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[Page i]

Brilliant Star

A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS

MAY/JUNE 2011

Waves of One Sea [Page ii]Brilliant Star Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbnc.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.999.9019 WWW.BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG

© 2011 NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Arboleda • Dr. Byron W. Bender • Lisa Blecker Dr. P. Dee Boersma • Erin Bough • Council Brandon Sydney Cameron • John Carlin • Glen Fullmer • Barbie Hull El Lee • Nicolás Mariñelarena • Doug Marshall Mobin Olinga Mazloomian • Tamika O’Connell • KC Porter Donna Price • Saul Soto • Alice Williams • Aram Zare Ahdieh Zelalem • Aiping Zheng • Dr. Alison Ziari

Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted. By Lisa Blecker: Coloring on page 1 Historical photos courtesy of National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted.

Story and activity credits: By Amy Renshaw: 6, 11, 17, 19, 24, 29 By Susan Engle: 12, 16, 20, 22, 26, 28 By Annie Reneau: 2, 3, 4, 18, 21 By Lisa Blecker: 8, 9 By Donna Price: 5, 10, 14, 27

Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the Bahá’í Faith. It is the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Bahá’ís.

The Bahá’í Faith was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people are part of one human family, and that all religions come from one God. Bahá’ís work to bring peace and unity to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing.

Brilliant Star encourages kids to bring their virtues and talents to light, and use them to make the world a better place. Brilliant Star is produced bimonthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service by phone at 1.800.999.9019 or by e-mail at subscription@usbnc.org. Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years) International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years) Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

SUBMISSIONS We welcome submissions and ideas from contributors of all ages. For editorial themes or submission guidelines, mail your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, or e-mail us (above).

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE All content in this magazine is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. The name of the magazine and issue date must be present on all copies and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

INTERNET RESOURCES AND INTERNET SAFETY We often provide Internet resources to encourage readers to explore a topic, or to share our references. While we make every effort to choose reliable websites, Brilliant Star does not endorse or account for all content in referenced websites. Furthermore, we urge caution and parental guidance when using the Internet. For more information about Internet safety, visit www.wiredkids.org/wiredkids_org.html

ISSN 0884-3635

FAVORITE FEATURES

3	Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace How was His Will unique in history?
4	Riley’s Rainforest Why is prejudice hazardous to your health?
8	Maya’s Mysteries Sort through the clatter of cliques.
9	Nur’s Nook Cool questions for learning about yourself and others
11	We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.
12	Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.
14	Lightning and Luna: Episode 44 Will the Uplifters finally defeat Dr. Devious?
18	Shining Lamp: David Kellum A hero of racial equality during days of segregation
20	Music Café Treble Chef serves up a song of celebration.
22	Stargazer: KC Porter Sharing the universal language of music worldwide
24	Calendars What’s special about May and June?
28	Cosmo’s Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon
29	aMAZEing ADVENTURE Imagine seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad.

[Page 1]WAVES OF ONE SEA MAY/JUNE 2011

Education for All

67 million kids don't go to school. Why?

Building the Future

How prejudice-free can you be? Take this quiz.

War of the Whales and the Sandpipers

A tale of a fierce fight among friends

We Can Fly!

How is humanity like a bird?

Crowned with Unity

Find the crowns at a Feast of Friendship.

Monsters of the Mind

They can jump out when you least expect it!

Josie the Detective: Powerful Words

Speak out and make a difference in the world.

What Do You Say?

When prejudice appears, be ready to respond.

Prepare for Adventure

Get your mind and heart ready for the road ahead.

Diverse Destinations

Identify inspiring sights around the world.

DEAR FRIENDS

As you sail on the mighty ocean, your boat is carried by waves large and small. Although there are different names for the world's oceans, they're all connected in one global body of water.

Our human family is like the sea. Each of us is a wave of that sea. We have diverse cultures, languages, religions, and ways of life, but we're all connected. And we all deserve respect.

Still, like storms that stir the ocean, prejudice and discrimination cause chaos. Around the world, people are mistreated because they're different. To help calm the waters, you can stand up to injustice and reach out to others in friendship.

In this issue of Brilliant Star, you'll find tools for fighting prejudice and honoring diversity. Quiz yourself on your peace-building efforts, explore the challenges of cliques, and discover what you have in common with new friends. And meet KC Porter, who travels the world to bring people together with music.

Every day, your words and actions can help us sail toward a more peaceful future.

With love from Brilliant Star [Page 2]

Education for All

“No nation can achieve success unless education is accorded all its citizens.” —Bahá’í Writings

What if you had to quit school to work and help support your family? For about 67 million kids, education is out of reach. Many have no schools or teachers nearby. Others can’t afford school, or they have to get jobs instead. But this is a problem that can change. The United Nations has set a goal of helping all kids get an elementary school education. Volunteers and other workers are building schools, finding teachers, and making education free for kids living in poverty.

The Bahá’í Faith stresses that education is especially important for girls, since many will become mothers and be the first teachers of their own kids. Education can also help us overcome prejudice. Learning about other cultures can lead people to change unfair ideas about them. When all kids have a chance to learn, we can build a just and peaceful society.

Find the tools named for virtues that are needed to bring education to everyone around the world.

Bucket of Bravery

Hammer of Hope

Ladder of Love

Purposeful Paintbrush

Dedicated Drawings

Saw of Sincerity

Shovel of Service

Toolbox of Tenacity

Trowel of Teamwork

OH, HI! <MUNCH> I LOVE CLIMBING TREES FOR THESE TASTY <MUNCH> LEAVES.

HERE IN DJIBOUTI, AFRICA, ONLY ABOUT HALF OF THE KIDS GO TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. BUT WE’RE WORKING TO CHANGE THAT. VOLUNTEERS ARE HELPING TO BUILD THIS NEW SCHOOL! [Page 3]

A Brief Timeline: The Life of Bahá’u’lláh

1817 November 12: Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in Tihrán, Iran

1844: Recognizes the Báb as a new Messenger of God

1852: Imprisonment in the "Black Pit" of Tihrán

1853-1863: Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

1863 April 22: Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith

1863-1868: Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

1868: Last exile, to prison-city of ‘Akká, Israel

1877: Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra'ih and then Bahjí, outside ‘Akká

1892 May 29: Bahá’u’lláh passes away at Bahjí.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace

"For Love and Unity"

For more than half of His life, Bahá’u’lláh lived as a prisoner and an exile. During His divine mission to spread God's message of unity and peace, authorities who were prejudiced against Him tried to stop Him—but they were unsuccessful. In spite of their efforts, Bahá’u’lláh won the hearts of people from all walks of life.

In 1877, Bahá’u’lláh was able to leave the prison-city of ‘Akká, in what is now Israel. He moved to a nearby countryside mansion for two years. Then He lived in the Mansion of Bahjí, closer to ‘Akká, for nearly 13 years, revealing holy writings and meeting with visitors.

About a week before He left this world, Bahá’u’lláh gathered His family and followers. He said, "I am well pleased with you all. Ye have rendered many services, and been very assiduous in your labors. Ye have come here every morning and every evening. May God assist you to remain united."

After a brief illness, Bahá’u’lláh passed away on May 29, 1892, at the age of 74. Just after sunset on that day, He was buried in a small stone house next to the mansion. Friends from various religions and backgrounds, including government officials, came to grieve with Bahá’u’lláh's family. Many could be seen crying aloud in the fields surrounding the mansion. Some wrote tributes to Him. The family generously served food to all the mourning visitors.

