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[Page i]A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS

Brilliant Star

www.brilliantstarmagazine.org VOL. 49 NO. 2

TAKE A QUIZ: HOW TRUSTWORTHY ARE YOU?

SOLVE PROBLEMS WITH TEAMWORK

Search for Truth

[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

Published by the 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 Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Dana Allen Vahid Amin Jaden Arrowsmith Maya Ayoubzadeh Dr. May Berenbaum. Ella Berger Ma'ani Bermann-Mazibuko Lisa Blecker Richard Doering Samuel Eckl Kathryn Faith Nava Ghalili-Wuorenma Niki Hamraei. George Hatcher Chamreoun Ly Luvuyo Matolo⚫ Matt & Tish Photography Lua Missaghi Emily Nekoui Arya Nemati Reza Noori Layli Phillips Donna Price Lauris Reintjes Noora Safayipour Dr. Stephen Scotti

FAVORITE FEATURES

6 Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace He answered questions with a unique book.

Nur’s Nook Illuminate your adventures with this lantern craft.

11 We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

12 Riley's Rainforest How is curiosity good for you?

14 Lightning and Luna: Episode #75 Bridget and Baxter recall exciting missions.

16 Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

22 Stargazer: Nava Ghalili-Wuorenma A journalist who helps organizations communicate

24 Maya's Mysteries How can you solve problems with teamwork?

26 Shining Lamp: Tarázu’lláh Samandarí He was the last living Bahá’í to meet Bahá’u’lláh.

28 Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

29 aMAZEing ADVENTURE Help a solar car reach the Pillar of Purpose.

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted By Lisa Blecker: Photos on pp. 6-7; watercolor on pp. 3, 9 By Foad Ghorbani: Illustrations on p. 8 Historical photos courtesy National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS

By Amy Renshaw: 3, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 25 By Heidi Parsons: 8, 16, 22, 28, 29 By Annie Reneau: 2, 4, 12, 26, 27 By Lisa Blecker: 6 By Donna Price: 11, 14, 19, 20, 24

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS

To order or renew a subscription, contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service: Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019/ E-mail: 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)

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. "Brilliant Star" and issue date must be present on all copies, and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Bahá’í Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place.

The Bahá’í Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Bahá’ís. It 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 all religions come from one God. Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing. Today, Bahá’ís work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

ISSN 0884-3635 [Page 1]

SEARCH FOR TRUTH

VOL. 49 NO. 2 • MAY/JUNE 2017

NEW DESTINATIONS

2	Sleuth for Truth What will you find in this mysterious mansion?
3	Grow Your Core Self Harvest words that connect to your spirit.
8	Building Trustworthiness Can friends count on you? Take a quiz.
9	Cooperation Kingdom Leap through the rainforest with 19 frogs.
10	Dig for the Facts Discover tips to help you unearth treasures.
13	Firm Foundation Trust is a building block for friendships.
19	Honestly Enchanting Truthfulness can work magic.
20	Space Ace Scientists answer kids’ cosmic questions.
25	What Do You Say? Practice speaking up with integrity.
27	Camping Chaos Hey, campers: what’s wrong with this picture?

DEAR FRIENDS,

If you were on a search for hidden treasure, where would you start? What kinds of clues would you look for? Who would you ask for help?

Seeking truth is like going on an exciting treasure hunt. Not everything we see and hear is true, so sharpening our detective skills can help us figure out what’s real and what’s false.

In this issue of Brilliant Star, explore what it means to be a “sleuth for truth.” Search for qualities that improve your investigating abilities. Dig into fact-checking tips, and quiz yourself on how trustworthy you are. Practice responding to tricky situations with care. Create a homemade lantern to help light your path. And get to know Nava Ghalili-Wuorenma, a journalist who has dedicated her life to sharing true stories.

The quest for truth is an amazing adventure. When we explore with honesty and diligence, we can discover gems of wisdom and share them with others.

LOVE, BRILLIANT STAR

Skyline by Spectrum Studio, detectives by aaaniram [Page 2]

SLEUTH FOR TRUTH

Did you know that you’re a detective? Whether you’re faced with a missing treasure or a story that sounds false, you can be a sleuth for truth. As you search for clues, be thorough and think carefully—especially when you’re online.

When you wonder if a website or other resource can be trusted, investigate with questions. Who is sharing the material? Look for experts and well-known groups. Where did they get the information? Check for details about their sources. What is the purpose of the site? Determine if it offers clear facts or personal opinions. When was it published? Make sure it’s up to date.

Sleuthing skills are awesome! You have the ability to explore and figure things out for yourself. When you examine the evidence, ask questions, and pray for guidance, you can uncover the truth.

Help the detectives find nine items named for virtues that help in any search for truth.

BRAVE BINOCULARS CURIOUS FLASHLIGHT OF CAMERA FORTITUDE PERSISTENT TENACIOUS METHODICAL RESOURCEFUL POCKET KNIFE TYPEWRITER MAGNIFYING GLASS RADIO PHONE OF QUESTIONING FAIRNESS QUILL [Page 3]

Grow Your Core Self

"Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting." —Bahá’u’lláh

Did you know that the seeds from an apple core can be used to grow a new tree? In a similar way, each of us has a core self—our true self or spirit. This core holds the seeds of the best we can become.

To develop our core self, we have to be aware of our thoughts and feelings. Prayer, meditation, and reflection help us connect with our spirit—the inner voice that guides us.

Spending time in nature, creating art, writing in a journal, or reflecting quietly are some ways to connect with your core self. With practice, you can discover a path through life that feels authentic and helps you grow and thrive.

Fill in blank apples with letters to find words related to our core self. Connected apples have the same letter.

M A N T E G R I H H M [Page 4]

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 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.

Answering Questions

In 1844, something incredible happened. In Persia (now Iran), a young man named Siyyid ‘Alí Muhammad made a monumental announcement. He declared that He was a Messenger of God, and the Promised One expected by many followers of Islam. He took the name "the Báb," which means "the Gate" in Arabic. He told His followers—called Bábís—that He had come to prepare the way for another Messenger of God Who would unite the world.

Thousands of people embraced the Báb's message and accepted Him as a Messenger of God. But some Muslim leaders felt threatened by the popularity of the new Faith. The Báb was imprisoned. In 1850, He was killed by a firing squad. Still, the Bábí Faith survived.

