scrap wood, they divided the warehouse into three classrooms. Still, there was much more work to do. The walls were dirty and needed to be scrubbed. The grasses and bushes outside needed to be cleared. And pits left by miners needed to be filled. But the parents had run out of time. The rains were coming, and the village elders had to go to work in the fields. Most of the families survive by growing and selling maize (corn). The children of Mhangeni decided to finish the warehouse themselves. They brought tools—slashers, to cut the grass, and spades and wheelbarrows. They needed to get busy. Summer had ended and other schools had already opened. The younger kids slashed the grasses. Those a little older

In Mhangeni, school means sharing books and benches, reading outside, and using plastic bottles for science experiments.

cleared the bushes. And those without tools filled the pits with sand. Things improved when two teachers who worked for the country’s Department of Education arrived to help out— first with the construction and then with the teaching. Two Swedish visitors were also impressed by the children’s determination. They donated textbooks, pens, and pencils. After 10 days of hard work, the new school was ready. For the kids, it was catch-up time. They were behind in their studies. But even more challenges were waiting for them. There

were too many students and too few rooms. The three classrooms couldn’t hold them all. Some of the boys and girls had to study outside. During science lessons, plastic bottles had to serve as beakers. Four kids had to sit at benches designed for two. And as many as four students had to share one book. Despite these problems, the children in Mhangeni village are happy to be in school— their school. They know their school might not be the most modern in the district, but they are proud of it. Their dream of having a school near their home has come true.

Founded in 1946 by Garry C. Myers, Ph.D., and Caroline Clark Myers Editor in Chief: Christine French Cully Vice President, Magazine Group Editorial: Jamie Bryant Creative Director: Marie O’Neill Editor: Judy Burke Art Director: Patrick Greenish, Jr. Senior Editors: Joëlle Dujardin, Carolyn P. Yoder Associate Editor: Linda K. Rose Copy Editor: Joan Prevete Hyman Editorial Assistant: Allison Kane Senior Production Artist: Dave Justice Contributing Science Editor: Andrew Boyles Editorial Offices: 803 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431-1895. E-mail: [email protected]. To submit manuscripts, go to Highlights.submittable.com. CEO: Kent S. Johnson Vice President, International: Andy Shafran Business Offices: 1800 Watermark Drive, P.O. Box 269, Columbus, OH 43216-0269. Copyright © 2017, Highlights for Children, Inc. All rights reserved. HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN is published monthly. ISBN 978-1-62979-786-1 Designed for use in the classroom. Sometimes we make our list of customer names and addresses available to carefully screened companies whose products and services might be of interest to you. We never provide children’s names. If you do not wish to receive these mailings, please contact us and include your account number. Printed by Webcrafters, Inc., Madison, WI. Periodical postage paid at Columbus, Ohio; Toronto, Ontario; and at additional mailing offices. U.S. Postmaster: Send address changes to Highlights for Children, P.O. Box 6038, Harlan, IA 51593-1538. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065670. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to P.O. Box 1255, Georgetown, ON L7G 4X7. To order, make a payment, change your address, or for other customer-service needs, such as changing your contact preference, please contact us: • Online: www.Highlights.com • Call: 1-800-255-9517 • Write: P.O. Box 5878, Harlan, IA 51593-1378 As part of our mission to help make the world a better place for the children of today and tomorrow, Highlights is committed to making responsible business decisions that will protect our natural resources and reduce our environmental impact. AWARDS Highlights has been given awards by The Association of Educational Publishers, Family Choice Awards, Freedoms Foundation, Graphic Arts Association, iParenting Media, Magazine Design and Production, National Association for Gifted Children, National Conference of Christians and Jews, National Parenting Center, National Safety Council, Parents’ Choice, Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Awards, and Printing Industry Association. HighlightsKids.com is a participant in the Kids Privacy Safe Harbor program of the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

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