STACKS Field Day Games

STACKS Field Day Games

Does your school have Field Day? It's a day usually at the end of the school year where everybody in school competes in different activities like kickball, relay races, water balloon toss, and other fun games. Well, we have fun games on the STACKS, too, so I thought we could have a STACKS Field Day!

Here is the schedule of events:

1) Play the Cupcake Switcheroo Game. This game is so addicting, I almost can't stand it, but I can't stop playing it either.

2) Play Goosebumps Ghost Hotel. It's not scary, I promise!

3) Play the newest STACKS game, Spyfall! Pretend you're a spy and you're skydiving to deliver top-secret documents that will save the world. 

4) Dress up Abby in the Whatever After DressUp Game.

5) Pretend you're Pacman and chomp away in the Smiley Chomp Game.

Compete in 1 or all of these events and let us know your high scores in the Comments. Go, team!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Dragon Run Book Review

Dragon Run by Patrick Matthews

Testing Day doesn’t go as 12-year-old Al Pilgrommor expects. Born into a wealthy family, he expects to follow in his successful father's footsteps. Of course, that all depends on the rank number Al receives at the testing. On a scale of one to seven, Al scores a zero, and the number is permanently tattooed on the back of his neck. Not good.

Now, instead of celebrating with his friends and family, Al needs to run away from the Cullers, men who hunt down zeroes . . . and put them to death. Left with a little bit of money and a sword he barely knows how to use, Al must use his wits to evade these ruthless assassins.

Surrounded by enemies, Al doesn’t know whom to trust. But as he meets other outcasts, he begins to suspect that he is a pawn in a larger game — and that he might have the power to tip the scales in a high-stakes struggle between man and dragon. Could the fate of the world rest in his hands? Can a zero become a hero?

This gripping book is a must-read for all fantasy and magic lovers. Filled with adventure, humor, and loveable characters, I could not put this book down! You cannot help but root for Al as he travels throughout the land, and while you’re reading, it feels like you are along for the ride.

Don’t you want to read this book? Let us know what you think in the Comments.

—Elysse, STACKS Writer

Niagara Falls Fun Facts and Anagram

Niagara Falls Fun Facts and Anagram

The Scholastic Summer Challenge continues. Have you logged your minutes for this week yet?

This week's reading milestone is Niagara Falls! Did you know these true facts about Niagara Falls?

• More than 10 million people visit the falls every year.
• Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls—the Horseshoe (or Canadian) Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil (or Luna) Falls.
• Niagara's waters are one of the world's greatest sources of hydroelectric power. Power plants on both sides of the falls harness the falls' power to produce nearly 4.5 million kilowatts of electricity.
• 41 million gallons of water flows over the Horseshoe Falls every minute. These falls are about 175 feet (53 meters) high and about 2,500 feet (762 meters) wide.
• You can spell the words flan, grain, and Niall from the letters in N I A G A R A  F A L L S. 

What other words can you find? Leave them in the Comments!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Matthai, James P. "Niagara Falls." Reviewed by Paul Gromosiak. The New Book of Knowledge. Grolier Online, 2013. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.

May Pop-Corn

TV, Movies, and Music you won't want to miss this May!

Switched at Birth stars Katie LeClerc and Vanessa Marano were at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books to read to kids. Vanessa read aloud and Katie signed in American Sign Language. Afterward, we asked them which children’s book they loved most. Vanessa picked Dr. Seuss’ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Katie chose The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. In case you didn’t know it already, Katie pointed out that reading is essential “so that you can drive, function in life, and be a normal human!”

At another recent event, we also asked Oscar-nominated nine-year-old actress Quvenzhane Wallis what she likes to read. “I like to read all kinds of books. I like Judy Moody and Judy Blume books,” she said, adding that she most recently read Pinkalicious by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. 

Bindi Irwin is following in her father’s footsteps as the host of a new wildlife series on Starz Kids & Family. The daughter of the late Australian animal expert Steve Irwin, Bindi will take kids up close and personal with all kinds of animals in Bindi’s Bootcamp, which airs Wednesdays at 6 p.m. ET/PT beginning May 1. Shot on location at the Australia Zoo, the series puts three teams of kids through races and challenges as they learn about wildlife and compete to win a trip with Bindi to participate in an Irwin Family conservation program.

Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and One Direction were among the winners at the Radio Disney Music Awards, which will be available on May 5 at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT on Radio Disney. Disney Channel will show highlights from the event during the weekend of May 10-12 every night starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Speaking of Selena, her “Come and Get It” video will have its world premiere on MTV on May 7 at 7:53 p.m. ET/4:53 p.m. PT.

Noah Munck from iCarly stars in the Nickelodeon movie Nicky Deuce as an over-protected teen who transforms into a tough guy when he spends the summer with his uncle in Brooklyn, New York. It premieres May 27 on Nick at Nite at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

A.N.T Farm comes back for a third season with a special one-hour episode on May 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon. This time around, the series about talented teens will be set in a boarding school. Star China Anne McClain sings a new song called "Stars Aligning” in the episode.

—Gerri, STACKS Writer

Summer Challenge: Clash of the Titles

Summer Challenge: Clash of the Titles

As you know, summer reading is AWESOME because you get to read whatever you want as much as you want. You don't have to do homework or write book reports, and you don't have to get up for school in the morning, so if your parents let you, you can read in bed until way late! Ah, I remember those summer days and nights of endless reading . . . 

The Scholastic Summer Challenge is kicking off this week, so you can put all that reading to good use. Log your reading minutes and you will reach reading milestones, have a chance to win prizes, and possibly help break the world reading record.

This week's milestone is The Coliseum. It is the ancient Roman stadium where gladiators used to fight for glory and honor. . . and their lives. We are not going to ask you to engage in hand-to-hand combat, obviously. But you can relive the glory of Ancient Rome by voting for your faves in the Clash of the Titles game. 2 books face off cover to cover, and YOU get to pick the winner.

Vote now! And may the best book win!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Future Job Personality Quiz Results

Future Job Personality Quiz Results

Last week's Future Job Personality Quiz asked you some questions to help you decide what is the best job for you when you grow up. Are you ready for the results? Read on. . . 

Summer Reading at Scholastic!

Summer Reading at Scholastic!

The Scholastic Summer Challenge is on! Starting today, you can compete in the ULTIMATE summer reading challenge to set a new reading world record! Log your reading minutes every day, earn virtual badges, and participate in weekly challenges to win extra prizes. What could be more fun?

As you log your minutes, you’ll also read around the world as you move up the Reading Meter! The more you read, the farther you travel— from the Coliseum to the Taj Mahal to Mount Everest! With each landmark, you can watch fun videos from Scholastic News Kid Reporters, who share interesting facts about each place.

Plus, check out your summer reading profile page to track your personal reading stats and your school’s status, watch book trailer videos, and enter sweepstakes for a chance to win awesome prizes throughout the summer, including: a Harry Potter box set, a signed copy of The False Prince and The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen, a 39 Clues prize pack, and a Dear Dumb Diary prize pack.

Be sure to log your minutes for your school. The school that logs the most minutes will win a visit from Captain Underpants author Dav Pilkey! How cool is that?!

Go now to log on to the Scholastic Summer Challenge!

School Dress Code Writing Prompt

School Dress Code Writing Prompt

Just about every school has a dress code of some kind. Some schools have uniforms and are very strict about them. Some schools have uniforms, but there is room for 

some creative expression as long as you follow the rules. Some schools don't allow tank tops or shorts. Some schools don't allow hats.

Today's Writing Prompt puts the school dress code question to you. How do you deal with your school's dress code? Is it possible to follow the rules and still show your own unique style?

How do you dress for success at school? Leave your answers in the Comments!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Mother's Day Activities

Mother's Day Activities

Mother's Day in the U.S. is on May 12. Are you ready to shower your mother with gifts and praise? Make her feel really special because you know she does a lot for you! And don't forget the other "moms" in your life, too: grandmothers, aunts, step-mothers, even teachers. 

Here are some videos, articles, and activities to get you inspired to give your mom a perfect day.

