Table of contents for Issue 287 in The Week Junior US

World-renowned animal behavior scientist, environmental activist, and humanitarian Jane Goodall died on October 1 at age 91. Known for studying chimpanzees in the wild for 65 years, Goodall also worked tirelessly to inspire young people to be involved in animal conservation and fought for human rights around the world. What was her early life like? Goodall was born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall in 1934 in London, England. As a child she dreamed of living among animals, brought earthworms into her bedroom, and spent hours in her family’s henhouse. Her mother encouraged her curiosity about the natural world. Goodall later worked as a restaurant server to earn money so she could achieve her dream of traveling to Africa and learning more about animals. How did her work begin? Goodall first visited Africa…

A CHEESE CHAMPION For the first time, an American was named best cheesemonger at one of the world’s top cheese competitions. Emilia D’Albero of Pennsylvania said winning the gold medal in cheese expertise was “an immense honor.” CARING FOR KITTENS Abdul Raheem has gone viral for posting videos of his work fostering kittens in his home in Washington, DC. Raheem has bathed, bottle-fed, and snuggled more than 200 of the tiny creatures and helped them get adopted. “Cats just bring everyone peace,” he said. SPECIAL SOCKS Socktober is underway! Since 2011, the annual campaign has collected and distributed millions of pairs of socks for people who are unhoused. The program, which began in Tennessee, encourages sock drives in local communities and has expanded across the US and beyond. Find out…

Comedy actress Kate McKinnon, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and in the film Barbie as Weird Barbie, has spent her career celebrating misfits. Now she is the author of the best-selling middle-grade series The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science. The series’ second book, Secrets of the Purple Pearl, has just been published. McKinnon grew up on Long Island, New York. Her passion for performing was sparked in fifth grade when she tried out for a skit using a British accent—making her classmates laugh and landing her the lead role. At the same time, she fell in love with science as she collected bugs and discovered nature. “Everything I learned was like magic to me,” she told The Week Junior.…

A recent study has shown that elephants use a range of different gestures to tell others—including humans—when they want something. It’s the first time this varied use of gestures has been observed in animals other than primates (the group that includes apes, monkeys, and humans). A gesture is a movement of the body that expresses an idea without using words. Examples of human gestures include pointing, nodding, shaking your head, or shushing with your finger against your lips. In animals, scientists see gestures as a complex form of communication. Elephants communicate in many ways. Previous research has found that they flap their ears and make sounds to say hello to their friends. Their poop also contains chemical signals, which can show other elephants who they are and how they are…

Sumatran rhinos Experts thought Sumatran rhinos had disappeared from Way Kambas National Park in Indonesia, but sniffer dogs have found evidence of the species’ survival. Tests showed that the dogs had discovered Sumatran rhino poop in the park. Sharks As oceans become more acidic, scientists found that sharks’ teeth are becoming more brittle and vulnerable to breaking. Because sharks rely on biting their prey, weaker teeth could have serious consequences for their survival.…

The Ladies Professional Golf Association is celebrating 75 years in 2025. It is the nation’s longest-running pro women’s sports organization. What is the LPGA? The LPGA is most famous for running the LPGA Tour, an annual series of golf tournaments that are held throughout the world from January to November. The biggest tournaments on the LPGA Tour are the five major championships (see “The five majors” below). Players who have won four of these in their career have pulled off what is known as a Career Grand Slam. Winning all five is called a Super Career Grand Slam. The LPGA also gives out Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards, certifies golf instructors and coaches, and sponsors organizations and foundations aimed at growing the game of women’s…

A new kind of power plant has been built in Fukuoka, Japan. The osmotic power plant, which makes electricity using salt water and fresh water, is the second one of its kind in the world. The first one was built in Denmark in 2023. The plant uses osmosis, a process that works like a tea strainer. Salt water and fresh water are separated by a special layer that lets water, but not salt, pass through. Because the fresh water is naturally attracted to the salt in the seawater side, it flows in that direction. As it does, it creates pressure that spins a turbine (engine with blades that turn) to generate electricity. The osmotic power plant works all the time, during the day and night, in rain or sunshine. It…

