The All-New Book of Lists for Kids

by Sandra Choron, Harry Choron (Illustrator), Harry Choron

Overview

More than 300 lists about very nearly everything you really care about

THE ALL-NEW BOOK OF LISTS FOR KIDS is an information sandwich with everything on it, packed with the stuff you need to know and the stuff you never even knew you wanted to know. Here are tons of fun facts about your favorite movies, music, books, and sports and games, along with kid survival tips and techniques. Find out how to defend yourself against vampires, what to do if you're afraid of the dark, and how to look great in your school picture. You'll also find hundreds of addresses for kid-friendly Web sites (as well as information on how to visit them safely). THE ALL-NEW BOOK OF LISTS FOR KIDS delivers it all — the serious, the silly, the useful, and the just plain fun.

TEN REASONS YOU'LL LOVETHE ALL-NEW BOOK OF LISTS FOR KIDS

It's easy to use — just open the book to any page and dig in!
It's full of facts that will astound you and your friends.
It will make you LOL — Laugh Out Loud ; ) It can help you save time. For example, it will teach you how to quickly make it look like you've cleaned your room.
It's portable: you can take it with you for fun on long, boring car rides.
You don't have to remember to feed it (all you have to do is read it).
It's way, way more fascinating than long division.
It offers some serious help on important issues — like your allowance, bullies, and dealing with your parents.
It can help you answer a lot of weird questions.
It will never tell you that you're grounded.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780618191352
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/20/2002
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 1.03(d)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

About the Author

Sandra Choron is a writer, editor, literary agent, book packager, and designer. She and her husband, Harry Choron, a graphic designer, are the authors of College in a Can, The Book of Lists for Teens, and The All-New Book of Lists for Kids, among other works.

Read an Excerpt

1
Making It in a Kid's World CARL SAGAN LISTS 12 THINGS HE WISHES THEY TAUGHT AT SCHOOL In 1985, when we published the first edition of this book, Dr. Sagan was kind enough to share some of his ideas with us, and they are still as useful and important today as they were when he wrote them.

