Aiden An

Kid Reporters Aiden An and Evy Bingle report on how students in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas prepared for Battle of the Books.

Battle of the Books is a nationwide reading competition that brings young readers together through literature and teamwork. Students in 3rd through 12th grades read from a list of approved books and test their knowledge in friendly trivia battles that take place in schools and libraries nationwide. 

Reporting from opposite sides of the country, Kid Reporters Evy Bingle and Aiden An offer a local look at how students in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas participate in Battle of the Books. Evy covers the competition hosted by Sycamore Public Library in Illinois while Aiden highlights the efforts at Walter Reed Middle School in California to keep the reading challenge thriving. Together, their coverage reflects how the nationwide program is inspiring young readers in communities all over the country. 

Chicago, Illinois: Sycamore Public Library, Evy Bingle 

Each spring, 3rd-5th grade students from all Sycamore elementary schools form teams to test their knowledge of books in 10 battles from January to April at Sycamore Public Library. During each round, teams answer questions to earn points. Points accumulate over the season until one group is crowned champion. 

“Battle of the Books isn’t just about winning; it’s about celebrating reading together,” said Jill Carter, Assistant Director of the Sycamore Public Library. “Reading should be exciting and fun, like being on a team. You and your friends get to cheer each other on, discover awesome new stories, and see the library as a place full of adventure and connection. It’s like turning books into a sport, where everyone wins just by joining.” 

Questions can be very detailed with some focusing on the author, illustrations, title page, table of contents, glossary, or index. Teachers lead practice sessions at school to help students recall book details and learn how to work together. 

“Battle of the Books allows those students who don’t necessarily see themselves as an “athlete” have a chance to compete in something they love,” said Natalie Brooks, 3rd grade teacher and Battle of the Books coach. 

Students enjoy both the challenge and the fun of competing. For many, it’s a chance to discover new favorite books. “The part I like most is having fun with teammates and learning new things,” said Kinley Brooks, age 11. “I remember a [Battle] book I found that I loved and read it multiple times.” 

The teams study a list of diverse books from genres such as fantasy, historical fiction, and realistic stories. For the 2024-25 season, the library selected titles such as Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein and Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler. 

“Most of all, we want you to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished, see yourself as a strong reader, and carry that joy of reading with you everywhere you go,” said Carter. 

Los Angeles, CA: Walter Reed Middle School, Aiden An 

For more than 15 years, middle schoolers in Southern California have gathered to compete in the trivia style competition where teams of one to six students read a curated list of 20 titles. First hosted at Walter Reed Middle School in 2007, the event once advanced winning teams to regional rounds. Today, it’s held exclusively at the school level, drawing between 120-150 participants annually. 

Tiffiny Federico, librarian at Walter Reed Middle School, handpicks the book list, carefully selecting titles that reflect the interests of the student body. “We brainstorm titles that show the diversity of our student populations: Hispanic, African-American, Asian, differently-abled characters, and LGBTQ+. We also like to have books that cover a range of genres and formats: classic, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, sports, mystery, realistic fiction, adventure, graphic novel, verse, et cetera,” said Federico. 

As the school’s librarian for the past decade, Federico has seen students’ reading habits shift. “In the last decade, I’ve seen reading for fun really drop off. I think those years of distance learning and increased screen time really changed reading habits,” said Federico. Still, she’s noticed a recent upswing. “Last year, I saw a pickup in reading for fun. When I look at the statistics in our online catalogue, the most popular titles being checked out are Battle of the Books titles,” she added. 

Students agree the competition has reignited their interest in reading. “Yes, it helps you find new books you wouldn’t have found otherwise while also keeping you more engaged with the content, ” said Henry Stuart, age 13. He added, “It teaches you to read slower and focus on the minor details that you might miss.” 

Emily Park, age 14, shared a similar experience, “I have read a more diverse selection of genres thanks to the competition, and found new series that have become my favorite over the past years.” 

In an era of technology and social media, reading can be an opportunity for students to get offline. “Battle of the Books promotes kids to read in a digitized world,” said David Hooper, age 14, another student at Walter Reed Middle School. Federico added, “Today, so many students, and adults, spend so much time on screens and social media that they neglect reading for fun.” 