Nine days after His passing, Bahá’u’lláh’s Will and Testament was unsealed. In it, He told His followers to turn to His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, for guidance. Only ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was authorized to interpret Bahá’u’lláh’s writings. This was the first time in known history that the Founder of a world religion had clearly stated whom people should follow after His death. It ensured that His Faith would remain united, instead of splitting into sects, and that His followers would not argue over who would lead them.

In His Will, Bahá’u’lláh wrote that His aim had been "to quench the flame of hate and enmity, that the horizon of the hearts of men may be illumined with the light of concord and attain real peace and tranquility." He also urged, "The religion of God is for love and unity; make it not the cause of enmity or dissension." Bahá’u’lláh’s final wishes reflected His mission to unify all people.

Over the years, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and his grandson, Shoghi Effendi, beautified the gardens around Bahá’u’lláh’s Shrine. It is the holiest place on Earth for Bahá’ís, and the place toward which they turn in prayer each day. Today, more than five million Bahá’ís are working to share Bahá’u’lláh’s message of peace and create a more united world.

Photo Bahá’í International Community: Bahá’ís from all over the world travel to Israel for pilgrimage, a highlight of which is praying at the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. [Page 4]"Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing..." —Bahá’u’lláh

Perilous Prejudice

Germs, cigarettes, and junk food—these are some things you know you should avoid for good health. But have you ever thought to add "prejudice" to that list? Scientists have found that being prejudiced may be dangerous for your health. In one study, people were measured for their prejudiced attitudes. Then they were asked to talk with someone of another ethnic background. During the study, those who felt high levels of prejudice had more of a stress hormone in their bodies. Our bodies release this chemical when we face physical danger or emotional stress. Over time, stress can cause health problems, such as a weakened heart and immune system.

Why does prejudice happen? Experts say we tend to automatically favor those who are similar to us. For example, when scientists randomly divide people into groups, the people quickly prefer their own group. The same attitudes may apply when we look at race or culture.

HEALTH RISKS 1. GERMS 2. SMOKING 3. JUNK FOOD 4. PREJUDICE

The good news is that these attitudes can be changed. Working together toward a common goal, such as being on the same team or solving a problem together, helps people feel more comfortable with one another. This leads to reduced stress, conflict, and prejudice.

Another way to overcome prejudice is by developing empathy for others. Asking ourselves questions such as "How does that person feel?" or "Why do they feel that way?" can help us relate to diverse people as individuals. If we can see each other as one human family, we can stop prejudice before it starts.

Canopy of Questions

What do you want to know about staying healthy and happy? Health can involve your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Send your questions to brilliant@usbnc.org. Responses are given by a health professional.

"What is the effect to our body if we always are mad/angry about things?" —Teresa, age 10

Dear Teresa,

This is a great question. Being mad all the time—and especially holding anger inside—can cause headaches, stomach-aches, and muscle pains. Anger can even decrease your energy level and weaken your immune system.

That doesn't mean that you should never get mad. We all have this emotion, but it's important to figure out why you're mad and learn how to ease your anger in healthy ways. Exercising or doing something creative, such as drawing or playing an instrument, are helpful ways to relieve anger. Talking to your parents can help you understand why you're angry about your particular situation. And prayer and meditation are powerful tools when we feel angry, sad, hopeless, or lonely.

Take care and be happy, Dr. Alison Ziari Certified Pediatrician

Explore and Soar: Taking Action

Try some of these tips to help build a prejudice-free world. What other ideas can you think of?

• Pay attention to how different cultures are shown in the media. Does it seem fair?
• Start a club to honor diversity at your school.
• Take photos or write an article about unity for your school paper or website.
• Invite friends to a potluck dinner with foods from different cultures.
• Celebrate peace-building holidays, such as Race Unity Day. Better yet, volunteer at these events.

[Page 5]

Building the Future

Imagine a future where you zip to school in a flying vehicle or on a hoverboard. Sounds cool, right? But there's an even more exciting future to look forward to—a world without prejudice. The Bahá’í Faith envisions a time when people of any culture, religion, age, or gender will have equal rights and respect. In this new era, kids of all backgrounds will sit together, bullying won't be tolerated, and diversity will be celebrated.

Sadly, discrimination and injustice are too common today. And they can be contagious. When we're hurt by others, we may develop prejudices and avoid meeting new people. But you can break this cycle—and you don't need a hoverboard to do it. Every respectful action helps. You're an important part of the world's future, and the future can start now.

Are you building a prejudice-free future? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1. If another kid makes fun of someone because of their looks, religion, or culture, I try to stick up for the bullied kid. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

2. I like to learn about world cultures, religions, and history. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

3. I make friends with kids from different backgrounds, rather than sticking to one group. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

4. I think for myself, instead of just going along with other kids. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

5. If someone starts telling a joke about another race or religion, I stop them, or I leave. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

6. I speak up against stereotypes about what boys or girls should do or be interested in. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

7. I try to catch stereotypes in my own thoughts and in the media. Often =3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

8. I show respect for my parents, teachers, and older relatives, who may have wisdom to share. Often =3 ⚫ Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

9. I look at each person as an individual and avoid using labels such as "jock" or "nerd." Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

10. I attend holiday celebrations and other events from different cultures or religions. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

11. I enjoy learning about my own culture or faith and sharing what I learn with others. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

12. I pray for unity and justice in the world. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely = 1

MY SCORE:

36-28 points: Great work! You're leaving prejudice behind and zooming your way to a peaceful future.

27-19 points: Good start! Look for opportunities to add even more diversity to your future.

18-12 points: You may be missing out on some good friends. Pick one action from the quiz and try it today. [Page 6]

WAR OF THE WHALES AND THE SANDPIPERS

Adapted from a Marshall Islands Folktale

Weet-weet! Weet-weet! Sandpiper sang out in the sunshine on the shore of the lagoon. Spotting some of the tiny fish she loved to eat, she pecked them out of the water. A wave washed over her feet, and she looked up to see her friend Whale swimming near. "Iokwe!" she called.

But Whale was grumpy that day. He was a blue whale, the largest creature on Earth. And he was very hungry. The krill were not as plentiful as usual. He yelled at the little bird, "Get away from the sea and leave those fish alone! The ocean belongs to the whales—and so does everything in it."

That ruffled Sandpiper’s feathers. She called back, "Don’t be a bully. The sea belongs to all of us."

Whale slapped the water with his great tail and yelled, "No, it belongs to the whales!"

Sandpiper chirped back, "You’re crazy. Besides, there are more sandpipers than whales. If the ocean belongs to anyone, it is us."

"You’re the crazy one, bird," said Whale. "Listen to me. I am the biggest animal you’ve ever seen. And there are many more whales than sandpipers."

Sandpiper flapped her wings. "Prove it!" she challenged. "You call the whales and I’ll call the sandpipers, and we’ll see who’s right."

"Silly little bird. We’ll see, indeed." Whale called out across the oceans in his low, echoing tones. And from the East, the West, the North, and the South, the whales came. Soon the lagoon was filled with whales of all shapes and sizes—humpbacks, fin whales, gray whales, bowheads, and more.

Then Sandpiper called out, her weet-weet carrying through the vast skies. The sound of thousands of flapping wings filled the air. The sandpipers gathered on the beach and in the coconut palms and breadfruit trees.