One man who didn't believe the Báb's claim was His own uncle, Hájí Mírzá Siyyid Muhammad. He had supported his nephew, but was unconvinced that He was the Promised One, or Qá’im. A passionate Bábí friend tried to explain the truth of the Báb's station, but the Hájí remained doubtful.

"Are you really saying that my nephew is the promised Qá’im?" he asked. His friend laughed and told him that his response was the same as the Prophet Muhammad's uncle's response to Muhammad's claim. He reminded him that it was his duty to investigate the truth thoroughly.

So the Hájí went to Iraq in 1862. In Baghdad, He visited Bahá’u’lláh, Who was a leader among the Bábís.

When the Hájí met with Bahá’u’lláh, he was uplifted and overwhelmed.

Bahá’u’lláh lived in Baghdad, Iraq, on the banks of the Tigris River, from 1853-1863. During this time, He said, He revealed a "copious rain" of divine verses and "sent them to various parts of the world."

Hájí later wrote of that meeting, "He treated me with the utmost affection and favor... It is an absolute truth that deprivation from His bounteous presence is a grievous loss."

The Hájí asked Bahá’u’lláh to explain the prophecies that he felt had not been fulfilled by his nephew. Bahá’u’lláh told him to make a list of his questions.

The next day, Hájí Mírzá Siyyid Muhammad gave Bahá’u’lláh a two-page list of questions. Within two days, Bahá’u’lláh responded with a detailed reply—200 pages! This book became known as the Kitáb-i-Íqán, or The Book of Certitude.

In the Kitáb-i-Íqán, Bahá’u’lláh clearly explained the oneness of God, the station and role of all of the Messengers of God, and how religion unfolds over time. He addressed specific holy scriptures and explained parts of religious history. He outlined the qualities one must have when seeking truth.

The Hájí finally became convinced that his nephew really was Who He had claimed to be. [Page 5]"Shouldst thou ponder these words in thine heart, thou wilt of a certainty find the doors of divine wisdom and infinite knowledge flung open before thy face." -Bahá’u’lláh

The following year, in 1863, Bahá’u’lláh announced that He was the Messenger of God Whom the Báb had foretold. Those who accepted His Faith, including the Báb’s uncle, were called Bahá’ís. Today, Bahá’ís study the Kitáb-i-ĺqán as one of the most important books of Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation.

The Báb, whose message inspired the Kitáb-i-İqán, is honored with a magnificent shrine on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. Bahá’u’lláh Himself selected the spot for the shrine, which Bahá’ís consider one of the holiest places on the planet.

The Shrine of the Báb is surrounded by illuminated garden terraces at night. This majestic global landmark is visited by about one million people each year.

Use the key to decode Bahá’u’lláh’s words from the Kitáb-i-ĺqán about searching for God.

"Lea e e in te ar so e ni t... an eraete a nin li t of i ine i an e." [Page 6]

Lighting Your Way: Create Your Own Lantern

"Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire... is kindled within the seeker's heart... will the darkness of error be dispelled..." -Bahá’u’lláh

When you're walking in the dark, it's easy to bump into things, get injured, or lose your way. A flashlight or lantern helps you stay safe and on track. Similarly, lies and rumors that spread false ideas about a person or group are like darkness that can cause people to get hurt or feel lost. But your light of love, courage, and determination can illuminate the truth.

When you hear something that you're not sure about,

MY LANTERN AND I CAN LIGHT UP THE WORLD!

don't jump to conclusions. With a humble attitude, keep in mind that there may be more to learn in order to understand the full story. Talk to people you trust, such as your parents and teachers. Ask diverse people for their input. Sacred writings from your faith could also have answers. Seek truth with an open mind and heart.

Create this luminous craft to inspire you on your truth-seeking adventures.

You'll Need

• 12" x 15" (30.5 x 38.1 cm) sheet of waxed paper
• assorted leaves
• four 12" x 1" (30.5 x 2.5 cm) strips of thick paper
• 6" square (15.2 cm) of thick paper
• scissors
• clear tape
• hole punch
• 18" (45.7 cm) piece of string
• three battery-operated candles
• tacky glue
• pencil

1 Fold waxed paper in half so short edges meet. Unfold.

2 Make sure leaves are dry. Below crease in waxed paper, glue leaves as flat as possible without overlapping them. [Page 7]

Nur’s Nook

3 Add glue to tops of leaves and waxed paper's edges, then refold waxed paper and press flat.

4 Glue a paper strip to each long edge of waxed paper. Repeat on back.

5 Roll and press waxed paper and strips into cylinder shape so short edges overlap. Secure with glue.

6 Put cylinder in center of paper square. Trace around cylinder to form lantern's base. Cut out base.

7 Secure base to bottom of lantern, taping interior and exterior edges. If needed, trim excess paper.

8 Punch a hole in each side of lantern's top edge. Knot each string end to a hole for a handle.

9 Stack battery-operated candles inside your lantern and watch it glow! [Page 8]

Building Trustworthiness

"Trustworthiness is as a stronghold to the city of humanity, and as eyes to the human temple." -Bahá’u’lláh

Trustworthiness is like a tree house: it needs a sturdy foundation and takes time to build. But once it's built, you and your friends can feel safe in it. Like a tree's strong limbs, honesty and integrity are the base on which trustworthiness is built. When you're trustworthy, people can count on you to tell the truth and have integrity. Your actions support your words. When you say you'll do something, like help a friend or a sibling, you follow through.

It's a big deal to be deserving of people's trust and respect. Just as a solid trunk makes a secure tree house, trustworthiness is the base for lifelong friendships.

