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Brilliant Star
ABAHA'T COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS —BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG VOL.53 NO.1
Stand Up for Justice
~~ > OY V4 j Soar with Your ——__ ; YL Oe Ley Unique Strengths
- ines OF EQUALITY.
[Page 0]
Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR
Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR
Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Darcy Greenwood ASSISTANT EDITOR
Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER
Donna Price WRITER
Dr. Stephen Scotti STEAMS EDUCATION ADVISOR”
MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS: Rose Aghdasi « Bahar Atrian « Dr. Julia Cline Susan Engle + Samantha Erdman « Nasuh Erekul Mikayla Habich « Kamren Jennings
Lucas Mazloom + Arjun Mukhopadhyaya
Dr. Rose Mutiso « Layli Phillips » Lua Rezin Corinne Sabour « Lua Schmid « lulia Schneeweis Sanam Tamadon
ART AND PHOTO CREDITS
Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted
By Foad Ghorbani: Art on p. 27
By Lisa Blecker: Photos on pp. 8-9; watercolors on pp. 12,19 Historical photos courtesy National Baha'i Archives, unless noted
STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS
By Amy Renshaw: 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 19, 25 By Heidi Parsons: 1, 12, 16, 22, 28, 29
By Darcy Greenwood: 1, 2, 3, 6, 13, 24, 27 By Lisa Blecker: 2, 7, 8, 12, 27
By Donna Price: 19, 20, 28
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RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE
‘Al ontenin Brilliant Stars copied bythe Nationa Spit Assembly the Baht ofthe US ory indvidual otros, Fr peision to copy raat,
se frm at blantstarmagune rppeissnequs or ite Brant Star, 1255 Cen St Evanston IL 60201 Teachers may photocopy ages in ited quotes for dssoom se. “Ballnt Strand volumeunberorisue dle tus be present nal copies, and pope cet gen tothe coyight owner.
Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Baha'i Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place. The Baha'i Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Baha'is. It was founded by the Prophet Bahd'u'llah (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Baha'u'llah taught that all people are part of one human family, and all religions come from one God. Bahd\u'llah's eldest son, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Baha'u'lldh’s passing. Today, Baha'is work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.
Isswosse3635
Maya’s Mysteries Do women and men already have equal rights?
Baha’u’llah’s Life: Mission of Peace He championed the equality of women and men.
Nur’s Nook Create a fun bird puppet with flapping wings!
We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.
Lightning and Luna: Episode #96 Erasers cause chaos, Uplifters seek solutions.
Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.
Interview a Hero Ask a female role model to share her story.
Riley’s Rainforest How can you challenge gender stereotypes?
Shining Lamp: Leonora Armstrong Meet the “spiritual mother” of South America.
Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon
A-MAZE-ing ADVENTURE Navigate cloudy skies to an equal future.
- Leam more about
STEAMS
[Page 1]
PSS ST ST SSS SE SSS OS
— «~ &
WINGS OF EQUALITY vou.53 No.1 Sel a NEW DESTINATIONS
3 Penguin Power i 4H Birds of a feather raise babies together.
Monumental Ideas Draw a statue to honor gender equality.
yy > 6 Uplift Equality
You can be a justice superhero!
Struggling with Stereotypes Stuart & Gabriella tackle math together.
Tools for Equality Stay positive and smash stereotypes.
Outside the Box Choose toys and games that bring you joy.
= Soar with Pterosaurs Travel back in time to study strong wings.
Space Ace 20 x.
A scientist answers your cosmic questions.
Lunar Learning Cooperation can launch innovation.
2 Quiz: Grow a Positive Body Image Do you appreciate your body and all it does?
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cod
= } printreleaf.
Stars by Markovka, skyline by Spectrum Studio, both from Shutterstock kid by Georgievic/ Getty
DEAR FRIENDA,
Have you ever felt like you shouldn't do something
because people said it was too “girly” or too “boyish”? From TV shows to movies and ads, stereotypes about gender are everywhere. Girls are often
encouraged to be helpful and quiet. Boys are usually told
tobe confident and daring and not to share their feelings.
Even if we don't believe these outdated ideas, they can influence how we think and feel. They can prevent us from being comfortable with ourselves and launching our true goals and dreams.
In this issue, explore gender equality and social justice. Take a quiz to boost your body image. Get tips about pursuing interests that make you feel curious and joyful. Soar with Nur and create a fun bird puppet. Unlock your superpowers and defeat, prejudice. And interview a woman you admire about her strengths.
We all have unique skills and ideas to share.
By standing up to stereotypes and appreciating people for who they are, we can wing our way toward equality.
LONE, BRILIANT STAR
[Page 2]
WE STAND
UP FOR
EQUALITY!
. ™ VSIERIES a
“Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha
4
EMPOWERING WOMEN
| school today, we talked about women’s rights.
i:
grateful for school! It also makes me want to stand up for women’s rights. We have a long way to go. My friend Andrea feels the same, so we teamed up on our class project. Jacob even asked to join us.
Equality won't just help women-it will benefit everyone. In countries where women are treated more fairly, people are healthier and earn more money. Check out this quiz we created for our project, and try it with your friends!
| was surprised when my friend Jacob asked,
“But men and women are equal now, right? Women started voting around the U.S. in 1920. Doesn't that mean they can do anything men can do?”
Mrs. Sophia said women’s rights have improved, and asked us to think about what's needed to achieve true equality. Did you know it’s actually dangerous for girls to go to school in some places? It makes me
-{ GENDER EQUALITY QUIZ -
Test your knowledge about the struggle for equality between women and men.
al
1. When women are educated, 5. About 60% of U.S.women think 9. Over 50% of landowners in the
they earn more money and can help families escape poverty. TRUE + FALSE
that women in this country are
treated with respect and dignity.