But which side had more? It was hard to tell. So Whale decided to call his friends the dolphins, orcas, porpoises, sharks, and fish. From the East, the West, the North, and the South, they crowded into the lagoon.

Sandpiper was determined not to be outnumbered. She called her friends—the seagulls, herons, cranes, and terns. From the East, the West, the North, and the South, they flew through the skies. Every tree and rock and bit of beach was a flurry of feathers.

Which side had more now? It was impossible to say. The creatures reached beyond the horizon. Stubbornly, Whale was determined to win. He told his friends, "If we eat up all the beaches, the birds will lose their nests. They can fly, but with nowhere to rest, they’ll get tired and drown!"

He began to gobble up the sandy beach, and the others followed his lead. The birds took flight as the land and trees and nests were devoured. [Page 7]Sandpiper was furious. She called out to her friends, “Drink up the ocean! If we swallow all the water, the whales and sea creatures will perish!” From bird to bird, the message flew, and they slurped up the sea. The water disappeared. Whale’s eyes grew large with panic as the sharks and fish gasped and grew still. He knew that the whales, dolphins, and porpoises would not survive long without water.

It seemed that the battle was won. The island was destroyed, but Whale and his friends no longer taunted the birds. Then Sandpiper saw the little fish that gave her nourishment flopping on the sandy sea floor. She looked out, and where the shining blue waves had once been, she now saw dry sand and rocks and miserable, dying creatures.

She thought of the mighty blue whale, the graceful dolphins, and others who had been her friends. They weren’t really enemies. How could a silly fight have gone so terribly wrong? She realized that the ocean truly was big enough for all to share.

Suddenly she called to the birds, “Spit it back! Spit it back! We can’t do this to our friends. And we need the ocean, too.”

Marshallese: lokwe = Hello; Jolok bod = I’m sorry

The birds agreed. They spit back the water, and the seabed filled again. Whales and dolphins and sharks and tiny fish swished their tails and flapped their fins. They all swam and leaped happily.

Whale felt grateful. He told his friends, “Spit back the beach! Give the land back to the birds!” Soon the beach was restored. Everyone sighed with relief. The island looked peaceful, and the waves glistened in the sun again.

Sandpiper told Whale, “Jolok bōd. It doesn’t matter whether there are more birds or sea creatures. We can all be friends.”

Whale said, “I agree. I’m sorry, too. We’re lucky that the ocean is big enough for us all.”

Whale and Sandpiper never discovered if there were more sea creatures or birds in the world. It didn’t matter. From that day on, they stayed the best of friends. The birds and sea creatures left for their homes in the East, the West, the North, and the South. Along the way, they told every creature about the disastrous war that ended in the strongest friendship. [Page 8]

Coping with Cliques

ocks. Geeks. Snobs. Do classmates use labels like these to describe groups of kids at your Cliques are small groups of people who hang out together and exclude others. They tend to have shared interests, such as sports or hobbies, and rules about how members should look, dress, or act. Some cliques are friendlier than others.

Kids who are part of a clique may not feel free to be themselves. They might even be pressured to give up other friendships or do unsafe things such as break the law or smoke cigarettes. If they don’t fit in, they risk being shut out or bullied. This can cause a lot of pain and disunity.

True friends like you for who you really are. They encourage you to be yourself and do the things you enjoy. When you have friends like that, you can rise above the challenges of cliques.

Understanding Cliques

Think about how kids in your school or neighborhood get along, and answer these questions.

What are some of the cliques in your school?

Why do you think cliques form?

What are some stereotypes about those cliques? (e.g., The "Jocks" get bad grades.)

Do you think the stereotypes are true?

What would you say if your friends wanted to exclude someone from joining your group?

Are you part of a clique? If so, how do you describe your group?

At school, try sitting with a new group of kids at lunchtime. Describe what happens:

Do you have to change yourself to fit in with your friends?

Is there tension between cliques in your school? If so, why?

How can you help bring more unity to your school? (e.g., Stick up for kids who are being bullied, or make friends with someone new.) [Page 9]

Nur’s Nook

What if they laugh at me? What if they don't like me? Worries like these can make you nervous about meeting new friends.

Beyond Your Comfort Zone

It may feel safe to stick with your familiar friends—like being in your own home. Always doing the same things with the same people, so you feel secure, is staying in your "comfort zone." It takes courage to strike up a conversation with someone new, but it can also be fun and rewarding.

If you meet someone from another culture or religion, you may find out about new foods, games, or traditions. Hearing about different goals or interests could inspire you. You might even have a lot in common. Encounters like these can lead to lasting friendships and a whole world of discoveries.

"Each soul is investigating reality... We are living at a time when we should enjoy real friendship." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Ready for adventure? Check out the project below.

You'll Need Notebook • pencil • markers • stickers or other decorations (optional)

Book of Cool Questions

1 Design the cover of your notebook. Add welcoming, inviting words and images. Include the title, "Book of Cool Questions: Share Your Amazing Answers!"

2 At the top of the first page, write a question. Choose from the "Cool Questions" or make up your own. Add questions until you have about 10 in your book. Skip three pages between them, so there's plenty of space for answers. Write your own answers first, with your name.

3 Introduce yourself to a kid you don't know well. Say something like, "Hi, I'm (Your Name). Can I interview you for my project? You'll just answer some cool questions." Write down the kid's answers with his or her name after each.

Interview at least 10 kids, and review the answers. What did you learn about them and yourself? Who would you like to know better? What do you have in common?

Cool Questions

I'M OFF TO MEET NEW BUGS.

1. If you could have any magical or superhero power, what would you choose, and why? 2. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why? 3. If you could be famous for any talent, what would you want it to be? 4. If you could give three things to every person on the planet, what would they be? 5. If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it? 6. What do you think is the coolest job in the world? 7. If you could be any animal, which would you want to be, and why? 8. If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be, and why? 9. What would your perfect day be like? 10. If you had a time machine, what time and place would you visit? [Page 10]

WE CAN FLY!

Freedom! It's thrilling to see a healthy bird take flight. When birds are hurt by disasters such as the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, experts and volunteers rush to rescue them. Birds can also be harmed when oil is spilled from sources such as damaged tankers and pipelines. The oiled birds are cleaned and given veterinary care. After they recover, they're released into the wild.

Birds are sometimes seen as representing the spirit or spiritual qualities. The Bahá’í Faith compares humanity to a bird. Just as a bird needs two healthy wings to fly, both women and men must be treated equally. Unfortunately, women often don't have the same rights as men. In many countries, women and girls are denied equal access to health care, education, jobs, or property.

Many people are working to heal these problems. You can help by treating both girls and boys fairly in your family, school, and community. When everyone's rights are honored, we can all soar toward a peaceful future.

These birds were released after being treated for oil spill injuries.

Find eight hidden capital letters, and use them to complete the quote.

OVER 1,200 BIRDS WERE CLEANED AFTER THE OIL SPILL IN THE GULF OF MEXICO.

LETTERS FOUND:

“_ he wo_ _ _ of huma _i _ o_he_ ha_ Wo wi _ g _ - o_e i_ me_. о u_ _i_ bo_h wi_g_ " a_e e_ua _eve_ope_ ca _ he bi_ f _ _ .” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 11]

WE ARE ONE: EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

"All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another." -Bahá’í Writings

OUR CONNECTIONS

What do you have in common with the planets in outer space? You're held in place by the amazing force of gravity. Gravity pulls all objects in the universe toward each other. It pulls our bodies toward Earth and keeps the planets in their orbits around the sun. Without gravity, everything would drift off into space. Scientists have several theories about exactly how gravity works, but so far, it's still a mystery.