How trustworthy are you? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1 If I forget to do something I said I'd do, I admit my mistake and try to fix it. Often 3 Sometimes 2 Rarely = 1

2 I do homework and take tests without cheating or helping my friends cheat. Often 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely=1

3 If someone tells me something personal, I keep it private as long as no one is in danger. Often 3 Sometimes 2 Rarely = 1

4 I do what I know is right, even if others break the rules. Often 3 Sometimes 2 Rarely=1

5 If someone asks for my opinion, I give it truthfully and kindly. Often 3 Sometimes 2 Rarely-1

6 If I make a promise to someone, I do everything I can to keep it. Often 3 Sometimes 2 Rarely=1

7 I act like my true self and don't try to change my looks or personality just to fit in with others. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely=1

8 If I accidentally hurt someone's feelings, I apologize. Often 3 Sometimes = 2 Rarely-1

9 When someone wants to gossip with me, I ask them to stop or I change the subject. Often 3 Sometimes 2 Rarely=1

10 If I borrow something from a friend, I return it in good condition. Often 3 Sometimes 2 Rarely = 1

11 In games or sports, I play by the rules. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

12 If I find an item that someone lost, I turn it in so they can get it back. Often 3 Sometimes 2 Rarely = 1

My Score

36-28 points: Your trustworthiness tree house is ready for company! People can count on you to follow through.

27-20 points: You've got a good foundation-keep going. Try a tip from the quiz to strengthen your structure.

19-12 points: It takes effort to build trustworthiness. Try some tips from the quiz to help. [Page 9]

COOPERATION KINGDOM

"Trustworthiness is in truth... the most glorious crown for your heads." -Bahá’u’lláh

In the South American rainforest, green and black poison dart frogs make a powerful parenting team. After the mother lays her eggs, the father cares for them and keeps them moist. When the tadpoles hatch, they climb on their father's back, and he carries them to a pool of water, where they grow into adult frogs.

Whether your family eats insects or ice cream, cooperation is king. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family and friends need to be able to count on each other. Each person brings unique skills and strengths to your circle of support. If you're talented with technology, you can help grandpa with his new phone. When you need a hand with math, he can jump in and help. When you work together, you always know somebody's got your back. And that's a leap in the right direction!

Find 19 Frogs (not tadpoles) in the rainforest kingdom.

3.

GREEN AND BLACK POISON DART FROGS CAN HAVE EITHER GREEN OR BLUE COLORING.

HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY? R.I.BIT TOAD-ALLY AWESOME! [Page 10]

DIG FOR THE FACTS

"Observe with your own eyes and not with those of others, hearken with your own ears and not with the ears of others, and discover mysteries with the help of your own consciences and not with those of others." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

An archaeologist studies a historic site, makes maps, and begins a meticulous dig through layers of earth. After a lot of time and effort, the work pays off. An ancient fossil or a piece of pottery reveals clues to fascinating stories about how life has evolved on Earth.

In a similar way, whether you're researching for your science project or just for fun, you need patience, diligence, and curiosity when you're digging for information. If you're grappling with a puzzle, look closely at the situation from different points of view. Ask questions and gather as many facts as you can. You can develop the skills to unravel mysteries and unearth surprising treasures.

In this learning center, kids are exploring mysteries. Search the scene for words to complete the tips about being a super sleuth.

1. Keep an OPEN mind and put aside any prejudices you have about your topic.

2. In online searches, use precise WORDS to find the most useful information.

3. Use multiple SOURCES, including books, websites, videos, and interviews.

4. Analyze your findings to make sure they are reliable.

5. Watch for new words about your topic as you search, and use them to dig deeper.

6. LOOK at the topic from many different points of view.

7. Focus on your GOAL and filter out details that don't relate.

8. TALK to experts to get ideas about where to look and what to look for.

9. Think up many ANSWERS to your mystery, then figure out which one fits best.

10. Spend time daydreaming—your IMAGINATION is a great source of ideas! [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

How do we communicate with spacecraft that are millions of miles away? NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) has giant dish antennas up to 230 feet wide (70 m), spaced around the Earth in the U.S., Spain, and Australia. They send commands and receive data and photos from about 40 spacecraft. This network helps us understand the sun, the planets, Earth, and the universe.

EARTH-SAVING TIP

Brown Bagging Buying and throwing away gift wrap creates tons of extra trash. Turn a paper grocery bag into a gift bag with recycled ribbons, paper, greeting cards, or Earth-friendly paint.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Dr. May Berenbaum of Illinois, U.S., is an entomologist, an expert on insects. She studies insects' relationships to plants and humans. Author of six books and over 220 scientific papers, she helps people understand the importance of insects. She says, "Two- thirds of all 200,000 plus flowering plants depend on insects as pollinating partners..."

WOW, REALLY?

Every fall, millions of Monarch butterflies in the U.S. and Canada migrate to their winter home in Mexico—up to 3,000 miles (4,800 km)!

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

The Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith, meets in Israel, at the top of an arc of buildings on Mount Carmel. Unscramble the letters to find the city: IAFHA

AMAZING ANIMALS

Found in Europe and Asia, this bird lives in forests and wooded areas. After the eggs hatch, the father supplies food for the mother and babies. Fill in the blanks to find its name: SPORRO H K

Images: Satellite dish by NASA, butterfly by littleyaibua, Dr. Berenbaum by Kathryn Faith, courtesy of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, buildings by Dana Allen, bird by TahirAbbas [Page 12]

Curiosity Is Cool

Exploring things you're curious about is fun, but did you know it can be good for you? Research shows that when you encounter new things, your brain releases feel-good chemicals that can boost happiness. People who are curious say they have higher levels of positive emotions, lower anxiety, and greater satisfaction with life. They also tend to have more success at school and work. When we're interested in what we're doing, we may put in more effort, leading to better results.

In fact, curiosity can help improve our learning and memory—even for things we're not interested in. One study found that rousing participants' curiosity with trivia questions helped them do better on an unrelated memory test given at the same time. Curiosity is like a whirlwind that pulls in what you want to learn, along with other things around it. If you need to learn something that doesn't grab you, try studying more interesting stuff at the same time.

Curiosity can help improve our relationships with others, too. When we take an interest in people's feelings and experiences, it helps us develop closer bonds. And the more we get to know different people, the more we build our empathy and understanding.

You can create your own storm of curiosity by being inquisitive and staying open to new experiences. Read a variety of books. Play a new game—or create one. Make a list of topics you want to know about. There are so many things to do and learn. Pick one and start investigating!

Did you know that you can slow down time? When we're doing new things, minutes go by more slowly—or at least it feels like they do. Our brains have to process more information with new experiences than with familiar ones, which stretches out our sense of how much time is passing.

"Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing..." —Bahá’u’lláh

Explore & Soar: Create More Curiosity

Try these tips to give your curiosity a boost:

Ask questions. Let the answers lead you to new questions.

Pay attention to what fascinates you. Your natural interests can take you on a journey of new discoveries.

Browse bookshelves. A library or bookstore can introduce you to cool new topics.

Do something unfamiliar. The challenge of learning can help you see what's possible.

Talk to people who are different from you. The diversity of knowledge and experience can open your mind to new ideas.

Observe nature. Let the wonder of God's creation inspire you to find out more about our world.

Zoom in. Look closely at everyday objects to see things you haven't noticed before. [Page 13]

Firm Foundation

"Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues. Without truthfulness progress and success, in all the worlds of God, are impossible for any soul." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

hink about one of your best friends. They're probably someone you can always count on. You know you can believe what they say. You feel comfortable sharing your feelings with them. A true friend accepts you and cares about you, even when you make a mistake.

That kind of trust and honesty gives your friendship a strong foundation. It's impossible to really be kind and loving if you're not also truthful. Even if you think it's easier to tell a friend a fib or just say what they want to hear, you're really damaging your bond of trust.

Truthfulness connects with all the other virtues, like bricks that are added one by one, until you've created a mighty castle. And if the weather turns fierce, a friendship built on truthfulness can make it through the storm.

Match the word fragments to find nine words that build on truthfulness.

COUR EMPA SPECT RITY TICE ALTY UNI NESS JUS SINCER THY INTEG ITY FAIR LOY [Page 14]

LIGHTNING & LUNA

GOOD GONE BAD

1. 75

BAXTER AND BRIDGET

AT SCHOOL...

UNITY STREET SCHOOL JUSTICE JAM

LATER, AT THE BLAZE HOME . . .

THANKS FOR THE SNACKS, MR. & MRS. BLAZE!

ALWAYS HAPPY WHEN YOU’RE HERE.

WHEW, I CAN’T BELIEVE I MADE IT THROUGH THE SHOW!

YOU JUST HELPED SAVE THE WORLD, SON! DANCING SHOULD BE A PIECE OF CAKE!

COLIN AND MINNAH WERE INCREDIBLE ON OUR MISSION!

I CAN’T BELIEVE I FLEW A POD!

SPEAKING OF PODS, WANT TO SEE MY NEW CREATION?

IN BRIDGET’S ROOM . . .

YOU BUILT A SWEET SHIP, BRIDGET!

IS THIS A NEW SCRAPBOOK?

YEAH! IT’S A BOOK OF OUR UPLIFTER MISSIONS.

FANATICA FINN

DOCTOR DEVIOUS

FURY [Page 15]Look, it’s Fanatica Finn.

I almost quit the Uplifters to protect our family.

She wanted to save oceans—and rule the planet.

Glad you didn’t quit!

And Dr. Devious—he said he wanted to stop bullying.

Well, it sounded like a good idea. I fell for it.

He brainwashed people into being the same.

When Baxter stopped him and saved HQ, he maxed out his electric power.

Ha! That’s when my hair turned white.

We hated that we couldn’t tell you two.

I knew all along that you were Uplifters!

We didn’t want to put you in danger!

And Fury. You know Pulsar, one of our captains? Fury is his sister! She was an Uplifter at first.

Long ago, on a mission that went wrong, she accidentally blinded Pulsar. She got so sad and angry that she turned on the Uplifters.

She came back, though, so there’s hope for anyone.

You haven’t added Elka Ego yet?

Have to finish my science project first.

It was sad to see Elka at the end. I think she really wanted friends.

It seems she wanted power and money more, though.

It’s scary when ideas go wrong like that.

Will the Erasers ever stop trying to control the world?

I don’t know. That’s why we need the Uplifters.

BEEPPPP! BEEEPPP! BEEEEPP!

It’s HQ!

Another mission?!

We’re ready to help!

Enjoy every episode of Lightning & Luna in our new iPad app, available for free download in the Apple App Store! [Page 16]

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?

Lua M.

Age: 12 I live in: Minnesota, U.S.

I want to be: An actress

This career interests me because: I have always loved dancing, singing, and performing. The thrill of standing behind the red curtain on opening night is one of the best feelings ever!

Virtue I admire most: Optimism... the ability to stay positive through everything.

Place I'd love to visit: Swing at the End of the World... at La Casa Del Arbol in Baños, Ecuador.

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Children's class

A hero or role model: Malala Yousafzai, because she lived against all odds and then came back to help others.

Being truthful is important because: Without it all other ... virtues will collapse. You can't be kind or just or faithful if you're lying.

I'd love to learn more about: Why schools teach us the way that they do. Is there a reason for so many work- sheets and tests?

Ella B.

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

I want to be: Stage manager

This career interests me because: I like to see what is happening behind the stage rather than being on the stage.

Virtue I admire most: Loyalty

Hobbies or sports: Swimming, making short movies

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Community service

A hero or role model: Bahá’u’lláh

Being truthful is important because: It lets people know how you feel, and that brings people closer together.

When I have a question about something important: I always talk to my parents, and I learn a lot from them.

I'd love to learn more about: Other planets. They have always been a mystery to me, and I would like to be more familiar with them.

When I hear a news story that's hard to believe: If it is a weather story, I will try to see if weather like that is possible...

Arya N.

Age: 12 I live in: Georgia, U.S.

I want to be: [Pro] soccer player

This career interests me because: I just love soccer.

Virtue I admire most: Kindness

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Youth gatherings

Favorite animal or pet: Panda, cat

Places I'd love to visit: Japan, Australia, Hawaii

A favorite book: Three Gifts of Love [by Jacqueline Mehrabi]

A hero or role model: In my life, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Christiano Ronaldo in soccer

Being truthful is important because: When you always tell the truth, people can trust...you.

When I hear a news story that's hard to believe, I: Search it up on the Internet or ask someone, like friends or family.

When I have a question about something important, I ask: My parents, friends, the doctor

I'd love to learn more about: The Bahá’í Faith in other countries [Page 17]“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

Reza N.

Age: 11

I live in: Florida, U.S.

I want to be: Professional basketball player or car/jet designer

This career interests me because: I love basketball and really enjoy designing and making things.