• Mother's Day Trivia Quiz
• Disney Stars' Favorite Recipes from their Moms
• Best TV and Book Moms
• Best Mother and Son Dance EVER!!!
• Freaky Friday Writing Prompt
• Make Mom a Recycled Egg-Carton Flower Bouquet.

Now, go plan a perfect day for all the moms in your life!

Space Warriors Thomas Kasp

Space Warriors Thomas Kasp interview

In the movie Space Warriors (rated PG), Jimmy Hawkins has always dreamed of traveling to outer space. When an opportunity arises to compete and win a seat on the next space shuttle, Jimmy desperately wants to apply. Knowing his parents would not approve, he secretly applies to attend a special space camp at the Space & Rocket Center. The summer camp is designed to pull teens with scientific specialties from across the globe to create an elite team, The Warriors. This team will battle for the chance to win a seat on the next shuttle into space.

We got to speak to one of the actors in the movie, Thomas Kasp about the movie, and his experience filming at Space Camp.

The 39 Clues Cahill Files

The 39 Clues: Cahill Files

As a relatively new clue hunter, I've spent a lot of time reading up on Amy and Dan's adventures. So it didn't take me long to realize that they are ALL THAT. Here are a few reasons why I can't get enough of the Cahills:

When they miss school, it's because they're saving the world. I don't know about you, but I remember spending most of my sick days watching bad TV, trying to fall asleep, and just waiting to feel better. Every now and then, I'd get a burst of energy and make my way to the kitchen for a snack. And sometimes (maybe), I'd do homework. All in all, I think we can agree that I've just described a less than thrilling Monday. But when Amy and Dan take the day off, they're out fighting Vespers, traveling the world, and hunting for capital-C Clues. So yeah, while I was watching America's Funniest Home Videos with a fever of 101, Dan was escaping a deadly yakuza in Japan...NOT fair!

Even when they hate each other, they, you know, love each other. Like all siblings, Amy and Dan may resist the urge to smack each other every chance they get, but they're always looking out for the other. And after their grandmother, Grace, leaves them to embark on the Clue hunt, they realize just how important family truly is. Even through the hiccups—like, for instance, their own relatives' attempts to KILL them--Amy and Dan never lose faith in family. And take it from me (the annoying little sister to two brothers) when I say that’s admirable.

Girl power. Have you ever played that game in which you have to pick the cartoon character that best resembles your personality? It can take a while to find your perfect TV match, but that’s half the fun of it. Long ago, after much deliberation, I chose Kimpossible, the ultimate symbol of girl power . . . UNTIL, that is, Amy Cahill rocked the world with her awesome moves and no-fuss style. Over the course of The 39 Clues, Amy transforms from this shy and frightened kid into the charismatic, brave leader of the Cahills. She voluntarily (VOLUNTARILY!) undergoes INTENSE physical and mental training and leads her entire family through the worst of times—all with a flick of her hair and words that leave boys drooling. Sorry, guys, but Amy’s my homegirl.

For all these reasons and more, I’m beyond excited for the newest Cahill Files book in hardcover. I’m pretty old-fashioned when it comes to e-readers, so I can’t wait to get my hands on SPYMASTERS. It’s a collection of THREE previously published e-book adventures that explore the secret lives and histories of Cahill members you might be surprised you already know . . . And if these people paved the way for Amy and Dan, then I’m game.

Click here for an explosive excerpt.
Find out more about the Cahill Files.

Leave a Comment tellling us why YOU love the Cahills.

—Vanessa, Scholastic Staffer

The Loser List

The Loser List

While it's never true, most of us feel like a loser at one point or another. For Danny Shine, the main character in The Loser List series by H.N. Kowitt, it's when he discovers his name on a "geek list" in the girls' bathroom.

But in Book #3: Jinx of the Loser, he feels like more than a loser; he feels like a jinx, too! After being in the wrong place at the wrong time – when the baseball team loses the big game and then when the roller coaster breaks down at a school trip to the amusement park – Danny just can't catch a break.

Play the brand-new Loser List Cafeteria Showdown game.

Have you ever done anything that made you feel like a jinx? Let us know in the Comments! 

--Vanessa, Scholastic Staffer