EARTH-SAVING TIP

Recycle old batteries. Batteries from gadgets and toys may have toxic metals that can pollute our land, water, and air. Find out where you can take them for recycling.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Dr. P. Dee Boersma has studied Magellanic penguins in Argentina for 29 years. Dee speaks out about their decline and their connection to the planet and climate. She's won many awards and says, "Penguins are . . . telling us about the ocean, their environment, which is also our environment. It's up to us to listen to them."

WOW, REALLY?

Scientists discover about 15,000 new species of plants and animals every year.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

The island of Santorini, or Thera, was the site of a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BCE. It's in the Aegean Sea and is part of a European country with more than 2,000 islands. Unscramble the letters to reveal the country:

ECEREG O O O O O O

AMAZING ANIMALS

In this species of flightless birds, after the mother lays an egg, both parents take turns keeping it warm while the other hunts for food—sometimes traveling hundreds of miles.

Fill in the blanks to find their name: P E N G U I N [Page 12]

RADIANT STARS

Getting to know kids who shine Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique story to tell. What's yours?

Council B. Age: 13 I live in: Connecticut, U.S. I want to be: Photographer Something I like about me: I am not afraid to speak my mind. Hobbies or sports: Dance, theater, music, photography Favorite Bahá’í activity: Junior youth group Place I'd love to visit: Tokyo

Describe a time when you stood up for yourself or some- one else who was being bullied. Once my friend was being teased because she got a new haircut. I told her and the bully that I thought it looked great, and my friend told me she felt a lot better...

If you were a world leader, how would you get rid of prejudice among people? I'd hold a world convention, where ambassadors come from every country to share stories and experiences... It would help to show the world how special each and every one of us is.

Do you think some sports or activities are just for girls, and some are just for boys? No, I think that all sports are open to all genders ... If all men and women are equal, then prejudice in sports is no exception.

Mobin M. Age: 10 I live in: Michigan, U.S. I want to be: Engineer Something I like about me: How creative I am Hobbies or sports: Camping, drawing, soccer Place I'd love to visit: Haifa [Israel] I like to help people by: Making them laugh

How do you resolve dis- agreements with a friend? I try to solve the problem, and if it does not work, I just wait, and our friend- ship comes together.

Describe a time when you stood up for yourself or some- one else who was being bullied. Once in my summer camp, someone threw an orange at my back. I asked why he did it, then told a staff member.

If you were a world leader, how would you get rid of prejudice among people? I'll speak up for them and ask the world, "How are they different?"

Do you think some sports or activities are just for girls, and some are just for boys? I think some were made for a gender. Cheerleading is for girls, and football is for boys.

Erin B. Age: 11 I live in: Santo, Vanuatu [in the South Pacific] I want to be: A researcher at NASA* Best quality or virtue: Forgiveness Something I like about me: I find school easy. Hobbies or sports: Reading and playing computer games Favorite Bahá’í activity: Junior youth group Place I'd love to visit: A space city. (I love space.) I like to help people by: Helping them at school

If you were a world leader, how would you get rid of prejudice among people? Ask them to read each other's sacred books to see what the similarities are.

How do you resolve dis- agreements with a friend? [If] it was a misunder- standing...we see there's no reason we should disagree. [Or] one of us lets the other have his way.

Do you think some sports or activities are just for girls, and some are just for boys? I think they should be given a choice, because girls are better at some things and vice versa.

• U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration

[Page 13]

Sydney C.

Age: 11 I live in: New York, U.S.

I want to be: A singer

Best quality or virtue: Generosity

Something I like about me: I can be very joyful and enthusiastic.

Favorite animal or pet: Elephants, monkeys, pigs

Place I’d love to visit: Sydney, Australia

How do you resolve disagreements with a friend? By talking about it with them privately. I try to be a good listener, and to be understanding and forgiving.

What do you do when you hear negative gossip about a friend? When I hear negative gossip about a friend, I stand up for my friend and then try to change the subject so the person will stop gossiping.

If you were a world leader, how would you get rid of prejudice among people? By advertisements, speeches, and laws. I would also require that the different groups work together, so that they can know each other and see that everyone is the same.

Tamika O.

Age: 10 I live in: Illinois, U.S.

I want to be: Doctor

Hobbies or sports: Drawing, reading

Favorite Bahá’í activity: [Voices of Unity] Choir

Place I’d love to visit: England

I like to help people by: Helping people with their homework

Describe a time when you stood up for yourself or someone else who was being bullied. One time, my friend was being bullied but was scared to tell anyone. So I told someone, and it made everything better.

What do you do when you hear negative gossip about a friend? I ignore it, because it may not be true. So why listen?

Do you think some sports or activities are just for girls, and some are just for boys? I do think some activities are for girls and boys, because some girls may not be physically built to play guys’ sports.

“God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Ahdieh Z.

Age: 9 I live in: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

I want to be: Palaeontologist

Best quality or virtue: Confident and sociable

Something I like about me: I like to make people laugh and [be] happy.

Hobbies or sports: Soccer

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Telling and listening [to] Bahá’í stories

Places I’d love to visit: Australia, Alaska, Hawaii

If you were a world leader, how would you get rid of prejudice among people? I’d move everyone to Russia (the largest country in the world) and make a speech with the loudest microphone about unity

...I will convince [them that] together, we can bring unity in the world.

Describe a time when you stood up for yourself or someone else who was being bullied. My friends make fun of me, saying I am fat. It used to hurt me a lot. I even started not to eat my lunch . . . But then after talking to my parents, now I am convinced and telling my friends that I actually have [a] strong (fit) body.

Do you think some sports or activities are just for girls, and some are just for boys? No . . . Because everyone is created equal.

You can be a Radiant Star!

Here’s how:

1. If you’re age 7–14, write us at brilliant@usbnc.org or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Include your name, age, mailing and e-mail addresses, and phone number. Mention “Radiant Star” in the e-mail subject line or in your message.

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we’ll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign.

3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed forms, along with at least two good-quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, low-resolution digital images, or copyright-protected images (like school portraits). [Page 14]

LIGHTNING AND LUNA: LIGHTNING STRIKES

1. 44

IN LAB 19 AT THE UPLIFTERS’ HQ . . .

SHE HAD THIS, DR. DEVIOUS.

GOING TO THE TRANSMITTER? DID YOU THINK YOU COULD BLOCK A PROGRAM AS POWERFUL AS MINE?

WE WILL STOP YOU!

SOON YOU’LL ALL BE ON MY SIDE, JUST LIKE LUNA.

LUNA! WHY?

IF EVERYBODY IS THE SAME, WE’LL ALL GET ALONG.

RIGHT, AND LUNA’S ABOUT TO CONTACT THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. FOR ME.

SIR, LIGHTNING’S HEADING TO THE TRANSMITTER!

HOW DID HE GET PAST US?

THERE MUST BE A SECRET EXIT.

THE PLAN IS WORKING. IT’LL TAKE LIGHTNING A MINUTE TO SEND THE PROGRAM TO COUNTER THE BRAINWASHING MESSAGES.

CUT THE POWER TO THAT TRANSMITTER!

TELL THE TEAM OUTSIDE TO GET LIGHTNING!