TRUE + FALSE
world are women, giving them power and resources. TRUE + FALSE
2. In Afghanistan, it’s illegal for girls 6. Globally, womenearn about77 —10. In 15 countries, women can't to go to high school or college. cents for every dollar that men leave their homes without their TRUE + FALSE earn. That’s almost 25% less. husband's permission. TRUE + FALSE TRUE + FALSE 3. Women and men do an equal amount of domestic work—such 7. It’s against the laweverywhere 11. Gender inequality increases as cooking, cleaning, and caring to force girls to get married. hunger and poverty. 60% of for kids—even if they have jobs. TRUE + FALSE starving people are women TRUE + FALSE and girls. . Nearly half of women in the TRUE + FALSE { 4. 104 countries prohibit women U.S. frequently or sometimes from working in certain jobs— feel unsafe because they 12. More women than men in the affecting almost 3 billion women. are women. U.S. earn college degrees. TRUE + FALSE TRUE + FALSE TRUE + FALSE sal Ae. 2 Brilliant Star #% v53 Ni Answers on page 28
mperor penguins make a powerful parenting team! The Like emperor penguins, both women and men can | E mother lays one egg and turns it over to her mate. Then _be nurturing. It’s easier to weather life's storms when the she takes off on a long fishing trip. Dad balances the egg on whole family works as a team. No matter what females his feet and keeps it safe in his brood pouch—a layer of warm, and males are expected to do, we can choose which — feathered skin. He faces freezing blizzards without food until strengths to develop. Maybe Mom is a terrific mechanic the egg hatches—in about 65 days! Then Mom returns with and Dad is a fabulous baker. When we use our gifts to help \
food. She cares for the chick while Dad goes out to fish.
others, we can build loving bonds that warm our hearts! t =
ENCOURAGING ELLIS
Answerson page 28 V53.N1 w& Brilliant Star 3
[Page 4]
A Brief ;
Timeline |
The hife of Baha’ lah
The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.
1817 November 12__| Birth of Bahd'u'llh in Tibrén, ran
1844s ~ Tas | Recognizes the Bab as anew Messenger ofGod
1852s Shits =|
Imprisonment in the "Black Pit” of Tihran
1853-1863
Exile in Baghdad, rag, From 1854-1856, He {goes into the mountains to ray in solitude.
Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder oftthe Baha‘ Faith
1863-1868 __| Exile in Constantinople ([stanbul, then Adrianople (Edime), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings
and rulersin 1867,
urging world unity
IBGE. WT. |
Last exile, to prison-city of ‘AkKa, Israel
1g77A& PVE 8) Finally fre to live in countryside homes of Mazra‘h and then Bahjt, outside ‘Akké
Bahd{ullsh passes away at Babi.
Baha’u'llah’s Life: Mission of Peace Empowering Women
hat if you never had a chance to
achieve your goals? You couldn't
go to school, travel, or even show your face in public. That was life for many women in Persia (now Iran) in the 1800s. They were treated as men's property and deprived of human rights.
Baha'u'llah stood up to these injustices. He said, “Women and men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God.” The Baha’t Faith is the only religion in recorded history that holds the equality of women and men as a central teaching. Baha'ts believe gender equality is essential in order for humanity to live in peace.
At a time when it was rare for women to be able to read and write, Baha'u'llah said parents should educate daughters and sons in the same subjects. In His sacred writings, He “lifted distinctions” between men and women and “conferred upon all a station and rank of the same plane.” This was a unique and groundbreaking statement for His time.
To Bahda'u'llah's wife, Astyih Khanum, He gave the honored titles Navvab, meaning “Highness,” and the “Most Exalted Leaf.” He helped her with the cooking, a task typically done by women. He was saddened by the hardships she faced during their exiles. When she passed away, He revealed a prayer in her honor, saying, “Woe betide him that denieth thy exalted station...”
When their daughter, Bahiyyin Khanum, was in her teens, Bahda‘u'llah entrusted her with “missions that no girl of her age could, or would be willing to, perform.” She eagerly achieved them. with “spontaneous joy.” Baha'u'llah called
4 Brilliant Star * v53 Ni
Baha'u'llah entrusted His daughter Bahiyyih Khanum with important work for the Faith and gave her a station “such as none other woman hath surpassed.”
her the “Greatest Holy Leaf" and told her, “We have elevated thee to the rank of one of the most distinguished among thy sex, and granted thee... a station such as none other woman hath surpassed.” Baha'u'llah encouraged His female followers and revealed tablets for them. In Baghdad, He showed extreme kindness to an elderly woman that He often met on His route to the coffee house. He asked about her health, and when she wanted to kiss His cheeks, He would bend down so she could do so. He often said, “Because I love this old woman so much, she also loves Me.” When He left Baghdad, He arranged for her to have financial support for the rest of her life.
Photos © Baha'i International Community
[Page 5]
After Baha’u'llah's passing, His eldest son,
‘Abdu'l-Baha, continued to promote justice for
women. He spoke in favor of their voting rights
and gave them significant roles in the Faith. He
explained that if a family doesn't have enough
money to educate both a girl and a boy, the girl's
education must be the priority, because she is a
potential mother. She will share her knowledge
with her children and uplift society.
Today, Baha'ts and Baha't-inspired groups around the globe stand at the forefront of efforts to establish justice for all women and share the importance of true equality worldwide.
Resting place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, Bahiyyih Khanum, the daughter of Bahd’u'llah, in the Monument Gardens at the Baha'i World Center in Haifa, Israel.
Find words related to the story. Look up, down, backward, forward, and diagonally.
U AX MV AH Brave EEUVRdIO
- cQaxvs NU
Education JwKT.IY»D Encourage ZLOW P FQ . TRE UAL Equality .
YSGRACE Exalted TS AE EFF Goals L ERRV KQ
MNULTOA Grace
BIOVICL Heroism ITC S UA K History UF NDOT W
X 0 EGARA
MLGYYEC
HOCK NWN AK MH Flo AmMSO
NORWMBR AS JEIGE Honan R PLCLN S
FOAIUEP Justice QtLITOVE Kindness pve ase hoftiness VOHUMRT
ICLJIHBN hove DETLAXE Peace ee eee Prejudice BcC IPWR Respect UZCAL FQ) Support Cc TIF ERM
DUdJ ERP I
V53 N1 w& Brillant Star
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tatues and monuments tell us powerful stories
of people and events that helped shape our world.
But there’s a problem: sometimes, they give us a
skewed view of history. Most U.S. monuments represent white males who were in power, focusing on war and conflict. Very few celebrate women and people of color. In fact, out of all the outdoor statues honoring historical figures in the U.S., fewer than 8% are women. There are actually 22 monuments to women who are not
<~/ MONUMENTAL IDEAS
even real—they're mermaids!
It’s crucial to explore the heroes who break down barriers but get little acclaim. For instance, Patsy Mink was the first Asian-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Dr. Mae Jemison was the first Black woman in space. Honoring the achievements of people from all races and backgrounds, of any gender, helps build HC . unity and opportunity for everyone. If you created a a
~ t
a
monument, who or what would it be about?
Draw a monument that celebrates women or expresses gender equality.
[Page 7]
s Uplifters, Lightning and Luna are stronger,
faster, and more powerful than most people. They
7™~ 4 can shatter stereotypes and explode expectations.
Their amazing abilities are fueled by virtues. So they can
only fly, turn invisible, or use other special powers when
they're helping people or battling the Erasers, who plot
to wipe out humanity’s positive qualities.