You may already know that Dr. Sagan played a leading role in the Mariner, Viking, and Voyager expeditions to the planets. His scientific research has enhanced our understanding of the greenhouse effect on Venus, dust storms on Mars, the origin of life, and the search for life elsewhere. His award-winning TV series Cosmos was the most widely watched series in the history of American public television. The accompanying book, also called Cosmos, is the best- selling science book ever published in the English language.
1. Baloney detection. A baloney detector helps tell us when we're being lied to. If you're after the truth, it's usually a good thing to separate out the baloney first. Fallacies (baloney) are everywhere— in schools, in the mass media, and in government. Sometimes the error is unintentional, sometimes it's not. High school algebra and geometry, by the way, are subjects that teach you how to separate the baloney from everything else.
2. Pick a difficult thing and learn it well. This is one of the greatest of human joys. While you learn a little about many subjects, make sure you learn a great deal about one or two. It hardly matters what the subject is, as long as it deeply interests you, and you place it in its broader human context. After you teach yourself one subject, you become more confident about your ability to teach yourself another. Gradually you find you'veacquired a key skill. The world is changing so rapidly that you must continue to teach yourself throughout your life. But don't get trapped by the first subject that interests you, or the first thing you find yourself good at. The world is full of wonders, and some of them we don't discover until we're all grown up. Most of them, sadly, we never discover.
3. Don't be afraid to ask "dumb" questions. Many simple questions— like why grass is green, or why the sun is round, or why we need 55,000 nuclear weapons in the world—are really deep questions. The answers can be a gateway to real insights. It's also important to know, and asking questions is the way. To ask "dumb" questions requires courage on the part of the asker and knowledge and patience on the part of the answerer. And don't confine your learning to schoolwork. Discuss ideas in depth with friends.
4. Listen carefully. Many conversations are a kind of competition that rarely leads to discovery on either side. When people are talking, don't spend the time thinking about what you're going to say next. Instead, try to understand what they're saying and what you can learn from or about them. Older people have grown up in a world very different from yours, one you may not know very well. They, and people from other parts of the country and from other nations, have important ideas that can enrich your life.
5. Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody's understanding is incomplete.
Be open to correction, and learn to correct your own mistakes. The only embarrassment is in not learning from your mistakes.
(Governments almost never admit mistakes. What can we learn from this fact?) 6. Know your planet. It's the only one we have. Learn how it works.
We're changing the atmosphere, the surface, the waters of the Earth, often for some short-term advantage when the long-term consequences are unknown. Especially in a democracy, the citizens should have at least something to say about the direction in which we're going. If we don't understand the issues, we abandon the future.
7. Science and technology. You can't know your planet unless you know something about science and technology. School science courses, I remember, concentrated on the trivia of science but left out many important ideas. The great discoveries in modern science are also great discoveries of the human spirit. For example, Copernicus showed that—far from the Earth being the center of the universe—the Earth is just one of many small worlds. This may make "us Earthlings" feel less important but it also opens us up to our view of how vast and awesome our universe really is.
8. Nuclear war. This is the most immediate and most dangerous threat to our species and our world. Learn enough about nuclear weapons to be able to understand the threat they pose and how to help resolve the growing crisis. If you can make a contribution to this subject, you will have done something for all generations that are and ever will be.
9. Don't spend your life watching TV. You know what I'm talking about.
10. Culture. Gain some exposure to the great works of literature, art and music. If such a work is hundreds or thousands of years old and is still admired, there is probably something to it. Like all deep experiences, it may take a little work on your part to discover what all the fuss is about. But once you make the effort, your life has changed; you've acquired a source of enjoyment and excitement for the rest of your days. In a world as tightly connected as ours is, don't limit your attention to American or Western culture. Learn how and what people elsewhere think. Learn something of their history, their religions, their viewpoints.
11. Politics. A basic part of American democracy, and one of the principles on which the nation was founded, is the protection and encouragement of unpopular beliefs. (Think again about Copernicus.) No nation, sect or political party speaks the whole truth. So consider unpopular ideas and see if any of them make sense to you.
Why, exactly, are they unpopular? Learn something about practical politics. Involve yourself in a local political campaign. Understand how political power is used. There are many evils—slavery, say, or small-pox—that were overcome worldwide, through the combination of new insights and political power. Understanding these advances can help us to deal with other evils in our time.
12. Compassion. Many people believe that we live in a very selfish time. But there is a loneliness that comes from living only for yourself. Humans are capable of great compassion, love and tenderness. These feelings, however, need encouragement to grow. Look at the delight a 1- or 2-year-old takes in learning, and you see how powerful is the human will to learn. Our passion to understand the universe and our compassion for others jointly provide the chief hope of the human species.
20 EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF MATURITY You are on a sinking ship. The captain calls out to the crew, "Save the women and children first!" but no one comes to your rescue. Here are some other signs that you are reaching maturity.
1. Your parents stop sounding stupid.
2. You start remembering to do your chores without being reminded.
3. You've stopped bullying your little brother or sister and you don't know why.
4. All your homework gets done, all the time.
5. You read a book, and it made you think.
6. You've made friends with a geek.
7. You can sit through one hour of educational television without falling asleep or wanting to.
8. You've asked for a raise in your allowance, explained why, and your parents agreed.
9. Your body starts changing so fast that your best friend doesn't recognize you. In fact, you don't recognize you!
10. You stop complaining about getting pinched on the cheek by your grandmother.
11. A cute member of the opposite sex says hello and you don't wonder what they meant by that.
12. You've realized that you probably will never become a cowboy/astronaut/fireman.
13. You stop being embarrassed by your zits.
14. You realize that your dad's 1997 Ford station wagon can take you anywhere your neighbor's new BMW can.
15. Someone calls you "mister" or "miss," "sir" or "ms." 16. You'd rather read Jurassic Park than watch the movie.
17. You can sip through a straw without being tempted to blow bubbles out the other end.
18. Candy doesn't taste as good anymore, and you find yourself ordering salads in restaurants.
19. You find what the sitter and her boyfriend are doing on the couch more interesting than the video game you are playing.
20. You've walked away from a fight because the argument was stupid.
9 FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO HAD HEALTH PROBLEMS WHEN THEY WERE KIDS 1. Wilma Rudolph, the black Olympic sprinter who won three medals in 1960, had polio when she was a child and couldn't walk without a brace until she was 8.
2. Al Capp, who created the "Li'l Abner" comics, was hit by a streetcar when he was 12 and had to have his leg amputated.
3. Newscaster Dan Rather had rheumatic fever when he was young and had to spend five years in bed.
4. Aesop, whose fables you've probably read, was a dwarf.
5. Sidney Poitier, the actor, weighed less than three pounds when he was born.
6. When Sylvester Stallone was born, one side of his face became paralyzed. This accounts for his unusual smile. But in school the kids made fun of his deformity, calling him "Slant Mouth." 7. Actor Richard Thomas grew up partially deaf.
8. When comedienne Lucille Ball was little, she was paralyzed in a car accident. No one expected her to walk again.
9. Mr. Rogers is colorblind!
A FEW OF ROSIE O'DONNELL'S FAVORITE THINGS Rosie O'Donnell is a great role model: She's America's number-one talk show host (she's tossed over 20,000 Koosh balls at audiences worldwide), a champion of kids and their causes, a writer, a Broadway star, and a talented actress who has had memorable roles in movies like Harriet the Spy, The Flintstones, and A Very Brady Sequel. Plus, she's a devoted mom. All that keeps her pretty busy, but her thoughts tell us who the real Rosie O'Donnell is: "When kids say you're all right, that means you're doing something right in your life." Most important of all, Rosie O'Donnell is a kid at heart.
1. Kickball 2. Softball 3. Skateboarding 4. Basketball 5. Singing 6. Telling jokes 7. Kids 8. Reading books (She started a club called Rosie's Readers.) 9. Watching TV (Her favorite shows on Nickelodeon, which is her favorite channel, are The Nanny and the Professor and My Three Sons.) 10. Being loved (Do you know that no adult ever told Rosie they loved her until she was in junior high school?) 11. Playing video games, especially Pacman, Tetris, Asteroids, and the Legend of Zelda.
12. Elmo 13. Barbra Streisand 14. Tom Cruise 15. Collecting toys and dolls (But when the Mattel toy company told her they wanted to make a Rosie Barbie Doll, she said she would let them only if it could be a plump doll, just like her. So that's what they did!) HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN YOU'RE OUT IN PUBLIC 1. Stay alert! Always be aware of where you are and the people around you.
2. Watch where you're going and appear confident.
3. Stay on busy streets where there are people. Stay out of dark alleys, woods, and other shortcuts.Avoid being alone.
4. Keep valuable items in your pockets or in a fanny pack.
5. If you have something valuable, keep it out of sight and don't talk about it. Resist the temptation to show off.
6. Don't play in deserted areas where you probably won't be able to get help if you need it.
7. Don't hang around public bathrooms.
8. If you have a locker at school, don't tell anyone the combination to the lock.
9. If you must stay in the building after school has let out, stay only in the area that's under supervision. If you need to go to another part of the building for any reason, get someone else, preferably an adult, to go with you.
10. If other kids tell you that you must give them money or they will beat you up, tell your parents, and make sure they call the police and the school. Your parents can do this without giving your name.
Gangs of kids who demand "protection money" can be found in all parts of the country. You can't stop them, but the police and the school system can.
11. Don't talk to strangers. That may sound like something you've been hearing since you were a baby, but it's good advice. Don't give any information about yourself to people you don't know. Even saying something simple, like where your mother works, can lead to trouble.
12. Don't get on or off an elevator with a stranger if you are alone.
13. If someone or something scares you, look for bright lights and people and run for help, screaming all the way.
14. Say no—loudly—to anyone who bothers you.
15. Do not agree to keep a secret from your parents.
16. If someone threatens to attack you unless you give them your money, give them the money. In most cases, muggers are after your money, not you. Since you probably won't be able to overpower them, and since your life is more important than your money, give them what they want and then get away as soon as possible. Immediately report what happened to the police.
17. Never hitchhike! Getting into a car with a stranger is asking for trouble. If you must do this because you are stranded somewhere or need help, don't accept a ride from a car that has been circling the area, and try to remember as many details about the person who gives you the ride as you can: the model, color, and license plate of the car; the color of the driver's hair and eyes; what the driver is wearing; and any other distinct characteristics.
18. If a stranger asks you for help with a problem, such as finding a lost dog or carrying packages, suggest that another adult will help them. If these people have really good intentions, they will understand your refusal to help.
19. If someone wearing a uniform approaches you and tells you to cooperate with them, ask to see some identification. Make sure the person is really who they say they are!
20. When you work at other people's homes or go on job interviews, even if you're just at a friend's house, be sure to tell your parents exactly where you are and when you plan to come home.
21. If you witness a crime, call 911 and calmly, clearly, tell what you saw. You do not have to give your name.
HOME ALONE! How to Stay Safe 1. Always make sure that the doors and windows are locked.
2. Don't open the door for anyone you don't know well. If the person who knocks on the door has real business in the house—for example, if they've come to repair something—they can come back another time. If they claim they need help, say you won't open the door, but you will call the police for them.
3. Pick a password that only you and your parents know. That way, if someone wants to get into your house when you are alone and claims to have been sent by your parents, you can ask for the password.
4. If someone bothers you at the door and won't go away, make them think that you're not really alone. Tell them your father is sleeping and that you're going to wake him up. Instead, call the police.
5. If you get a phone call from a stranger who asks you personal questions or says weird things, hang up immediately, no matter how tempted you are to tell that person off. If you get a few of these calls, see that your parents report them to the police and to the telephone company.
6. Be careful what you tell other people about your plans. Your friends obviously are not interested in harming you, but they could repeat things in front of strangers. Avoid discussing things like your family's plans to go on vacation, the times when you are alone at home, where you're planning to babysit, where your family hides valuable items, where your family hides an extra house key.
8 THINGS YOU CAN DO IF YOU'RE AFRAID OF THE DARK Thomas Edison, who invented the light bulb, was afraid of the dark!
So don't let anyone tell you that nightlights are for babies. Here are some ways to handle the fear.
1. Use your imagination to create nice, pleasant things from the shapes you see in the shadows. It's just like pretending that clouds are real objects. For instance, if that huge ball of darkness on your ceiling looks like a monster at first, turn it into a big fluffy kitten or a circus balloon.
2. Sing. Noise helps to scare away fear. Practice your very favorite songs out loud.
3. Keep a flashlight next to your bed. If something scares you, shine the light directly on it. You'll see that nothing's there.
4. Keep a notepad next to your bed. If something scares you, write it down on the paper and then rip the paper—and the fear—into shreds.
5. Try to put yourself into a trance that will help you fall asleep.
Here's one technique: First, think about the scary shapes in the room that are bothering you. Introduce yourself to these "monsters" out loud. Once you've made friends with them, ask them to leave. As they start to go out the door, concentrate on your own breathing. Count slowly. Before you reach 100, chances are you'll be asleep.
6. If you see shadows that scare you, try to find out what's really creating them. Maybe the "monster" you're imagining is really the shadow of your favorite tree.
7. Read a book, listen to music, or write a letter to a friend to take your mind off your fears.
8. Ask someone to check your room to make sure everything's all right. Say, "This may seem silly, but I'll get to sleep a lot faster if you do this for me." 7 THINGS TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING TO THROW UP 1. RUN to the nearest bathroom. Don't wait to see if you really do need to throw up!
2. Drink ginger ale.
3. Eat a few crackers.
4. If you become nauseated in a moving vehicle, like a car or a boat, stare at something that isn't moving, like the horizon or a building in the distance. You get nauseated because your brain forgets that you are moving but your stomach doesn't.
5. Breathe through your nose.
6. Don't get scared or embarrassed. Everyone throws up at some point.
And if you make a mess—well, that's what you get for being human.
7. Try to breathe in some fresh air.
WHEN A PET DIES Pet Haven Cemetery in Gardena, California, is one of the most famous pet cemeteries in the world. Jerry Lewis, Tina Turner, Michael Landon, and Nat "King" Cole are just a few of the celebrities whose pets are buried there. The people at Pet Haven know that losing a pet can be an awful time for anyone. Here are some ideas they have that may help you feel better.