DON’T HURT HIM!

MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE HQ . . .

COME ON, FASTER! SHOULDN’T SUPERHEROES HAVE SUPERCOMPUTERS?

HE’S BEHIND THAT BOX. GET HIM!

DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

ZIP ZAP

WHOA!

THOSE SONIC BLASTS ARE SHATTERING THE FIBER CABLE!

ZIP POP

THE TRANSMITTER NEEDS POWER!

HEY, I AM A POWER SOURCE! I CAN DO THIS! [Page 15]Uplifter Anti-Eraser 1.0 SENDING

WE BLASTED THE POWER CABLE, BUT THE TRANSMITTER IS BACK ON!

IT’S LIGHTNING! I TOLD YOU IDIOTS TO STOP HIM!

HANG IN THERE, LIGHTNING.

THIS IS PULSAR. WE’VE REGAINED CONTROL OF OUR NETWORK.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

Devious Eraserware 3.1 BLOCKED

STOPPED YOUR BRAINWASHING MESSAGES — WORLDWIDE.

NO, MY YEARS OF HARD WORK!

THE WORLD WOULD BE PERFECT! CONFORMITY IS THE ANSWER.

NO, IT CAUSED CHAOS!

OPENING LAB 19. ACCESS: LUNA.

I’M GOING TO HELP LIGHTNING.

YOU TRICKED ME—YOU NEVER CONFORMED!

BY THE WAY, I DID CONTACT THE PRESIDENT FOR YOU—TO TELL HIM ABOUT YOUR ATTACK!

YOUR MEDIA EMPIRE HAS FALLEN.

BLAST HER! AND THE REST OF THIS PLACE!

STOP!

I DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD REPEL SOUND WAVES.

NEITHER DID I.

LIGHTNING? LIGHTNING! CAN YOU HEAR ME?

QUICK, GET HIM TO A MEDIC.

LIGHTNING, ARE YOU OK?

LUNA... I... I NEED...

YES? I’LL DO ANYTHING.

A... NEW UNIFORM!

WILL LIGHTNING RECOVER?

[Page 16]

Crowned with Unity

"The crown of humanity rests on the head of every human being. In the eyes of the Creator all His children are equal; His goodness is poured forth on all." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

ear ye, hear ye! Adorn yourselves with royal robes-it's time for the Feast of Friendship. Two kingdoms have ended long years of war and mistrust. Although they have different religions, languages, and ways of life, they've finally realized that war is destroying both kingdoms, and it is time to build peace.

Although we can't all be royal kings and queens, each of us is born noble. Every person deserves respect. And we can all choose to do noble things and work for unity. We can share what we have and forgive others' mistakes. No matter how different we may seem, we can find common ground and reach out to people in friendship. Just imagine what the world will be like when everyone sees each other as the noble beings we truly are.

In this play, two kingdoms make peace after years of conflict. Find 20 crowns at the Feast of Friendship.

WHY WERE SOME EARLY DAYS OF HISTORY CALLED THE DARK AGES? BECAUSE THERE WERE SO MANY KNIGHTS! [Page 17]

MONSTERS OF THE MIND

“Turn these souls into heavenly angels . . . so that the perilous darkness of ignorant prejudice may vanish . . .” Bahá’í Writings

Have you ever been surprised by a mean, unfair thought that pops into your head? “Those clowns never pay attention—they’ll probably flunk the test.” “The new kid’s clothes look expensive. I bet she’s stuck up.”

Prejudice can sneak up on us, like a monster jumping out from a dark hiding place. Even if we want to be friendly to everyone, we may have prejudices we’re not aware of. They can slink into our minds for many reasons, including what we see in the media.

But there is good news—those monstrous thoughts can be tamed. Learning about other people’s cultures and experiences can help us understand them better. And when we get to know people from different backgrounds, we can see things through their eyes and treat them with fairness and respect.

Check out these nasty monsters that can be found in gloomy corners where prejudice hides. Have you met any of them lurking in your mind?

These monsters are learning to overcome prejudice and negativity. Match each one to the book that will help.

1. Angry Argolf: THEY SAY MY TEMPER’S BIG AND BAD. IF YOU ANNOY ME, I’LL BE MAD. 2. Hateful Huck: IN HAPPY GROUPS, I’LL NEVER BLEND. DON’T EVEN TRY TO BE MY FRIEND. 3. Ignorant Ichabod: SO WHY SHOULD I LEARN MORE AND GROW? I’M SMART ENOUGH WITH WHAT I KNOW. 4. Arrogant Argus: EVERYONE SHOULD BE LIKE ME. IT IS THE GREATEST WAY TO BE. 5. Selfish Stanko: I ONLY WANT WHAT’S GOOD FOR ME, AND THAT’S THE ONLY THING I SEE. 6. Negative Nonon: DON’T SMILE AT ME. I THINK THAT’S DUMB. I SEE THE WORLD AS DARK AND GLUM. 7. Inflexible Iggy: I’M NEVER WRONG. I LOVE TO JUDGE. I WILL NOT CHANGE—I’LL NEVER BUDGE. 8. Unfair Ugor: EVERYTHING MUST GO MY WAY. AND THAT IS ALL THERE IS TO SAY.

• A BE COOL, BE CALM
• B Becoming Positive
• C Journey to Justice
• D GIVING IS GRAND
• E i CAN ADAPT
• F Wisdom Quest
• G How to Be Humble
• H Power of Love

[Page 18]

DAVID KELLUM: Marching for Unity

A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance

David Kellum understood the importance of race unity. Around 1917, when he was about 14, a group of white kids attacked him in his hometown in Mississippi. That very night, David's grandmother put him on a train to Chicago, so he could live with an aunt in the north.

While in high school, David joined the ROTC* and became the first African-American Cadet Major in the program. In 1921, he married Annie Mae Stewart. David went on to study journalism at Northwestern University, near Chicago. In 1923, he put his skills to work for the Chicago Defender, a newspaper that promoted racial equality during a time when segregation was commonplace. David worked his way up to city editor. Sadly, Annie died in 1924, after giving birth to their only son, James.

David Kellum promoted unity and justice for all people through his work as a journalist for the Chicago Defender.

Connecting Kids

David devoted much of his energy to educating kids about unity. At the Defender, he promoted a club for kids called the Bud Billiken Club. David often portrayed Bud Billiken, a fictional character who encouraged kids to be honest, listen to their parents, serve their communities, and treat all people with respect.

David wrote that Bud's purpose was "to bring the children of the world closer together and show that all the world is kin." He said that the club was "the only organization of its kind in the world." By 1930, more than 65,000 kids had joined. The club connected kids with pen pals around the world. When his son received letters from friends in other countries, David told him, "This is the way it's supposed to be."

The Defender organized a variety of events for the Bud Billiken Club. David was a director and grand marshal of the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic, which grew to become the second largest parade in the U.S. It's still held in August every year and is attended by more than a million people. Celebrities involved in the parade have included President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and many others.

In His Honor

In 1955, David married a Bahá’í named Kathelynea Ford. She taught David about the Faith, and he became a Bahá’í in 1963. David gave public talks at the Bahá’í House of Worship and Race Unity Day events, and he served as chairman of the Chicago Spiritual Assembly, the governing council for the city's Bahá’í community. He also received many awards for community service over the years.

David passed away in 1981. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. praised David's "OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AS A JOURNALIST AND HUMANITARIAN..."