Battle of the Books continues to be a tradition that celebrates reading. By combining teamwork, learning, and friendly competition, the event inspires young readers year after year in cities nationwide. 

Kid Reporter Aiden An interviews Brian Grazer, award-winning producer of Apollo 13, at a screening of the film (photo credit: Madeline Louden) 

55 years since the launch of the space mission and 30 years since the release of the film, the story of Apollo 13 remains one to remember. 

The NASA mission Apollo 13 launched on April 11, 1970. Aboard the spacecraft were three astronauts: Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert. Unfortunately, an oxygen tank exploded in the middle of the flight, making a lunar landing impossible. The astronauts had to abandon the Command Module and take shelter in Aquarius, the Lunar Module. They used the limited power in Aquarius’s engine to slingshot around the Moon and safely return to Earth. 

Apollo 13 became known as a “successful failure.” Although the astronauts did not walk on the Moon, they and the scientists at Mission Control accomplished something many consider even more extraordinary by safely bringing the astronauts home. 

Award-winning producer of Apollo 13 Brian Grazer answers questions at a Q&A session after a screening of Apollo 13 (photo credit: Hayeon Lee) 

The 30th Anniversary Re-release of Apollo 13 

To celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, Apollo 13 was re-released in IMAX theaters nationwide for a week in September. Scholastic Kid Reporter Aiden An attended a screening of the film at the University of Southern California followed by a Q&A with Brian Grazer, award-winning producer of the film. 

When asked about his inspiration, Grazer said, “It’s a survival story. But more than that for me, it’s about human capacity, what man is able to do singularly to get things done and to survive.” He added, “It’s about intellectual ingenuity, creative ingenuity, [and] scientific ingenuity.” 

Apollo 13 and the Spirit of Problem-Solving and STEM 

Ron Howard, award-winning director of Apollo 13, believes that powerful human stories like that of the mission can also spark an interest in STEM for students today. “That’s what storytelling does,” he said. “Whether it’s movies, television, books, comics, graphic novels, [or] sometimes even songs, [they] can transport audience members into spaces physically or mentally that they never really imagined going before.” 

On how STEM connects to navigating complex challenges, Lauren Morse, Senior Education Editor for Scholastic STEAM Magazines+, said, “STEM is so important! It’s all about asking questions, figuring things out, and solving problems.” Apollo 13 demonstrates how the astronauts and scientists at Mission Control implemented this theory in especially difficult circumstances. Morse added, “It’s incredibly empowering for students to see how their knowledge and creativity can tackle a challenge.” 

Howard believes sharing the science of Apollo 13 through the film also serves to highlight the power of human teamwork and communication. “NASA is a place that, then and now, has a great culture of team problem-solving. There are a lot of brilliant people, but they all debate, challenge each other, and yet work as a team to try to find solutions, and there’s never been a more dramatic example of that than the Apollo 13 mission.” 

Photo with Dr. Doofenshmirtz (left) and Agent Perry the Platypus (right). Photo credit: Aiden An.

Disney Channel released the newest season of Phineas and Ferb, nearly 18 years after the premiere of the show’s first season. The brothers’ adventures live on as Phineas Flynn and step-brother Ferb Fletcher are back for more during their next 104 days of summer break. Their sister, Candace, is still on her mission to reveal the truth about her brothers. Dr. Doofenshmirtz is back to his evil ways, which means Perry the Platypus must again stop him at all costs! Episodes from the new season are available now on Disney+.

Last month, Creator Day for Phineas and Ferb was hosted in Disney Television Animation’s headquarters in Glendale, California. I had the opportunity to speak with two co-producers and voice actors from the show. 

Kid Reporter Aiden An (middle) with Ashley Tisdale (left), who voices Candace, and Vincent Martella (right), who voices Phineas. Photo Credit: Disney.

The Show Goes On

Dan Povenmire voices Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh voices Major Monogram. They were thrilled to discuss the newest season. “We just wanted it to feel like the show had just continued, so, hopefully, if we’ve done our job correctly, you can watch all of the existing episodes and then start the newest ones, [and] it just feels like more of the same,” explained Marsh.