1. Take the time to think about your emotions. You may find yourself feeling angry (at whatever caused your pet to die), sad (because you have lost a friend), guilty (if the pet died because of something you did), or even jealous (of other kids who still have their pets). Or you may be feeling a combination of all of them. All these feelings are normal.
2. Share your feelings with others. If you have a brother or sister you don't get along with, here's a time when you may get closer. Even if you think you have nothing in common, the fact is that you both knew the pet and you both miss him. So you do have something to talk about! Remember that people who have never had pets may not understand what you're going through. Don't get mad at them.
3. Have a ceremony to say good-bye to your pet, whether it's an actual burial or just a time to think about your pet. Invite others who loved your pet to be part of this ceremony. It's also a good time to decide what you want to do with your pet's belongings.
4. Keep a remembrance of your pet. Even though you are sad now, the pet was your friend. Maybe you can place a picture of the pet in your room. You can write a poem that others might enjoy reading, or you can plant something—like a tree—as a memorial.
5. Continue your normal activities. Some things may have changed but not all of them.
6. Be extra nice to your other pets—they may be sad, too.
7. Think about other pets that might need your care. You may not want to adopt another one right away, but keep in mind that you can sometimes make yourself feel better by being nice to others. There are plenty of people and pets out there who need your love.
8. Say thank you to people who were nice to your pet. Let them know that their caring made a difference in the life of your pet.
9. Say a prayer. Albert Schweitzer, the great philosopher and doctor, wrote this poem when his own pet died: Hear our humble prayer, O God, For our friends the animals.
Especially for animals who are suffering; For any that are hunted or lost Or deserted or frightened or hungry; For all that must be put to sleep.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, And for those who deal with them We ask a heart of compassion And gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us be true friends to animals And so to share The blessings of the merciful.
13 RUDE THINGS THAT PARENTS DO Parents who are otherwise polite and conscious of the rules of etiquette sometimes violate these rules when it comes to their own kids. Here are just a few things they do that are annoying, embarrassing, or just plain rude.
1. They criticize you in front of your friends.
2. They open your mail.
3. They tell your secrets to other members of the family.
4. They ask you to "perform" for company.
5. They invite your friends to dinner without asking you first.
6. They ask you to be friends with certain kids just because they're friends with the kids' parents.
7. They invite their friends to your birthday party.
8. They hang around when your friends come over.
9. They ignore you when their friends come over.
10. They call your friends by the wrong name.
11. They invade your privacy by entering your room without knocking.
12. They ask your friends rude questions, like what their parents do for a living.
13. They correct your grammar and manners in front of other people.
11 LIES PARENTS TELL 1. Punishing you hurts them more than it hurts you.
2. Eating chocolate causes acne.
3. Lightning never strikes twice.
4. You shouldn't go swimming for an hour after you eat or you'll get stomach cramps.
5. If you cut your hair, it'll grow faster.
6. Tattoos are permanent. (Some are, but not all. Still, this is a decision you want to make when you're older.) 7. You can't get too many vitamins.
8. If you go outside in the winter with wet hair, you'll automatically catch a cold.
9. Eating green apples will give you a stomachache.
10. No one knows which came first, the chicken or the egg. (Of course the egg came first; dinosaurs were laying them for millions of years before the first chicken clucked its way into the world!) 11. "It tastes like chicken." 14 PEOPLE YOU CAN TALK TO IF YOU CAN'T TALK TO YOUR PARENTS 1. An older brother, sister, or friend 2. An aunt, uncle, grandparent, or other relative 3. A teacher you trust 4. The school's guidance counselor 5. A friend's parent 6. The family doctor 7. A religious leader 8. A school social worker 9. The school nurse 10. The school principal or assistant principal 11. Your godparent 12. A public health or social worker. You can find such a person by checking the Yellow Pages under any of these listings: Social Service Organizations, Social Workers, Mental Health Services, Clinics, or Human Service Organizations.
13. A social leader, such as the head of a Scout troop (even if you're not a member) 14. A member of the Alanon/Alateen organization, which helps people with alcohol and drug problems. Look in the Yellow Pages under Alcoholism Information and Treatment Centers to find one of them.
(See also "41 Organizations That Work with and for Kids," page 86.) 15 THINGS EVERY BABYSITTER SHOULD KNOW This list may seem long, but babysitting is serious business, and you really do need to know a lot more than just what you'll be doing with the child. You need to know what to do in case of an emergency, what to do if someone calls, and how to handle any unexpected circumstance, such as a pet scratching at the door to be let in or out, or how to handle a child's claim that his parents always let him stay up to see Saturday Night Live. It may be a good idea to make copies of this list and keep the information in a notebook so that if you babysit for the same people again, you won't have to ask them all the details. Always remember to keep the doors locked at all times, to check on the children every half hour or so once they're in bed, and to stay awake until the parents return.
1. The name of the family and the child's name 2. Their address and phone number (which you should also leave at your own home) 3. How the telephone works (if it's a complicated system) 4. Whom to call in an emergency 5. Where the parents can be reached 6. When they will return 7. Instructions for handling phone calls and visitors 8. The location of clothing, bed linen, food, and first aid supplies 9. Where you can find a house key in case you have to leave with the child in an emergency 10. What games the child may play and TV programs he or she may watch; what Internet and computer privileges are allowed 11. The child's bedtime and eating habits (and if there are any allergies or illnesses you should be aware of) 12. The child's bedtime routine, such as brushing teeth, taking medicine, and getting cleaned up 13. How to handle any pets that may be present 14. Instructions for operating the burglar alarm if they have one 15. Whether it's OK to invite a friend to sit with you. Never allow anyone else in the house without getting permission first.
10 DOOR-TO-DOOR SAFETY TIPS Whether you are raising money for charity, getting a petition signed, or selling candy, always be extra careful when you approach the homes of strangers. Be sure you understand these rules before you start out.
1. Never go alone. Always take a friend.
2. Always let your parents or another adult know the area you will be in and when they should expect you home.
3. Don't leave this area without letting someone know your plans have changed.
4. If you feel uncomfortable going to an unfamiliar area, don't go there.
5. Never enter anyone's home under any circumstances. Don't accept their food or a beverage.
6. If you need to use a bathroom or make a telephone call, go to a well-lighted public area or a store.
7. Always carry some change for an emergency phone call.
8. If you feel uncomfortable about any situation, leave at once.
Don't worry about appearing rude.
9. Be aware of what is going on around you.
10. If you are collecting money and expect to handle cash, try to have someone with you.
8 HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS All of the above safety rules should be followed, in addition to these: 1. Do not go trick-or-treating alone. Older children should go with friends; younger kids should be accompanied by an adult.
2. Be sure to carry a flashlight or a glow stick and to wear reflective clothing.
3. Make sure you can breathe easily through your mask and that you can see where you're going. If your costume has a tail, keep it short so you don't trip over it.
4. Only wear costumes and masks that are flame-resistant.
5. Do not approach a dark house or one that looks like the people are not welcoming.
6. If anything weird happens, tell your parents.
7. Don't sample any of your goodies until you get home and an adult examines your collection. Don't eat candy that looks like someone has been fooling around with the wrapping or that doesn't have any wrapping.
8. A good alternative to trick-or-treating is to organize parties at home, in school, or in a community center where everyone can show off their costumes safely.
8 PUNISHMENTS THAT ARE FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE More than 1.5 million children are abused by an adult each year. Kids who are abused are either physically or emotionally hurt by an adult.
This adult can be a parent, step-parent, aunt or uncle, grandparent, teacher, or neighbor—even another kid. Many kids who have been abused believe that they somehow deserved the punishment they received and that the abuser has a right to hurt them. So it's important for you to know what kinds of punishment are considered abuse and to remember that child abuse is a crime. The following punishments are examples of child abuse and should be reported to a teacher, doctor, religious leader, or a friend.
1. Beatings 2. Being tied or locked up 3. Being burned 4. Being cut 5. Any action that causes bleeding or bruising 6. Being denied shelter or food for long periods of time 7. Being constantly screamed at or insulted in a way that scares you.
Words can hurt.
8. Any action by an adult including any sexual behavior that scares you 5 PUNISHMENTS THAT ARE NOT CONSIDERED ABUSE You may not want to be punished or disciplined by your parents, but it is their responsibility to do so when they feel it is necessary or appropriate. The following are examples of normal punishments.
1. Being grounded for not doing your homework or some other responsibility 2. Being sent to your room without dinner 3. Having a privilege like watching TV taken away 4. Having your allowance taken away 5. Being scolded in a nonviolent manner 9 THINGS TO DO IF YOU OR A FRIEND IS BEING ABUSED If you or a friend is being abused you must seek help. The only person responsible for child abuse is the person committing the abuse, not you and not your friend. Here are some ways of getting help.
1. Talk to the parent who is not committing the abuse.
2. Talk to another adult member of your family you love and trust.
3. Talk to a teacher.
4. Talk to a religious leader.
5. Call the police.
6. Talk to your family doctor.
7. Get the phone number of a Child Abuse, Family Services, or Mental Health agency from your telephone book and call them.
8. Get in touch with the National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence, 1155 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (858-623- 2777) or send an e-mail to [e-mail].
9. Go to a hospital emergency room and report the abuse.
4 HOTLINES FOR KIDS WHO HAVE RUN AWAY FROM HOME These people help kids find shelter someplace where they can work out their problems safely and sanely. They also provide a service that lets runaways get messages to their families without revealing their whereabouts. These services are confidential and free. The call is free, too.
1. 800-621-4000 3. 800-843-5678 2. 800-448-4663 4. 800-411-UWAY 9 WAYS TO RIDE A SCHOOL BUS SAFELY 1. Leave home early enough so that you'll arrive at the bus stop five minutes early—but no earlier.
2. Wait for your bus well off the road. Do not try to board the bus until it has come to a complete stop.
3. Enter the bus in an orderly manner. Pay attention to any instructions the driver gives you.
4. Stay in your seat while the bus is in motion and use the seatbelt if one is provided.
5. Never take large objects (anything larger than a small musical instrument) on the bus with you. And never take pets, especially small ones. They can cause the kind of turmoil that leads to accidents. If you must take something large or weird to school, try to get someone to drive you that day.
6. Keep the aisles clear at all times.
7. Never eat or smoke on the bus.
8. When you get off the bus, leave the bus stop immediately. If you must cross the street, do so in front of the bus (the driver cannot see you if you're at the side or behind the bus), but wait until the driver signals you to do so. Even then, once you're out in the street a few feet, look both ways. Never attempt to get back on the bus unless the driver tells you to do so.
9. If you've dropped something after you've gotten off and need to retrieve it, make sure the bus driver knows what you're doing. Even if the bus seems about to run over it and ruin the object, stay clear of the bus. (Two-thirds of all deaths related to school buses occur outside the bus.) 9 REASONS KIDS TAKE DRUGS Drug use is one of our most serious problems, and drug use among kids becomes more widespread every year. Here is a list of reasons that some kids take drugs in the first place.
1. They are pressured or bullied into taking them.
2. They want to fit in.
3. They think it's cool.
4. They didn't realize that what they took was a drug.
5. They didn't realize that they could become addicted.
6. They're having a serious problem at home or at school and think that using drugs will somehow help.
7. They can't stop because they are afraid to get help or speak with their parents.
8. They are in a lot of pain over something, and they think this will make them feel better.
9. They are too stupid to think of another way to have fun.
8 WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR FRIEND IS TAKING DRUGS These symptoms don't necessarily mean that the person is taking drugs; they are just things that many drug-users experience. Don't jump to conclusions about other kids just because they may have some of the following problems. If you are suspicious about someone, confront the person and let them know you're concerned.
1. They're tired a lot.
2. They don't seem to have much appetite.
3. Your friend doesn't seem to be himself.
4. Frequent changes in mood—one moment she's happy; the next moment she's sad.
5. Your friend no longer seems to enjoy hobbies or sports that he once liked a lot.
6. She seems angry all the time.
7. The person seems to be stealing money (perhaps to buy drugs).
8. You smell strange odors in their room or on their clothing.
8 REASONS WHY KIDS SMOKE Smoking is extremely addictive and bad for your health. Some kids who begin smoking will find that it is very difficult to stop and that even two to three cigarettes a day can lead to addiction. For more information on the subject or for tips on how to stop smoking, contact the Foundation for a Smokefree America, P.O. Box 492028, Los Angeles, CA 90049-8028 (310-471-4270); www.tobaccofree.org. These are some of the reasons kids start to smoke cigarettes: 1. Tobacco ads can be very appealing. Did you know that Joe Camel ads are not allowed in publications for kids?
2. Their friends do it.
3. They think it looks cool, when in fact most people look down on smokers.
4. It makes them feel tough. (Actually, it makes them look like kids who are scared but are trying to look tough.) 5. It makes them feel older.
6. They don't know that one out of every five deaths in the U.S. is the result of smoking. (That's 420,000 people a year!) 7. Their parents smoke and they think it's OK.
8. Plain stupidity.
MICHAEL JORDAN'S WORST CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES One of the all-time stars of professional basketball had problems when he was a kid, too.
1. Michael was not popular in grade school and had very few friends.
2. He usually felt awkward and embarrassed around other people.
3. He thought he was so ugly that he would never get married. He was so convinced of this that he learned how to cook, do laundry, and clean house so he would be able to take care of himself alone.
4. Kids in school made fun of him.
5. He didn't date when all the other kids did.
5 CAUSES THAT PRO WRESTLER GOLDBERG WORKS FOR Goldberg loves kids and is dedicated to making a difference in their lives. His advice is, "By working hard, you can accomplish anything." And he stresses: "Don't do anything you see on the WWF; it will only lead to trouble!" 1. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of kids who have cancer 2. The Starlight Foundation, for terminally ill children 3. Toys for Tots drives 4. He is a spokesman for the Humane Society, a position that led to his testifying before Congress in 1999.
5. He frequently appears at Wolfson's Children's Hospital, in Jacksonville, Florida, and speaks with young patients there.
(Goldberg is a descendant of Louis Wolfson, for whom the hospital is named.) 10 WAYS TO AVOID MOTION SICKNESS On a boat it's called seasickness, on land carsickness, and on a plane airsickness. Whatever it's called, the feelings of dizziness and nausea are something you want to avoid. Here are some hints that will help.
1. If you think you are going to throw up, you probably will. Try to think about feeling well instead.
2. If you are with other people who are feeling sick, try to stay away from them. We know this doesn't sound very nice, but if you try to help them, you may only wind up becoming sick yourself.
3. Avoid unpleasant odors, and try to get some fresh air as soon as possible.
4. If you travel at night, you are less likely to get sick because you can't see motion as well as during the day.