The Assembly created the David Kellum Awards. They were given annually for more than 20 years to individuals or organizations who, like David, were "positive role models for youth of all races" and who contributed "outstanding lasting service to the community."

• Reserve Officers Training Corps, a military training program

[Page 19]

Josie the Detective: Powerful Words

Doesn't it drive you crazy when you hear about injustice in the world? That's how I felt when I found out about the imprisoned Bahá’ís in Iran. I wrote a story about it for our school paper, The Global Citizen. My friends and family and I also wrote letters to Congress, and lots of other people did, too.

Sometimes kids hear about problems in the world and think they can't do anything about them. Things like war, world hunger, and pollution are big challenges that aren't easy to fix. But that doesn't mean we have to sit back and wait for someone else to do something. Kids all over the world speak up about what's important to them. They write letters and stories, give speeches, and start service projects.

We're young, but our words and actions are powerful. What do you want to speak out about? Search the school newsroom to find words to complete Josie's tips on speaking out for unity and justice.

The Global Citizen positive read SPORTS LEARN goals issue VERSION STORIES ARTS HEROES WIT quote

The Global Citizen Injustice in Iran by Josie Sullivan

Talk YOUTH PUBLISH DD idea OPINIONS EDITOR PROOF confident EVENTS deadline PHOTO tell EDIT justice

1. When you write research the facts and make sure you're accurate.

2. Find out about in your community and the world. Big things are happening every day.

3. Focus on the too-stories about unity and paper friendship can be inspiring.

4. about the lives of people from different races, religions, and backgrounds.

5. Listen carefully and respectfully to others' even when you don't agree.

6. For class assignments, write about who have stood up for justice.

7. Use the to share your message through videos, photos, songs, or websites.

8. Write letters about important problems to the

9. of your local paper and to elected leaders. to your parents, friends, and teachers about your concerns, and see how they can help.

10. Be even if people tell you that nothing will change—you can make a difference! [Page 20]“Music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart.” —Bahá’í Writings

WE’RE CELEBRATING RACE UNITY DAY!* I’M SO LUCKY TO HAVE FRIENDS FROM LOTS OF CULTURES WHO PLAY AND SING AT THE CAFÉ. WE’LL HEAR SONGS FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE MARSHALL ISLANDS TO ZAMBIA.

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE MUSIC TO HELP US SEE THAT WE’RE ALL . . .

ONE FAMILY

By John Carlin

1 Sunshine Look out your window you will find Love smile On every woman, man, and child All have diff’rent names Faces, eyes, fingers, toes, and brains But deep down, we’re all the same

CHORUS Ten billion dreams Between the sky and the sea You know we belong to one family

(Instrumental break)

Hey! Clap your hands! Humans, fishes, animals, and plants It’s time to do the one fam’ly dance

Ten billion dreams Between the sky and the sea You know we belong to one family

2. Stars die But still they shine and I don’t know why Flowers grow To color a bright tomorrow

With eyes of brown and blue Some have four legs and some got two But they’re all living just like you

Ten billion dreams Between the sky and the sea You know we belong to one family.

• Learn more about Race Unity Day on page 25.

© 2009 John Carlin For more of John Carlin’s music, visit www.kidsmusicunderground.com [Page 21]

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

You’re having a great time with friends, when suddenly one of them makes a joke that puts down someone’s race or culture. Your friend laughs and says he’s “just kidding”—does that make it okay?

When someone speaks negatively about a group of people, they may be expressing prejudice. That’s when they’ve formed opinions about others without knowing enough about them. Even if your friend doesn’t mean any harm, prejudiced statements can hurt. And prejudice often leads to discrimination—mistreating people from a certain group.

It takes courage to speak up. But if you’re silent, unfair ideas can spread. Check out these three situations. How would you respond to the prejudice?

THOSE KIDS ARE ALWAYS SPEAKING SPANISH TO EACH OTHER. THEY’RE IN AMERICA NOW—THEY SHOULD ONLY SPEAK ENGLISH!

IF YOU MOVED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, WOULDN’T YOU STILL SPEAK ENGLISH WITH YOUR FRIENDS? OR HEARING DIFFERENT LANGUAGES IS FUN. I’VE EVEN LEARNED SOME SPANISH FROM THEM.

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY:

THAT WEIRD SPECIAL NEEDS KID IS COMING THIS WAY. QUICK—PUT YOUR BAG ON THE CHAIR SO SHE DOESN’T SIT WITH US.

COME ON, SHE HAS AS MUCH RIGHT TO SIT HERE AS ANYONE ELSE! OR WE DON’T EVEN KNOW HER—SHE MIGHT BE REALLY NICE.

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY:

DID YOU HEAR JASON’S TAKING DANCE LESSONS? HOW GIRLY!

WHO SAYS DANCING IS JUST FOR GIRLS? THE MOST FAMOUS DANCERS IN HISTORY ARE GIRLS AND GUYS. OR DANCING IS REALLY ATHLETIC. IT TAKES A LOT OF SKILL AND STRENGTH. I’D LIKE TO BE GOOD AT IT, TOO.

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY: [Page 22]

QUESTIONS ANSWERS WITH KC PORTER

Music takes KC Porter around the world, and he is thrilled to go. Whether he's in China singing songs in Spanish, or in Spain recording a Puerto Rican artist, KC loves to share the universal language of music. His passion began in childhood. His family moved from the United States to Guatemala to share the Bahá’í Faith, so KC grew up with a variety of Latin American music, as well as American pop, rock, and jazz. With encouragement from his father, musician Bob Porter, KC learned the piano, sang for commercials, and performed in his father's band.

After high school, KC returned to the U.S., and his career as a music producer soared. He's worked with a diversity of artists, including Carlos Santana, Boyz II Men, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, and Ricky Martin. He's earned a GRAMMY award and two Latin GRAMMYs, as well as many nominations. He also co-founded Oneness, a group helping to end racism through the arts. He lives in California with his wife, Aimee, and their three children.

Left: KC at age 7, the year he and his family moved to Guatemala. Right: Growing up, KC enjoyed playing the ukulele, and he still does.

Q. What was your most challenging experience as a kid? Having a bigger brother and . . . sister. . . I felt that it was constantly a struggle trying to, like, keep up with the others... Growing up in Guatemala was challenging, because [at that time] I didn't have access to anything that we have access to here. . . My father, because he was in music, he had an electric piano that he arranged on, so I started learning how to play piano . . . That was a really good outlet for my restlessness.

Q. What do you enjoy more, performing or producing? I love both. When I go out on stage. . . I am so excited. I know [the microphone is] calling my name . . . I'm learning [that] it's not about getting a huge record deal, it's not about becoming successful . . . I think the most important thing is doing music that you truly love and that you want to go out there to perform . . .

Q. How does being a Bahá’í affect your work? Because so much of the music we hear on the radio today is lacking in spirituality ... we really feel like we want to sprinkle a little light into the music so that it really can uplift our spirits and really do what music is meant to do, which is to be a ladder to our souls... We can try to share a little bit of the spiritual wisdom that we learn from the Bahá’í Faith and other religious wisdom, other spiritual wisdom... Every day, I am mindful of the sacrifices that our dear friends in Iran are making for us.* I can't help but want to do everything I can, everything in my power, to honor that. . .

• Bahá’ís in Iran are persecuted for their religion. Seven Bahá’í leaders are currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, and about 70 others are also imprisoned.