In a similar way, we strengthen our virtues when
Answers on page 28
we stand up for justice. It’s not always easy to be your true self and share your beliefs. Negative forces like prejudice, ignorance, and greed are just as devious as any villain. When fairness and peace are under attack, investigate the truth and leap into action. Whether you stick up for a kid who gets teased, help the hungry in your community, or make progress on your goals, you have the power to change the world!
IIIIIIII |
Use the letters to complete virtues that help us promote justice.
V53 N1 w& Brillant Star
[Page 8]
Fly with Equality: Make a Bird Puppet
“Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the Same eva of activity ... humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment.” — ‘Abdu |-Baha
y sister, Shiny, asked to join a flying game with Later, we practiced flying together. | showed her some
M some bugs on our block. They told her, “No tips for flying faster with air currents. Pretty soon she was way-girls can’t keep up.” She said, “That's a teaching me tricks. When she saw the guys, Shiny flew
stereotype, and it’s not cool!” Then she flew away. circles around them! They changed their tune about what
When Shiny got home, she told me aboutit.| was glowing _girls can do and learned some new moves. When females
with appreciation that she stood up for herself. Those guys and males are equally strong, we all fly higher. weren't fair. When Shiny’s excited about something, she’s Check out this cool craft Shiny and | made. We created great at using determination and creativity to figure it out. a puppet show to remind us to fly with equality!
WE MAVE PUPPETS AND A PLAY TO SHOWCASE GENDER FAIRNESS! You'll Need
+ printed PDF pattern*
4A" x 11" (11.4 x 28 cm) colorful paper
4A" x 11" (11.4 x 28 cm) card stock
two drinking straws of different widths
clear tape white glue pencil scissors
colorful paper and markers for decorating
optional: craft eyes
1 Cut pattern shapes out. Fold colorful paper in half so short ends touch.
3 Place body pattern on card stock. Trace and cut out.
2 (a)Place wing pattern on paper so its short end touches
fold. Trace with pencil. (b) Cut out wing to make a pair of wings attached at central crease. we t) “CS |" pom ap |
“See briliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/characters/birdpatter, pdf
8 Brilliant Star * v53 Ni
[Page 9]
4 (a) With wings closed and pointing up, fold top wing
down to make a crease 1'4" (3.2 cm) from wing pair's
central crease. (b) Flip wings over and repeat step (a)’s
fold for other wing. 2)
8 (a) Thread thin straw through thick straw—with flaps facing up. Push thick straw up to bottom of slivers. Fold straw flap backward to form a crease that’s even with wing's upper crease. Fold half of top section forward. Fold half of new top section back. (b) Use tape to secure only shortest end of straw's
5 Center edge of flap to wing, so it’s 1" (2.5 cm) above crease. Make body's belly along | sure flap’s second fold bends outward. Flip bird over central crease so and repeat (a)'s folds and step (b) for other flap. wing feathers point ay b,
toward tail. Glue
short portions of wings tightly around belly. —
6 (a) Onone end of thin straw, make a" (1.3 cm) cut through each side, to make two even tabs. (b) Center bird’s belly inside straw’s slits. Use tape to secure one tab to each side of belly.
9 Use colorful paper, markers, and craft eyes (optional) to decorate bird. Include designs or words about equality. Hold thin straw at its base. Push thick straw up and down to watch the wings go!
7 Cut off Ys of thick straw’s length. On one end of remainder of thick straw, cut a 3%4" (9.5 cm) sliver out of each side, to make two even flaps.
¢ fe | 5 ‘ r \
2 =)
(
V53 N1 w& Brillant Star
[Page 10]
re
BECAUSE OF THE STEREOTYPE THAT YOU'RE GREAT AT IT! WHEN I GET \
a GABRIELLA, THANKS YOU'RE WELCOME, ¥ I BOYS ARE GOO? AT MATH, I GET FRUSTRATED, I TAKE IT SLOW. OR I ASK
FOR HELPING ME STUART. I LOVE
Fe] count pRaconeties. IN citizen SCIENCE EMBARRASSED WHEN I HAVE TROUBLE. FOR HELP FROM FRIENDS LIKE YOU. } Uy Zz x PROJECTS!" —— - a) £ YEAH! SOME SAY GIRLS YOU CAN COUNT e)
AE _ AREN'T E007 AT NATH BG BUT LOTS OF GIRLS ARE!
¢ =
ON ME, STUART! vy
nm [NX VEU
kt} |“),
A
= = - B) rm 4 r EACH DRAGONFLY NEES EQUALLY STRONG WINGS ON BOTH SIZES. NUMBERS ON Va WE SOLVED THE FIRST PROBLEM! THE TWO LEFT-SIVE WINGS MUST ADD UP TO EQUAL THE NUMBER ON ITS BODY.
¥ AW ONE, THE RIGHT-SIDE WINGS SHOULD 70 THE SAME. & \ {, P FILL IN BLANKS TO BALANCE THE WINGS.
NY / \ \ iy ) 1
th X\ ; ae rt ¥ | 1 Vy Nt ay iF. ~\Y Ys” ) pi I [SPIE ZS . | VP p a= \ W g Z .
l Y MMA
(ape ae
Ome ig Wear tah
- \e% Vi [Ml CAN YOU FIND FOR MY WINGS? = ot
NIN Maia. Ge
10 Brilhant Star %& v53 Ni
[Page 11]
Did you know almost 700
million people worldwide
have no electricity? Lack
of access to safe, reliable,
affordable energy is called
energy poverty. Not having heating, cooling,
lights, ways to cook, refrigeration, and phones
can impact people’s health, safety, education,
and job opportunities. We can help by sharing
news about the problem. We can also reduce
our energy use and avoid waste. All people
need fair access to electricity in order to thrive.
") WHERE IN THE WORLD?
EXPLoRE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND
ITs CREATURES
Glitter Is Litter Glitter, found on cards, crafts, and more, is made of plastic and aluminum. It breaks into microplastic and contributes to pollution. Try sand, salt, or other Earth- friendly ways to sparkle!
The diet of an endangered giant panda is almost all bamboo, which ‘ they eat for up to 16 hours every day!
Dr. Rose Mutiso, a Kenyan scientist, is Research Director of the Energy for Growth Hub. She works to bring modern electricity to energy-poor regions. She’s passionate about women in science and says,Women are 50% of the potential talent pool. We need to be part of science as this crucial driver for change.”