2025 “CAPTURE THE DARK” PHOTO CONTEST FINALISTS…

Flag football will be one of the sports played at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California—and on October 2, Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL (National Football League), gave fans and players something else to be excited about. During a sports business conference in London, England, he announced that the NFL will launch professional flag football leagues for men and women in the “next couple of years. ”The sport’s popularity is on the rise in the US, especially among girls and women. According to the International Federation of American Football, 2.4 million kids under age 17 play on organized teams. Flag football is also growing as an intercollegiate sport at colleges across the country. Around the world, approximately 20 million people in 100 countries play the sport too. The…

Author Roald Dahl is famous for writing books with eccentric characters and imaginative plots, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG. In 2021, Netflix acquired the company that owned the author’s work and made plans to share his stories in new ways. On October 17, it will release the first animated film based on Dahl’s popular book The Twits.Published in 1980, the book is about a messy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Twit, who play pranks on each other and mistreat their pet monkeys, called Muggle-Wumps. Phil Johnston, the film’s writer, director, and producer, said The Twits was his favorite childhood book. “I recall feeling naughty reading it,” he told The Week Junior. The book is mostly short scenes with silly pranks, so Johnston built a bigger story…

DuckTales (Disney+) “This animated series is a reboot of a show that ran in the 1980s. It follows a set of duck triplets. Huey, the oldest, is very wise; Dewey, the middle one, is very funny; and Louie, the youngest, who is my favorite, dreams of becoming rich. When their uncle, Donald Duck, has to go away for work, he drops them off at the mansion of their great-uncle Scrooge McDuck, the richest duck in the world. Scrooge is also a famous treasure hunter, and he takes Huey, Dewey, and Louie on exciting adventures. It is really funny and fun to watch with your family.” Jacob, 11, Pennsylvania Do you have a film or TV show to recommend to other kids? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

By Jason Reynolds (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books) The latest installment of the fast-paced Track series is a prequel that takes place about 30 years before the events of the other four books. It’s 1988, and Otie, who is the coach of the Defenders track team in the first four books, is 12 years old and has just decided he wants to join the Defenders. He’s looking for an escape from his gang-filled neighborhood and is a big fan of US athlete Carl Lewis, one of the world’s greatest track-and-field stars of all time. A man who once recruited Lewis is coming to visit the Defenders, and Otie hopes the meeting will be just what he needs to set him on the path to achieving his own Olympic goals. Unfortunately, Otie struggles…

The term“executive function” refers to skills that help you solve problems, use time wisely, and make decisions. It can also help you feel more in control about the things you need to do, whether it’s a homework assignment or straightening up your room. Here’s how to improve your executive function skills to get more done. Take small steps For many people, just getting started is the hardest step toward achieving a task. Start by identifying one small step you can take that will make a difference. For example, if your challenge is a messy room, gather empty glasses and plates and put them in the dishwasher. Your room probably looks a little better already! Next, pick up clothing that’s been gathering on a chair and hang it up. Then put…

Fall is the perfect time of year to plant tulip bulbs, when the ground is cool but not yet frozen. The bulbs will produce flowers in spring, providing food for pollinators like bees. To get started, visit a nursery to select bulbs in the colors you like best. You can plant them in a sunny spot in the ground or in a container with drainage holes. Read the labels on your bulbs to determine how deep a hole to dig, and plant each bulb with the pointy end facing up. Space bulbs a few inches apart, with taller bulbs in the rear and shorter bulbs in front. Cover with soil and water after planting. Water again only when the soil feels dry. Then wait for a burst of blooms in…