[Page 23]

STARGAZER

An interview with an inspirational Bahá’í

Top: KC and Aimee Porter live in California with their three children, Carlos (left), WenJie (middle), and Emma (right). PHOTO BY ALICE WILLIAMS Bottom Left: KC performing in California in February 2011. PHOTO BY AIPING ZHENG Bottom Right: As a producer, KC has worked with many internationally-known musicians, including Celine Dion.

Q. You've introduced Latin American performers to global audiences. Why do you think that's important? Artists from around the world are excited about crossing over to a new market. I think, at the same time, that the world is very hungry to hear music from all over the world. . . The possibilities are wonderful.

Q. How did the group Oneness get started, and what are its goals? The whole idea was to create a non-profit [group]... focusing on... the oneness of humanity through music, the arts, and education . . . Last year. . . we selected... youth who came out to a national song-writer summit. . . And from that big workshop, we pulled together a band called The Bricks... They're making a difference and showing their story and inspiring other people to see what they can do. It's exciting.

Q. What advice do you have for kids who want to be singers or songwriters? There are two things that I would recommend right away. Start keeping a journal. Start writing, writing, and writing. You may hate it in the beginning, and that's okay ... God's inspiration can flow through you... Write from your heart if you can. Use your mind if you need the help. Also, learn an instrument like piano or guitar. . . It's always important to have an instrument that you can accompany yourself with.

Q. In this issue of Brilliant Star, we're talking about unity. What do you think kids can do to build unity among people? Every step that we take that has the intention of helping bring change to the world, or helping bring light to the world, or helping be of service to the world, is important. We don't have to feel, "I could never do this work. I could never help the whole country, never help the whole world". . . No, you start with one step at a time. How do you fill the ocean? One drop at a time. That's how we can change the world.

Q. What makes a good song? I think a good song is a song that comes from your soul, that comes from your heart. . . I think a lot of times, when we really need to say something, that's when our heart prompts us with the right words to say.

Q. If you had one wish for our Brilliant Star readers, what would it be? That each of us can begin our journey to finding the path of service that we can be joyful in walking, and passionate in pursuing. [Page 24]When Bahá’u’lláh revealed His message of peace and unity, He inspired many people. But others wanted to stop Him. In 1863, officials sent Him from Baghdad, Iraq, to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). Before He left Baghdad, Bahá’u’lláh made the joyous public announcement that He was a new Messenger of God. Then on May 3, He departed, riding a fine red roan stallion. Crowds of people from all walks of life saw Him off, many sobbing and bowing before Him. In spite of efforts to stop His Faith, it continued to grow, and it now has more than five million followers worldwide.

May Calendar

Every 19 days, Bahá’í Feast is held on or near the first day of the Bahá’í month.

TWELFTH DAY OF RIDVÁN Honors Bahá’u’lláh’s departure from Baghdad, Iraq.

National Teacher Day (U.S.) Write thank-you notes to your favorite teachers.

Cinco de Mayo (Mexico, U.S.) Have a fiesta to honor Mexican culture.

Mother’s Day

National Bike Month (U.S.)

International Day of Families (UN) Surprise your family with an act of service today.

ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH In 1892, Bahá’u’lláh left this world.

DECLARATION OF THE BÁB The Báb announced His mission in Persia (now Iran) in 1844.

BAHÁ’Í MONTH OF ‘AZAMAT (GRANDEUR)

Memorial Day (U.S.)

Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Asia covers about one-third of Earth’s land.

International Museum Day Go exploring at your museum!

Africa Day (African Union) Africa’s vast Sahara Desert is part of about 10 countries.

World Migratory Bird Day (May 14-15) 192 bird species are critically endangered, and 31 of them are migratory.

Did you know? Five types of Saharan antelopes are in danger of extinction.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (UN) Honor diversity for a peaceful world.

National Reconciliation Week (Australia, May 27-June 3) Honoring the first Australians.

World No Tobacco Day (World Health Org.) At least 250 chemicals in tobacco smoke are known to be harmful.

Cosmo’s Word Challenge

SOLIDARITY MEANS... a) A card game played by one person b) Unity of feeling or interest; fellowship c) Exotic blend of teal

My Goal for the Month: [Page 25]If you could create a new holiday to celebrate anything important to you, what would you choose? Holidays honor everything from heroes to events to countries. In 1957, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. created Race Unity Day to encourage friendship among people of all races and cultures. Bahá’í communities across the country enjoy parties, parades, and picnics. There’s often joyful music, dancing, and other arts from around the world. How will you celebrate Race Unity Day this year?

Every 19 days, Bahá’í Feast is held on or near the first day of the Bahá’í month.

Calendar Events

• June 1: African-American Music Appreciation Month (U.S.). Learn about artists such as the trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Celebrate Race Unity!
• June 4: National Trails Day (U.S.). A day to enjoy the great outdoors.
• June 5: BAHÁ’Í MONTH OF NÚR (LIGHT)
• June 6: Dragon Boat Festival (China). Colorful dragon-shaped boats race in honor of the ancient poet Qu Yuan.
• June 7-8: Shavu'ot (Judaism). Honors Moses giving the Jewish scripture, or Torah.
• June 8: World Oceans Day. How many different houses of worship, churches, or temples have you visited?
• June 12: Race Unity Day (U.S. Bahá’í). A call to end racism and build unity among all people.
• June 14: Flag Day (U.S.).
• June 19: Juneteenth (U.S.). Honors the end of slavery.
• June 20: World Refugee Day (UN). Pray for those forced to leave their homes.
• June 21: Summer Solstice. Longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
• June 24: BAHÁ’Í MONTH OF RAHMAT (MERCY)
• June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Honors more than 200 diverse ethnic groups of Canada.

Cosmo's Word Challenge

INCLUSIVE MEANS... a) Welcoming of all people; tolerant b) Cartridge full of ink c) Hasty, acting without thought

Did You Know?

The ostrich is the fastest-running bird—up to 45 miles (72 km) per hour.

In the United Arab Emirates, some traditional ships called dhows are built by hand.

Istanbul, Turkey, is located on two continents—Europe and Asia.

Jokes

HOW IS BASEBALL LIKE A PANCAKE? THEY BOTH NEED A GOOD BATTER! [Page 26]

Prepare for Adventure

Do you like to travel? Whether you're traveling near or far, taking a trip is a wonderful way to learn new things about our global family. But travel can bring unexpected challenges, too—such as lost luggage, homesickness, different foods, or unfamiliar languages. Saying a prayer before your journey is good preparation. It keeps your mind and heart ready for the road ahead. Try memorizing this prayer in one or more languages.

HI, I'M JAMAL! MY MOM IS PERSIAN AND MY DAD IS FROM CHILE. I LOVE VISITING OUR FAMILY OVERSEAS. I MEMORIZED THIS PRAYER IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH, AND I LIKE TO SAY IT WHEN WE TRAVEL. NOW I'M LEARNING IT IN ARABIC, TOO.