Jasper National Park is in the world’s second-largest country, which has more lake area than any other nation. The park includes mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, canyons, and diverse wildlife. Unscramble the letters to find its location:
BERATAL, DAACAN
’
Answers on page 28. Images: Rose Mutiso by Energy for Growth Hub; ipopba, Hung_Chung_Chin, GlowingEarth, Windzepher, all via Getty
Koala babies are called “joeys.” They're born early and finish growing in their mother’s pouch. They're endangered because the eucalyptus trees that provide their homes and food are being cut down. Fill in the letters to find this type of mammal:
M RSU | LS
V53 Ni w& Brilliant Star 11
[Page 12]
\\. _Tools.for Equality
hen you're doing something you love, do you ever all deserve the chance to follow our curiosity and develop
get so absorbed you lose track of time? Those activities our God-given talents. Narrow gender roles aren't fair. may give you clues about careers to explore. But when you They limit people and slow the progress of society. That don’t see role models or people of your gender or background —_can change if men and women work together for equality. doing these activities, do you get discouraged? For example, You can make a difference by challenging stereotypes, robotics engineers, pilots, and carpenters are often men. thinking positively, and pursuing your dreams. Then Teachers, nurses, and hairstylists are often women. But we everyone can find their own path to joy!
In this makerspace, match each negative thought to a positive one that can replace it.
(1) THIS 1S KIND OF COOL, BUT I BET I COULDN'T GET A JOB DOING IT. I'LL TRY THE ROBOTICS CLUB! IT’S O 1 OKAY IF I’M THE ONLY GIRL AT FIRST.
e I STINK AT SEWING. THOSE GIRLS MUST THINK I’M STRANGE. 3) EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES. I'LL LEARN FROM THEI O
(3) I'VE NEVER BEEN GOOD AT SCIENCE, AND I NEVER WILL BE. 1
© 1 Hore 1 cet A vos vos THIS someDNy. ( Po © tis PLACE Is WEIRD. BOYS DONT KNIT! — a —=
© ts 1s tovew, But I CaN GET IC)
I WANT TO JOIN THE ROBOTICS CLUB, —©O caw’ ' ee BUT I’7 HATE TO BE THE ONLY GIRL. CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW MY BROTHER THAT GIRLS CAN BUIL? ROBOTS 100! O | (oe) THIS IS SO HARD—I’LL NEVER FIGURE IT OUT. CF) I LOVE HOW THIS PLACE BREAKS GENDER STEREOTYPES! O
(7) IF I MESS THIS UP, THEY’LL THINK IT’S BECAUSE I’M A GIRL. (c} T'VE ALWAYS STRUGGLED WITH SCIENCE, BUT THIS IS FUN. O i]
(3) THIS ROBOT IS A DISASTER. I SHOULD GIVE UP! CH} I’M GLAD I TRIED THIS, SINCE I DON’T LIKE SEWING. O
(9} MY BROTHER VIDN’T THINK I COULD @p \ THOUGHT THIS ROBOT WOULD LOOK DIFFERENT, VO THIS. MAYBE HE WAS RIGHT. BUT IT’S MY FIRST TRY. I'LL GET BETTER.
12 Brilhant Star * v53 Ni Answers on page 28
[Page 13]
NPA)
you ever wonder why some are labeled for girls or for boys? Toys marked for girls are often pink, pretty, and passive. Toys tagged for boys are often blue and focus on action and adventure. Around the 1940s, toy makers began creating more gender-based toys so they could sell more products.
T oys open the door to whimsical worlds! But did
OUTSIDE THE BOX
f
But marketing toys based on stereotypes is harmful. It implies we should only play with certain toys and games. That can limit how we think, feel, and grow.
So think outside the box. Choose diverse toys and games that fill you with joy and curiosity. Learn new skills, explore interests, and even envision future careers. Stay true to yourself and let your imagination run free!
Fill in the blanks to complete tips for exploring new activities and being true to yourself.
FIND TOYS AND ACTIVITIES (2) THAT LET YOU BUILD ON ENCO R 6E YOR IN & &S 5S, FRIENDS TO PLAY WITH ANY LIKE SCIENCE OR ART. TOYS THEY LIKE, NO MATTER,
\ & _—— ASK FRIENDS ABOUT ACTIVITIES
Oy, THEYLOVE,ANDS AE (i YOUR FAVORITES WITH THEM. y |
BE H N__ ST ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE—EVEN IF IT’S DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOUR FRIENDS LIKE 10 70.
MA
Answers on page 28
WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK.
TRYA TOYOR GAME FROMAC LT RE YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT.
USE YOUR IMAGI AND LET YOUR CREATIVITY SHINE!
“| bas ————
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LB _NANEWEAME, ASK y FOR HELP AND TRY YOUR aq = ps —
ae) “A y
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_— = =—~i@BE AWA__E OF ADS THAT SUGEEST SOME TOYS ARE
ONLY FOR GIRLS OR FOR BOYS.
A 10
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Brilliant Star 13
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[Page 14]
q
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BAXTER ANP BRIDGET
LIGHTNING & i
COMBINEP FORC! =
NEAR THE HIPVEN LAB IN IDAHO . . .
YOU LOST THE CUBEMAKER! Oe Noe RET EMTEANG! WE NEED THOSE CUBES To ‘oan INVISIBLE PLACE? ANOTHER CUBE FOR SOON I'LL BE TOO SHUT DOWN THE POWER GRIPS. : MY COLLECTION. POWERFUL FOR DR. IE - VOLE OR AVARICE im yf a THAT'S WHAT THE AND THE COMMANDER S77) FIN? His LAB! COMMANDER To STOP ME! & fal prs WANTS, $0.70 IT! I
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MIN, 20 YOU HAVE THAT CUBE TEST VIPEO?
THE TEST WORKED 700 WELL, BUT I CAN FIX THAT WITH A FEW QUICK CHANGES 10 THE VIDEO.
CHECK THIS OUT, LIGHTNING. | Pe | WE COULD HAVE USED THIS [=| FOR SURE! POP, | =| “OCEAN MOVE” WITH FAUNA.* TAKE US TO IDAHO.
LET'S FIND THAT SECRET
LAIR!
AT UPLIFTERS’ HO...
WE SUSPECT AN ERASER ATTACK SOON. HOW ARE YOU POING?
Y uane on, THs INGHT HELP!
THESE ISOLATOR BUBBLES SHOULD BLOCK THE CUBES 50 THEY CAN'T GET ENERGY FROM WATER, AIR, AN? SUN.