5. Being well rested before a trip can help. You will be stronger and more resistant to motion sickness.
6. In a car, sit in the front seat and face front.
7. On a boat or in a car, keep your eyes on an object that is not moving. Watching the horizon is a good idea.
8. Don't read on a plane if it's a bumpy flight. Reading in a moving vehicle makes a lot of people feel nauseated.
9. Drinking a carbonated cola drink can help settle your stomach if you feel nauseated.
10. Eating soda crackers can help your stomach feel better.
10 WAYS TO WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST ZITS Acne is not caused by eating too much chocolate or having dirty hair or skin. Acne is genetic: It's a condition you have inherited from your parents. Here are some facts and hints about acne and pimples (zits) that can help you.
1. Acne can be made worse by sun exposure and changes in the seasons and climate. Stress can also make matters worse.
2. Some doctors believe that foods containing iodine can bring on an acne attack. Some fish contain high levels of iodine.
3. Simple acne can result in just a few blackheads and whiteheads.
Serious cases will have many blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. The serious version is not as common, but if you have it, you should be treated by a doctor.
4. Never squeeze a pimple. This can lead to an infection and will make things worse.
5. Never squeeze a whitehead. The fluid inside may spread and thus cause pimples.
6. Blackheads can be squeezed. This will not cause a pimple.
7. Some helpful medications and creams can be applied to your skin.
But you need to have your parents ask for a doctor's advice.
8. When you use any kind of acne medicine, stay out of the sun, and remember always to clean your skin extremely well.
9. Never use more than one medication at a time, especially if it is a drug prescribed by your doctor.
10. Acne can be a serious condition and sometimes requires a doctor's care. If you think you have a serious problem, ask your parents for help.
6 MAKEUP TIPS FOR GIRLS WHO DON'T WEAR MAKEUP Girls who aren't ready for makeup but want to look their very best for a special occasion can try these tips.
1. Dab a bit of petroleum jelly on your eyebrows and eyelashes to make them shine.
2. Use clear lip gloss or petroleum jelly on your lips for a special shine. This will also protect them from the cold, wind, and sun.
3. Petroleum jelly will give your cheeks a healthy glow.
4. Comb or brush your eyebrows with a small comb sold just for this purpose. It will give them a neat appearance.
5. Use an eyelash curler to add accent to your lashes. Carefully follow the instructions that come with the package.
6. For a special night out, especially if you're tired and need to get the red out of your eyes, apply any of the following to your eyes (while they're closed) for ten minutes while you lie down: an ice pack; slices of cold cucumber; cold, wet tea bags.
7 THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT FRECKLES People who don't have freckles often wish they did, and some consider them a sign of good luck. If you're determined to do something about them, you should know that you won't be able to eliminate them entirely and chances are they'll disappear by the time you are an adult. Whatever you do, check with your doctor before you try anything, since skin can be very sensitive to anything you put on it, and blotches caused by an irritation are going to look a lot worse than freckles ever could.
1. Once a day, apply plain yogurt to your freckles. Leave it on for one minute, then rinse with cold water.
2. Apply fresh lemon juice to your freckles. Rinse with cool water, then apply a light coat of vegetable oil. If your skin becomes irritated, stop the treatment immediately.
3. Rub the juice of fresh cranberries on your freckles. Rinse with cool water and apply a light coat of vegetable oil. Again, if your skin becomes irritated, discontinue the treatment.
4. An old folk remedy suggests rubbing your freckles with a penny and then throwing the penny away. Whoever finds the penny gets your freckles!
5. Learn to love them.
6. This one is based entirely on superstition. Squeeze some lemon juice into a cup of rain water and add ten raisins. Stir the mixture every day for nine days and wash your freckles with it on the tenth day.
7. Don't even think about trying this folk cure. It was said that if you mixed buttermilk with some lemon juice and applied this to your freckles with a live frog, your freckles would disappear.
4 THINGS TO DO IF YOUR SKIN TOUCHES ITCHY-SCRATCHY POISONOUS PLANTS Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can ruin your summer. Learn what they look like and avoid them. Here's what to do if you've been exposed.
1. If you wash the affected area with cold water immediately after making contact, you may be able to prevent the poison from seeping into your skin. Don't use soap with the water.
2. Wash everything that may have touched the poisonous plant, including your clothes, your backpack, your pet, and anything you touched.
3. Don't scratch. Scratching will spread the rash and make things a lot worse. Clean your hands and fingernails if you've already scratched to help prevent the rash from spreading even further.
4. Some medications can help you. Calamine lotion will stop the itching. It also keeps the poison from sticking to your clothes.
Follow the instructions on the bottle.
9 WAYS TO STOP THE HICCUPS Charles Osborne, of Anthon, Iowa, got the hiccups in 1922 and didn't stop for the next 22 years, hiccuping just over 400 million times.
That's the worst case of the hiccups ever. Most doctors say that hiccups will usually go away by themselves after a few minutes even if you don't do anything. But if you want faster results: 1. Swallow a teaspoon of dry sugar.
2. Chew and swallow a piece of dry bread.
3. Pull your knees up to your chest.
4. Rinse your mouth with salt water.
5. Suck on crushed ice.
6. Hold your breath; then swallow when you feel a hiccup coming on.
7. Ask someone to tickle you or surprise you.
8. Breathe rapidly into a brown paper bag about ten times.
9. Suck on a lemon.
5 FBI TIPS ON INTERNET SAFETY While the Internet is a wonderful tool that gives kids access to people and information that were not available a few years ago, it also poses many dangers, including mean and dishonest people who roam chat rooms in search of innocent prey. You need to remember some very important things when you're on your computer either at home or school. Please discuss the dangers of the Internet with your parents.
It's extremely important that you all understand the basics of Internet safety.
1. Never give out personal information such as your name, home address, school, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with without your parents' permission.
2. Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
3. Do not meet someone or let them visit you without your parents' permission.
4. Tell your parents right away if you read anything online that you think is weird.
5. Remember that people may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is "a 12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.
6 WAYS TO TELL IF YOU SHOULD REPORT A STRANGER TO THE POLICE The police recommend that you call them if you come into contact with anyone who seems suspicious to you. Here are some things to watch for.
1. Any stranger who asks you weird questions, such as where you live, who your parents are, or anything about your friends 2. Any adult who tries to join you while you are playing 3. Any stranger who asks you to go with him or her 4. Any stranger who tries to have a conversation with you at the movies 5. Anyone who tries to touch you 6. Anyone who tries to get you to disobey the rules of safety you have learned FRED ROGERS LISTS 8 THINGS TO MAKE STARTING A NEW SCHOOL EASIER Can you say "ter-ri-fy-ing"? That's how the first day at a new school may seem. Here are some things that might help.
1. Try to get together with kids in the neighborhood who will be going to your school.
2. Visit the building before the first day of school to get an idea of what it's like.
3. Try to find someone to walk with to and from school (or the bus if you take one).
4. Try to have a calm routine in the morning before you leave for school.
5. Take a small object from home with you so it won't seem as if home is so far away.
6. Keep a photograph of your old school friends in your notebook.
7. Remember that everybody isn't staring at you. If they are curious about you, you can take it as a compliment.
8. Think of it as a new beginning.
7 THINGS YOU CAN DO IF YOU THINK YOUR TEACHER DOESN'T LIKE YOU 1. Stop talking, fidgeting, throwing spitballs, or passing notes in class. Behave!
2. Ask to speak with your teacher privately and explain your feelings. Say how bad you feel and ask if you did something wrong or annoying. If so, apologize and ask for another chance.
3. Write a note saying something like, "I'm sorry if I did anything wrong. It makes me sad to think you don't like me. Can we start again?" 4. Talk to your parents and let them know how frustrated you are.
Perhaps you and your parents can speak with the teacher about these feelings.
5. Say hello to your teacher in the halls. Try to start a conversation. See what kind of response you get.
6. Remember that teachers are there to teach, not to be your friends or pay extra attention to you. Some teachers just aren't that friendly. If they are really being fair and teaching you what you need to know, that's all you can expect.
7. If you try talking with the teacher and it doesn't help, you can talk to the guidance counselor, school principal, or assistant principal and ask what they think you should do.
THE 10 WORST THINGS ABOUT SKIPPING A GRADE If you're smart enough to be skipping a grade, be proud of yourself, but know that it's not always easy, even though the other kids all wish they were you. Some kids who have a chance to skip a grade decide not to. This is definitely something to discuss with your parents and teachers. Thanks for this list to Alexa Hamilton, who's been there and done that.
1. The older kids in the new grade think you are "cute" because you're smaller than they are. They may pinch your cheeks and treat you like a baby.
2. You don't get to see your old friends in the grade below.
3. Your friends still have the same experiences together, so you don't have as much in common with them anymore.
4. You don't get invited to all the same parties as your friends.
5. Teachers forget that even though you're smart enough to be in an advanced grade, you're still not as mature as everyone else, and they expect too much of you.
6. You leave the school a whole year before your friends, so you never get to see them.
7. Some people treat you like you're stuck up, even though skipping wasn't even your idea.
8. You get scared that maybe you won't be able to do the work and they'll put you back in your old class and you'll be embarrassed.
9. Since everyone in the class is older than you, they have more privileges—such as staying up late and going to the movies without a grownup—than you do, so you feel left out.
10. You get more homework than you used to.
JOHN GLENN LISTS 3 THINGS HE WISHES KIDS WOULD THINK ABOUT On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American and the third man to be put into orbital space flight. But Glenn is much more than an astronaut. Back on earth, he became involved in politics and was elected as a U.S. senator from Ohio in 1974. In 1998 he made headlines again when he was chosen, at the age of 76, to be a member of the Space Shuttle Discovery Mission. When we asked Glenn to share some of his thoughts about growing up, he offered many useful and thoughtful comments, including some excellent advice about school: "While you have the chance, go to school, study and learn as much as you can, use that knowledge to help yourself today and tomorrow," he wrote. "While I can't promise you that this task will be an easy one, I can guarantee you that it will be challenging, rewarding, and well worth it." 1. Realize that school isn't just a chore. It's also the key that will open the door to your future. I know it often means spending time doing tough homework problems and not watching part of that favorite TV show. It means studying history and geography and practicing your multiplication when playing outside would be more fun. It means giving just a little bit more time to solving that word problem or writing that report before going over to a friend's house.
But it's worth it. Keep your mind open to learning.
2. Remember that in school you have the chance to shine. Here's your chance to use your talents and gifts, to be somebody. Always try—try to work just a little harder and study a little more to understand, not just because you have to or because somebody said to but because you want to.
3. Realize that education goes on forever. This may be the hardest thing of all to understand. You will always be learning new skills and developing new ideas. We are always "in school." Throughout your life you must never close the door, for it is only through learning that you will continue to grow.
10 TIPS FOR LOOKING GOOD IN YOUR SCHOOL PICTURE 1. Wear comfortable clothing. (A battle with one of your parents may be necessary here. Explain that you'll look better if you're relaxed.
Promise to smile; that usually works.) 2. Wear a solid color, but not white.
3. Don't wear jewelry or things in your hair.
4. Wear your hair the way you normally do.
5. Stand (or sit) up straight.
6. Don't fidget.
7. If you wear braces, practice your smile.
8. Be yourself.
9. Avoid blinking during the flash. (If you can—it's hard.) 10. If you get a zit, don't panic and don't try to cover it up —you just wind up looking as if you have a zit you're trying to disguise.
A big smile will overpower any zit. If you're determined to cover up something really gross, get someone who's experienced with makeup to help you. (And don't use anyone else's makeup without permission.) HOW TO MAKE IT APPEAR AS THOUGH YOU HAVE CLEANED YOUR ROOM IN ONLY 27 MINUTES—NO MATTER HOW MESSY IT IS If your room looks like they used it to shoot the last Star Wars sequel, it's probably because you don't clean it a little each day— you wait until it's a complete disaster area and then feel overwhelmed when your parents finally threaten to ground you if you don't do something about the mess. Here's a way to get it all started.
1. Get a huge trash bag and walk around the room with it, throwing into it everything you don't need: candy wrappers, ticket stubs, the styrofoam that came with your new DVD player, the broken crayons, and the pen that doesn't work. It's a good time to even think about throwing out stuff you don't really need: pieces of toys you know you won't ever play with again, stuff you sent away for that was free but not even worth the $1 you had to include for postage and handling.
The more stuff you get rid of now, the less chance there is for a future mess. Do this in 10 minutes.
2. Put dirty clothes in the hamper. Put clean clothes back in drawers or in the closet. Do this in 3 minutes.
3. You'll still have a mess. You need to sort the rest of it into the following piles:
* stuff that belongs outside your room (the scissors you borrowed, the book that has to go back to the library)
* school stuff
* computer and music disks, electronic game cartridges
* pencils, pens, and other writing and drawing tools (stick these in an empty jar)
* toy parts • loose change
* everything else Make neat piles. In the next few days, tackle each of these piles one at a time. Do this in 10 minutes.
4. Make the bed. Do this in 3 minutes.
5. Open a window to air out the place. Do this in 1 minute.
6. For extra credit, vacuum the room.
JAMES MICHENER EXPLAINS HOW TO USE A LIBRARY It's no wonder that Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist James A. Michener is such a great believer in libraries. His books, which are counted among the great fiction of our time, required lots of research, in addition to his own talent. You may have heard of some of his books: Hawaii, Chesapeake, Alaska, Texas, Tales of the South Pacific. "It's hard for me to imagine what I would be doing today if I had not fallen in love, at the ripe old age of 7, with the Melinda Cox Library in my hometown of Doylestown, Pennsylvania," says Michener. "At our house, we just could not afford books. The books in that free library would change my life dramatically. Who knows what your library can open up for you? "My first suggestion for making the most of your library is to do what I did: read and read and read. For pleasure—and for understanding." Here are Michener's tips.
1. First, kick the TV habit. Here's how: Go to the library and take out a stack of books that look interesting. Pile them on the TV set.
The next time you're tempted to turn on a program you don't really want to see, reach for a book instead.
2. Learn to use the card catalog in the library. The card catalog lists every book in the library by author, title, and subject. Some libraries have actual card catalogues; others have the information on computers. If you don't understand your library's setup, ask the librarian to explain it to you. Always have a pencil and paper handy when you use the card catalogue so that you can jot down the numbers of the books you want.
3. Learn to use the "stacks"—or shelves. Browse through and find out which books are located in certain areas. But feel free to explore and to pick up books on subjects you're unfamiliar with. You never know what's going to grab your attention. If you take a book from the stacks, do not try to return it to its proper place. That's work for the experts. If you replace it incorrectly, the next seeker won't be able to find it.
