KID REPORTERS’ NOTEBOOK

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An aerial view of the Thomas Fire as it continues to burn in Ventura County, Calif., Dec. 9, 2017. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman

Coping With Fire in California

Alula Alderson

December 21st, 2017

The Thomas Fire, which began earlier this month, is one of the worst in the state’s history.

Daniel at the National Zoological Park

A Sparkling Night at the Zoo

Daniel Crotti E...

December 20th, 2017

During the holiday season, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is home to ZooLights, an annual festival of lights and music.

Hana with Yaacov Bergman, conductor of the Portland Chamber Orchestra

The International Festival of Holidays

Hana Meher Sadik

December 20th, 2017

A holiday concert in Marylhurst, Oregon, celebrates religious and cultural traditions from around the world.

Helen and a Lego snowman

Christmas Fun at Legoland Melbourne

Helen Hong

December 19th, 2017

A new Legoland in Melbourne, Australia, lets young visitors be creative.

Max and middle grade fantasy authors at Books Of Wonder in New York (left to right: William Alexander, Tui T. Sutherland, Max, and Sarah Darer Littman)

The Wonder of Fantasy Books

Maxwell Surprenant

December 19th, 2017

Our Kid Reporter talks with three middle-grade fantasy authors about their novels for kids.

Well-Read Black Girls Come Together

Adedayo Perkovich

December 19th, 2017

A gathering in Brooklyn, New York, honors the literary power of black girls and women.

Loaded barbell (Photo by Lance Goyke)What does it take to be the best? Powerlifter Naomi Kutin found out.

Supergirl

Josh Stiefel

December 15th, 2017

A new documentary profiles 16-year-old Naomi Kutin, an international powerlifting star.

Max with children’s author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen.

Accepting Differences

Maxwell Surprenant

December 15th, 2017

Chris Van Dusen’s latest picture book encourages readers to stand up for others.

Sadie with Kate Evans, founder and director of Elephants for Africa, at the Memphis Zoo

Saving Africa’s Elephants

Sadie Kiel

December 15th, 2017

The founder of a Botswana-based organization is working to create a brighter future for both elephants and people.

Max and Artie Bennett at the Brooklyn Children's Book Fair

At the Brooklyn Children’s Book Fair

Maxwell Surprenant

December 14th, 2017

What inspires Brooklyn-based children’s book authors and illustrators? Our Kid Reporter finds out.

Max with LeUyen Pham

Why Picture Books Matter

Maxwell Surprenant

December 14th, 2017

“Draw anything you see,” says acclaimed children’s book illustrator LeUyen Pham.

Nolan with cast members of Mamma Mia! on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Broadway on the High Seas

Nolan Pastore

December 12th, 2017

Backstage at a cruise ship’s production of Mamma Mia!

Diwali celebration (Photo by Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier)

Celebrating Diwali

Rohan Saketh De...

December 12th, 2017

The Hindu festival of light is a time for families in India to pass down cherished traditions. 

Author Jason Reynolds wrote his Track book series, he once said, “for all the young people who feel like they’re . . . exhausted from running for their lives, and sometimes from their lives.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)

Jason Reynolds Says That All Kids Like to Read

Lilian Jochmann

December 12th, 2017

The award-winning author believes that kids just need to find the right book to become interested in reading.

Ben with Praetorian Guard, Dec 3, 2017

Feel the Force

Ben Jorgensen

December 12th, 2017

For Star Wars fans, the latest movie from Lucasfilm offers more intergalactic thrills.

Max and VP Joe Biden pose for a picture at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston

Biden Brings Hope to Tour

Maxwell Surprenant

December 7th, 2017

Former Vice President Joe Biden talks about the sense of purpose he found after his son’s death.

Scholastic CEO Is Honored

Amelia Poor

December 4th, 2017

The National Book Foundation presents a lifetime achievement award to Scholastic CEO Dick Robinson.

Ananyaa with children at the orphanage

Giving Back: A Family Tradition

Ananyaa Chopra

December 4th, 2017

Visiting orphanages to share with children in need brings a family in India together. 

Sofie Dossi, a 16-year-old aerialist and contortionist

Twisting Her Way To Fame

Lillian Martosko

December 1st, 2017

Sofie Dossi, a self-taught aerialist and contortionist, twisted her way to fame on America’s Got Talent in 2016. She is still learning new stunts.

Trevor Noah Speaks Up

Ryan Stoltz

November 30th, 2017

Our Kid Reporter talks with the award-winning host of The Daily Show.

Brandon with Olympic hopeful Chris Plys

USA Curling Holds Olympic Trials

Brandon Peterson

November 30th, 2017

Athletes compete for the chance to represent the United States in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Esther with Sidney Keys III and his mom, Winnie Caldwell

A Book Club for Boys

Esther Appelstein

November 29th, 2017

Sidney Keys III and his mother wanted more African American boys to see themselves reflected positively in books. That’s why they started Books N Bros.

World Children’s Day

Charlotte Fay

November 28th, 2017

An annual event calls attention to the plight of vulnerable children around the world.

Nolan dressed and ready for his first Teen Leaders volunteer opportunity at Lake Township FISH Food Pantry.  Hartville, Ohio.

Leaders in Training

Nolan Pastore

November 28th, 2017

Our Kid Reporter visits a YMCA Teen Leaders program in Ohio, where young people are encouraged to serve their community.

A Visit to the Afterlife in Coco

Alula Alderson

November 22nd, 2017

Disney-Pixar’s new movie celebrates family and cultural ties.

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