Virtue I admire most: Humility

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Attending holy day celebrations

Favorite animal or pet: The cheetah, because it’s fast and agile.

When I have a question about something important, I ask: My mum and then my closest friends

Being truthful is important because: Relationships are based on trust, and you won’t have trust without being truthful.

A hero or role model: My parents. They push me to be my best and are always encouraging me to try new things and be open-minded.

I’d love to learn more about: How the brain works. It’s amazing to think about how . . . it’s more powerful than the fastest computer!

Ma’ani B.

Age: 9

I live in: Illinois, U.S.

I want to be: Comedian

This career interests me because: I love to make people laugh, and it makes me happy.

Virtue I admire most: Kindness and being nice

Hobbies or sports: Basketball and skateboarding

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Doing activities with my Bahá’í friends, like playing tag

I like to help people by: If they are being bullied, standing up for them

A hero or role model: My daddy

Being truthful is important because: If you lie and then tell the truth, somebody will get VERY mad at you.

When I hear a news story that’s hard to believe, I: Look it up online

Place I’d love to visit: Texas

Favorite animal or pet: Dogs and birds

I’d love to learn more about: Math in school

Niki H.

Age: 15

I live in: Texas, U.S.

I want to be: An astrophysicist

This career interests me because: I love astronomy and physics . . . and I want to be able to learn more about the universe.

Virtue I admire most: Trustworthiness

Hobbies or sports: Tae-Kwon-Do, sewing, reading

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Junior youth [group] and summer camps

A hero or role model: Stephen Hawking

When I have a question about something important, I ask: My mom and dad. I also look . . . in Lights of Guidance or Some Answered Questions.

I had the courage to share my ideas when: I was in [English] and we were reading “The Raven” . . . one of my favorite poems . . . I had my own copy of the poem all marked up . . . I didn’t really want to [share what I thought] . . . but I did! Most of my classmates agreed with me, and my teacher . . . [said] mine was the best analysis . . .

I’d love to learn more about: How we compare to the vast nothingness of space, and how we are so insignificant, yet capable of so much.

How to be a Radiant Star:

1. If you’re age 7-14, go to www.brilliantstarmagazine.org. From the top menu, choose “Discover.” Then click “Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer,” and fill out the form. Or e-mail us at brilliant@usbnc.org. Include your name, age, birth date, mailing address, and phone number.

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 form, 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 18]

Emily N.

Age: 13 I live in: Texas, U.S. I want to be: Police officer This career interests me because: I want to help people in any way I can.

Virtue I admire most: Tact. You should think about how others feel.

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Helping with children’s classes and going to [junior youth group]

A hero or role model: My brother, because he is everything I aspire to be.

When I have a question about something important, I ask: My dad. He always has an answer or opinion, even if . . . I don’t agree.

Place I’d love to visit: Bora Bora

Being truthful is important because: If you are not truthful, you are not sincere in what you do. Therefore, everything else you do is not truly for the good of others or yourself.

I’d love to learn more about: Life after death. Everyone has a different opinion, but nobody knows what is true. ‎It’sa It’s a‎ big mystery that can’t be solved . . .

Lauris R.

Age: 9 I live in: Montana, U.S. I want to be: I don’t know . . . But I like doing drawing.

Virtue I admire most: Patience and kindness

Hobbies or sports: Drawing and listening to stories on CD

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Holidays! My favorite is Ayyám-i-Há.*

Favorite book or song: I have a lot of favorite books. I like that you never know what will happen in books.

Favorite food: Morel mushrooms that I hunt with my dad.

I like to help people: In every way

Being truthful is important because: When you aren’t truthful . . . no one will trust you anymore, and they won’t like that you lied to them.

I had the courage to share my ideas when: We [did] projects in school

I’d love to learn more about: How to make fancy origami. I already know how to make a candy box, jumping frogs, and a few other things.

Jaden A.

Age: 8 I live in: Virginia, U.S. I want to be: A singer This career interests me because: I really like singing

Virtue I admire most: Leadership

Hobbies or sports: Tae Kwon Do, reading, LEGO [bricks]

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Children’s classes, Ayyám-i-Há parties

Favorite animal or pet: Our dog, Lexi

I like to help people by: Spell[ing] words. I’m really good at spelling.

Favorite book: Harry Potter [series]

A hero or role model: My dad

Place I’d love to visit: England

Being truthful is important because: If you lie all the time, people won’t believe you, even when you’re telling the truth.

I had the courage to share my ideas when: Sometimes I tell people about the Bahá’í Faith at Tae Kwon Do, or in school . . .

I’d love to learn more about: How to speak German. I’d like to go to Germany one day.

Noora S.

Age: 11 I live in: California, U.S. I want to be: A cardiothoracic surgeon

This career interests me because: Holding the beating heart and saving lives [would] make me feel great.

Virtue I admire most: Fairness, justice, respect [for] the rights of others

Hobbies or sports: Basketball, drawing, playing electric guitar

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Helping kids in children’s classes, and Feast**

A hero or role model: My mom

Favorite animal: Baby ram

Place I’d love to visit: The Lotus Temple [Bahá’í House of Worship] in India

Being truthful is important because: Without truthfulness, spiritual qualities are not possible.

I had the courage to share my ideas when: At school . . . I had to discuss . . . why I took a day off for a Bahá’í holy day.

I’d love to learn more about: Bahíyyih Khánum, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sister.

• Ayyám-i-Há is a festival of hospitality, charity, gift giving, and preparing for the Bahá’í Fast.
  • Feast is a Bahá’í community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship.

[Page 19]

Honestly Enchanting

“Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and adorn your souls with the ornament of honesty.” — Bahá’u’lláh

Wouldn’t it be exciting to wave your magic wand and reveal the truth about anything? Sometimes people lie to get something they want, or fib to stay out of trouble. But lies of any size put up barriers between people. It’s hard to trust someone who has lied to you. Instead of feeling connected, you may wonder what the person really thinks.

It may not always be easy to tell the truth, but you can conjure up a way. If a friend asks something private that you don’t want to share, politely ask to talk about something else. If you make a mistake, admit it and help fix it. It takes courage to be honest with yourself and others. But it can feel good, build trust, and strengthen friendships.

Instead of faking the facts, focus on the magic word—truth—and make deceptions disappear.