They both hope that the newest season inspires kids to get more creative and be more active. “I wish the new season makes kids want to go, do, and make stuff. And not just sit at home and play video games,” said Povenmire. “Put your phone down! Go do something!” said Marsh.

“I hope this show inspires young people and families to go outside and do things together. I hope families come together and plan out their summers to make each day the best day ever! Just like Phineas and Ferb.” Povenmire added.

Voice Acting

Povenmire and Marsh described their work as voice actors as play. “You get to go into a room with a microphone and headphones, and just be silly!” said Marsh. The work of a voice actor also requires creativity and critical thinking.

Povenmire explained that “you get to do every line in as many different ways as you want to do it, to see what’s the funniest way to do it. Is it funnier if I go UP here or get more LOW and SERIOUS there?” Marsh shared, “For me, voice acting always feels musical. I always want to have a richness in tone, so that it has flavors.”

Creator Day

Vincent Martella, who voices Phineas, and Ashley Tisdale, who voices Candace, were also present at Creator Day. They showed exclusive clips from the newest season. Additionally, animators from the show shared how to draw characters Phineas and Candace.

During the event, there were lots of Phineas and Ferb-themed food items, such as Slushy Dogs, Doof’s Cheesy Fries, Doonkleberry Hand Pies, Submarine Sandos, Buford’s Hot Tub Dips, and Candace’s Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup. Many people have worked together to bring different aspects of the show to life.

Scholastic Kid Reporter Aiden An (far left) pictured with Walker Scobell (middle) and Aryan Simhadri (right), who play Percy Jackson and Grover, respectively. Their show received 16 nominations and won 8 of them across various categories.

On March 15, 2025, kids and families were brimming with excitement for the Third Annual Children’s and Family Emmy® (CAFE) Awards. Hundreds of voice actors, choreographers, directors, actors, camera crew, and puppetry performers gathered at the CAFE Awards in Television City, Los Angeles. As nominees, they were invited to attend the CAFE Main Ceremony and CAFE Creative Arts Ceremony.

Both events were hosted and presented by Eric Bauza. He was nominated for the Teen Titans Go! show and won his third Emmy award at this year’s ceremony. The CAFE Awards brought together some of the most talented young actors, voice actors, and notable personalities of today.

This was a popular photo spot for nominees and winners. Many people took photos with the LEGO Emmy awards.

As guests arrived at the purple carpet, excitement grew among the line of reporters prepared to interview nominees. During the CAFE Main Ceremony, I met director James Bobin and the entire cast of the new Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV show, including actors Walker Scobell, Aryan Simhadri, Leah Jeffries, and Adam Copeland, who played the roles of Percy Jackson, Grover Underwood, Annabeth Chase, and Ares, respectively. Percy Jackson and the Olympians received 16 total nominations, winning eight in total. Bobin also won an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Single Camera Live Action Series. On what his Emmy award meant to him, Bobin said, “So many people worked so hard and brilliantly that I accept this award on behalf of everybody. As a director, I am in charge of making decisions, but these people do stuff for you every day. They have great ideas and are very collaborative, so I really feel like it’s an award for everybody in this show.” He even gave me an opportunity to hold his Emmy trophy! It was quite heavy.

Aiden pictured with with nominee and winner David Lux for his television special Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin. It won an Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation in Storyboard done by David Lux as a Storyboard Artist.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Vadim Kapridov, a Consulting Producer for 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films’ Blue’s Clues & You, which won “Outstanding Preschool Series” at the event, as well. I also met very young actors, including Phoenix Laroche from The Velveteen Rabbit and Pyper Braun from Erin & Aaron. Both were nominated for Best Young Performer. Laroche won his first Emmy, as one of the youngest to ever do so. “I would like to thank my Papa for this award, for giving me acting tips, and my Mama for always taking me to set and for being the best,” he said.

Interview with Phoenix Laroche from The Velveteen Rabbit, who was nominated for and won Outstanding Younger Performer in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program. He is one of the youngest winners of an Emmy award.