“See Episodes #84-93:brilliantstarmagazine.org/luminous-library/LLTheme
14 Brilhant Star »& v53 Ni
[Page 15]
6LAP YOU
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SS SSS THE TEST YEAH, BUMMER. VIPN'T GO OH NO! IT MAYBE ADD MORE SO WELL, EXPLODED EARTH, AIR, ANZ DR. VOLE. AGAIN! WATER POWER SO IT WON'T OVERHEAT.
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MISSION ISN’T QUITE SO STICKY. f 70 YOU WANT NO, I FEEL DON'T WORRY. | TO COME TO SAFER IN HERE. 24 1 CAN HANDLE THE NEXT TL HAVEN'T CUBE TESTING TEST? BEEN OUTSIVE IN THE FIELD. IN YEARS! li —— THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING! I CAN SEE MYSELF WHEN TM INVISIBLE. WHY CAN’T L SEE THIS LAIR? AND I CAN SEE IN THE DARK, BUT I CAN'T
7 - = com . WORKING. ( 7 < | } hs IT WORKED! ON IT! Ns WAY!
- \ Nr Zs
G LIGHTNING, WHAT \F WE COMBINE OUR POWERS?
WOW! I LOVE IT WHEN WE FIND NEW WAYS TO USE OUR POWERS!
V53 Ni we 15
[Page 16]
Connect with kids around the world! How are
they like you? How are they different? Each
-
( Kamren J.
16
Age: 11 I live in: Michigan, U.S.
| want to be Either an NHL hockey player or a lawyer
This career interests
me because:
llike playing hockey. | also like that if] were a lawyer
| would help people by standing up for what's right.
Virtues | admire most:
Kindness and loyalty Favorite Baha’i activity: WY
Junior youth group
of us has a unique story to tell. What’s yours?
A place I'd love to visit: Hawaii
My favorite female hero: [Tennis pro] Serena Williams, because she is a Black woman who grew up without a lot of money and fought through racism
As a world leader, I'd boost gender equality by; Making it so women get paid as equally as men
A stereotype I’ve noticed about girls or women:
In some movies, women were always doing the chores and men did other things. That’s negative because they make it seem like women are weak and can’t do other types of work.
To make everyone feel welcome, | can:
Be nice to them and offer to help them if they need it
Wwe V53 Ni
( SanamT.
w
( Samantha E.
Age: 14 llive in: Connecticut, U.S.
| want to be: A zoologist or professional Irish dancer
This career interests » 4 me because
Ihave always loved animals. ... [ve been Irish dancing for six years now. | went to see [the show] Riverdance, and it would be so cool to
be in that lead role.
Virtues | admire most: Honesty, compassion
Favorite Baha’i activity: Being at Green Acre [Baha’i School in Maine]
My favorite female hero: Elizabeth Kenny, an Australian nurse who developed the first effective treatment for polio before the vaccine
_
Age: 12 I live in: Virginia, U.S.
| want to be: A chef and restaurant owner
This career interests
me because
Ihave always loved to cook and have people taste my dishes and enjoy them.
Favorite Baha’ activities: Junior youth group, Dayspring Baha’i School [in Maryland]
A favorite food: Pasta Bolognese
A stereotype I've noticed about girls or women:
Things like being skinny enough and being seen and not heard. | think generally it is negative, but it has been normalized in society so people don’t ... think about it.
My favorite example of female empowerment: Hidden Figures, a movie about three brilliant African American women mathematicians who overcame gender and racial discrimination
to become important influences at NASA
Favorite animal or pet My dog, Kylo
If someone tried to limit me because of gender:
| wouldn't listen to them, because only you get to decide what you can and cannot do, not your gender or anything around you.
If women and men had equal opportunities:
[The world] would be a much happier place and there would be little to no conflict.
A stereotype I've noticed about girls or women: es In older movies, girls
and women are always damsels in distress with
a male character saving the day. This is a negative stereotype because it is saying females are not as
capable as males, and that
is not true at all.
[Page 17]
¥ x
“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!”
(Arjun M. , is
Age: 9 felt pressure to act or
a look like a boy when: Hlive in: Illinois, U.S. The stereotypical boy is
| want to be: A CFO tough and good at sports. —‘Abdu’l-Baha. % (chief financial officer) Before | got better at sports,
- ; | didn’t get treated as well. LuaR
This career interests I dealt with it by not caring Ca OWE ny and hanging out with girls Age: 13 My dad works in finance, who liked doing activities a . and like finance andmath. _| like, including gymnastics Ilive in: Ohio, U.S.
Virtue | admire most: Humor
Favorite Baha’ activity: Ayyam-i-Ha* celebrations
My favorite female hero: My sister Diya, who was also a Radiant Star,** because she is so kind and loyal
My favorite example of female empowerment:
She Persisted [by Chelsea Clinton] is a great book about female people who were in power and did great things.
( Mikayla H. Age: 10 live in: Arizona, U.S.
| want to be: Ahistory teacher
This career interests
me because:
I love reading about history, and | think teaching people about our history is very important.
Virtues | admire most: Truthfulness, patience, and kindness
Hobbies or sports: Reading, art, soccer, playing bass and piano
Favorite Baha’ activities: Feast," children’s class
As aworld leader, I’d
boost gender equality by: Making sure that every boy and girl could get a college education
- Ayyam-i-Haisa festival of hospitality gift giving, and preparing for the Baha'i Fast. **See Vol. 52.No. 3
and games where you act out a story.
To make everyone feel welcome, | can:
Let non-athletic kids play sports and get rid of gender stereotypes
felt pressure to act or
look like a girl when: Sometimes at recess | get strange looks because | am playing sports that only boys are playing. But it doesn’t bother me too much because I’m having fun... and sometimes other girls will join me.
If women and men had
equal opportunities:
We could achieve more if we work together, it would be more peaceful, and society would be happier.
‘Feasts a Baha'i community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship.
| want to be: | think being a teacher would be cool.
This career interests
me because:
I would be able to share a concept! love with others and help them understand it. | would be opening up new vistas for them.
Virtues | admire most: Tact, kindness, humor, selflessness, confidence
Favorite Baha’ activities: Service projects, junior youth group, and junior youth camps
My favorite female hero:
My mom. She is super patient and virtuous. She is the calm in the storm. She always sees the best in people and loves them for who they are.
rita.
If someone tried to limit me because of gender:
I would say, “Being a girl doesn’t define my strengths or weaknesses.”
| felt pressure to act or
look like a girl when:
I've been expected to wear dresses and makeup. | don’t feel all that comfortable in dresses, and I’ve never felt moved to wear makeup. |... dressed in what | felt comfortable and pretty
in. | acted... true to myself, instead of true
to a stereotype.
If women and men had equal opportunities: Society would THRIVE.