4. Learn to know the reference librarian. Introduce yourself. State your problem. And be amazed at how much help you will receive. But don't waste the librarian's time by asking silly questions you ought to solve yourself. Save the reference librarian for the really big ones.
5. Learn to use The Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature. This reference book, organized by subject, enables you to find magazine and newspaper articles on the subject you're researching and provides a guide to the very latest expert information on any subject that interests you. When you use this wonderful tool effectively, you show the mark of a real scholar.
6. Take notes when you use magazine articles, since you usually can't take these home. Or find out if your library has a photocopy machine and copy the pages you might have to refer to later.
7. If you are working on a project that will require repeated library visits, keep a small notebook in which you record the numbers of the books you will be using frequently. This will save you valuable time, because you won't have to consult the card catalog or search aimlessly through the stacks each time.
8. Practice using the library by taking up projects that can be both fun and rewarding. For instance, try tracing your roots. Find out who your ancestors are by consulting books on genealogy. Or use the local history books in your library to find out if George Washington ever spent time in your neighborhood. Or plan a Polynesian feast using the cookbooks you find. You name it—your library has it all!
TONY RANDALL LISTS 4 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY Tony Randall loves words almost as much as he loves acting. "The better command you have of words," he says, "the better chance you have of saying exactly what you mean, of understanding what others mean, and of getting what you want in the world." Here are some ways in which to achieve all that.
1. Try to guess the meaning of a word from the way it's used. You can often get at least part of a word's meaning just from how it's used in a sentence. And a good way to get better at this guessing game is to read different kinds of magazines, books, and newspapers. Of course, to find out exactly what a word means, you need to consult a dictionary.
2. Learn about root words and their meanings. The root is the basic part of a word—its heritage, its origin. Most roots come from Latin or Greek words. For instance, the root word of manacle is manus, which is Latin for "hand." Other words using the same root word are manual, which means to do something by hand; manage, which means to handle something; and manufacture, which means to make something.
(Originally all things were made by hand!) Learning these roots will help you to remember words better, to understand the meanings of more words, and to learn the meanings of groups of words all at once.
Think of the root as a clue to what the word means.
3. Learn prefixes and their meanings; these give you further clues to the meanings of words. A prefix is a word part that attaches at the front of a word and affects its meaning. Prefixes are usually Greek and have meanings all their own. For instance, the prefix con, which means "with," is found in the word "conform," meaning to "form with." And the prefix contra, meaning "against," is used in the word contradict, which means to "say something against." Since there are only about a hundred important prefixes in the English language, it shouldn't take all that long to familiarize yourself with all of them and thereby learn the meanings of many more words than you already know.
4. Use the new words you learn right away. This is really the best way to remember them. Say them out loud; write them in sentences; you'll impress your friends and expand your vocabulary at the same time.
12 TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE A SPEECH—AND LIVE THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE Speaking in front of a large group of people is the number-one social fear, not only for kids, but also for grownups. If this is a problem for you, you can get over it now and avoid a lifetime of being scared.
1. Plan your speech first.
2. Don't read from big, messy pages. Write your ideas on index cards.
Try just to write a few words about each idea and then talk about the ideas instead of reading from notes.
3. If you're nervous, try to imagine that you're only talking to your little brother.
4. Talk to everyone in the room. Make eye contact with as many people as you can while you're talking.
5. Don't speak too quickly. Take your time.
6. Keep your talk short and to the point.
7. Believe what you say.
8. Don't be afraid to be funny, especially at the end.
9. Ask questions of your audience to get them more involved, even if you don't expect them to answer. For instance, you can start by saying, "How do you think it feels to be the first person to walk on the moon?" 10. If you're intimidated by someone in the audience, try to imagine the person wearing pink furry bunny pajamas—the kind with feet. It's hard to be scared of a big pink bunny!
11. Think about what you're saying, not about the faces staring back at you, the grade you want to get, or whether your socks match. If you seem interested in your subject, the audience will want to listen.
12. If you screw up, take a deep breath, smile, apologize to your audience, and then go on with the speech. Remember that you're not the first person in the world to be in this position; everyone goes through this.
19 TIPS FOR GETTING GOOD GRADES ON TESTS Nobody likes taking tests, but there they are, just the same. Even when you're out of school, there are tests to take, whether they're driving tests, tests for getting jobs, or tests to get into other schools. So it's best to develop good studying and test-taking skills early. Here are some tips from experts.
1. When studying, read all the material straight through first. Then go back and read it again. This time, underline the important points.
2. Never wait until the last minute to study for a test; it will make you panic. The best time to study is two days before a test. The night before should be used for reviewing the most important points.
3. Have all your reference materials right in front of you when studying so you don't have to go hunting for anything. Keep a dictionary, encyclopedia, and any other things you need close by.
4. Two heads are better than one! Studying with a friend is a good idea as long as you really study. Give each other quizzes. Tutor your friend in the parts you understand well and let him or her do the same for you.
5. Rehearse for your test. Have someone give you a practice test.
This does more than help you learn the answer; it also helps you get used to the test, so you're less nervous.
6. Keep old tests. Review the earlier tests, even those you didn't do well on. Most teachers have certain kinds of questions that they ask, and you'll be ahead of the game if you come to know what to expect.
If you have a friend or older sibling who had the same teacher, see if they have tests you can look at.
7. A good way really to get to know something is to talk about it out loud. Pretend you're teaching it to someone else (the mirror?), or try discussing the material with your family at the dinner table.
8. Get a good night's sleep before a test. You'll be able to relax better if you're well rested.
9. The night before the test, right before you fall asleep, picture the important material in your mind. This is the time when your brain is most open to learning. You'll be surprised how much memorizing you can do this way.
10. Your brain needs proper food before a test. Make sure to eat a good breakfast if the test is in the morning. If the test is in the afternoon, don't eat too much sugar or junk food for lunch.
Scientists have proved that this kind of food clouds your mind and makes it harder for you to think.
11. Bring all the things you'll need to the test—sharp pencils with erasers, working pens, ruler, etc.
12. Wear comfortable clothes on the day of the exam. You'll have an easier time concentrating if you don't feel restricted in any way.
13. Before arriving in the classroom, find a quiet corner, and review the important material right before the test. If you've got it written down, this is your last chance to go over it.
14. If you can, get to the classroom a few minutes early and get seated so you'll definitely be ready when the test begins.
15. When taking the test, always make sure you give yourself enough time to understand the material fully, especially the specific question that is being asked. If you have trouble with the instructions, get the teacher to help you.
16. Take your time; use all the time allotted for the test. Don't try to rush, or you're likely to forget the material and may even miss some of the questions.
17. Don't panic. If you can't answer a question, skip it and go on to the next. After you've done the last question, if you still have time, go back and see if you can get some of those you missed. If you really don't know the answer, take a guess. Sometimes it's better to guess than to leave a question unanswered.
18. During test-taking time listen carefully to your teacher's instructions. This is extremely important!
19. Remember to do the best you can and that the world won't come to an end no matter what grade you get (although your parents might not want you to know this). Relax during an exam and you will think more clearly.
19 EXERCISES FOR YOUR BRAIN Try doing three of these exercises (pick different ones each day) to keep your brain in gear. It's like calisthenics for your head. Before you do any of these, take a moment to relax so that you can really concentrate on what you're doing and get the most out of the exercise.
1. Picture your bedroom. Create a mental map of the room and of where everything is. Now imagine rearranging the furniture. Make sure that each piece of furniture changes position.
2. Read a newspaper and memorize 10 facts.
3. Recite 3 tongue-twisters.
4. Think of an important event in history. Now think of how history would have been different if one part of your event changed. For instance, "What if . . . the South had won the Civil War? . . .
computers had not been invented? . . . there was no such thing as school?" 5. During a trip, make a mental map of the route you are taking.
6. Write down a word that has more than 12 letters and see how many smaller words you can make from it.
7. Doodle.
8. Play a video game. Just one.
9. Stare at a cloud and try to imagine that it's different objects.
Look for faces in the clouds.
10. Do a crossword puzzle as fast as you can.
11. Read 10 pages of a novel.
12. Play Scrabble or another word game.
13. Think about something you really believe is true. Now try to prove that you're wrong.
14. Think about being in a perfect place. Look at everything around you and make a list of 20 things you see in your perfect place.
15. Do a jigsaw puzzle.
16. Memorize a list of the first 10 objects you see when you wake up in the morning.
17. Think about how many windows there are in your house. How many doors? How many chairs? Closets?
18. Imagine that you are the main character in a book you just read.
What would you have done differently?
19. Use your instruction manual to learn something new on your computer.
9 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY These suggestions will help you remember names, important dates, and chores you're supposed to do, find that missing toy you want, and may even help you on tests.
1. When you meet someone whose name you want to remember, find one feature about that person and connect it to the name. For example, if the person's name is Armstrong, you may visualize that person with big muscles.
2. If you have an important errand to do and you don't want to forget it, put a rubber band around your wrist as a reminder.
3. If you have a list of things to remember, make up a story about them. For instance, if you are going to the store for your mom and she wants you to pick up some milk, eggs, bread, and a newspaper, your story can be about a cow that is eating an egg sandwich on white bread while reading a newspaper.
4. If you are trying to remember the name of an explorer during a history exam and can't think of it, try to remember the name of the country he came from, which may help you to remember the language spoken, which may help you to remember his name.
5. If it's hard for you to remember words, it's because you're not using them often enough. Whenever you learn a new word, try to use it in a sentence during normal conversation. Reading as much as you can is also a good way to learn and remember words.
6. If you've lost something, a good way to find it is to close your eyes and retrace your steps after you last used the item.
7. Sometimes making a mental picture is not enough. If you talk to yourself and say, "I'm leaving this toy under my bed," it will help you later. Don't be embarrassed about talking to yourself. This method will really help you.
8. It is much easier to remember something when you are relaxed. If you panic, it will be much harder if not impossible to recall what you want.
9. The only way to really learn how to spell properly is to use the words in your everyday vocabulary, unless the word is something like antidisestablishmentarianism.
16 ALTERNATIVES TO "THE DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK" Don't use these; they don't work.
1. "I left it in my pocket and then my mom put my shirt in the washing machine and it got ruined." 2. "I did the assignment, but I used invisible ink by mistake." 3. "It flew out the car window on the way to school." 4. "My father took it to work by mistake." 5. "I didn't know you were going to collect it." 6. "The cat had kittens on it, and it's still wet." 7. "I thought it was optional." 8. "You said you don't give homework on weekends" (if the problem occurs on a Monday).
9. "I got it mixed up with the homework from two nights ago that I forgot to do, so I did the wrong assignment." 10. "I had to babysit until really late last night and there weren't any pencils." 11. "We went to the car wash on the way to school this morning, and my mother, genius that she is, left the windows open, so all my homework dissolved." 12. "The maid threw it out." 13. "Don't you remember? I came in early this morning to give it to you, but you were busy. You told me to leave it on your desk." 14. "It's in my locker, but someone jammed the locker up with bubble gum, so I can't open it." 15. "You already gave us that assignment." 16. "Whoops!" 8 STATISTICS ABOUT STUTTERING You can get help with a stuttering problem by contacting the National Center for Stuttering, 200 E. 33rd St., New York, NY 10016. If you enclose $3 for handling and postage, it will send you a whole book on the subject. If you stutter, talk to your parents or your school's guidance counselor about getting help.
1. Two and a half million Americans stutter.
2. Five times more men than women stutter.
3. The I.Q. of the average stutterer is 14 points higher than that of the general population.
4. While stuttering begins in childhood, 75% can expect to shed the problem by adolescence.
5. Stuttering usually begins between the ages of 2 and 7.
6. Stuttering affects self-esteem, job and school performance, and social development.
7. Stuttering has a physical cause (a spasm of the vocal cords).
8. New techniques for treating stuttering show extremely high success rates.
6 WAYS TO BUY SCHOOL SUPPLIES THAT LAST Neatness counts! One way to make sure that your school supplies always look like you take care of them is to buy top-quality stuff in the first place. (As with toys or anything you buy, it makes sense to shop around for the best price.) Here are some basic things to look for when considering quality.
1. When the metal spirals on notebooks unwind, they can get caught in your clothing and even cause injuries. To avoid the problem, get notebooks with double rather than single spirals. (Double spirals stay wound better.) If the ends of the wires still look as if they will unwind at some point, try turning the ends up with a pair of pliers. Plastic spirals will not solve the problem; they don't unwind, but they do tend to break.
2. Look for notebooks with heavy covers; they will last longer. There are lots of notebooks with colorful pictures of TV and film stars on the covers, but most of them are printed on cardboard that's likely to rip after just a few weeks of school. Also, look for a stiff back on a notebook so you won't need anything to lean on when you write in it if you're not at a desk.
3. Try to stay away from plastic-covered ring binders. The trouble is that if the plastic winds up in a very hot or very cold place, it gets brittle and starts to tear. Those blue canvas binders that have been around forever are really your best buy—which is why they've been around forever. They're also the cheapest. If you think they look boring, decorate them with stickers.
4. When shopping for a ring binder, open and close the rings to test them before you buy it. They should open and close easily (but not too easily), and the two halves of the ring should come together evenly.
5. Stay away from erasable pens. Kids like them for the obvious reason—you can get rid of your mistakes faster than you can say "whoops"—but they don't necessarily write as smoothly as the regular kind. They tend to skip, and because the ink isn't all that permanent, you can smear your writing if you touch the page.
6. Get the sturdiest bookbag or backpack you can find. This means double-sewn seams that won't rip if you're carrying a lot of books and straps and handles made from a strong fabric, like woven nylon.
Since you'll want to use the bag or pack for at least one school year, it pays to look for the following additional features:
* Lots of pockets or compartments for holding smaller items, like money or pencils, so you don't have to hunt through the whole bag each time you need them.

