Who did what in Ancient Rome?

October 26, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments 

Cover of October 2009 Appleseeds Magazine

Cover of October 2009 Appleseeds Magazine

Ever wonder who did what in Ancient Rome?  APPLESEEDS continues their wonderful ‘Who did What’ feature. In the October 2009 issue, readers can find out what it was like to live in Ancient Rome. What kinds of jobs did people have? Explore what it was like to be a Roman, from chariots, to taking a bath with your friends, to having a toga party!

I’m excited to announce that I have two articles in this issue!

“Gladiatrix: Fierce Females” highlights the women that fought as gladiators. When most of us think of a gladiator, we think of a strong muscular man, but according to history, even women stepped into the gladiator arena. Find out why.

“The Way We Wash” highlights the fact that Ancient Romans washed their clothes in human urine. Yes, you read that right. You’ll be amazed at what you find out in this article!

November’s right around the corner, so be sure to pick up your Oct. copy of APPLESEEDS.  You’ll never look at Ancient Rome the same!

It's Not Just a Game

August 12, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments 

2009-07-coverI have no idea how August snuck up on me, but it did. Perhaps it was the lack of summer we had here in the northeast, or the sudden burst of warm weather we’re now experiencing. Either way, we’re in the heart of summer and it’s a great time to get your young readers outdoors! And when they’re finally tired out and need some time to chill, have them read about play and the science of fun! The July/ August 2009 issue of Odyssey Magazine tackles that topic, ‘Let’s Play! The Science of Fun.’

I was honored to be able to contribute an article– It’s Not Just a Game. Sports are probably as old as humanity, and when we play baseball or basketball we do it for fun. But what, besides having a good time, is the ultimate value of sports? Explore the origins of some of our favorite sports and why playing or watching them goes beyond just having a good time.

I loved putting this article together because sports have been an integral part of my life. There’s something about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat that lends itself to wonderful stories-both fiction and nonfiction. I’ve always found myself drawn to books about sports, I absolutely love writing stories that involve sports and it was this article that sparked the idea of devoting an entire blog to sports and reading. So if you get the chance, please check out this month’s issue and you’ll be surprised to learn that sports are more than just fun!

An Ocean of Caring

June 8, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments 

SFC_Cover june lo I’ve always been amazed at the fact that the water in the ocean is the same water that rains on us. I could sit on the beach for hours just staring at the huge blue ocean and I don’t know why, but it always has such a calming effect. Today is World Ocean Day. Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro – although not yet officially designated by the United Nations – World Oceans Day is an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea.

Be sure to check out my latest article in the June 2009 issue of Stories for Children Magazine titled, An Ocean of Caring. Today’s a wonderful day to teach young readers about the importance of our ocean, what it offers us, and what we need to do to protect it.

For more info on World Ocean Day, please visit The Ocean Project.

You can read my article for FREE, but you should really consider downloading the entire issue now for only .99 cents! It’s worth it!

Nonfiction Monday takes place at various wonderful blogs throughout the Kidlitosphere! Today, you can check out the Roundup at Charlotte’s Library.
To see the blog schedule for Nonfiction Monday, please visit Anastasia Suen’s Picture Book of the Day.

Magellan's Madness

May 19, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments 

There are so many Amazing Journeys out there, you could fill an entire issue of Appleseeds and more! I’m happy to announce that my article, “Magellan’s Madness,” is featured in the May 2009 issue of Appleseeds.

Magellan was the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe and cross the Pacific Ocean. Ferdinand Magellan did it on his famous voyage in search of a westward route to the Moluccas (now Melaka). This is one of the greatest Portuguese explorers to ever sail the ocean and he’ll always be remembered as the first man who sailed around the world.

Be sure to check out the teacher’s guide for Appleseeds’ Amazing Journeys and “Magellan’s Madness.”

Peculiar Penguins

January 5, 2009 by Lori Calabrese · Comments 

Did you know January 20th is Penguin Awareness Day? It’s a day to show appreciation for our tuxedo-clad friends. I don’t know about you, but I just love these birds with the funny waddle!

I’m pleased to have my nonfiction article titled Peculiar Penguins for ages 7-9 in this month’s issue of Stories for Children Magazine. I think you’ll be as fascinated as I was to learn that the name ‘penguin’ belonged to another flightless bird instead of the penguins we know today, Emperor penguins weigh in at more than 60 pounds, and Rockhopper penguins’ tightly packed feathers and thick fat layer act like shock absorbers, allowing them to withstand large drops onto boulders without harm. OUCH!

Stories for Children Magazine is a wonderful online children’s magazine. It’s loaded with fun stories and articles based on age-appropriate reading levels. There are also puzzles, games, children’s book reviews, crafts, and poems to inspire the imagination. HOP over to Stories for Children Magazine to read the jam-packed issue!

Also, visit Anastasia Suen’s picture book of the day blog for more great nonfiction selections at the Nonfiction Monday roundup!