Find 18 magic words that help protect us from dishonesty. Search up, down, backward, forward, and diagonally.

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[Page 20]

ASK A SPACE SCIENTIST

Our universe is full of mysteries, and some of the most mind-boggling are in space. Curious kids asked questions, and we sent them to two Bahá’í space scientists. Have questions about space? Send them to us at brilliant@usbnc.org (with your name and age).

An illustration from NASA of Haumea, named for a Hawaiian goddess. Its moons, Hi'iaka and Namaka, are named for her daughters.

Why is the dwarf planet Haumea shaped like an egg? - Samuel, age 12

Hi, Samuel,

When we refer to Haumea as egg-shaped, we don't mean like a chicken egg, with one side pointier than the other. This special dwarf planet is more like a potato or a slightly flattened watermelon.

Haumea's shortest axis, the one that connects its north and south poles and around which it spins, is about 707 miles (1,138 km) across, while its longest axis is at least 1,443 miles (2,322 km) long. The fact that Haumea's spin axis is the shortest one gives you a clue as to why it has such a unique shape: it's rotating so fast that it's stretching itself apart. Haumea rotates all the way around in less than four hours—it's one of the fastest rotating large objects in the solar system. If it rotated much faster, it would stretch apart into a dumbbell shape before splitting itself in two.

Scientists think Haumea is spinning so quickly as a result of a giant collision early in the history of the solar system.

-George

BACK IN TIME

In the 1920s, when scientists weren't sure if the universe was bigger than the Milky Way, American astronomer Edwin Hubble (1899-1953) proved the existence of other:

G L X ES

Hubble Space Telescope [Page 21]Did NASA send a probe to Jupiter's moon Europa? If they did, what did they discover? -Luvuyo, age 15

Hi, Luvuyo,

NASA's Galileo robotic spacecraft spent almost eight years studying Jupiter, Europa, and other moons of Jupiter before NASA intentionally sent it crashing into Jupiter in 2003. It was destroyed to avoid contaminating Europa with Earth microbes if it ever crashed into that moon. Europa is about the size of Earth's moon. Galileo's close-up photos of Europa showed a surface that looked smooth, but was cracked and had features that look like ice floes do in the Arctic regions of Earth. Galileo's measurements of the magnetic field near Europa led to theories that a saltwater ocean lies beneath the surface ice.

In this illustration, NASA's Europa Clipper flies over the surface of Europa. The mission is expected to launch around 2022.

Several years later, the Hubble Space Telescope took photos of vapor plumes that could be water spouting from Europa's surface, almost 125 miles (201 km) high. A new mission to Europa, the Europa Clipper, is now being planned by NASA to determine whether Europa has the water and other ingredients necessary for life.

-Steve

STEVE SCOTTI is a research engineer at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia, U.S. He works to develop lighter, stronger materials and structures for aircraft and spacecraft. Watching the first astronaut launched into space inspired his interest in space exploration. He enjoys sharing his enthusiasm about science and space with kids.

COSMIC QUIZ

The study of the origin, evolution, and future of the universe is a branch of astronomy called:

A) The Big Bang Theory B) Dark Energy Evolution C) Gravity Reversal D) Chameleon Theory E) Cosmology

Images: NASA, Johan Hagemeyer, NASA/JPL-Caltech

GEORGE HATCHER was an avionics engineer at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, U.S., from 2004-2017. He worked on electrical systems of the space shuttle and uncrewed rockets. He also studied planetary science at the University of Central Florida. Working in avionics was a dream come true for George. He's aspired to be an astronaut since he was three. He's one of 100 finalists in the Mars One Project, which aims to create a human settlement on Mars. [Page 22]

Nava Ghalili-Wuorenma

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Imagine moving over 9,000 miles away from home, to a new country where you don't know anyone. That's what happened to California, U.S., to Perth, Australia. She was excited at first, but the shock of living in a new culture was overwhelming. Everything was new: the people, the school, the speech, and the environment.

It was hard, but learning to adapt turned out to be great preparation for Nava's career path. She earned a college degree in business and then studied broadcast journalism.

As a journalist, Nava created an Emmy-nominated news series. She wanted to help solve global problems, so she got a master's degree focused on analyzing conflict in the Middle East. Today, she draws on all of that experience in her work as a media consultant, helping human service organizations with their communication efforts. Nava and her husband, Blake, live in California.

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?

A: I would grab... a fishing rod and go to the lake and fish or climb trees or play with my friends...I could dream... and imagine... what was considered to be impossible.

Q: What was the most challenging experience for you as a kid?

A: Culture shock [of moving to Australia]... [and] the bullying I received... My first day in class, the teacher made fun of my accent in front of everybody and laughed. And everybody laughed... [That] gave permission for everyone to make fun of me... But, you know, I think I became a more compassionate person because of it.

Left: Nava at age 6, attending kindergarten in California, U.S.

Right: At age 12, Nava enjoys horseback riding during a family trip to New Zealand.

Q: What's one of your favorite experiences from your career as a journalist?

A: It was the most humbling experience of my life... When you ask questions [of] people that are experiencing something that they will remember for the rest of their lives, you actually share that moment with them... I always tried to feel what... [they] were feeling...

Q: Have you ever encountered sexism or racism as a journalist?

A: Yes... I didn't always look like everybody else... Mostly... it was sexism... More attention was being paid to my appearance and what I was wearing than what I was... saying.

Portrait by Vahid Amin [Page 23]

Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í

Left: Nava visits Cambodia in 2014, to meet with families and speak to youth and junior youth. Right: Nava married Blake Wuorenma in New York, U.S., in September 2017.

Q: When you want to figure out if something is true, how do you do that? A: One of the beautiful things that Bahá’u’lláh talks about is seeing through your own eyes and not through the eyes of others... think that's the problem that... we're having right now... we're not using our own eyes and our own... capacity to investigate the truth... [When] I find myself getting into the habit of judging something based on appearances or the information that I'm given, I catch myself.

Q: What's your advice for kids who are interested in a career in journalism? A: First, I would say, ask yourself why ... If your intention is to investigate the truth or to convey truth or to serve your community...it's so very honorable. But be careful not to do it for reasons... other than that... Don't ever, ever, ever listen to anybody saying that you can't achieve something.