1. If you're aged 7-14, scan the QR code with a smart phone's camera. Or go to brilliantstarmagazine.org id from the top menu, choose “Discover.” Click Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer.” Or email us at brilliant@usbne.org. Include your name, age, birthdate, mailing address, and phone number.
2. When it’s your turn to shine, we'll ask for 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).
3. We'll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign. Answer the questions and send them to r us with the signed form, and you'll be in our next issue!
V53 N1 w& Brilliant Star
17
a
» ms
PS
[Page 18]
(Lucas M.
Age: 9
Ilive in: Michigan, U.S.
| want to be: Mycologist [scientist studying fungi] This career interests as me because:
When | saw a mushroom destroyed by a lawn mower, felt sad... it was a living
organism. It sparked my
interest in learning more Virtue | admire most: Integrity
x
about mushrooms.
Hobbies or sports: Tennis, volleyball, drawing
Favorite Baha'i activity: 19-Day Feast
My favorite female hero: My mom... she takes care of me and she helps a lot of
people as a psychotherapist I live in: Ohio, U.S.
| want to be:
Architect or astronomer me because: <A I'm really interested in
architecture. And the stars are really cool.
( Luas.
Age: 9
This career interests
«
Virtues | admire most: Kindness, friendliness
Favorite Baha'i activity: Children’s class
- ( Bahar A. hes
x
| like to help people by: Listening to them and seeing what they need
If women and men had
equal opportunities:
It would be fantastic... , like a home where Mom (women) and Dad (men) share responsibilities.
Astereotype I’ve noticed about girls or women:
In books, the friendly characters are mostly girls or women. [But] in real life, guys are friendly too.
%
| like to help people by:
This summer, | backpacked with my mom and brother, and | helped by cooking, blowing up sleeping mats, and getting water.
My favorite female hero: Mama, because she’s | wonderful a
As a world leader, I'd
boost gender equality by: Digging wells, because [in some places] girls walk for hours to get water, but if they have a well nearby, they can go to school
My favorite example of
female empowerment:
In the book Dealing with Dragons [by Patricia C. Wredel], the girl runs away from being a princess because she doesn’t want to marry a prince. She just wants to have an adventure.
18 Brilhant Star *& Vv53 Ni
—
Age: 10 I live in: California, U.S. | want to be: A YouTuber
This career interests
me because:
Itis entertaining for me and other people.
Favorite Baha'i activity: Junior youth program
My favorite female hero: [Civil rights activist] Rosa Parks, because she persevered for rights
If someone tried to limit me because of gender: [I'd say,] “What's the
difference? Does it matter?”
Pe
As a world leader, I'd boost gender equality by: Giving women more opportunities to do what they love
(_ Nasuh E. Age: 8 I live in: Arizona, U.S.
| want to be: Achildren’s doctor
This career interests me because:
Children are so sweet! | love seeing children’s faces from all around the world. And | want to help them!
Hobbies or sports:
Playing piano, [martial art] capoeira, learning Turkish
with my Baba (Dad), singing prayers, sleeping (haha!)
Virtue | admire most: Love
Favorite Baha'i activity: Ayyam-i-Ha
Aplace I'd love to visit: Israel, the Holy Land
| like to help people by: Being kind
Virtues | admire most: Honesty, trustworthiness, and kindness
| like to help people by: Helping with math...
lam very good at math. If women and men had equal opportunities:
The world would probably be more peaceful.
Aplace I'd love to visit: New York
To make everyone feel welcome, | can:
Treat them like they are my good friend
As aworld leader, I'd boost gender equality by: Making big speeches about humanity and teaching people to work for equality. | would make laws that every single person has
to be allowed to learn and everybody has to treat each other equally.
My favorite examples of
female empowerment:
[Fictional nanny] Mary
Poppins... . She’s mighty!
And ina book on [author]
Helen Keller, she stands
up for herself. . . [Friends]
cheer her on.
[Page 19]
SS
7S x WW what an earth-shaking trip! We've traveled 67
million years back in time to learn about Earth’s
history. Check out these extinct flying reptiles called pterosaurs!* There were over 120 species—some sparrow-sized, others the size of a small airplane!
These creatures ruled the skies for 150 million years. The biggest pterosaurs were the largest animals ever to fly. They reached speeds of over 65 mph (105 kph). Since they covered massive distances hunting for food, they
Ui Ps cage Te
- 7 \\o\ Find 20 creatures and thi
- Pronounced TEH-rub-sors **The Cretaceous (Kruh-TAY-shuhs)
Period was 145 million to 66 million years ago. Answers on page 28
om Doar. With PtleroSaurs
“As thoughts widen and become illumined, they acquire the power of flight...” —‘Abdu’l-Baha as
PAY WEST RY ly
IE EE
——_—
SSF cs a needed powerful wings. If one wing had been weaker rN.
than the other, they wouldn’t have survived. ¥
Although humans never met pterosaurs, other flying ug creatures inspired a longing for freedom and adventure. Ee In the 1480s, artist Leonardo da Vinci drew hundreds of WA flying machines with flapping wings. Over 400 years later, inventors propelled people into the sky in airplanes. > ee
When we take flight together, we can help everyone reach their dreams—now and into the future.
Ji) Vo
s with wings in this Cretaceous™ world. y
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V53 Ni w& Brilliant Star 19
[Page 20]
| SBATEALE I) |
ASH A SPACE SCIENTIST
Our universe is full ) of mysteries, and er , and some of the most mi i questions, and ene pee we sent them to a space scientist. He suestions a outep iant@usbne.org (with your name and a ) swe quesions spouishaces ge).
have to practice the most
Which virtues did you to become a NASA scientist?
during your education — Corinne, age 10
Hi, Corinne,
The top three virtues scientist were patience, perseverance, an middle school when \decided that! wanted \spent 15 years going to university and at ot!
hired at NASA, so it was very important for me tobe
the process and work hard along the way. Along that journey, things didn’t alway
experienced failure, setbacks, and times w'
\relied on in pursuit of my goal to be a NASA d graciousness. \wasin
to work for NASA. her jobs before \was patient with
s go as | planned. | hen! just wanted to quit. Julia Cline leads ateam creating software | persevered through the hard times and tried to focus on the lessons ti rabotie space cranes Me theoneinthis
. . illustration. The software will enable the crane INSEE learing.! gave myself grace by letting myselflearn and grow, toinvestigate surfaces and move objects instead of feeling inadequate because |wasn't great at something without ahuman operator.
