In May 2017, New Orleans took down a statue of General Robert E. Lee that had stood for 133 years. Read to learn more about the city government’s reasons for removing the statue and the public disagreement about the decision.
Author Archives: Chandler Gifford
18 Under 18: Meet the Young Innovators Who Are Changing the World
Read this article to learn about teenagers who have started their own successful businesses, including a boy who sells rare sneakers and a girl who sells natural skin-care products.
For migrant workers on Illinois farms, the job is hot, risky
Have you ever wondered about the people who harvest the fruits and vegetables you eat? This article explores the difficult conditions many migrant farm workers face.
Archaeologists Unearth Pendant That May Be Linked To Anne Frank
Earlier this year, archaeologists found a pendant at the site of the concentration camp in Sobibor, Poland. This article explains how the pendant is related to the story of Anne Frank.
Teen Night Owls Struggle To Learn And Control Emotions At School
Do you tend to stay up late at night? A group of researchers recently conducted a survey to explore the effects of teenagers being “night owls.” Read to learn more.
New photo shows ‘beautiful, resilient’ Harriet Tubman
A recently discovered photograph shows Harriet Tubman as a young woman. Click on this link to learn about the historical significance of the photo.
Fiction Podcasts Are Finally a Thing! Thank You, Sci-Fi and Horror
Read this article to find out how science fiction and horror stories have helped make fiction podcasts more popular.
Nationality, identity and the pledge of allegiance
In this article, a reporter tells her story of becoming an American citizen and recalls some of her experience living with more than one cultural identity.
One third of parents avoid reading children scary stories, study finds
A recent survey found that many parents avoid exposing their children to frightening stories and characters. Read to find out why some people think parents should let their kids read scary books.
Alabama Senate Passes Confederate Monuments Bill
Should Confederate monuments be preserved? Some people believe they are important memorials to American history, while others find them offensive or see them as symbols of slavery. Read to learn how the governments of Alabama and other southern states have handled this issue.
How African Immigrants Are Creating a New Identity for Themselves in Houston
Do immigrants from African countries take on a shared cultural identity in American communities? This article takes a look at the case of Houston, Texas.
Teaching Teenagers to Cope With Social Stress
Psychology Professor David S. Yeager has a simple message that can help teens manage their stress and anxiety: People can change. Read to find out how keeping this idea in mind can be useful when navigating the transition into high school.
7-Year-Old Aleppo Girl Who Tweeted City’s Ravages Is Safely Evacuated
Using Twitter, Bana al-Abed has chronicled her experience of the war in Syria. For this reason, she has been called a modern-day Anne Frank. Read to learn more about this remarkable young girl and her evacuation from Aleppo.
Fleeing To Dismal Swamp, Slaves And Outcasts Found Freedom
This article explains how archaelogists and historians have learned about the lives of runaways who escaped slavery by hiding in the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia and North Carolina.
Children should be allowed to get bored, expert says
Are there benefits to spending time being bored? Read this article to find out why one expert thinks it’s important to embrace boredom for children and adults alike.
Why You Should Be Reading Wislawa Szymborska
Vogue magazine book critic Megan O’Grady explains why Wislawa Szymborska’s poetry has been meaningful in her life.
How Hard Is It for Teenagers in Your Community to Get a Job?
Looking forward to being old enough to get a job? It may not be as easy as you expect. Click this link to read about the recent decline in teenage employment.
From Germany to Mexico: How America’s source of immigrants has changed over a century
Click this link to learn about some trends in immigration to the United States over the past hundred years and to see some interesting graphics that help to illustrate these trends.
Everyone Benefits when Middle School Students Volunteer
Why should you volunteer? This article explains that middle schoolers have a lot to gain for themselves by putting in work for the benefit of others.
Teens, Your Brain Needs Real Food
We all know nutrition is important for our well-being, but this article explains why it’s especially important for teenagers to maintain a balanced, healthy diet.