In this week’s issue, we bid a fond and appreciative farewell to legendary conservationist Jane Goodall (p2). From her arrival in Africa at age 26 to her death on October 1 at age 91, she made pioneering discoveries about chimpanzees in the wild and traveled the world tirelessly advocating for the protection of animals and the planet. As many people have noted since her death, she changed the way we saw animals and ourselves. She will also be remembered for her steadfast belief in the power each of us has to change the world in our own way. “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you,” she said. “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of…

“We think fruit belongs on sandwiches, and we loved these fruit sandwiches—they were delicious!”Jake, 11, and Alice, 10, Colorado “We went to visit Portland Head Light and brought a copy of the magazine with the story ‘All about lighthouses’!”Wyatt, 7, Massachusetts “I love KPop Demon Hunters! Thanks for writing about it!”Demi, 10, California…

Teacher’s Name: Mr. Jayne School: Pointers Run Elementary School “Mr. Jayne is a great teacher. I love how he always mixes school with a joke. Mr. Jayne helps me learn to the best of my abilities. He cares deeply and is always there when anyone needs him. If you are confused, he explains things to you. Mr. Jayne is also creative and able to find fun worksheets for us to do. He is also extremely helpful in the classroom.”Arjun, 10, 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.…

1 What song from Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl became Spotify’s most streamed song in a single day? 2 True or false? The Ladies Professional Golf Association is the longest-running pro women’s sports organization in the US. True ☐ False ☐ 3 A new power plant that uses osmosis to generate electricity recently opened in which country? a) Denmark b) Germany c) Japan a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 4 Artist Evan Lorenzen created a tiny book that will be sent to what destination in outer space? 5 The world’s largest balloon festival recently began in which US state? a) Nebraska b) Nevada c) NewMexico a ☐ b ☐ c ☐ 6 How many Emmy Awards did Kate McKinnon win for acting on Saturday Night Live?…

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named 26 new biosphere reserves in 21 countries on September 21. These sites have some of the planet’s richest biodiversity (variety of living things in an area) but are at risk due to climate change and human activity. There are 784 reserves in 142 countries. Biosphere reserves have been classified in Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Iceland, Oman, and Tajikistan for the first time. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland features more than 70% of the country’s plant life. Manatees, sea turtles, and more than 200 species of birds live in the Quiçama reserve in Angola. Biosphere reserves have some designated areas that are strictly protected and some that are open only for research or educational purposes. Other areas are important for local…

On October 1, the US government shut down due to a disagreement among lawmakers over the annual budget. The government can’t reopen until a new budget is agreed upon. What happened? Every year, the House of Representatives and the Senate (two parts of Congress) must pass a new budget that will allow the government to spend money. This year, lawmakers failed to agree on a budget before the current one expired on September 30. As a result, the government suspended the pay of about 2 million workers. Of those, about 750,000 were considered non-essential and put on unpaid leave. The rest were declared essential and are required to work without pay until a deal is reached. Essential workers include air traffic controllers, active-duty military members, and US Postal Service staff.…

Isaiah Hand has become the first student at Tuskegee University in Alabama to earn a private pilot’s license in nearly 80 years. Hand follows in the tradition of the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation’s first Black military pilots, during World War II (1939–1945). Their achievements led to the desegregation of the military, and the program ended in 1949. The university restarted flight training in June to honor them and to address a growing need for pilots. Hand told reporters, “As long as I’m here, their history is going to live on.”…

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica With Pacific beaches on one side and the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) on the other, the Osa Peninsula is a popular place for snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale watching. Its warm water attracts many animals, including spotted dolphins and migrating humpback whales. The land has attractions, too, such as Corcovado National Park, a rainforest haven for monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and scarlet macaws. During the rainy “green season” from May to November, wildlife flourishes and waterfalls cascade down cliffs. The dry season, from December to April, has sunny weather for hiking.…