when | first tried it. \let myself be a beginner andlearn. —Julia
Io Moon missions of the 1960s and I ‘. were named for the Greek god pollo. The new Moon missions planned
S
°y ES by NASA are named for his twin sister: K :
A Dials C) Artemis
S B S ) Amazon D) Atlantis
Nr ee aA
llustration of astronauts on the lunar. ;outh Pole astronauts on the lunar Si
20 Brill
rilliant St:
al V53 N1
Answers on page 28
[Page 21]
Hi, Rose,
When | was alittle girl, my Dad would take me outside at night, and we would stargaze. He taught me about the stars, planets, and science. | knew that people who studied space worked at NASA, so that became my goal: work at NASA. | studied astrophysics and aerospace
JULIA CLINE is a Research Aerospace Engineer at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia, U.S. She works on autonomous lunar surface construction and space nuclear propulsion for the Mars transit vehicle. She
is a STEM outreach enthusiast and enjoys sharing her love of space with kids of all ages.
eqgineaiisiineallsa au 3 The Lunar Gateway illustrated here will be ON THE WEB
few years after graduating, an outpost orbiting the Moon. Astronauts
I started my job at NASA. willlive and work there while preparing for In our Space Ace video interviews, meet love that | get to spend missions to the Moon and Mars. two amazing astronauts at Dr. Scotti’s
STEAMS Station.
every day thinking and talking about how humans will live and work on the Moon and Mars one day. We get to work on really cool
LELAND MELVIN
was a pro football projects. | also love the people that | am fortunate enough to work with— player and a NASA they are the best! Everyone brings enthusiasm and creativity to work astronaut. When every day, and that creates an energetic atmosphere in our laboratory he went to space, that we use to solve challenging problems. —Julia it changed his perspective forever. PEGGY WHITSON was a NASA astronaut In 1908, American astronomer and the first female Henrietta Swan Leavitt used the commander of the
International Space Station. She broke other records, too.
changing brightness of some
S
~
& stars to calculate the distances § §
to other galaxies. A star's
brightness is called: Tl Scanthe QR code with a smart phone
A) Glimmer C) Starshine or goto: billiantstarmagazine.org/ B) Luminosity D) Twinkle themes/DrScotti Images: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill, NASA/Tony Gray and Tim V53N1i & Brilliant Star 21
Powers, NASA, NASA/ESA/Hubble, NASA Johnson
[Page 22]
I tervic +
~ InterviewaHero |
ho is a woman you really admire? She might Choose a woman you look up to and ask if you be a relative, a family friend, or someone can interview her. Let her know you'd like to find out
in your community. Maybe she works in more about her experiences. Use these questions to a career that you dream of having one day. Can you get started. Put away devices or other distractions and imagine what she was like at your age? Have you ever give her your full attention. Then have fun listening and ~ asked about the challenges and triumphs she’s had? learning! With her okay, share your interview with us at How did they help her grow? brilliant@usbne.org. We'd love to see it!
What’s one of your favorite memories?
What’s a big challenge you had as a kid, and how did you handle it?
What accomplishments are you proud of?
What was it like being a girl when you were growing up?
Draw her doing what she loves, or attach a photo.
22 Brilliant Star * v53 Ni
[Page 23]
9 0000200000000000000000 0000000 0000000000PO0H0HONODOOSS POOOSOOOOOOOHOOOOOTT,
+ Reflections /S
Virtues | see in this woman:
ae Things we have in common:
Draw her with family or friends, or attach a photo.
Have you ever faced a challenge because of your gender? If so, what was it, and how did you deal with it?
Something interesting | learned:
What are the biggest challenges that girls and women face today?
What would the world be like if all women and men had truly equal rights and opportunities?
How do you encourage other women?
How can men and boys be supportive of women and girls?
Who is your favorite female role model or hero, and why?
Images: DaryaGribovskaya/ Getty, bgblue/Getty v5s3 N1 & Brilliant Star 23
[Page 24]
WE ALL DESERVE A CHANCE
TO LET OUR DREAMS FLY!
STOP STEREOTYPES
Stereotypes can harm our health and happiness. For example, boys hear we should be “tough” and never cry. Girls are told to be gentle and meek. When any of us hide our true feelings, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
We can also miss out on fun opportunities to develop
ever since | was a fledgling. It looks awesome, and it really strengthens your wings, too! But when | told some of my friends, they laughed and said ballet is for girls. It really hurt my feelings. | even started tearing up—but | didn’t want to cry
|: wanted to try ballet dancing
in front of them. ag sour amazing skills. I talked about £ Ss & ih. Sometimes we it with Piper, my s p aren't even aware parakeet friend. | of how gender She’s the only girl on stereotypes affect us.
the wingball team.
She knows how | feel,
because some birds tell
her wingball is only for boys! She said there are lots of strange ideas about how some things are only for girls or only for boys. An unfair idea about everyone in a certain group is a stereotype.
When | thought about Ww it, l realized part of me ¥ believed boys shouldn't cry. That’s not true! And it’s not true that boys can’t dance ballet, either. Piper said | should go for it, and I'm going to. Every action we take can stop stereotypes and help each of us soar with justice and respect.
MW
CURIOSITY CANOPY
ave you heard a lion called “king of the jungle”?
Well, lionesses are amazing “queens,” too! In lion groups, called prides, the females work as a team, cooperating to hunt for food and protect their young. Males often guard the pride’s territory.
24 Brilliant Star * v53 Ni
“Send down...from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’u'llah
EXPLORE & SOAR: ENCOURAGE EQUALITY
Here are some ways to challenge unfair ideas about girls and boys.
+ Look for role models who stand up to stereotypes.
+ Avoid thinking that some things are for girls and some for boys—we're all individuals.
+ Don’t judge others based on their clothing or appearance.
- Watch for stereotypes in TV shows, video games, books, or songs. Are boys or girls only shown in certain roles? How would you rewrite them?
+ lf you hear someone make an unkind joke about boys or girls, let them know it’s disrespectful.
+ It’s okay to cry if you're hurt, sad, or even happy. It’s not weakness; it’s a healthy way to express feelings.
+ Think about your own beliefs. Do you keep an open mind about girls and boys?
Photos: Kids by Hero Images/Getty, lioness by MaggyMeyer/Getty
[Page 25]
@.
0
L
arn
y—whether investigated by the intellect of man or womai \ ees
ould you ever want to live on the Moon? Humans have dreamed of it for centuries, and we're moving closer to reaching it.
If you go to the Moon, you'll be about 240,000 miles (386,000 km) away from Earth, with no breathable air or liquid water. You can’t bring all your supplies from Earth— they're too heavy. You'll need to produce oxygen, melt lunar ice
CREATIVE CAMERA
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CURIOUS FOCUSED
CUBESAT “fg FISH uGHT
OUR WINZOW AQUARIUMS = _ = 100K COOL!