* Machine washability, so you don't have to throw it out if it gets dirty.

* Room enough to hold everything—your books, your lunch, and anything else you may want to take to school.
PETER PIPER PICKED A PACK 11 Things to Look For When You Buy a Backpack 1. It should be made of woven nylon. Nylon is strong and weighs very little.
2. The straps should be adjustable and should have foam pads so they don't cut into your shoulders.
3. There should be plenty of small compartments for special items like keys and money, but not so many pockets that you have to stand there and open them all just to find a pencil.
4. Make sure all the zippers, clasps, and snaps open and close easily.
5. All the stitching should be reinforced, especially where the straps are sewn to the bag. All seams should be doublesewn.
6. The fabric around the zippers should not be so close to the zipper that it gets stuck when you zip and unzip.
7. Make sure that when the bag is closed, rain can't get in through the openings. (You may not always get credit for wet homework!) 8. Try the bag on and walk around with it before you buy it to make sure it's a good fit.
9. It should be roomy enough to carry all your stuff. Sometimes the cheaper backpacks are a bit smaller, and you don't realize it until you try to fit all your books into it.
10. It should be machine washable so you don't have to throw it out if your lunch leaks.
11. If you get the kind of backpack with wheels, be sure the wheels are sturdy and made out of metal.
7 THINGS YOU CAN DO IF YOU GET RIPPED OFF If the toy you got for your birthday doesn't work the way it's supposed to, if something you bought doesn't do what the ad said it would, or if something breaks after you've used it only a few times and you're sure it's because it was badly made (and not because your little brother ran over it with his Barney Big Wheel), you don't always have to just throw the thing out and chalk it up to experience. Here are some ways to get your money back.
1. Take the item back to the store (even if you don't have the receipt) and politely explain the problem. Small neighborhood stores and even some large chains are likely to be helpful, since they do generally value you as a customer. Always ask to speak to the manager. It's a good idea to bring an adult with you if you think you'll have trouble explaining your problem.
2. Call your state or local consumer protection agency. These organizations exist to help people with consumer problems and make trouble for those who run unfair businesses. To find out if your state has an agency to protect consumers, call the state capitol (listed in your phone book under "Government"). If it's hard to do, ask a librarian or a telephone operator to help you.
3. Complain to the manufacturer. Make sure you find the manufacturer, not just the trademark name of the item. The manufacturer's name should appear on the item's packaging. Or you can call the store where the toy was purchased and ask for the proper address. Follow the same procedure for other types of items.
4. Call the Better Business Bureau. The Directory Assistance operator will help you find the office nearest you. (There's usually one in the state capitol, if not in your immediate area.) The Better Business Bureau helps consumers who have complaints. It also tells you how reliable a company is and keeps an eye on advertising to make sure that products live up to the promises that are made about them.
Sometimes the Bureau will help you settle your problem; sometimes it will send you to a different agency.
5. If your problem concerns the safety of an item and you feel that someone's health or well-being is endangered, get in touch with the Consumer Products Safety Commission. It has the power to ban products or to regulate their sale to reduce the risk of injury. To find the office nearest you, call the national toll-free number: 800-638-2772.
6. If you believe that your gripe is really aimed at an industry rather than a specific product, you can file a complaint with the trade association that represents that industry. Ask your reference librarian for help in finding the appropriate address. To complain about practices in the toy industry, write to the Toy Manufacturers of America, which keeps an eye on the toy people. Its address is 200 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
7. Go to court. If you've tried everything else and you still aren't satisfied—and you're in the mood for a fight—you can sue the company or store that's cheated you by contacting the small-claims court in your state. You won't need a lawyer, but you'll probably need an adult to help you fill out some forms. You'll be given a court date, when the person you're suing will be told to appear and answer your charge. You will be asked to explain your case, produce receipts and any letters you have written or received on the case, and explain why the court should decide in your favor. If you call any courthouse, someone there will tell you how to contact the proper small-claims court in your area.
4 WAYS TO MAKE SURE YOU GET TREATED RIGHT WHEN YOU GO SHOPPING Some kids complain that they have problems when they go shopping.
They feel they are being watched closely for shoplifting, even if they would never dream of doing such a thing. They say that salespeople often ignore them and that they are sometimes cheated out of the right amount of change. Here are some things you can do to make sure you get the respect you deserve.
1. If you act like an adult, you'll have a better chance of being treated like one. When you enter a store, be polite at all times, and don't go around the store picking up items you have no intention of buying. Tell the salesperson exactly what you are looking for so they can help you find it.
2. Don't be afraid to speak up if you are mistreated, but do it in a polite way. If someone tries to get ahead of you in line, if someone gives you the wrong amount of change, or if you have any other complaints, ask to speak to a manager.
3. Shop with an adult for really expensive items or for things that are complicated to buy, like clothing that needs to be tried on. If you're buying something for a parent and you want it to be a surprise, ask someone older to go with you.
4. Keep all the receipts for the things you buy in case you need to return them. But if you need to return something and you don't have the receipt, ask to speak to the manager and politely explain your problem. If you speak confidently, most managers will help you.
4 THINGS YOU AND YOUR PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER ABOUT YOUR ALLOWANCE Your allowance is something you're going to spend, but your parents have to supply it. That makes it a good subject to talk about together. Don't get discouraged if your parents don't see things your way at first. Perhaps by acting responsibly and living up to whatever bargain you make, you will get them to look at things differently.
Here are some of the things you should discuss.
1. How much allowance you get. Probably the best way to decide on the right amount is to keep an account of the money you spend—and how much you really need—for a few weeks. Then show the list to your parents and decide together which purchases make sense.
2. Decide when you will get your allowance. Once a week is best, and it should always be on the same day. If you need more money before that day comes around, you're going to have to wait until that day comes around. Or make a rule so that you can get some money sooner if you can prove that you need it for something really important.
3. Keep track of how much money you spend. When you eventually ask for a raise, you'll be able to show where your money has gone and why you need more. For instance, if you've been paying for your school lunches and the price goes up, you'll be able to explain why it's time for a raise.
4. Agree on what items your allowance is supposed to cover. If it's supposed to cover the cost of school supplies, you need to know that so you can plan ahead. Also, are you allowed to spend money on whatever you choose, or will you need permission to buy certain things?
15 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW IF YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS It's great to have an allowance and get gifts of money, but you can't always depend on this money to help you buy the things you want or save for the future. You may be too young to get a job, but you're not too young to start your own business. First, speak with your parents, to get both permission and advice. They may even lend you the money you need to get your business started. Here are some important things to consider before you begin.
1. There are opportunities to make money all around you, but you must look for them. Use your imagination! If you have a specific talent or interest, try to find jobs related to it.
2. List all your hobbies, sports activities, special talents, and any work experience you may already have. This list may give you some job ideas.
3. Consider whether you want to work indoors or outside, provide a service, or make money selling things, or whether you want to do something that may lead to an adult career.
4. Keep a list of all your job ideas. Your jobs may change from month to month, depending on the season. Be ready for any changes in job opportunities.
5. Any work you choose should be right for your age, appropriate for the time of year, and something you know you can handle. You should also consider how much money you need to start this business.
6. You will succeed only in a business that you're excited about. If you have a business idea but it doesn't excite you, don't waste your time.
7. You must write down a plan of action. Name your business, state what your business does, when you plan to work, how to get customers and who they will be, and what you need to do to get started.
8. It is extremely important to have goals planned. Decide how much money you want to earn each week, how many hours you think you will have to work, and how much money you plan on saving. Write these goals down. Always keep your goals in mind when making business decisions.
9. Getting customers for your business is going to involve telling people about your services. You'll need to sell yourself and your product or services. You will also have to advertise your business.
10. Make a list of potential customers—people you think may want your services (neighbors, relatives, store owners, senior citizens, etc.).
11. Write down what you will say to a potential customer about your business. When you explain what you are doing, always have a positive attitude, be friendly and courteous, explain to the customer why they need your service and why they should buy that service or product now.
12. There are three inexpensive tools you can use to help you advertise. You can use signs and posters, flyers, and business cards.
You will have to distribute your ads yourself, so be sure you know exactly where you want to put them. Remember, if you do your job well, you will get what is called word-of-mouth advertising, when satisfied customers tell their friends about you.
13. You can also advertise by wearing a T-shirt with the name of your business on it. Put a sign on your bike or in front of your house.
You may even be able to get your school newspaper to do an article about your business. Advertising involves a lot of creativity. Go for it!
14. Keep records of all the money you collect, including the name of the customer and the date you were paid. Keep records of all your expenses, including supplies, advertising costs, phone bills, and transportation costs. All this information will allow you to calculate how much money you're earning. The money you have collected minus your expenses will be your profit, or actual income. See if your income has equaled your goal. If it hasn't, you'll have to decide if you can continue this service or if you should try something that may be more profitable.
15. Doing a great job is the most important ingredient in making a business successful. If your customers are happy, you will succeed.
7 JOBS FOR KIDS WHO LIKE ANIMALS If you like animals, consider one of the jobs listed here as a great way of making some money and getting some good experience.
1. Dog walker. Dog owners sometimes aren't able to walk their dogs.
Let your neighbors know you are available and ask them to spread the word.
2. Pet sitting. Be sure you have seen the pet you are going to care for to be sure you can handle the animal and feel comfortable with it.
3. Bait service. If your home has fishing facilities nearby, consider digging up worms and selling them to a bait shop or at a fishing area.
4. Find-a-pet-a-home service. Look out for free kitten or puppy signs or ads and call the owners to offer your services.
5. Pet grooming. You should get advice from a veterinarian or pet shop owner about flea and tick sprays.
6. Horse care. You can feed or exercise horses or clean out stables.
7. Volunteer at a veterinary office, kennel, or pet shop. You may not get paid, but you'll learn a great deal about animals, and the experience will help you get a paying job in the future.
25 WAYS TO MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR SENIORS Don't just think about your grandparents. Do you know other elderly people who need a friend?
1. Take your pet to visit them.
2. Read a book aloud.
3. Ask them to teach you how to do something or for advice with a problem you have. Maybe they can help you with your homework.
4. Get large-type books out of the library for people who have trouble reading.
5. Take a friend along when you visit them.
6. Send them a copy of your report card if it's a good one.
7. Draw a picture of your family and include them in it.
8. Tell them a joke.
9. Watch a movie with them.
10. Sing a song.
11. Call them on the telephone.
12. Take them a photograph of yourself.
13. If you say you're going to visit, don't cancel just because something else you'd rather do comes up.
14. Help them in the garden.
15. Offer to help them clean a part of the house that's difficult for them, like the yard or a closet.
16. Play board games with them.
17. If they are forgetful or have difficulty with something like walking or talking, be very patient.
18. Bake cookies together.
19. Help them to organize their photo album if it's a mess, and ask them to tell you about the pictures when you work on them together.
On the back of each picture, ask them to help you write the date and where it was taken.
20. Help them go shopping.
21. Tape record or videotape a message saying how you feel about them.
22. If they can't attend a family event, take pictures of it for them.
23. If the person walks with a cane, ask if you can decorate it with ribbons and cute stickers. (Be sure to ask for permission!) 24. Let them know they are needed.
25. Just cuddle.
10 JOBS YOU'LL ENJOY IF YOU LIKE BEING OUTDOORS If the great outdoors appeals to you, the following jobs may be for you: 1. Pool and driveway cleaning. You'll need some instruction about the chemicals used in water maintenance and other details.
2. Shoveling snow. You'll need a good shovel and a lot of muscle.
3. Mowing lawns.
4. Yard upkeep. This can include raking leaves, removing fallen sticks and branches, possibly some weeding, and trimming shrubbery.
5. Car washing. You'll need a bucket, an appropriate soap, clean towels or rags, and perhaps some auto wax (you can charge extra for waxing).
6. Outdoor painting. Decks, outdoor furniture, fences, porches, and doghouses need to be painted from time to time.
7. Firewood supply. If your neighbors have fireplaces, offer to stack their woodpiles.
8. Flyer distribution. Many businesses and organizations need people to distribute their ads. If your bike has a basket or you have a backpack, you should be able to do this job.
9. Messenger or delivery service. Check with the stores and businesses in your neighborhood for these opportunities.
10. Walking dogs.
6 JOBS YOU'LL ENJOY IF YOU LIKE TO SELL THINGS If you have a way with words and are comfortable speaking with the public, you may enjoy a job that involves selling a product.
1. Sell baseball cards. If you are a collector and have extra cards, set up a stand.
2. Open a refreshment stand. You can set yourself up at a park, a baseball field, or even in front of your house and sell things like slush, iced tea, and homemade cookies.
3. Hold a yard sale. Offer to run a yard sale for a neighbor or group of neighbors and charge a percentage of the money you collect. Or set up your own yard sale and sell toys you don't play with anymore.
4. Run a babysitter referral service. Find kids who want to baby-sit and match them up with customers. You can collect a small fee from any sitter who wants to be part of your service as well as a small fee from the parent customers.
5. Sell used books. Collect old books and sell them at garage sales or to a flea market dealer.
6. Take pictures. If you have a camera, you can take pictures of people during special moments at special events (like baseball games and picnics) and sell them to the people you have photographed. (Who wouldn't want a photo of their kid sliding into third?) You can also take pictures of kids in their Halloween costumes or at special school performances.
9 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY GROW You can't. But you can do some things to make sure you put some of it away for special stuff.
1. Keep your money in a piggy bank that has a key. Give the key to your parents and tell them not to return it to you until you've saved enough money to buy the thing you want.
2. When you get your allowance, make up a list of the things you need to spend it on. Be sure to set aside a portion for savings. This is called budgeting yourself.
3. Decide that you're going to save only pennies or nickels. Each time you get these coins in change from a purchase, put them aside in a special jar or bank.
4. Ask your parents to help you with a "matching fund." That means they will give you, say, a dollar for every five dollars you save.
Your parents are more likely to do this if you agree on how the money will eventually be spent.
5. Make a chart that allows you to mark off a box for every dollar you save. At the top of the chart, paste a photograph of the thing you want. There should be one box for each dollar it will take to buy your "prize." 6. Charge yourself a small fine every time a certain thing happens.
For instance, each time you don't get a good grade on a test, add 50 cents to your savings. Or you can reward yourself by putting away a dollar each time you get an A. Be creative with your rules: 10 cents every time you hiccup; 25 cents each time you hear the word aardvark; 50 cents if you see a green truck with red lettering. You can set money aside every time you finish reading a book or make a phone call or bite your nails. Ask your parents for more suggestions. (If they know you're serious about saving up for something, they may help you.) 7. Ask your parents to put part of your allowance aside for you toward something special.
8. When you go shopping, don't take all your money with you, just take as much as you think you'll need.
9. Don't spend money impulsively. If you see something you think you really want, wait a day before you buy it and think about it again.
Will you really enjoy it? Will it wind up in the back of your closet within a week?
YOUNG AMERICANS BANK OFFERS 6 TIPS FOR CONTROLLING YOUR MONEY Bill Daniels got the idea for a bank for kids when he read a newspaper article about some fifth-grade students who were laughed at when they went into a bank and asked for a loan. Today the Young Americans Bank is the first bank set up especially for young people— under 22. It specializes in small savings accounts, loans, investments, and even credit cards and checking accounts for kids over 12. To learn more, contact the bank at 311 Steele St., Denver, CO 80206 (303-321-2265) or visit its Web site, which has lots more information about kids and money: www.young americans.org. We are grateful to the Young Americans Bank for taking kids seriously and for the two lists that follow here.
1. Open your own bank account. When you go to the bank to do this, politely ask the person at the bank to explain everything you need to know. If you still don't understand and they are being impatient, say, "Excuse me, but I plan to be very rich some day, so this information is really important to me. Please help me to understand this." 2. Ask your parents to let you be responsible for part of the family budget.
3. Design a personal budget—and stick to it!
4. Talk to financially successful people to find out how they did it.
5. Find out if there are any programs or classes in your community to help you learn about money.
6. Get a job or find a way to make extra money to help buy the things you want.
8 TOP MISCONCEPTIONS KIDS HAVE ABOUT MONEY AND BANKS 1. Banks put customers' money in a shoebox with their name on it.
2. Banks are owned by the government.
3. Banks print money.
4. If we just printed more money, everyone would be richer.
5. Credit cards and checks are free money.
6. Our bills and coins belong to us (actually, it all belongs to the government).
7. It's OK to write on or change money.
8. If you deposit your favorite silver dollar in the bank, you will get the same silver dollar back if you ask for it.
HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD 1. Define the problem you want to solve. Homeless people, drug abuse, sex education, dangerous traffic situations, and child abuse are all different issues. Pick one and try to aim all your efforts in this one direction. (Don't try to take on too much or you'll be overwhelmed and nothing will get done.) 2. Learn all you can about the problem. Go to the library or use your online resources. Talk to people in your neighborhood and at school.
Find out if someone has already tried to solve the problem, what obstacles they faced, and why they may have failed.
3. Consider different solutions. Encourage people around you to contribute their ideas and don't be afraid to consider even the "craziest" proposals. Sometimes you have to listen to lots of bad ideas before you can find one that will work.
4. Find out who opposes your ideas. Meet with these people and try to win them over. Find out why they feel the way they do and see if you can find a solution to the problem that takes their views into account. Remember that nobody wins unless everyone wins!
5. Spread the word. Kids should be seen and heard: Call your TV and radio stations in your town and ask to speak to a reporter. Explain what you're doing. Invite the person to visit you and your friends and, if possible, to film your activities. And be a big mouth—tell everyone what you're doing. You never know who will be able to help.
6. Develop a network. Do everything you can (through school, local media, and online forums) to find others who feel the same way you do and combine forces. No matter how much you care, you can't change the world all by yourself. Important: Even if you find yourself working with people you don't like, learn to get along with them in order to accomplish your goal.
7. Choose a plan and make it happen. You can solve big problems by breaking them up into groups of smaller problems. Make a list and tackle them one by one.
8. Hang in there! Don't give up if things don't go your way. If your solution fails, find out why and use what you've learned to develop a new solution. Maybe you'll need more people to help you the second time around. Maybe you didn't tell enough people. Maybe you should try to raise money to advertise and get the word out. Whatever the problem was, try to correct it. Remember that sometimes trying to accomplish something may be more rewarding than arriving at your ultimate goal. You learn so much along the way! Try to learn from everything that happens, especially your mistakes.
9. Get a copy of a book called The Kid's Guide to Social Action, by Barbara Lewis (Free Spirit Publishing, 424 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55401; 800-735-7323). It describes everything from how to raise money for your cause and give a speech to getting laws changed. Free Spirit Publishing has many similar, excellent books for kids. Call or write and ask for its catalog.
19 GOVERNMENT OFFICES YOU CAN WRITE TO 1. The President of the United States White House Office 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500 202-456-1414 The "Chief" 2. The Vice President of the United States Old Executive Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20501 202-456-2326 Works with the president in leading the country 3. Office of Management and Budget Executive Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20503 202-395-3080 Helps decide how the government's money will be spent 4. Council of Economic Advisers Old Executive Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20502 202-395-3000 Analyzes the national economy and reports to the president 5. National Security Council Old Executive Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20506 202-395-4974 In charge of military and national security 6. Office of Policy Development 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20500 202-456-1414 Advises the president on foreign and domestic issues 7. Office of the U.S. Trade Representative 600 Seventeenth St., NW Washington, DC 20506 202-395-3230 Deals with how the U.S. will do business with other countries 8. Council on Environmental Quality 722 Jackson Pl., NW Washington, DC 20503 202-395-5750 Advises the president on environmental issues 9. Office of National Drug Control Policy Executive Office of the President Washington, DC 20500 202-727-9472 Advises the president on how to control illegal drugs 10. Office of Administration Old Executive Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20500 202-456-7052 Handles the president's mail and helps get things done 11. Office of Science and Technology Policy New Executive Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20506 202-456-7116 Advises the president on scientific and technological issues 12. Department of Defense The Pentagon Washington, DC 20301 13. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202 14. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20585 15. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20201 16. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th St., SW Washington, DC 20410 17. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 18. Department of Transportation 400 7th St., SW Washington, DC 20590 19. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20220 HOW TO SOUND LIKE A GROWNUP WHEN YOU MAKE A PHONE CALL Whether you're calling a radio station with information about your school event or asking an organization about its activities, these tips will help you to get a good response.
1. Before you call, write down what you want to say so that if you get nervous, you won't forget something important. If you are inviting someone to an event, be sure to give them all the information they'll need.
2. When your call is answered, state your name and give the person a short explanation of what you're doing: "Hello, my name is William Clinton and I'm working with a group of kids to clean up the garbage on Seventh St." Then tell them why you're calling ("I would like to know if your company can donate cleaning supplies") and ask to speak with the right person ("Can you help me or should I be speaking with someone else?").
3. If you get an answering machine, leave your name, phone number, a short explanation of why you're calling, and when you would like your call to be returned ("after school," "evenings," etc.) If your call is not returned, keep trying at different times of the day.
4. If a person asks you to leave a message, offer the same information but also ask when would be a good time for you to call back. Keep trying if your call is not returned.
5. Never be rude, even if you are treated badly. Let's face it: A lot of adults are too stupid to take kids seriously. Convince them that they are wrong by keeping your cool and then following up with a letter that makes your point.
6. When you finally reach someone, be sure to write down everything they tell you. If you don't understand what they are telling you, say so and ask them to say it slowly. If you don't understand some of the words, don't pretend you do. And ask the person to spell names for you so that you'll get them right.
7. Always thank the person for taking the time to listen to you, even if they have turned down your request. This makes it easier for the next kid who tries to call that person.
THE GIRLS' BILL OF RIGHTS Girls Incorporated helps over a quarter of a million girls between the ages of 6 and 18 by promoting education, awareness, communications, sportsmanship, and pregnancy prevention. You can contact this organization at 120 Wall St., New York, NY 10005 (800- 374-4475); or type "Girls Incorporated" into the keyword box on an Internet search engine.
1. Girls have a right to be themselves—people first and females second—and to resist pressure to behave in sex-stereotyped ways.
2. Girls have a right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.
3. Girls have a right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.
4. Girls have a right to accept and enjoy the bodies they were born with and not to feel pressured to compromise their health in order to satisfy the dictates of an "ideal" physical image.
5. Girls have a right to be free of vulnerability and self-doubt and to develop as mentally and emotionally sound individuals.
6. Girls have a right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.
15 WAYS TO FIGHT RACISM Racism refers to any action or idea, whether carried out intentionally or not, that puts down people because of their skin color or race. Ending racism does not mean pretending that we're all the same. It means learning to live together peacefully because of our differences and even to celebrate those differences. Many colors make up a rainbow.
1. Find out what cultures are represented in your community. Look around you; how many different ethnic groups can you identify?
2. Learn about each of these cultures. Get to know people of other backgrounds at school and online.
3. Discuss racism with your friends and on computer forums.
4. If people make racist remarks, tell them you are offended.
5. If you see something on TV that's racist, e-mail or write to the station and object.
6. If you have certain racist impressions—if there's a group of people you find yourself disliking for no real reason—think about how you came to feel this way. When did you first see a person from that group? What did you think? Why?
7. If your parents have racist attitudes, talk to them about it. Tell them how you feel.
8. Participate in a student exchange program. See "How to Join a Student Exchange Program," page 95.
9. Get a pen pal in another country.
10. When you celebrate your own cultural holidays, include members of other groups so that they can learn more about you.
11. Attend someone else's religious or cultural celebration.
12. Organize an art show with racism as the central theme.
13. If someone tells a racist joke, don't laugh.
14. Tell an antiracist joke: For instance, Why are all racist jokes so short? So racists will understand them!
15. Join Amnesty International, a worldwide organization that helps people fight for certain basic human rights. You can find out which of their programs involve kids by writing to Amnesty International USA, 322 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10001 (212-807-8400).
8 WAYS TO PROTECT WILDLIFE Many plants and animals are in danger of becoming extinct, which means that the plant or animal is lost forever. Plants and animals can't help themselves. We must all help them so that we can prevent their loss. For more information, write to: Education Coordinator, Defenders of Wildlife, 1101 14th St., NW, Suite 1400,Washington,DC 20005.
1. Learn about your own ecosystem. An ecosystem is a group of animals and plants living in the same area or environment. Look around you and list all the animals, insects, trees, and plants in your neighborhood. Then go to the nearest park, woods, or any natural setting and record what you see. Compare the two lists.
2. Ask your teacher to contact Project Wild through your state's environmental department. Project Wild will tell you how to build a schoolyard habitat or ecosystem.
3. Express your concern about protecting the environment for wildlife. Write to your state's senators, representatives, and the mayor of your own town and explain why you think that they should also be concerned.
4. Volunteer your services at a park or wildlife refuge. You can help by cleaning up litter, maintaining trails, or teaching visitors about the importance of respecting wildlife.
5. Ask the owner of a nearby pet store not to sell animals that have been taken from the wild. Many of these animals die from stress or disease soon after they are captured. Ask an adult to go with you.
Starting a petition is also a good idea.
6. Get your friends involved by throwing a costume party. Ask everyone to come dressed as a plant or animal and to explain who they are and what they need.
7. Write an article for your school newspaper about some of the things you have learned about wildlife.
8. Read the science section of your newspaper to learn about the wildlife issues in your area.
18 THINGS KIDS CAN DO TO END HUNGER Each night 600 million people go to bed hungry. Each day 40,000 children die of hunger. We can end hunger, but it's going to take increased awareness, commitment, and hard work. Here are some things that kids can do that can make a difference.
1. Learn about hunger throughout the world by reading newspapers and books and asking questions. Then talk to other people about what you have learned. If you have to give a speech to any of your classes or write an essay, make hunger your subject.
2. Send a chicken to a poor family in a foreign country. It costs only a dollar! The Heifer Project sends animals such as cows, goats, pigs, and even bees to families who must feed themselves. Contact: Heifer Project International, P.O. Box 8085, Little Rock, AR 72203 (800-422-0474); www.heiferproject.org.
3. Adopt a foster child in another country. Here is one group that organizes such activities: International Children's Aid Foundation, 10 Fox Ave., Medford, NJ 08055; www.icafkids.org.
4. Publicize your efforts. If you are involved in an activity to end hunger, contact the newspapers and radio and TV stations, as well as online services to tell everyone what you're doing. Maybe you'll inspire others to help.
5. Instead of giving presents on birthdays and holidays, donate the money you were going to spend to a hunger project. Then decorate a gift card to read: "Because you are so special, we are celebrating your special day in a special way. A donation has been made in your name to [name of the organization] so that your spirit will help end hunger in the world." Don't ever send a card like this without sending a donation. You don't have to tell your friend how much money you donated.
6. Enlist other people. Write to politicians, religious leaders in your community, and celebrities and tell them how you feel about the hunger problem. Ask what they are doing to help.
7. Find out what efforts are being made in your community to feed the hungry and volunteer to work for these groups. Maybe you'll hand out flyers or help cook food to be served at a homeless shelter. To learn about the groups in your area, call the local United Way office.
8. Feed someone who is hungry. If you're aware of hungry people in your neighborhood, get your parents' permission to share your food with them. Think of them when you leave a restaurant with a "doggy bag" of leftovers.
9. Talk to managers in the restaurants your family visits and make sure they have arranged to donate their leftovers to homeless people in the neighborhood.
10. Support World Food Day, October 16. Groups all over the country do something special each year on this day to make people aware of the problem of hunger. Contact the U.S. National Committee for World Food Day, 2175 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20437 (202-653-2404); www.gsu.edu.
11. Skip a meal and feed the hungry! Each year, on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, many people skip a meal or fast for the whole day and donate the money they would have spent on food to Oxfam America, 26 West St., Boston, MA 02111 (800-597-FAST); www.oxfamamerica.org. Contact them for more information.
12. Trick or treat for UNICEF on Halloween. You can do this on your own or you can organize a group—and no one is too old for this one!
For information and collection boxes contact UNICEF, 3 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017 (212-326-7000); www.unicef.org.
13. Organize a supermarket food drive. Get your market to urge shoppers to buy one or two extra items every time they shop and donate them to nearby shelters. Talk to the store manager and offer to help by making signs explaining the program. Get your parents to help transport the donated food.
14. Start your own chapter of Youth Ending Hunger (YEH). Contact this group at 15 E. 26th St., New York, NY 10010 (212-251-9100); www.thp.org, to get a starter kit. It will tell you how to organize the kids in your area.
15. Hold a CROP WALK. This is a national effort in which people walk for 10 miles (or more or less) and get people to donate money for each mile they walk. People of all ages can participate. To learn more about organizing such a walk, contact Church World Service, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115 (212-870-2257).
16. Support Africare. This group tries to feed people in more than twenty African countries. For $10, you and your friends can provide 100 pounds of fertilizer for crops, feed two people for a month, or buy enough seeds to plant an entire field. Contact Africare, Box 66415, Houston, TX 77266 (713-521-1420); [e-mail].
17. Support the American Jewish World Service. This foundation organizes health and agricultural projects for people of all religions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Contact the American Jewish World Service, 989 Ave. of the Americas, New York, NY 10018 (800-889-7146); www.ajws.org.
18. Help hungry people start projects to end their own hunger. To find such efforts, contact IDEX (International Development Exchange), 827 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110 (415-824-8384); idex.org.
13 THINGS YOU CAN DONATE TO HOMELESS PEOPLE Call United Way (see the White pages of your phone book) to find out what efforts are being made to help homeless people in your area. You can participate in many of the following activities through these local groups.
1. Food, including "doggy bags," that you have taken home from a restaurant 2. Clothing 3. Shelter 4. Money 5. Kindness 6. Gift certificates from fast-food restaurants 7. Recyclable materials, especially bottles, which poor people can collect for money 8. The money you make from a garage sale or another fund-raising event 9. Toys, if they're in good condition. (The next time you get a lot of presents, like for a birthday or Christmas, think about giving away one thing before you even open it.) 10. Your time, which you can spend working at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen 11. Your brain. You can tutor homeless children or just visit with them. Many shelters have such programs.
12. Your energy. Use it to inform everyone around you—parents, friends, the media, and community leaders—that you demand that attention be given to the problem of homelessness.
13. Your respect 10 WAYS TO HELP SAVE THE PLANET 1. Start a carpool. To combat the smog and acid rain caused by our cars' exhaust, the best thing to do is carpool or use mass transit.
Fewer cars on the road means less exhaust. And it's more fun to ride with a friend!
2. Get involved. It's up to us to save our planet, so get involved in an environmental organization. Check with your zoo, chamber of commerce, or an environmental publication to find a job that's right for you.
3. Be an environmentally conscious consumer. You can cast your vote to save the environment each time you shop. Buy products that use recycled materials and less packaging. Buy products in bulk. And try never to buy single use or disposable items.
4. Check your bulbs. Don't waste energy by using a light bulb that has a higher wattage than you need. You can also save energy and money by installing more efficient, compact fluorescent bulbs and turning them off when you're not in the room.
5. Get rid of hazardous waste safely. Batteries, antifreeze, pesticides, paint, paint thinner, drain cleaner, mothballs, and many other household products are considered hazardous waste, so don't pour them down the drain or throw them in the trash. Contact your city's waste facility or government information center to find out how to dispose of these substances properly.
6. Recycle, recycle, recycle. From newspaper to egg cartons to organic materials such as leaves and yard clippings, lots of things can be recycled. Even coffee grounds can be used to fertilize some plants. Don't throw away what you can use again!
7. Save water by checking the location of your sprinklers. Save water by not watering your driveways or sidewalks. Make sure sprinklers are properly located and are turned to a moderate level.
8. Avoid single-serving and multipack food items. Their excessive packaging is extremely wasteful. Buy food in bulk and store it in resealable containers. And of course, bring your own reusable bag to carry home your groceries.
9. Camp safely. If you go camping or hiking in the wilderness, pay attention to how you clean up. Try washing with soapless hot water and sand—even the mildest soap puts a strain on the environment. If you must use soap, use one that is biodegradable. Since there are no bathrooms, be sure to dig your latrine as far as possible from any water sources to avoid contamination.
10. Use nontoxic cleaners to unclog drains. Instead of using a commercial drain cleaner, which is highly toxic, simply pour a handful of baking soda down the drain followed by half a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a heavy pot or stopper; this will force the pressure down and clear the clog instead of allowing the mixture to fizz up out of the drain.
21 POLLUTION PROJECTS You can help make the world a cleaner place. One way to start is by performing simple projects at home and at school. Here are some suggestions. You can probably think of others. For more information, write to Keep America Beautiful, 9 W. Broad St., Stamford, CT 06902.
1. Hold a "litter art show." Make a display of mobiles, collages, or sculptures made from pieces of litter. Give awards for the prettiest and most unusual.
2. Fancy cans. Decorate the litter barrels that have been placed in your community. Used drums may also be available at supermarkets, car washes, schools, and manufacturing plants. Decorate them and place them where they can be easily seen.
3. Walk. Have an adult walk with you to nearby activities instead of asking for a ride. Have your friends go with you when you do ride.
The less a car is used, the more your family contributes to clean air and saves energy.
4. Make a booklet. Describe the environment with stories and illustrate them with drawings. Make a list of things to do to keep it clean.
5. Paper is precious, so use it wisely. Write on both sides of the page. Don't use a fresh sheet for scratch paper. Ask your teacher to start a paper recycling project.
6. Save electricity. Turn off the lights, the TV, and the radio when no one is in the room. Don't leave the refrigerator door open.
7. Share your ideas. Describe three littered places in your community. How do you think they got this way? List the reasons that you think people litter. Talk about how to prevent littering.
8. Create quiet. If you carry a radio, keep the volume low. It's all the louder-than-necessary sounds that create noise pollution.
9. Dump it all. When you take out the garbage, be sure that it all goes into the garbage can. Put the lid on tightly. Loose trash becomes litter.
10. Start a forest. You may be able to get tree seedlings from a garden center or state agricultural office. Plant them in your yard or at school. Be sure to get the advice of an expert, because new trees need special care.
11. Hold a contest. Award prizes for the best poster, poem, song, or skit about the environment. Arrange to show the posters at school or in store windows.
12. Be kind to trees. Carving your initials on trees allows bugs and diseases to get under the bark and expose it to disease and rot.
Peeling the bark off a tree will hurt it.
13. Take a field trip. Ask your family or teacher to take you and your friends to a center where recyclable items are collected or visit a sanitary landfill. List all of the equipment you see and the types of jobs people are doing.
14. Name those tunes. Make a list of all the songs you know about our land, such as "America the Beautiful," or write your own lyrics to the tunes.
15. Make litter bags. Give them to your teachers and friends.
16. Use litter bags. Put them on your bicycle and in your desk or locker. Ask your parents to put a litter bag in the car.
17. Recycle at home. If there's a recycling center in your community, collect recyclable items yourself and turn them in. Ask your family to help.
18. Write a play about pollution. Present it at a school assembly or for your family and neighbors.
19. Make bookmarks. Write DON'T LITTER on them and give them to students and teachers.
20. Pollution pin-ups. Start an ecology bulletin board. Display pictures that show both clean, well-kept areas and those spoiled by litter and debris. Select a title for your project, such as, "You Choose." 21. Do a "litter bit" more. If you see a piece of litter on the ground, pick it up and throw it away properly. If everyone picked up one piece of litter each day, think how much cleaner our streets and parks would be!
5 THINGS YOU CAN DO ABOUT WORLD HUNGER Over 34,000 children from all over the world die every day from causes related to hunger and poverty. In places like Africa and India, many people can't grow their own food. But hunger is also a problem in our powerful, wealthy United States. Hunger, homelessness, and poverty should not be considered a normal part of our society.
Here's how you can make a difference.
1. Learn about hunger and poverty and talk to your family, friends, and teachers about the real causes and about the practical solutions.
2. Find the programs in your community that are effective and ask how you can help. Students from the sixth grade at a private school in New York City spent a weekend raising funds for World Hunger Year.
Some of them answered phones during the annual Hungerthon radio show.
3. Write to government officials, newspaper editors, business leaders, and producers of television news programs to let them know how you feel about the problem. In Concord, New Hampshire, two sixth- grade students wrote to all 100 U.S. senators about a bill before them dealing with the homeless. The students researched everything they said and presented their ideas in a mature way. They received responses from nearly every senator.
5. Hold a fund-raising event and collect donations for a nearby food bank or homeless shelter.
14 FUND-RAISING IDEAS 1. Hold a bake sale. It's everyone's favorite—it always seems to work.
2. Sponsor a neighborhood flea market. Kids and their families can sell their books, used clothes, tapes or handmade crafts. Ask them to donate part or all of their profits to a particular cause.
3. Hold a costume ball, ideally around Halloween. Give it an international theme. Charge admission and donate the money.
4. Read-, dance-, or walkathon. Collect pledges from family, friends, and neighbors for each hour or mile students walk or dance or for each book read.
5. Student-faculty playoff. Compete for the benefit of others. Choose a sport like volleyball or basketball and invite the rest of the school as well as parents to watch and cheer. Charge admission at the door.
6. Hold a student-faculty talent show. Advertise and sell tickets.
Donate the proceeds to your cause.
7. Hold a raffle. Get the stores in your area to donate things to offer, like a bike or even a coupon good for free dry cleaning. Then sell tickets and raffle off the prizes.
8. Hold a community auction. Ask families, friends, and businesses to donate their specialties—including skills—to be auctioned off. Think of things you've never tried. Some teachers and students have offered a day of baby-sitting or tutoring. Teachers have made videos of their classroom over the course of the year and auctioned them off to parents. Restaurant and theater owners can donate dinners and tickets. This takes some organizing, but you can raise lots of money for your cause. Students can create posters and canvass the neighborhood for donations.
9. Fast. Give up one meal a week or give up junk food for one week and donate the money to a cause. Get the school involved by talking to other classes and explaining where their money will go.
10. Be creative. Think of something that hasn't been done. Seventh- grade students in South Portland, Maine, conducted a program at the Portland Museum of Art called Celebrating the Arts in Honor of World Hunger Education. The same class "adopted" a single-parent family living in a shelter and provided them "with a Christmas they will never forget." How about a poetry reading or something that relates to an upcoming holiday?
11. Have a community car wash. Students can hold a weekend car wash or they can make themselves available to run errands, do yard work, walk dogs, etc. Make up fliers to advertise these services and explain where the money earned will go.
12. Birthday donations. On birthdays you can ask parents, other relatives, and friends to make a donation to a special organization instead of buying you a gift. You can do the same thing for other people's birthdays. Make a card explaining that a donation was made in his or her honor to a specific organization. Explain how the organization works.
13. Hold a food drive. Ask people to bring canned foods to a specific area. The people at the local food bank will be happy to pick them up.
14. Contact Amazing Kids! This is a project of Community Partners, a nonprofit educational and charitable organization. Their mission is to help new nonprofit organizations. For further information on the program and how you can become involved, e-mail them at [e-mail].
14 CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUNG INVENTORS 1. They enjoy solving problems.
2. They're creative.
3. They are interested in many different subjects.
4. They have a lot of posi tive energy.
5. They're good at getting other people to help them.
6. They're generally curious.
7. They're resourceful.
8. They like to explore new ideas.
9. They don't mind working hard.
10. They're willing to learn from others.
11. They won't quit until they succeed.
12. They're not afraid to make a mistake.
13. They can look at a problem from different viewpoints.
14. They are often lazy! One guy invented the wheel because he was too lazy to carry stuff from one place to another. Six-year-old Suzanna Goodin, tired of cleaning the cat food spoon, came up with the idea of an edible spoon-shaped cracker. She won a grand prize for her invention in the Weekly Reader National Invention Contest.
5 PEOPLE WHO NEVER FAILED AT ANYTHING 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Copyright © 2002 by Sandra Choron. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company.

Table of Contents

Contents

1. Making It in a Kid’s World . . . . 1 2. Getting It Together with Other Kids . . . . 83 3. Toys, Games, and Hobbies . . . . 127 4. Food . . . . 185 5. Books,Magazines, the Comics, and 6. Cyberfun . . . . 207 7. TV,Movies, and Music . . . . 275 8. It’s a Fact . . . . 329 9. Just for Fun . . . . 373 Contributors . . . . 390 Bibliography . . . . 391 Index . . . . 394

Editorial Reviews

"Let someone get ahead of you in line" makes the list of 60 Good Deeds. "A supply of someone's favorite candy bar" is one of 10 Great Gifts That Cost Under $10. With more than 300 lists and thousands of ideas, children will enjoy The All-New Book of Lists for Kids by Sandra and Harry Choron. a revised edition of The Book of Lists for Kids. But it's not all so altruistic: also included is a list of 13 Horrible Names to Call Kids Who Wear Braces. (June) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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