I was able to interview nominees for the new Goosebumps show including one of the show’s executive producers, Scholastic Entertainment’s Caitlin Friedman, and co-producer Adrian Cox, at the CAFE Award Ceremony. I also met Baindu Saidu and Courtney Perdue, who wrote for and helped produce Goosebumps. When asked what their favorite book series were as children, Saidu joked, “I think we would get in trouble if we don’t say Goosebumps, but that was definitely one of my favorites.” Purdue also wanted to share with readers that they should dream big and go after their dreams, as you never know what will happen. “I always dreamed of being part of the film industry, and now I’m here!” she said.

Goosebumps Executive Producer, Scholastic Entertainment’s Caitlin Friedman

Winners of the Event

The CAFE Awards had over 50 different categories across both events and over 100 nominations for both individual and show performances. The ceremony marks a celebration of a wide array of powerful work. Among many others, shows and movies such as Orion and the Dark, Malory Towers, SuperKitties, The Santa Clauses, and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock were nominated for and won awards at the CAFE Main Ceremony. During the CAFE Creative Arts Ceremony, I met creators of famous PBS Shows, including Blue’s Clues & You, Molly of Denali, and Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, as well as many choreographers, music producers, and camera crew.

Special recognition was given to Fran Brill, a puppeteer and actress known especially for her work on Sesame Street. For her contributions, she was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the CAFE Main Ceremony. When I spoke with her, she shared, “It’s very nice to be recognized from the community.” When asked what this award meant to her, Brill said, “I hope this award means that a lot of women after me will win awards for puppeteering. I also hope to help people stay in touch with their inner child through puppeteering.”

Aiden pictured with Rachel Schwartz, the first-ever female Head of the CAFE and Daytime Emmys.

Rachel Schwartz, the first-ever female Head of the CAFE and Daytime Emmys was responsible for determining the categories for the awards, the shows eligible for nomination, and the judges. She shared an uplifting message for all readers of the Scholastic Kids Press. “Everything that is happening to the nominees here today, can happen to them, whatever their dreams are,” she shared.

Ms. Ray Allensworth, the Spacecraft Program Director at Firefly Aerospace, stands with Blue Ghost (photo credit: Ray Allensworth).

Firefly Aerospace, a private aerospace company based in Texas, has completed its first lunar mission, marking a significant development in space exploration. In partnership with NASA, Blue Ghost Mission 1 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on January 15, 2025 and after a 45-day journey, it landed in Mare Crisium, a basin on the moon near Mons Latreille, on March 2, 2025.

“‘Mare’ is a special type of place on the Moon,” explained Ms. Ray Allensworth, Spacecraft Program Director at Firefly Aerospace, during a virtual interview. “It is generally covered in fine dust, and it doesn't have as many big boulders or rocks as other places. That’s why we chose Mare Crisium as our destination.”

Blue Ghost Mission 1’s Payloads

Blue Ghost is a lunar lander designed by Firefly Aerospace. The main goal of the mission is to deliver 10 NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or science and technology instruments, to the Moon. After landing on Mare Crisium, Blue Ghost operated and delivered the payloads for a lunar day. A lunar day is equivalent to 14 Earth days.

“Firefly Aerospace designed and built the launch vehicle for this mission,” Ms. Allensworth shared. “NASA gave us tools to deliver, and we are acting as an Uber for the Moon.”

One of the payloads aboard Blue Ghost is Lister, a drill located on the bottom of the lander. It can measure the temperature of the surface of the Moon.

While in lunar orbit, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander captured an image of the Moon’s south pole on the far left (Copyright/credit: Firefly Aerospace).

 “Success for this mission is to deliver all the payloads and get as much data possible along the way,” said Ms. Allensworth. On board, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” are payloads from other companies and countries. They include one of the first-ever European payloads, Italian Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE).

Notable Achievements

There are also many cameras attached to the spacecraft. They captured pictures of the Moon’s surface and the first HD imagery of a lunar sunset. Additionally, the mission marked the first time in history a commercial company was able to observe a total solar eclipse while actively operating on the Moon.

Blue Ghost completed more than 14 days of surface operations and is the longest commercial operations on the Moon to date.