Q: What do you say when someone asks, "What's the Bahá’í Faith"? A: I always say it's a faith that believes in the oneness of humanity, and its followers do whatever they can to serve humanity. And [we're]... led by principles like equality between men and women, universal education, science and religion should go hand in hand, and whatnot. And I think that in itself is enough for people to... grasp the essence of the love of the Bahá’í Faith... once that touches the hearts, then you can talk about the details...

Q: What do you do in your work as a media consultant? A: I'm doing everything that I have taken from my media life and contributing in any way possible to any organization that I feel is doing worthy work in the field of service...

Q: What virtues are most important for you to practice in your work? A: Truthfulness is very important... If you're not truthful, then the credibility of your work entirely is undermined. And I think people are able to trust you as a result of your truthfulness... Loyalty is important. And... you have to do everything with so much love... If you just have the love of God in your heart and your intentions are pure... then I think that will keep you going...

Q: If you had one wish for Brilliant Star's readers, what would it be? A: I would wish for them that wish that I still have for myself... to be fearless, with a heart full of love... There's enough in this world that puts people down and prevents them from achieving their potential to the service of humanity. And I think it requires a lot of courage, so to have courage, to be fearless, and to have the love of humanity and God always in their hearts.

Photos: Cambodia by Chamreoun Ly, wedding by Matt & Tish Photography [Page 24]

Maya’s Mysteries

"Consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way... —Bahá’u’lláh

Standing Together

Last week, some kids were picking on my friend in the school hallway, so we both told them to stop. But then they bullied her in PE class when the teacher wasn't looking, and none of the other kids helped. Some of them even laughed. That made me mad! I asked a bunch of friends to get together and do something about this bullying. Some of them shrugged and said, "We can’t do anything that’ll help." But others said, "I'm in!"

MAYA, YOU’RE AN AWESOME FRIEND!

We brainstormed and decided to start an Upstanders Club. We talked about befriending bullied kids and defending them, rather than just standing and watching. We came up with lots of great ideas. We can't wait until we meet again! Working in groups is a powerful way to create change and it's fun.

Group Power

Unscramble the words to discover our tips about problem solving with a group.

1. Gather a team that wants to work on solutions (GETHETOR) 2. (IESTLN) while everyone explains their point of view. 3. Gather (CAFTS) about the problem. 4. Write potential (LOUSONITS) in a brainstorming session. 5. (AINIGME) and discuss what might happen with each solution. 6. Be (AHEDCETD) from your own ideas. 7. Encourage everyone to be (BLFEXLIE) 8. If people get upset, take a moment of silence or say a (ARYEPR) 9. (EAGER) or vote on one or two solutions to try first. 10. Find (OPPELE) to help, such as parents, coaches, or teachers. 11. (ECDIDE) how to test the solution and what the trial period will be. 12. Meet again to decide if the solution is (OWKIRNG) [Page 25]

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

"Let your acts be a guide unto all mankind..." - Bahá’u’lláh

our days are full of tough choices. Do you eat the cookie or the carrot? Study for the test or try to squeeze it in after the game? Share the juicy gossip or keep it to yourself?

Even when you're planning to be responsible, friends might urge you to take another path. You want to have fun and get along with others-should you give in, even if you know it's wrong?

Practice thinking about these tricky situations and figuring out what you'll say. Being prepared helps you stick to your goals and show integrity when it counts.

MOM AND DAD ARE TOO BUSY TO NOTICE, SO WHY DO HOMEWORK?

WE SAID WE'D FINISH OUR HOMEWORK FIRST. I DON'T WANT TO LIE. OR I WANT MOM AND DAD TO TRUST US. I DON'T WANT TO LET THEM DOWN.

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY:

UGH, CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT OUTFIT? YUCK.

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SHE WEARS. SHE'S A GOOD PERSON. SHE HELPED ME WITH MY PROJECT THE OTHER DAY. OR IT'S OKAY IF IT'S NOT YOUR STYLE. IT'S COOL WHEN PEOPLE ARE UNIQUE.

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY:

HEY, CAN I COPY YOUR MATH? I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO DO IT.

THAT'S NOT HONEST, AND WE COULD BOTH GET IN TROUBLE. OR NO, THAT'S CHEATING. JUST BE HONEST WITH THE TEACHER.

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY: [Page 26]

SHINING LAMP

A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance Tarázu’lláh Samandarí (1874-1968)

Imagine being the last living Bahá’í to have met Bahá’u’lláh in person! Tarázu’lláh Samandarí had that honor, and he spent much of his life traveling the world to teach the Bahá’í Faith and share his stories.

Born into a Bahá’í family in Qazvin, Persia (now Iran), in 1874, Tarázu’lláh was given his name, meaning "Ornament of God," by Bahá’u’lláh. As a child, he studied Persian, Arabic, math, and calligraphy. At age 12, it made him "extremely joyful" to get up four hours before dawn to practice copying the Bahá’í prayers and writings. He later became one of the most famous calligraphers in Persia. From the age of 13, he also worked for his father, who was a merchant.

As a youth in 1891, Tarázu’lláh made the long, difficult journey to what is now Israel with his aunt and sister. The reward was wonderful-Tarázu’lláh got to spend six months close to Bahá’u’lláh.

Witnessing Revelation

The first time Tarázu’lláh met Bahá’u’lláh, he said he was "carried away with fear and excitement." He trembled so much that he could barely hold his cup of tea. Bahá’u’lláh gently encouraged him to drink it, but he couldn't. "In spite of His utmost kindness," Tarázu’lláh wrote, "I was so overwhelmed by His glory, His greatness, and His power that I was unable to raise my eyes to see His peerless face."

Twice Tarázu’lláh had the bounty of seeing Bahá’u’lláh reveal sacred writings. These moments were impossible to describe, he said. "Power filled the room. The messages came like torrential rain, leaving no doubt that it was a manifestation of God."

Tarázu’lláh was one of the Bahá’ís that Bahá’u’lláh called to His bedside during His final days on Earth in May 1892. After Bahá’u’lláh's passing, Tarázu’lláh was also there when His written will was read. In it, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh's son, was appointed to lead the Faith. Tarázu’lláh turned to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for guidance.