Scientists have learned how the Bargibant’s pygmy seahorse blends in with its habitat. While most seahorses have long snouts, pygmy seahorses’ snouts evolved to stay short and squat so they look more like nearby corals. ● LIFESPAN: Thought to be 2 years ● HABITAT: Gorgonian corals in the Pacific Ocean ● SIZE: Up to .94 inches ● DIET: Tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans ● FUN FACT: Males give birth to the babies, called fry, which are a tiny .07 inches long.…

Scientists have believed for many years that humans are unique and have outlived extinct species because we have large brains and agile hands. A new study found the first clear evidence that those traits developed at the same time and exist across all primates (mammals including humans, apes, and monkeys), not just humans. Researchers in the UK investigated 94 species of living and extinct primates. They found that those with longer thumbs also consistently had larger brains—a group that includes lemurs, monkeys, tarsiers, and apes. The evolution (change taking place over millions of years) of longer thumbs in primates is linked to manual dexterity—the ability to grip and manipulate small objects with precision and use them to perform tasks. The scientists believe our human ancestors developed manual dexterity first. That…

On October 1, the championship match of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was played in Austin, Texas. The US Open Cup is one of the oldest soccer competitions in the world and the oldest in the US. The final featured Nashville SC and Austin FC, two MLS (Major League Soccer) teams that had never made it that far in the competition. Nashville won, 2–1, and claimed the first major trophy in the club’s history. The inaugural US Open Cup was held in 1914 and has taken place nearly every year since. In 1999, the event was named after Lamar Hunt, a former soccer team owner who helped create professional leagues in the US. The tournament is different from other big competitions because it is open to amateur and…

Coach’s Name: Megan Sisson Team: Ely Nordic Wolves (skiing) “Megan is the best coach! She makes skiing, which is a super physically demanding sport, so fun. She always asks for our input on how to make practice and training better, and she always encourages us to push ourselves. She has the most fun activities to help us work on technique. Megan always has bad dad jokes to tell us on the start line, and I think that is what makes me race faster. We’ve all become amazing skiers because of her.” Siiri,13, Minnesota 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.…

​Lucky Dog: Down Under (Paramount+) (CBS) Saturday mornings On the series Lucky Dog, animal trainer Brandon McMillan works with shelter dogs and finds them loving homes. This new spin-off follows McMillan in Australia, where the animals he meets include an energetic kelpie and a deaf cattle dog. Halloween Wars (HBO Max) In this series, teams of cake decorators, candy makers, and pumpkin carvers are challenged to build edible Halloween-the-med displays. The spooky creations include the boogeyman’s lair and monsters made with school snacks. If they impress the judges, they can win $25,000. The Voice (Peacock) (NBC) Mondays at 8 p.m. ET The hit singing competition has returned with coaches Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg. New elements include artist-chosen battle partners and fan voting to select which…

Is Otie based on anyone? He is based on a coach I had growing up. I knew nothing about his life, but writing this book allowed me to imagine who he might have been. Any surprises when writing it? Writing historical fiction is tricky. The book is set in 1988, and I worked hard to add certain details that I felt were part of that time period but wouldn’t alienate kids who would be reading it today. Should kids read the other books in the series first? If you were to read it without having read the other books, it’s still just a good story about a kid who’s trying to jump higher than his father. Did you play sports as a child? I played basketball, wrestled, and ran track.…

Keyword crossword Once you have completed the crossword, transfer the letters in the yellow boxes, diagonally from top to bottom, into the boxes below to get the answer to the Keyword question. ACROSS 1 Topic concerned with clothing trends 5 Wait and ___ (don’t jump to conclusions) 7 The main part of a tree 8 It’s worn by an outfielder 9 Obstacle on a rain-soaked hiking path 10 Covered structure that provides protection from wind and rain 11 Envious of what other people have 13 Animal on a milk carton 14 Green ogre in a series of funny films 15 Its coat resembles a barcode 17 It’s “oui” in French and “sí” in Spanish 18 Large, spotted cat DOWN 1 In good physical shape 2 Kind of sea creature that…

