How young is too young for a horror story? A parent and book reviewer shares his thoughts.
Author Archives: Mikki Gibson
The real-life diseases that spread the vampire myth
Vampire stories began way before Dracula. Find out about the real-life afflictions that made people believe frightening tales.
A decade into the Katrina diaspora
A diaspora is a scattering of people who all originally came from the same place. See some examples of how the lives of people scattered by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina have changed.
Why many teens don’t want to get a driver’s license
For many people your parents’ age and older, getting a driver’s license at age 16 was a rite of passage. Read about some reasons why today’s teenagers aren’t that interested in getting behind the wheel.
Guard Dogs 101: What You Need to Know Before Getting a Dog for Protection
If you’ve read “The Mixer,” you know that some guard dogs are better at their jobs than others. Find out what makes a best friend a good protector.
The Man Who Warned the West about the Holocaust, at a Time When No One Would Listen
Learn about the efforts of Poland’s Jan Karski to enlist the help of world leaders to stop a genocide.
Louisa May Alcott: Abolitionist, Suffragette, and Mercenary
Although she is best known for writing the childhood classic Little Women, Louisa May Alcott was far more interested in advocating for freedom for all. Learn more about this multifaceted American author.
Migrant Farm Workers: Our Nation’s Invisible Population
Next time you take a bite of a delicious avocado or orange, think about who picked it. This article provides some basic facts about the people who are the backbone of our agricultural system.
The Influence of Machiavelli on Shakespeare
The Renaissance Italian writer Niccolò Machiavelli explored ideas about power in his still-controversial book The Prince. His work not only influenced political leaders, though; it also influenced the work of William Shakespeare a century later.
An Animated Adventure, Drawn from Life
Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel, became a critically-acclaimed film in 2007. Learn about the creative process behind the depiction of one young woman’s struggle for personal and political freedom.
Oskar Schindler: Unlikely Hero
A Nazi industrialist may not fit the usual idea of a hero, but Oskar Schindler used his wealth, charm, and connections to save the lives of over 1000 Jews during World War II.
Shakespeare and the Classics: Plutarch, Ovid, and Inspiration
Like many of his contemporaries, Shakespeare drew on a variety of resources for his astounding output of plays.
10 Supreme Court Cases Every Teen Should Know
The United States Supreme Court may seem very far removed from your everyday life, but its rulings really do matter to you. Learn about ten decisions that directly affect your school and home life.
How To View Art: However You Want To
A museum educator gives some practical tips for viewing art and refutes the idea that museum visitors need to study ahead of time or follow a prescribed approach.
Invasive Species
When humans unknowingly interact with and alter the natural world, the consequences can be devastating. Find out how humans introduce plants and animals to ecosystems that aren’t prepared for them and what effects these invasive species have.
Journey to Mars
Like any quest, the journey to Mars will require careful planning and many intermediate steps. Check out this timeline of stages in the process of making humans independent from our home planet.
The Chilling True Story Behind the Pied Piper of Hamelin
Where do fairy tales and legends come from? At least one well-known tale is rooted in a real historic event.
Guerilla Gardener Sparks Food Revolution in South Central LA
A few years ago, Ron Finley decided to change his neighborhood’s lack of healthy foods. After an initial negative response from city authorities, his work is now educating and inspiring others to make positive changes through gardening.
You’re Wrong! I’m Right!
It might be more comfortable to only hear opinions that we already agree with, but by failing to listen to each other, we’re not only increasing the political divide in America; we’re making ourselves less smart.
The Storm After the Storm: Disaster’s Mental Toll
Survivors of natural disasters have more to deal with than simply rebuilding lost homes. Many will also suffer from PTSD: post-traumatic stress disorder.