Traveling and Teaching

‘Abdu’l-Bahá urged Tarázu’lláh to dedicate his life to serving the Bahá’í Faith. He fully embraced this mission. He produced a Bahá’í newsletter that was sent all over Persia. He copied and compiled 18 volumes of sacred writings. In 1928, he traveled with his wife and their two sons to Adhirbayján to share the Faith. For the next 40 years, Tarázu’lláh continuously traveled and taught the Faith around the world. Shoghi Effendi, who led the Bahá’ís after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's passing, called Tarázu’lláh "the shining lamp among Bahá’í teachers." He named him a Hand of the Cause of God in 1951.*

At age 92, Tarázu’lláh visited the U.S. and Canada. Though in delicate health, he met thousands of Bahá’ís and gave many interviews to the media.

In 1968, Tarázu’lláh died in Israel at the age of 94. Nearly a thousand people attended his funeral. The Universal House of Justice-the governing body of the international Bahá’í community-praised his "SELFLESS DEVOTED SERVICE" as a "DEARLY LOVED" Bahá’í who was "FAITHFUL" to his "LAST BREATH."

• A Hand of the Cause of God served the Bahá’í community in significant ways, including encouraging others in teaching and protecting the Faith.

[Page 27]

CAMPING CHAOS

“Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face.” – Bahá’u’lláh

What if you went camping, and the person who was supposed to bring your tent didn’t show up? You’d be left out in the cold—literally.

We all want to be able to count on people to keep their word and do the right thing. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but a trustworthy person admits it and tries to fix it.

On a trip, lots of things can go wrong—it could rain, your backpack strap might break, or someone could twist an ankle. But when you trust the people you’re with, you can handle whatever challenges come your way. You can practice trustworthiness by making sure you’re really able to commit to things before saying yes. And you can always do your best to follow through on things you agree to do. Knowing we can depend on one another makes us all happy campers!

There have been some mix-ups with the camping supplies. Find 15 mistakes in this scene. [Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

WHAT DID THE CALCULATOR SAY TO THE MATH STUDENT?

YOU CAN COUNT ON ME!

ACROSS

2. It takes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to be honest with yourself and others. (p. 19)

3. Green and black poison dart \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ make a powerful parenting team. (p. 9)

4. Always do your best to follow through on things you \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to do. (p. 27)

5. Seek \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ with an open mind and heart. (p. 6)

10. Every fall, millions of Monarch \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ in the U.S. and Canada migrate to Mexico. (p. 11)

13. The Kitáb-i-Íqán is The Book of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (p. 4)

14. Arya, Ma’ani, and Lauris all admire the virtue of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (pp. 16–18)

15. Truthfulness connects with all the other \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, like bricks that are added one by one, until you’ve created a mighty castle. (p. 13)

DOWN

1. It’s a big deal to be deserving of people’s \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and respect. (p. 8)

2. To develop our \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ self, we have to be aware of our thoughts and feelings. (p. 3)

3. Nava wishes for kids to be \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ with a heart full of love. (p. 23)

6. As a child, Tarázu’lláh Samandarí studied this. (p. 26)

7. Being \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ helps you stick to your goals and show integrity when it counts. (p. 25)

8. When you wonder if a website or other resource can be trusted, investigate with \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (p. 2)

9. Can help improve our learning and memory. (p. 12)

11. Europa is a moon of this planet. (p. 21)

12. You need patience, diligence, and curiosity as you \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ for information. (p. 10)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

[Brilliant Star] makes me feel good. It helps me with learning about people from all over. I like to read their answers to questions. [If I could choose a theme, I’d] like an issue on unity so I can learn about it more and do more of it.

—Maya A., age 8, Minnesota, U.S.

ANSWERS

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 2: Binoculars at BL, camera at CR, flashlight at BL, knife at BC, typewriter at CL, magnifying glass at TR, radio at BR, phone at BR, quill at CL

Page 3: Integrity, honesty, nobility, insight, wisdom, listen, mindfulness, authentic, reflection, faith, prayer

Page 5: “Leave behind the darksome night . . . and embrace the dawning light of divine guidance.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Page 9: 1 at TL, 4 at TC, 4 at TR, 1 at CL, 2 at C, 2 at CR, 3 at BL, 2 at BR

Page 10: 1) open, 2) words, 3) sources, 4) reliable, 5) deeper, 6) Look, 7) goal, 8) Talk, 9) answers, 10) imagination

Page 11: Haifa, Sparrowhawk

Page 13: Courage, empathy, fairness, integrity, justice, loyalty, respect, sincerity, unity

Pages 20-21: Galaxies, E) Cosmology

Page 24: 1) together, 2) Listen, 3) facts, 4) solutions, 5) Imagine, 6) detached, 7) flexible, 8) prayer, 9) Agree, 10) people, 11) Decide, 12) working

Page 27, top to bottom: Golf club for fishing pole, pizza for bike wheel, ice skate for shoe, upside down book, toothbrush for pencil, pan for hat, flashlight for hotdog, sunglasses on grill, spatula for stool leg, tennis ball for marshmallow, carrot for tent stake, shoe in fire, book for brick in fire circle, frying pan for stool seat, feather for match [Page 29]

FINDING YOUR OWN PATH

"When you meet those whose opinions differ from your own, do not turn away your face from them. All are seeking truth, and there are many roads leading thereto." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Like desert roads winding through a spectacular landscape, there are many different paths you can explore in life. Each of us is on an exciting journey to find our purpose on Earth. How do you decide which way to turn?

Start by focusing on your talents and interests. Try lots of different activities and notice what drives your enthusiasm and curiosity. What subjects excite you at school? How do you like to help people? What hobbies do you love?

aMAZEing ADVENTURE

Talk to people in diverse careers and find out what they love about their work. Read about people who are successful in jobs that interest you. There may be more than one career that feels right—or you may discover a job that hasn't been invented yet. Follow your heart and watch for opportunities to travel on roads that lead to new adventures.

In this desert scene, figure out which solar car is on the right path to the Pillar of Purpose.

START

M

Pillar of Purpose [Page 30]"In order to find truth we must give up our prejudices, our own small trivial notions; an open receptive mind is essential." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Brilliant Star Search for Truth · VOL. 49 NO. 2

AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

www.brilliantstarmagazine.org