“On September 13, my family and I participated in a four-mile bike ride in Cincinnati. We raised funds to support local cancer research. To raise money, I held a cookie stand in my neighborhood. I love biking, and I knew I’d be able to raise funds by selling cookies. My target goal was $500, but I was able to beat that and actually raised $600. I hope we will be able to cure all childhood and adult-related cancers.” Have you done something interesting or raised money for a cause you care about? Whatever you’re up to, we want to hear about it at hello@theweekjunior.com. RIDDLE OFTHE WEEK What always smells better than it tastes? Your nose…

Reading sparks a lifetime love of learning, gets kids on track for success, and helps them identify and follow their passions. There are stories in The Week Junior that speak to every child and inspire them to keep reading. Give The Week Junior and save 67% off the cover price. For only $1.96 an issue, less than the cost of a full-size candy bar, your child can be inspired to read every week. Plus, if you subscribe today, your child will receive a free puzzle book! Order online at theweekjunior.com/leaves or scan to subscribe…

A 20-year-old brown bear with a broken jaw, known as 32 “Chunk,” was crowned the champion of Fat Bear Week, which is held in Katmai National Park in Alaska. More than 1.5 million votes were cast in the annual contest, which celebrates the park’s bears as they gain weight before hibernation. This was Chunk’s first win, after having previously been a runner-up. The champion of Fat Bear Junior, the contest for young cubs, was 128 Junior“Biggie.”…

What you need to know ● American paper money first entered circulation when it was issued by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1690 to fund military expeditions. ● The Federal Reserve, the US central bank, was established in 1913 and began issuing Federal Reserve notes, the same bills used today, in 1914. ● The US Department of the Treasury oversees the production of money, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing designs and prints paper currency at two US locations. American paper money is immediately recognizable by its green color and large portraits of US historical figures on the front: George Washington on the $1 bill, Abraham Lincoln on the $5 bill, Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill, and Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. While these Presidents and founders…

Audrey Samora, a 17-year-old high school senior from San Antonio, Texas, was selected for a Leaders of Tomorrow fellowship from a local nonprofit. She is one of 20 fellows, ages 16 to 24, who will receive a $2,500 grant for their civic engagement, attend city council and school board meetings, and present policy ideas to county leaders on youth issues. Samora was picked for her work with the city’s teen mental health program. She said she wants lawmakers to hear from young people. “Our voice matters just as much as anybody else’s,” she told a local news station.…

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has confirmed that the giraffe is not one species but four distinct ones: Masai, northern, reticulated, and southern giraffes. Scientists proved this by looking at more than 2,000 giraffes. They studied physical features, such as the shape of their heads and horn-like growths called ossicones, and analyzed DNA (chemical that carries all the information about a living thing). Knowing the number of species is useful for conservation. All the species live in Africa, but they face different problems. Masai giraffes, which have leaf-shaped patches on their skin, live in Tanzania and Kenya. Their habitat is being turned into farms. War and hunting threaten northern giraffes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. Their lower legs are white, like socks, and…

Christa Gaus Senior manager of animal programs, National Aviary African penguins, like the ones at the National Aviary, can lay up to two eggs at a time, usually once or twice a year. It can take about 40 days for the eggs to hatch. Then the parents take turns caring for the chicks for a few months until they are old enough to go off on their own. Do you have a question for an animal expert? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about the National Aviary at aviary.org.…

Atiny home on wheels is A designed to be set up by one person with no tools in about an hour. The Baby Box, by Boxabl, arrives as a small cube with panels that open up and fasten into place. Its final size is 14 feet 9 inches long, 14 feet 1 inch wide, and 9 feet 3 inches tall. The Baby Box is easily towed from place to place. Inside, a central area has sitting and lounging space and a sofa that opens into a bed. A kitchen has a refrigerator and induction stove, and the bathroom has a glass-enclosed shower. Boxabl said it will be available soon.…

A new art institution dedicated to Alexander Calder, a famous American modern artist, recently opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Calder Gardens has his works displayed in calming gardens and meadows as well as in a newly constructed building within the area. Calder was born in Philadelphia and lived from 1898 to 1976. He had a degree in engineering and, as an artist, was interested in motion and space. He became known for developing moving sculptures called mobiles. He also made large stabiles (abstract, stationary sculptures), paintings, and drawings. Calder stabiles are on public display in Chicago, Illinois; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and other cities. Calder’s grandson, Alexander S.C. Rower, is the president of the Calder Foundation. He helped develop the project and said his grandfather’s passion for ecology (the relationship of living…

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a new arcade kart racing game. It was recently released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation platforms, Xbox systems, and PC. It will also be available for the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. Over the years, there have been many racing games starring the Blue Blur and his buddies. The most recent one was Team Sonic Racing, which came out in 2019. CrossWorlds includes a lot of new characters and gameplay features. The action begins with 24 available racers, including Sonic and other franchise regulars like Tails, Knuckles, Dr. Eggman, and Shadow. Over time, Sega will make up to 50 different characters playable in the game. Expect guest appearances from icons such as Sponge Bob SquarePants and the video game character Mega Man. In CrossWorlds, each…

Let’s Cook: Fun, Easy Recipes for Kids By Buddy Oliver (Appetite by Random House) Buddy Oliver, the 14-year-old son of award-winning chef Jamie Oliver, has been cooking for most of his life. The more than 60 easy-to-make dishes in his new cookbook include One-Cup Pancakes and Quick Fruity Froyo. Ages 8 and up My First Recipe Book By Ricardo Larrivée (Appetite by Random House) A mix of photos and whimsical illustrations, this book is a lot of fun to read. You’ll learn the secret to making applesauce pink (spoiler: Add some apple peel), how to give ramen noodles a cheesy twist, and more. The book’s bubble tea recipe is also epic. Ages 8 and up Rebel Girls Make Dessert By the Rebel Girls Team (Ten Speed Press) Kids tested this…

Ingredients ● 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting● 1 teaspoon kosher salt● 2½ teaspoons baking powder● ¼ teaspoon baking soda● 1½ teaspoons sugar● 9 tablespoons cold unsalted butter● 1 cup buttermilk● Jam, for serving Instructions 1. Heat the oven to 400° F. Stir together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar in a large bowl. Dice 8 tablespoons of the butter into small cubes, then use a pastry cutter to cut them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. (Tip: If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can also blend the butter into the flour by cutting it in a crisscross motion with two butter knives.) 2. Drizzle the buttermilk over the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir it together until…

Tiny book to go to the Moon Artist Evan Lorenzen is taking literature to a new level with Moon Bound, a tiny book that will be launched into space by 2026. The project is led by a group whose goal is to send an art gallery of 100 works to the Moon. Because transporting material to space costs about $100,000 per pound, the book had to be less than 1 cubic centimeter in size. Lorenzen’s mini marvel contains images and text about the Moon from 40 contributors, and its paper and ink have been designed to last up to 400 years in space. Super stroller collection is sold A pair of great-grandparents in England have built up a collection of more than 50 vintage strollers that recently sold for more…

The Week Junior is conducting a national search for 12 students, ages 8 to 14, who want to have their voices heard about the issues and causes that matter to them. During our seventh session of Junior Council, about six virtual workshops will be held from January through May 2026. Children will meet directly with The Week Junior editors and mentors, and a project created by council members may appear in a future issue of the magazine. To apply for the program, go to juniorcouncil.theweekjunior.com to download the application. The deadline to enter is October 20. IT’S YOUR TURN Email your news, views, and photos to hello@theweekjunior.com. We want to hear from you! To have your letters, photos, nominations, recommendations, or ideas considered for inclusion in the magazine, please include…