1. POP STAR SUPERFANS COLLECT TREASURES

Some people who love famous singers collect lots of special items about them, like shirts, magazines, costumes, and even jewelry the star once wore. One Madonna fan has more than 12,500 items and says being surrounded by them makes him feel happy and comforted. Other superfans collect items from stars like Britney Spears and Mariah Carey, even if it costs a lot of money. Experts say these collections may or may not be worth more later, but many fans don’t care because the items feel important to their hearts. Pretend you are starting your own “superfan collection” (it can be about a singer, athlete, book series, or movie you love). In 4 to 6 sentences, name three items you would collect, explain why each one would matter to you, and describe one rule you would follow so you don’t spend more money than your family can afford. Finish with one sentence about why memories can be more valuable than things.

2. WHALES NEAR NEW YORK

More whales have been swimming near New York because the water is cleaner and there is more food for them to eat. But the ocean near New York is also very busy with big ships, fishing boats, and other boats. Some whales get hit by boats or tangled in fishing gear, and many of the whales that wash up on beaches show signs of these injuries. Scientists say whales may not notice boats coming, especially when they are busy eating. Create a “Whale Safety” tip card for boaters. Write 5 sentences that explain two ways boats can accidentally hurt whales, two things people on boats could do to avoid whales, and one reason protecting whales helps the whole ocean. Then add a small drawing idea for the front of your card (describe what it would show).

3. A MAN AND HIS (SHELTER) DOGS

A man named Bryan Reisberg became famous online for carrying his corgi in a backpack around New York City. When his corgi needed time to heal, he started carrying shelter dogs instead. He takes the dogs on little adventures, gives them treats, and makes videos so more people will notice them and want to adopt them. The shelter groups he works with are crowded, so these videos help dogs find homes faster. Write a short “adoption spotlight” paragraph of 5–6 sentences for one pretend shelter dog. Give the dog a name, describe what the dog is like, list two things the dog enjoys, and include one kind promise about how you would take care of the dog. End with a friendly sentence asking a reader to visit a shelter or learn about adopting.

4. KEEPSAKES RETURNED

During World War II, many people were hurt or killed by the Nazis, and many personal items were stolen from them. Today, an organization called the Arolsen Archives works to find these items and return them to families. One woman finally received her father’s wallet many years after he died, and it helped her feel closer to him. The items might not be worth much money, but they can mean a lot because they hold family history. Imagine you found a lost object that belonged to someone’s family long ago (like a wallet, a photo, or a letter). In 4–6 sentences, write what you would do to try to return it, how you would treat the object with respect, and what you would say to the family when you gave it back. Finish with one sentence explaining why remembering history matters.

5. DRONES HELP SCIENTISTS CHECK WHALES FOR VIRUSES

In northern Norway, scientists used drones to collect “whale blow,” which is the air whales breathe out through their blowholes. They tested the samples to look for viruses that can make marine animals very sick. For the first time in Arctic waters, they found a whale virus called cetacean morbillivirus. The scientists say drones are helpful because they can collect samples without hurting the whales. They also did not find some other germs they were worried might affect people who swim near whales. Pretend you are a kid-scientist helping with this project. In 5 sentences, explain what the drone collects, why testing whales can be important, one way drones are safer than older methods, one safety rule scientists should follow on the water, and one question you still wonder about whale health.