Star Wars Costume Pageant

Star Wars Costume Pageant

Ever wanted an excuse to dress up as Luke Skywalker, Padme Amidala, Han Solo, or Darth Vader on a day that's not Halloween? We've got just the thing for you: the Star Wars Costume Pageant! A part of the Star Wars Celebration (a convention for Star Wars fans of all ages), the Star Wars Costume Pageant is being held on August 24th and 25th in Orlando, Florida. It is a chance for super-fans to show off their dress-up skills. There will be Ewoks, Jedi knights, Sith Lords, Emperors, Wookies, Princesses, and maybe even some George Lucases! If photos from past years are any indication, the costumes are gonna be excellent. 

Just look at this adorable Princess Leia! Isn't she precious? She's SO ready to save the galaxy!

If you could throw your own costume pageant, what theme would you choose? Would you pick a movie, book, or something else entirely? What would you dress up as? Share your ideas in the Comments.

— En-Szu, STACKS Intern (a.k.a. MidnightMagic5)

Images Copyright © 2012 REED EXHIBITION COMPANIES, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with the permission of REED EXHIBITION COMPANIES.

One Direction New Song

Big announcement today from One Direction! They have a new song coming out!!! A new song!!!! AAAHHH!

You have no idea how hard it is for me to not scream out loud right now, but I'm in the Scholastic office and my friendly coworkers would think I'm crazy, but yeah, if you're screaming right now, I totally understand.

Anyway, here's what I know. The song is called "Live While We're Young" and it is the first single from One Direction's album coming out in November. You can preorder the new song on iTunes starting tonight at midnight, but the actual song will be released on October 1 in the U.S.

The lads just announced it today. Niall had this to say, "Now you've heard the name of the first single! Cannot wait for you to hear the song itself now! And Harry says, "Hope you like it. xx"

XX!!!!!!! That's 2 virtual kisses from Harry to you. Leave a Comment to tell us all how excited you are for the new 1D song.

PS. What do you think of Liam's hairstyle? I really like it.

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Readalikes

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Readalikes

You know when you find an amazing book, and you never want it to end? How do you find another book to read after that? Our answer: Readalikes to the rescue! We hope our Readalikes will rescue you from the what-to-read-next question, and help you find lots of new amazing books.

Today's Readalikes are for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. These books follow Greg Heffley as he enters middle school with the goal of increasing his popularity. Unfortunately, Greg is just kind of an average kid, probably not destined for mega-popularity.

Back-to-School Would You Rather

Back-to-School Would You Rather

The first day of school is a huge deal. What are you going to wear? What are you going to eat for lunch? What are your classes going to be like?

The first day of school is also the worst possible day to have something embarrassing happen. No one wants to be known for the rest of the school year as the kid with a piece of lettuce in her teeth on the first day, or the kid who was walking around on the first day of school with a piece of toilet paper stuck to the bottom of his shoe.

"Would You Rather" is all about making tough choices, so let us know what YOU would rather have happen on that oh-so-important first day of school.

Would you rather . . . 

First Car Writing Prompt

Writing Prompt: Ride On!

I bought my first car at an auto auction. I proudly saved up my summer work money and bought a used car to drive away to college in. Little did I know it was only a matter of time before my golden chariot turned into a certified clunker. This happened driving home from college that Thanksgiving. Let's just say my trip ended with calling a tow truck, my mom picking me up outside Syracuse, New York . . . and Pizza Hut delivering a hot and tasty pizza to a roadside motel for Thanksgiving dinner.

But why dwell on the past? Today's Write On! Writing Prompt comes to us from Ipe123 who asks:

If you had a car, where would you go in your first car? I hope you like this one!

I think your answers will have a much happier twist than my story. The sky’s the limit! Let us know your first car hopes and dreams in the Comments below.

—Ratha, Stacks Writer