Click this link to learn about the only known document in which an African-American Union soldier describes a significant Civil War battle.
Author Archives: Chandler Gifford
A former Haitian prisoner says ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier’s criminal legacy should never be forgotten
Boby Duval, a former soccer player who was imprisoned for speaking out against the corrupt Haitian government of ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier, urges the world to remember Duvalier’s crimes and to make sure history does not repeat itself.
HP Lovecraft: The man who haunted horror fans
H.P. Lovecraft, perhaps best known for his tentacled monster Cthulhu, is regarded as one of the most influential horror writers in literary history. Read this article to find out what makes his work unique.
Millennials in Search of a Different Kind of Career
It seems young adults of the so-called “millennial” generation want different things from their jobs than members of previous generations have wanted. This article explores some of the attitudes and experiences of today’s workforce.
Anne Frank Today Is a Syrian Girl
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof draws a parallel between the treatment of Jewish refugees during World War II and that of modern-day Syrian refugees. He laments what he sees as global indifference to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and urges world leaders to act.
When These Latinos Tell Immigration Stories, They Push Beyond Fairy Tales
National Public Radio (NPR) collected immigration stories from some of its Latino employees for Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out this article to read about their experiences.
Why do we read scary books?
In this article, author Lou Morgan provides insight into the reasons people choose to read horror stories.
5 things you didn’t know about Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass is well known for his autobiography and speeches and for his work as an abolitionist. This article sheds light on some of the other accomplishments and complexities of this remarkable figure in American history.
The Castle of Otranto: The creepy tale that launched gothic fiction
Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of Otranto is considered by many to be the first example of gothic horror fiction. This article discusses the lasting influence the book has had on the horror genre.
National Geographic Hosts the Energy Department’s STEM Mentoring Café for Students
The U.S. Energy Department sponsors a mentorship program for students interested in pursuing STEM careers. “Mentoring Cafés” give kids the opportunity to talk with professionals in these fields, who spark their curiosity about working with cutting-edge research and exciting new technology.
‘My Name, My Identity’: Educators Promote Cultural Awareness in Campaign
Many students, especially those from cultures outside the United States, feel embarassed when teachers mispronounce their names. A recently launched campaign urges educators to show respect for all their students by making the effort to get their names right.
How Samuel Mudd Went From Lincoln Conspirator to Medical Savior
Dr. Samuel Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated President Lincoln and was convicted for conspiring with him, was sent to prison at Fort Jefferson on an island in the Gulf of Mexico. He is credited with saving dozens of lives from an outbreak of yellow fever on the island.
Middle school key to college, career pipeline
Do you really need to think about college or your career path while you’re in middle school? This article explains that getting kids engaged with the world of work early is crucial to their long-term success.
Otto Frank talks about Anne’s diary
Watch this short video to hear Otto Frank’s thoughts on what he learned from reading his daughter’s diary after learning of her death.
How Adulthood Happens
Is there a rite of passage into adulthood? Why does it take so long to grow up? In this column, David Brooks examines the process of becoming an adult in modern American society.
The importance of belonging
A sense of belonging plays a major role in a person’s well-being. This article discusses the work of social psychologist Gregory Walton, who believes that people can benefit from sharing their stories about overcoming feelings of isolation.
The fading of the teen summer job
A 2015 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that fewer and fewer teenagers have been working summer jobs over the past several decades. What are the reasons for this trend?
Middle schoolers navigate transitional tween years
In this article, middle school kids share their thoughts on what it’s like to be a “tween” and give advice for navigating this sometimes awkward phase.
How a Volcano Helped Inspire Frankenstein
Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein two hundred years ago at a time when a powerful volcanic eruption had caused changes to Europe’s climate. Read to find out how this event affected the author and influenced her famous horror story.
Newest Immigrants Assimilating as Fast as Previous Ones, Report Says
In September of 2015, the National Academies published a report that explored how immigrants fit into American society. The study applied current research to try to clear up common misconceptions, including the idea that immigrants frequently commit crime. Read this article to learn about the report’s findings.