اَصبَحتُ يا الهى بِفَضلِكَ وَ أَخْرُجُ مِنَ البَيتِ مُتَوَكِلاً عَلَيْكَ وَ مُفَوّضاً أَمرى إِلَيْكَ فَأُنزِل عَلَى من سَمَاءِ رَحمَتِكَ بَرَكَة مِن عِندِكَ، ثُمَّ أَرْجِعِنى إِلَى البيت سالماً كما أخرجتنى مِنهُ سالماً مستقيماً. لا إِلهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ الفَردُ الواحد العليم الحكيم. - حضرت بهاء الله

I have risen this morning by Thy grace, O my God, and left my home trusting wholly in Thee, and committing myself to Thy care. Send down, then, upon me, out of the heaven of Thy mercy, a blessing from Thy side, and enable me to return home in safety even as Thou didst enable me to set out under Thy protection with my thoughts fixed steadfastly upon Thee. There is none other God but Thee, the One, the Incomparable, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. -Bahá’u’lláh

Me he levantado esta mañana por Tu gracia, oh mi Dios, y he dejado mi hogar confiando plenamente en Ti y entregándome a Tu cuidado. Haz descender, pues, sobre mí, desde el cielo de Tu merced, una bendición de Tu parte y permíteme regresar salvo a mi hogar, así como me permitiste salir bajo Tu protección con mis pensamientos fijos firmemente en Ti. No hay otro Dios más que Tú, el Único, el Incomparable, el Omnisciente, el Todo Sabio. -Bahá’u’lláh [Page 27]

Diverse Destinations

magine standing in front of a thundering waterfall and watching the torrent of water drop 44 stories into a cloud of mist. Deep in the rainforest, the rumbling sounds rush through you as you breathe in the cool spray. All over the world, people are drawn to awe-inspiring places. Earth is a miraculous planet with deep waters, lofty mountains, crystal caves, giant geysers, and majestic rock formations.

Landmarks and buildings created by people can be just as breathtaking. From temples to castles to pyramids, the world is filled with marvels of human creativity. Earth's natural and built landmarks are diverse, and by studying them, we learn about the world's history and cultures. Some of these places are in danger, but people are working together to preserve and protect them. What are your favorite wonders of our world?

Match each amazing landmark to its description.

3 Mont St. Michel, France 2 Grand Canyon, United States 1 Bahá’í House of Worship, India 4 San Rafael Waterfall, Ecuador 5 Matsumoto Castle, Japan G Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

A Formed by years of layered snow, these masses store about 70% of the world's fresh water. Mysteriously, unlike many others this one is not yet shrinking from climate change.

This holy place is built in the shape of a lotus flower, the national flower of its country and a sacred symbol of purity.

Dropping 480 feet (146 m), this wonder is the largest of its kind in the country. The Amazonian land is also home to about 1,600 bird species.

Built in the 1500s, this site has the oldest castle tower in its Asian country. It's sometimes called Crow Castle because of the black roof.

This home for monks was built in a bay near the English Channel starting in the 11th century. It becomes an island at high tide.

Created by the Colorado River, this gorge is 277 miles (446 km) long. It has five ecosystems, from mountain to desert, and prehistoric American Indian ruins.

Photos: 1 by Bahá’í International Community, 2 by Alexey Stiop, 3 by Max Topchii, 4 by Eugene Berman, 5 by Neale Cousland, 6 by Pablo H Caridad [Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

ACROSS 1. A way to overcome prejudice is by developing others. (p. 4) 4. True friends encourage you to be for

WHAT DO YOU CALL A LIZARD WHO SINGS HIP-HOP? ARAP-TILE!

1. This can also help us overcome prejudice. (p. 2) 2. If you meet someone from another or religion, (p. 8) 5. June 12 is Unity Day. (p. 25) 8. No matter how we may seem, we can find common ground and reach out to people in friendship. (p. 16) 10. KC Porter's advice to young songwriters is to write from your (p. 23) 12. He needs a new uniform. (p. 15) 14. Just as a needs two healthy wings to fly, both women and men must be treated equally. (p. 10) 15. It pulls our bodies toward Earth and keeps the planets in their orbits around the sun. (p. 11) 16. Kids all over the world up about what's important to them. (p. 19) 17. David Kellum studied this in college. (p. 18)

READY FOR A RIDDLE?

TO FIND THE ANSWER TO THIS JOKE, PUT THE SCRAMBLED WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER IN THE BLANKS BELOW.

WHY DID THE INSECT LIKE TO HELP HER FRIENDS WITH WRITING HOMEWORK? BEE GREAT A SPELLING SHE WAS

DOWN you may find out about new foods, games, or traditions. (p. 9) 3. Sandpiper and Whale had a disastrous war that ended in the strongest (p. 7) 6. Council and Erin both enjoy their Bahá’í junior groups. (p. 12) 7. There's nothing like music to help us see that we're all one (p. 20) 9. The Bahá’í Faith envisions a time when people of any culture, religion, age, or gender will have rights and respect. (p. 5) 11. Harriet Tubman guided many slaves to freedom on the Underground (p. 29) 12. Sydney says she tries to be a good (p. 13) 13. Hateful Huck needs to read the book Power of (p. 17).

ANSWERS

PAGE 2: Bucket at center left, hammer at bottom center, ladder at center right, paintbrush in tree at top left, drawings on roof at top center, saw on board at center, shovel near wall at bottom center, toolbox at bottom right, trowel at bottom left

PAGE 10: Q in leaves at top left, Y on trunk at top center, D on wing at top right, N on boat at bottom right, T inside boat at bottom center, R on jacket at bottom left, S in water at bottom left, L on trunk at center left. "The world of humanity has two wings-one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly." — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

PAGE 11: Greece, King Penguins

PAGE 16: Crowns at far top left on title; at far top right in trees; at top right under tree; at center right on bench, on queen, on king; at bottom right in trunk; at bottom center in shrub, under bench; at bottom left near painter; at center left on rug, in hand, on pot; at top left on banner, near sword; at top center on frog; at center on rug, on table, on king, on queen

PAGE 17: A) 1, B) 6, C) 8, D) 5, E) 7, F) 3, G) 4, H) 2

PAGE 19: 1) stories, 2) events, 3) positive, 4) Learn, 5) opinions, 6) heroes, 7) arts, 8) editor, 9) Talk, 10) confident

PAGE 27: A) 6, B) 1, C) 4, D) 5, E) 3, F) 2 [Page 29]

aMAZEing ADVENTURE

In the darkest night, you carefully make your way through the deep forest. Your heart pounds as you hear angry men with dogs in the distance, coming after you. You're hungry and your body aches. Somehow, you must find the strength to keep going.

Determined to escape the cruelty of slavery in the southern United States, thousands of courageous people faced dangers like these in the 1800s. In their search for freedom, they used the Underground Railroad—a network of safe houses or "stations" for hiding. Slaves traveled for weeks or months through cities, forests, and mountains around the U.S. Some even crossed icy Lake Erie to Canada, where slavery ended in the 1830s.

Slavery was outlawed in the U.S. in 1865. But conflict between whites and blacks continues today. The impact of slavery can still be seen in struggles to end racism. In honor of the brave travelers of the Underground Railroad, we can hold out the lantern of justice and help humanity find the way to unity.

Starting with Harriet Tubman, follow an Underground Railroad route from the southern U.S., through dense mountains, and into the safety of a far northern location free from slavery.

START

Slavery was gradually outlawed in northern states. But an 1850 law required officials to assist in recapturing fugitive slaves. Learn more about the Underground Railroad at www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/index.html

END

HARRIET TUBMAN, A FORMER SLAVE, GUIDED ABOUT 300 SLAVES TO FREEDOM ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, INCLUDING HER OWN PARENTS. [Page 30]"Your souls are as waves on the sea of the spirit; although each individual is a distinct wave, the ocean is one, all are united in God."

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá