2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 85027
888-313-7916
Submissions and suggestions:
Press Releases:
Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Events Calendar:
Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the March issue is March 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
Headliners
FULL-COURT ACCESS
Nicolas’ brother Zaza goes behind the scenes at Phoenix Suns' new training facility.
Mybrother Zachary (Zaza) Bubeck is taking over my column this month because he got the awesome chance to watch a Phoenix Suns basketball practice. So, here he is, meet Zaza!
Hi, my name is Zaza and I love all sports. I’m obsessed with the Phoenix Suns, so when they invited me to their practice I was like: “This is going to be the best day of my life!” And it was.
The Suns have a new and neat training facility off Camelback Road. It’s a big gymnasium with a whole exercise area. When I walked into practice, the NBA players were running drills - right before my eyes! I could even spot Booker in the distance, along with my other idols: Chris Paul, Ish Wainright, Deandre Ayton, and more. I also saw Coach Monty Williams.
what? Every time players walked by, they gave me a fist bump! It was seriously the coolest thing.
After a few fist bumps, one of my dreams came true: getting to interview some players (and now they’re my best buds!!). Here’s some of my Q&A with Josh Okogie.
Me: When you were a kid, who was your favorite athlete?
Josh Okogie: Carmelo Anthony
Me: What do you eat on game day?
Josh Okogie: Breakfast is pancakes, eggs, and turkey bacon. Before the game, I usually eat rice, salmon, and veggies. After games, I load up on pasta.
Me: What were some of your childhood hobbies?
Me: What’s the key to going pro?
Josh Okogie: Pro sports are full of ups and downs. The key to success is never giving up and trying your best.
Me: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Josh Okogie: I wanted to be a lawyer, basketball player, and engineer. Only one of those worked out, and that’s perfectly fine with me.
Me: What are your favorite things to do in Arizona?
Josh Okogie: I enjoy going to Top Golf and hanging outside. Arizona has beautiful mountains.
To top off my Suns practice experience, I requested a one-on-one game of Horse. Duane Washington Jr. challenged me to Pig instead, and it was a stiff competition. While he beat me by one letter, it was still the game of a lifetime and the happiest memory I’ll have forever.
There are four sets of basketball courts, and the players closest to me were practicing three-point shots - passing and shooting - just the way I do on my team! And guess
Josh Okogie: I loved jumping on the trampoline and doing all sorts of sports. I also played instruments – the tuba, trumpet, and drums.
Nicholas Bubeck is a monthly Epic columnist and CEO of creationsbynicholas.com. Follow him @creationsbynicholas on Instagram, and his family @mamaandmyboys
Player Josh Okogie being interviewed by Zaza.
Suns players practicing.
Zaza playing Pig with Duane Washington Jr.
Zaza on the court.
GIVEAWAY COOL CONTEST
Two fun giveaways for Epic Kids fans!
Jurassic Quest
Win a four-pack of tickets to visit Jurassic Quest at Bell Bank Park, 6321 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, good for Sun., Feb. 26.
Jurassic Quest and their skyscraping dinosaurs bring supersized family fun – only there can you get up close to life-size, realistic dinos, and even see them move and roar! Whether the dinos had skin
that was scaly, feathers or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense to bring the dinosaurs to life.
Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic periods, and “Deep Dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit with ancient ocean dwellers including the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long Megalodon!
“Annie”
Win a four-pack of tickets to see “ANNIE” at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, on Fri., March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production — just as you remember it and just when we need it most.
“Annie,” directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by
Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism, and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
HOW TO WIN
Send hello@epickidsaz.com an email with the prize you want to win in the subject line. Please send a separate email if you’d like your luck at winning both prizes. Entries received by 5 p.m., Mon., Feb. 20, will be entered to win the prize indicated in the email.
For complete contest rules, visit epickidsaz.com/cool-contests.
COOL CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to Nick Keene!
He won four tickets to Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs from Epic Kids! He's taking his grandkids to Pangaea when they come to visit the Valley in March. Have fun, Nick!
Headliners
Coyote Hills Elementary Student Wins Annual District Spelling Bee
courtesy of Peoria Unified School District
ThePeoria Unified School District held their annual District Spelling Bee on Fri., Jan. 27, where top spellers from across the district competed in front of their peers. The winner of this year’s Annual District Spelling Bee is, for the second year in a row, Ethan Greenwood from Coyote Hills Elementary. Ethan won with the word “gaffe.”
The seven runners-up include:
• Christa Eboh, Copperwood Elementary
• Penny Davis, Zuni Hills Elementary
• Abigail Hunter, Canyon Elementary
• Scott Sinex , Lake Pleasant Elementary
• Esperanza Windley, Cheyenne Elementary
• Seraya Verwer, Parkridge Elementary
• Matthew Ramirez-Garcia, Oasis Elementary
These eight exceptional students will compete in the Maricopa County Region IV Spelling Bee hosted this month. The winners of the Regional Bee will move on to the state-level Arizona Spelling Bee in March followed by the Scripps National Spelling Bee held in Washington, D.C. this summer.
National Essay Contest Open to K-8 Students
The Be Kind People Project invites students to tell the world to make a difference!
Students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade across America are invited to enter The Be Kind Make a Difference national essay contest sponsored by The Be Kind People Project. The nonprofit The Be Kind People Project aims to deliver relevant learning and youth development opportunities that inspire humanity, academic achievement, healthy living, and initiate a positive change in the learning environment for students wherever and however they learn. Students are prompted to share, based on their real-life experiences, “This is how I can use the skills of The Be Kind Pledge in my community.” While not required, additional questions and examples to inspire submissions include:
• Even when the world isn’t kind, how can I show resilience and initiate positive change?
• How can my small, immediate acts of kindness make a long-term impact on those around me?
Each entry should be student-written and guided by grade-appropriate academic standards. The original writing should answer the question, “How can I make a difference?”, and be based on real actions of kindness relating to the student’s own life and The Be Kind Pledge.
• How can I apply the skills of The Be Kind Pledge in my relationships with others at school, at home, in the community, and online?
For grades K-2: A one-page picture or picture series accompanied by hand-written sentences.
For grades 3-8: A written essay, maximum one page with approximately two-to-three paragraphs, typed double-spaced or printed legibly.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate in any option based on their abilities
and parent or teacher discretion.
The following formula should be used to label each essay submission: Grade Group_Last Name_School. Example: K-2_Smith_Jefferson Elementary, 3-5_Jones_Northwest Elementary, or 6-8_Brown_Roosevelt Middle School. The essay must include the student’s name and grade level. Please ensure this information is listed on the essay and not just on the submission form. All entries must be uploaded by the student’s teacher, parent, or guardian and received by Fri., March 31. Submit entries at info. thebekindpeopleproject.org/essay23 or mail entries to 10869 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 103-254, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Winning students receive BE KIND Swag and a certificate. Teachers of winning students receive classroom materials and free access to online classroom resources. A grand prize will also be announced March 1. Winners will be notified April 14, with the winners publicly announced May 5.
Photo
Ethan Greenwood won the PUSD District Spelling Bee for the second year in a row
Headliners
Scottsdale Great Hearts Students are National Merit Semifinalists
By Jason Moore, Great Hearts Content Producer
Threeseniors from Scottsdale Prep, a Great Hearts Academy, have qualified as
National Merit Semifinalists. Grace Horner, Raywon Kim, and Travis Santa have each been recognized as one of the 50,000 highest scoring entrants of the PSAT, qualifying them for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program as semifinalists of over 1.5 million entrants.
Grace will attend the NAU Honors College and will receive the Lumberjack Scholarship, which covers full tuition for four years. Grace will study forestry and may potentially minor in art. She took many practice PSAT exams to prepare and attended in-person prep classes at Scottsdale Education Center. Raywon plans to study political science and is waiting to hear back from colleges on his acceptance. Raywon suggests putting yourself in the testing environment prior to test day by taking practice exams at the time
of day in which you will be taking the official PSAT or SAT. He also utilized Khan Academy for SAT prep. Raywon says, “The time on test day will go by quicker than you expect, so make sure that you are on a good pace and not spending too much time on any one passage.”
Travis plans to study business and may attend the University of Mississippi or Arizona State University but is waiting to hear back from other colleges. Travis adds, “Juniors should prepare for their PSAT, because being named a National Merit Semifinalist/ Finalist can result in many scholarship opportunities.”
“Grace, Raywon, and Travis are three of eight National Merit Semifinalists in the Great Hearts Network this year,” says Great Hearts Director of College Counseling Roslyn Fletcher. “Other semifinalists were named
at Cicero Prep, Chandler Prep, and Glendale Prep. Scoring in the top 1% in the state of Arizona is a very realistic goal for many juniors across the Great Hearts network. We expose our high school students to the PSAT early by administering the official PSAT to all 10th grade students across the network. This exposure along with encouraging students to utilize free, personalized test prep through Khan Academy generally results in six to 12 semifinalists/finalists each year. National Merit Finalists typically have the opportunity to pursue merit scholarships that cover full tuition and sometimes even more at many institutions across the country.”
In February, over 15,000 semifinalists are notified that they have advanced to finalist standing.
Two Pinnacle Artists Receive Silver Key Distinction
Congratulations to Paradise Valley Unified School District visual art students Alaina Novey (10th grade) and Emily Pye (ninth grade) on their success in the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition.
Both Pinnacle High School students, Alaina received a Silver Key distinction for her colored pencil drawing "Sweet Innocence," and Emily received a Silver Key distinction for her painting "A Study of Peach."
Held annually, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the country's longestrunning regional and national creative art and writing competition. To learn more, visit artandwriting.org.
National Merit Semifinalists - Raywon Kim, Travis Santa, and Grace Horner
Giving Back
SUPERHEROES ASSEMBLE!
Incredible Hulk actor Lou Ferrigno inspires deaf and hard of hearing children at Desert Voices.
Photos by Marion Rhoades Photography
The students at Desert Voices Oral Learning Center all have something in commonthey all have a superpower! Each child at Desert Voices is deaf or hard of hearing and uses a hearing device to gain better access to sound. Lou Ferrigno, actor, and fitness icon best known for portraying the Hulk in the original “Incredible Hulk” TV series, visited Desert Voices to share his story of growing up with hearing loss and how the power of determination can change everything.
Students and families alike were inspired by his story. Lou dealt with his share of adversity, losing 85% percent of his hearing as a child, and not having full access to communication while growing up. He shared that receiving cochlear implants and having better access to hearing has changed his life, and he taught
the kids that embracing your fear makes you “a determined warrior.”
Feeling incredible, the students were ready for action! Together, Lou and the students participated in fun and games including Fitness for Heroes and a Save the Day Obstacle Course. Seeing someone who embodies strength and determination who also has hearing loss was a special moment for the kids and families, and a day that no one will forget. The event was made possible by Cochlear Americas.
Desert Voices is Arizona’s only nonprofit school dedicated to helping children who are deaf and hard of hearing learn to listen and speak. The children work hard every day to close the language gap and prepare to mainstream by the time they are kindergarten age. A day actionpacked with inspiration is just what they needed to show them that they truly are superheroes
Spotlight on students impacted by Desert Voices
LUIS
Four-year-old Luis has been attending Desert Voices since he and his family started in the parent coaching program in 2020. Luis is bilingual, learning Spanish at home with his family and English through his daily instruction and interactions at school. Luis is profoundly deaf and uses bilateral cochlear implants to access auditory information to use listening and spoken language. When Luis started in the program last year, his vocabulary inventory included 20 words expressively in English and 50 words expressively in Spanish. Today, Luis’s vocabulary inventory includes 120 words expressively in English and 110 words expressively in Spanish.
KASON
Three-year-old Kason is profoundly deaf in both ears and wears bilateral cochlear implants to hear and process sound. After early intervention services at Desert Voices, Kason started the preschool in August of 2022 using one-to-two- word utterances. Since he started the preschool program, he’s now spontaneously using four-to-five-word sentences!
Kason now labels his emotions, expresses new vocabulary every day, and even carries his new vocabulary over in multiple settings. These milestones may seem simple, but they are all important building blocks and something to be celebrated.
Giving is Sweet with Girl Scouts
Girl Scout Cookie sales impact the organization and local communities.
By Justin Liggin
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is in full swing across central and northern Arizona through March 5 and for the first time in the history of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC), the season will take place for a total of seven weeks!
Known as the largest girlled entrepreneurial program in the world, the Girl Scout Cookie Program will not only spread joy through timeless treats and teach Girl Scouts valuable financial literacy lessons, but the proceeds from cookie sales will also fund the visions and dreams of Girl Scouts and provide participants with the resources to thrive in the organization.
and life skills,” says Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “Girl Scout Cookie proceeds also provide financial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting affordable for all.”
Did you know that 100 percent of your money stays local to GSACPC whenever you buy a delicious box of your favorite Girl Scout Cookies? Whether you are purchasing on the Digital Cookie Mobile App or at a traditional cookie booth, proceeds from Girl Scout Cookie sales give back by supporting both members and volunteers with training and support, helping maintain GSACPC camp facilities and more.
“In addition to helping improve our four Girl Scout camp properties across Arizona, proceeds will continue to impact our wide range of Girl Scout programming which covers outdoors, STEM, entrepreneurship
And the impact doesn’t stop there! Part of the proceeds earned from cookie sales go back to the Girl Scout troops and can be used to fund community service projects, new and existing programs, field trips, and more. This could include donating the earnings to a local animal shelter, or purchasing new camping equipment for the troop or going on a field trip to a local museum. These enriching experiences broaden the world for Girl Scouts and are made possible with your purchase of a box of Girl Scout Cookies.
Cookie proceeds are also used to create dynamic event experiences that give Girl Scouts the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. This includes the upcoming Bring Home the Cookies 5k Run/Walk in Glendale on Feb. 25, a familyfriendly event open to Girl Scout families, competitive runners, walkers, and the community at large. This second annual event will be held at Westgate Entertainment District and feature music, food, cookie booths, and more as girls kick off the final week of the 2023 cookie season.
And not only will there be cookie booths, but the Bring Home the Cookies 5k Run/Walk will also host local Girl Scout entrepreneurs as they sell their own crafts and goods at the race alongside traditional vendors. For more information and to register for the 5K, visit girlscoutsaz. org/5k.
Cookie proceeds can also fuel important milestone projects such as the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. The Gold Award recognizes Girl Scouts in grades nine through 12 who have discovered a sustainable solution to a local, national, or global challenge. From fighting food insecurity to educating the public on saguaro cactus health to bringing awareness to addiction, Gold Award projects tackle a wide range of issues and leave a lasting impact on the world. And with proceeds earned from the Girl Scout Cookie Season, Gold Award prospects can fund their projects and equip themselves with the resources needed to carry out their project mission. Not only does a Gold Award create positive change in the world and help girls exhibit the problem-solving, communication, and time management skills they have learned through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, but the award is also a nationally recognized symbol of leadership and can open doors for unique scholarship opportunities, allow girls to enlist at an advanced rank when joining the United States Armed Forces, stand out among the competition in the college admissions process, and much more.
“Bring Home the Cookies 5k is a community celebration of all our incredible girls and their dedication, innovation and creativity. Girl Scouts are learning first-hand entrepreneurship and financial skills they will carry with them their entire life,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC.
Whether you are purchasing a box of Thin Mints, Tagalongs, or the new Raspberry Rally, giving back to the local community is sweet with the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/ cookiefinder to find a cookie booth near you and for more information on GSACPC, visit girlscoutaz.org.
Career Day
EDUCATIONAL LEADER
“Dr. J.” develops curriculum and builds partnerships.
I oversee the educational programs related to this nonprofit organization. I am responsible for curriculum development, creating, and leading professional development workshops for teachers. I also build partnerships with industry leaders and educators. I am always seeking to develop longterm partnerships with industry leaders so they can provide educators and students with a real-world perspective and application of the content students are learning in the classroom. Industry leaders really enjoy serving as mentors for students!
What type of training do you need to do your job?
Since I have served in several roles in K-12 education including being a principal, and now developing educational programs in
a nonprofit organization, a background in education is a must. I hold two M.A. degrees in education, one in teaching and another in educational leadership. I also earned my doctorate in education with an emphasis on STEM-based learning and educational technology. Since much of my work is done remotely, it is important to be tech-savvy.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Seeing students light up when they understand something, accomplish something, or learn that I am the person behind the scenes of their food tech units. I love seeing their excitement to explore something new. I love meeting people and gain a great deal of satisfaction when I introduce teachers to the right person in the industry who can serve as an excellent guest speaker in their class or as a mentor for their students. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I lot of things! One dream I had was to be an astronaut. Another dream I had was to be a documentary filmmaker, and lastly an automotive design engineer. I had an interest in designing cars to be both functional––safe, and well-engineered yet comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. I always knew I wanted to do something creative and people orientated, something that would make a significant impact and difference in the lives of people. What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
Plan for the unexpected. Jobs and careers are changing rapidly, so be open to learning many different things and working in different roles. Gain a good understanding of your personality. Since I am a people person, I could never do any job that would require me to be solitary or reclusive. Allow your soft skills to lead the way and then fill in the gaps academically
along the way for you to be able to perform your job. Develop your people skills. You will always have to work with diverse personalities. Learn to develop positive relationships with people who think differently than you do. Lastly, learn technology. A technology background will always help since it is becoming embedded more and more in all careers. Be willing to quickly pivot with your career. Be open-minded. Understand that you can always learn something from everyone you meet.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I am very athletic. I have run several marathons and completed several triathlons. Additionally, I am a certified yoga teacher. I hold several certifications including yoga for children. I love being a volunteer yoga teacher. I have practiced yoga for over 20 years. It’s a real passion of mine.
Brain Play Sari on SCIENCE
DDon’t get swept away, winter and spring can be a bit breezy! Wind is something you can’t see, but you can feel and hear it. In this activity, you can create a wind vane to measure wind and be your own meteorologist! Make this tool using just a few items and take some measurements at home, in your neighborhood, or on your
on’t get swept away, winter and spring can be a bit breezy! Wind is something you can’t see, but you can feel and hear it. In this activity, you can create a wind vane to measure wind and be your own meteorologist! Make this tool using just a few items and take some measurements at home, in your neighborhood, or on your next vacation to see how places further away compare to where you live.
container lid on and tape it, if necessary, to keep it secure.
MAKE YOUR OWN WEATHERVANE!
• Pebbles or sand
• Sharpened pencil
• Drinking straw (a straight one, no bendies!)
• Straight pin
• Poster board or card stock paper
• Black permanent marker
• Ruler
4. Glue the container, upside down, onto the cardboard compass base you just made.
the plastic container so that the eraser is on top, and the point is held by the putty and sand.
5. With help from an adult, take the sharpened pencil, and poke it through the center of the plastic container so that the eraser is on top, and the point is held by the putty and sand.
What You Need:
• Compass
Round plastic drinking cup with lid, or round food storage
Drinking straw (a straight one,
Put the lid on the plastic container and turn the container upside down. Trace around the lid, and then make another circle around the outer edge, at least 2 inches wider than the first one.
Poster board or card stock
Black permanent marker
Use a ruler to divide the lid in half along its diameter, and then divide each of those halves in half. Write the words for the four parts of the compass along the outer edge of each of the four sides. Moving from the top, clockwise, write “north, east, south,
Put the lid on the plastic container and turn the container upside down. Trace around the lid, and then make another circle around the outer edge, at least 2 inches wider than the first one. Use a ruler to divide the lid in half along its diameter, and then divide each of those halves in half. Write the words for the four parts of the compass along the outer edge of each of the four sides. Moving from the top, clockwise, write “north, east,
Open the container. Stick a blob of modeling clay or putty on the bottom of the container, and then fill the remainder to the top with pebbles or sand. Snap the
Open the container. Stick a blob of modeling clay or putty on the bottom of the container, and then fill the remainder to the top with pebbles or sand. Snap the container lid on and tape it, if necessary, to keep it secure. Glue the container, upside down, onto the cardboard compass base you just made. With help from an adult, take the sharpened pencil, and poke it through the center of
6. Cut a broad triangle and a square, both about 3 inches across from your construction paper. With help from an adult, cut a slit in each end of the straw. Slide the triangle onto one end and the square onto the other. Use a bit of glue if they seem to slip. Push the pin through the center of the straw and attach it to the top of the pencil eraser. If you flick the straw, or blow on either end, it should move freely.
6. Cut a broad triangle and a square, both about 3 inches across from your construction paper. With help from an adult, cut a slit in each end of the straw. Slide the triangle onto one end and the square onto the other. Use a bit of glue if they seem to slip. Push the pin through the center of the straw and attach it to the top of the pencil eraser. If you flick the straw, or blow on either end, it should move freely.
7. Take your wind vane outside to a place where the wind is not highly obstructed. Ask an adult to help you find north, south, east, and west on a real compass, and line up the wind vane accordingly. Wait for the next breeze; the arrow will point to where it’s coming from.
Looking for more weather science?
7. Take your wind vane outside to a place where the wind is not highly obstructed. Ask an adult to help you find north, south, east, and west on a real compass, and line up the wind vane accordingly. Wait for the next breeze; the arrow will point to where it’s coming from.
Come check out Forces of Nature at the Arizona Science Center or learn more at azscience.org!
Looking for more weather science?
Come check out Forces of Nature at the Arizona Science Center or learn more at azscience.org!
Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (7). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ SariOnScience.
Brain Play
just for fun
Which side of a cow has the most hair?
Why did the melon jump into the river?
Why was the student’s report card wet?
February fluctuates between having 28 and 29 days per year. The 29th day only occurs every four years during leap years.
A group of parrots is known as a pandemonium. And the collective noun for porcupines is a prickle.
The average flea can jump over 200 times its length and is able to leap 12 inches vertically and 7 inches horizontally, making them one of the planet’s best jumpers relative to its size.
Your brain contains about 100 billion microscopic cells called neurons.
And while a single neuron generates only a tiny amount of electricity, all your neurons together can generate enough electricity to power a low-wattage bulb.
“FEBRUARY” is one of the most misspelled words in the English language.
BOOK CLUB Brain Play
PRIDE
AUTHOR: Ibi Zoboi
GENRE: Middle-Grade Contemporary
AGES: 11+
RATING: AAAAA
SYNOPSIS: Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable.
When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri wants nothing to do with their two teenage sons, even as her older sister, Janae, starts to fall for the charming Ainsley. She especially can’t stand the judgmental and arrogant Darius. Yet as Zuri and Darius are forced to find common ground, their initial dislike shifts into an unexpected understanding.
But with four wild sisters pulling her in different directions, cute boy Warren vying for her attention, and college applications hovering on the horizon, Zuri fights to find her place in Bushwick’s changing landscape or lose it all.
In a timely update of Jane Austen's “Pride and Prejudice,” critically acclaimed author Ibi Zoboi skillfully balances cultural identity, class, and gentrification against the heady magic of first love in her vibrant reimagining of this beloved classic.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “I have always thought of Bushwick as home, but in that moment, I realize that home is where people I love are, wherever that is.”
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK IS: How it explores ideas about community and family. I haven’t read many books that depict the bonds and conflicts between loved ones as realistically as this one.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK IS: Definitely Zuri! She is such a well written character and has so much emotional depth it feels like she could step right out of the pages of this book.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: “Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo, “So Many Beginnings” by Bethany C. Morrow, and “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
Avery, 16, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @ readbyfin.
THREE MORE BOOKS TO TRY
EDIBLE CRAFTS KIDS’ COOKBOOK
AUTHOR: Charity Mathews
AGES: 4 – 8
SYNNOPSIS: What’s cooler than making a masterpiece you can eat?
“The Edible Crafts Kids’ Cookbook” will get little Picassos swishing, swirling, mixing, and molding in the kitchen as they create super fun art projects they’ll delight in and devour when they're done.
INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN
AUTHOR: Thanhhà Lai
AGES: 6 – 12
SYNOPSIS: Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: WINTER BLUNDERLAND
AUTHOR: James Patterson and Brian Sitts
AGES: 10 +
SYNOPSIS: Things heat up at Hills Village Middle School when Rafe gets an invitation from Dr. Daria Deerwin to join a research study on polar bears. How many times in life do you get a chance to come face to face with a real polar bear in the wild? Rafe is ready to find out!
Brain Play COLORS WORD SEARCH
PAGEpuzzle
FIND 5 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO PICTURES.
Can you find the words hidden in the puzzle?
GETAWAYS Celebrates 100 Years and You’re Invited to the Party
By Gretchen Pahia
Photos courtesy of Disney
Walt Disney Company is celebrating a huge milestone and they are inviting everyone to the party! Walt Disney Company, which started in 1923, is turning 100 years old this year and is celebrating with anniversary events and celebrations throughout the year.
In late January, the Disneyland theme park in California kicked off celebrations with a few big events including the launching of World of Color One, a new nighttime spectacular light show at Disney’s California Adventure Park. The wonderful show tells a beautiful story of how a single action – like a drop of water –creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. The
show is featured at Paradise Bay inside the theme park and the water is transformed with an amazing display of fountains, lighting, lasers, fog, all in conjunction with songs that everyone can sing along to and characters that people across all age groups know and love.
The theme park also kicked off celebrations with the debut of a brand-new fireworks show at Disneyland Park called Wonderous Journeys. Walt Disney Animation Studios teamed up with Disney Live Entertainment to feature iconic films and characters from the start of Disney animation through present day. Main Street and throughout parts of the theme park become a canvas for lighting effects, projections, and fireworks for the crowd to enjoy.
One of the biggest things people were waiting for was the debut
of the new ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which is now open to the public. Located in Mickey’s Toontown, which will fully re-open in early March, the ride transports guests into Mickey Mouse’s cartoon shorts and film world, with fabulous animation and projection-mapping techniques that are all synched with trackless vehicles and music.
It’s not just shows and a new ride that the park is unveiling for guests, there is also a ton of new merchandise and delicious food to check out at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Some of the new food items that you will get the chance to enjoy on your next visit include lemon tea cake, Minnie cake pop, platinum trifle with layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraiche
If you are looking for something that isn’t a sweet treat, there are new options there as well including a potato and cheddar burger with an angus patty, green chiles, and bacon cheddar sauce with a potato crisp - all on a brioche bun; French onion dip pizza with mozzarella, gruyere, caramelized onion, and sliced roast beef served with a side of beef au jus, and many other tasty options. Trust us when we say, there is something for everyone.
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland for spring break or for any upcoming summer vacation, be sure to check out all the latest activities and announcements at disneyland. com. There you can read the latest news, purchase tickets, make park reservations, and plan just about anything needed for your next Disneyland trip.
Chantilly, and more!
What's Happening
ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
When: Through April 2
Where: 12601 E. U.S. Highway 60, Gold Canyon
What: Don't miss raucous revelry at the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival! The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 50-acre circus, a 16-stage theater, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament, and a feast - all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure. Info: arizona.renfestinfo.com
SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW
When: Feb. 16 – Feb. 26
Where: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
What: The largest event of its kind in the world, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators. In addition to exciting competitions, gala
February 2023
parties, educational seminars, family-focused events, and an international cuisine court, the event features more than 300 vendor booths, offering everything from jewelry, clothing, and works of art.
Info: scottsdaleshow.com
“THE
GLASS MENAGERIE”
When: Feb. 16 – March 5
Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
What: Amanda lives in an illusion of recapturing her faded Southern Belle glory. Her daughter Laura lives in a fantasy world of delicate glass figurines, and her son Tom dreams poetically of a world beyond the back stoop. When Tom brings home a gentleman caller to meet his sister, their lives are upturned. “The Glass Menagerie” weaves these lives into a heart-stopping dance of hopes pursued and dreams betrayed. Info: atc.org
AZURE FAMILY CONCERT WITH TETRA STRING QUARTET
When: Feb. 18
Where: Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
What: Presented by the Tetra String Quartet, Azure concerts are fun, friendly, and engaging performances tailored to children and young adults who
are on the autism spectrum or have similar challenges. Azure concerts are approximately 45 minutes in length, followed by an instrument petting zoo. Family members and caregivers of all ages are welcome to attend. All behaviors welcome!
Info: tetraquartet.org/azure
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HOOP DANCE CONTEST
When: Feb. 18 - 19
Where: Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
What: Top American Indian and Canadian First Nations hoop dancers will compete at the Heard Museum for the prestigious World Champion title and cash prizes. At this two-day competition, men and women compete on an equal field.
Info: heard.org
CHOCOLATE AFFAIRE
When: Feb. 18 – Feb. 19
Where: Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale
What: The Chocolate Affaire is the premiere event for chocolate lovers everywhere. The event brings unique chocolate experiences to the city of Glendale for a two-day exhibition of 50+ chocolatiers, wine tastings, food demonstrations, live music, and familyfriendly interactive experiences! Enjoy free admission and free parking.
Info: thechocolateaffaire.com
JURASSIC QUEST
When: Feb. 24 – 26
Where: Bell Bank Park, 6321 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa
What: The classic indoor adventure is back! Jurassic Quest and sky-scraping dinosaurs bring supersized family fun. Get up close to
life-size, realistic dinos, and even see them move and roar! Whether the dinos had skin that was scaly, feathers, or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense to bring the dinosaurs to life.
Info: bellbankpark.com
“PAW PATROL” LIVE
When: Feb. 24 - 26
Where: Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix
What: Nickelodeon's hit show “PAW Patrol” is on a roll with a live tour! The whole family will enjoy a PAWsome show complete with heroic characters, fun songs and dances, interactive elements, and captivating storylines!
Info: seatgeek.com/paw-patrol-live-tickets
TRES RIOS NATURE FESTIVAL
When: Feb. 25-26
Where: Tres Rios Base & Meridian Wildlife Area, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale
What: Celebrate with us at this environmentally sustainable event. Activities include guided bird tours, canoeing, fishing, zip lining and wildlife education at the nature center.
Info: avondaleaz.gov/events
INNINGS FESTIVAL
When: Feb. 25 – 26
Where: Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
What: Innings Festival is a two-day event that features rock, pop and country performances, culinary demos, as well as curated food vendors, fun family activations and appearances by professional baseball players. This year's festival features Green Day, Eddie Vedder, Randy Johnson, and more. Info: inningsfestival.com
On Deck: March
SPRING ART ON THE BOARDWALK
When: March 10
Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: Spring Art on the Boardwalk features talented local and regional artisans exhibiting fine arts, crafts, home décor, and specialty gift items. Guests can enjoy live musical entertainment on Saturday and Sunday. Children are encouraged to create their own work of art and enter the coloring contest. Budding artists from Salt River Elementary will display their masterpieces in the student art exhibit. This event is free to attend.
Celebrate with us at this environmentally sustainable event. Event activities include guided bird tours (7:30 am), canoeing, shing, ziplining, and wildlife education at Nature Center.
Games and activities for all ages, food trucks, live entertainment, character visits, crafts, and Splash Pad opening weekend. Superhero 5k Presented by Put On The Cape. Visit putonthecape.org to register for the run.
Celebrate the rich heritage of the community at this Cinco de Mayo themed event. Festivities include authentic Mexican cuisine, a Cantina, Luche libre wrestling, and live entertainment presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts. Scan QR code or visit AvondaleAZ.gov/events