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LISTENING gy PERSEVERING PLANT
ie for water, and grow food. Homes will be built with materials like regolith—bits of rock that cover the Moon’s surface. Using creativity and perseverance, teams of women and
men with different skills and knowledge will solve challenges by crafting new solutions. Whether you explore your dreams in space or on Earth, look for ways to learn from diverse people. You may reach goals that are out of this world!
TONGS OF TEAMWORK
WIRE OF WONDER
WHAT 70 YOU ra USE TO EAT ON == THE MOON? my
| LS
V x SATELLITE DISHES!
AND THEY
_— 4} —<——_ proce
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Answers on page 28
} RADIATION!
V53 Ni w& Brilliant Star 25
[Page 26]
A Bahai Who Served eee With radiance
at age two in New York, she astonished her
parents, Grace and Samuel, by reading words formed by her alphabet blocks! It wasn't surprising that Leonora would grow up to be a translator.
Tragedy struck when Leonora was five years old, and her mother died. Her father was so saddened that he left Leonora and her younger sister, Alethe, in the care of others. Leonora wrote, “How we could endure through those years of our childhood and adolescence, such loneliness, such suffering, even cruelty, I do not know...”
] eonora Stirling Holsapple loved words. Starting
Finding Faith
Assistance came from her Grandmother Stirling. When Leonora was in her early teens, her grandmother found the Baha'i Faith. She gave books to Leonora and Alethe, teaching them prayers and hymns to sing around the piano. Her grandmother shared the Faith with everyone she met. Soon, Leonora did the same.
Leonora graduated from high school at age 15, then attended Cornell University in New York. After college, she taught Latin in high schools and did social work, helping girls cope with challenges in their lives.
At age 24, a Baha'i convention in New York City changed her life. She read words of ‘Abdu'l-Baha that inspired her to want to travel to share the Faith. She wrote to him, offering her services. He wrote back, “My hope is that thou mayest become a spiritual physician.” His hope became her dearest wish.
26 Brilliant Star %& v53 Ni
Leonora planned a trip to Brazil. Her friends and family had tried to discourage her, telling her that traveling alone was dangerous. After all, she didn't speak a word of Portuguese and only had enough money to last about two weeks. With her eagerness to teach, she was unstoppable. She went to Rio de Janeiro on a ship in 1921.
Within a few months, after some lessons from a woman she met on the boat, Leonora began translating Baha'i books from English to Portuguese. Though she didn't have strong self-confidence, she also gave hundreds of talks about the Faith. She often had little food and became ill, but still, that didn't stop her.
She traveled to every place she could in South America and the Caribbean islands. She said, “I was able to offer my services in carrying medicine, food, and clothing to many of the sick. It was a thrilling experience to visit them... and to try to prove to them by deeds” that Baha'is have faith “in the oneness of humanity." Thousands were attracted to her talks over her lifetime.
In 1941, Leonora married an Englishman named Harold Armstrong. He supported her unceasing work for the Faith. Together, they lived in various places in Brazil and adopted several children.
For 60 years, Leonora translated books and
spread the word about this new religion. At the
time of her death in Brazil in 1980, she was named
a"HERALD OF THE KINGDOM,” ‘Abdu'l-Baha's
“BELOVED HANDMAIDEN" and the “SPIRITUAL
MOTHER’ of South America by the Universal
House of Justice. Her wish had come true.
[Page 27]
Grow a Positive Body Image
ave you ever wished you could change something You make choices that show you value your health, energy, about your body? Maybe you'd like to be taller, and happiness more than looking a certain way. This lets shorter, bigger, or smaller. Pictures of people who you focus on things that nurture your soul—like enjoying appear “flawless” get planted in our minds. But images in nature, being creative, hanging out with friends and family,
the media are often edited to look different from real life. or being prayerful.
You can weed out narrow ideas about beauty by Like diverse flowers in a garden, we come in all shapes strengthening your body image. When you have a positive and sizes. When we accept ourselves with joy, we let our body image, you’re comfortable with your appearance. true beauty blossom—inside and out.
8.1 see the beauty in all body types and skin colors. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1
9. | speak up if! hear a disrespectful joke about someone's appearance. Often=3 + Sometimes=2- Rarely=1
10. | try not to compare myself to other people or images in the media. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1
11. | remember that being as healthy as | can be is more important than
how | look. 1. keep in mind that my true self is 4.| focus on people’s strengths and Often=3 + Sometimes=2- Rarely=1 my soul. virtues instead of their appearance. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1 Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1 12. | talk to family and friends if I'm struggling with my body image. 2. feel grateful for my body andhappy _5. | question ideas about beauty that Often=3 + Sometimes =2 « Rarely=1 about what I’m able to do. | see on TV and in other media. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1 Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1 3.| take care of my body with healthy 6. I try to stop myself if | have negative habits, such as taking time to be thoughts about my body. physically active every day. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1
Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1 7. leat healthy meals and snacks that include vegetables, fruit, and protein.
My Score ro Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1 36-28 POINTS 27-20 POINTS, 19-12 POINTS
V53 Ni w& Brilliant Star 27
[Page 28]
-
WHAT’S A PTEROSAUR’S FAVORITE TYPE OF TUNES? . JZ WE LOVE RAP-TOR Music!
Look for Cosmo the Chameleon’s clues throughout the magazine.
COSMO’S CORNER
28 Brilliant Star
2. Lightning and Luna decide to powers. (p. 15)
6. NASA's Julia Cline leads a team creating software for space cranes. (p. 20)
11. We can think of as the wings. (p. 29)
as a bird, with women and men
12. Nur’s sister, creativity. (p. 8)
, is great at using determination and
13. Emperor make a powerful parenting team. (p. 3)
14. Gender equality is essential for humanity to live in .(p. 4)
15. Pterosaurs were the largest animals ever to
. (p. 19)
16. Choose diverse toys and games that fill you with and curiosity. (p. 13)
FROM OUR MAILBOX
Brilliant Star makes me feel excited, because I’m always interested to see what happened next in the comics. [For an issue theme, I'd choose] gender equality, because in school and in life, | notice unfairness, and it'd be nice to see different perspectives about it.
—lulia S., age 13, Michigan, U.S.
V53 N1
woman. (p. 26)
7.A positive your appearance. (p. 27)
8. When you use virtues to stand up for justice, you have the world. (p. 7)
9. All people need fair access to
the power to
10. When you value health and happiness more than looking a certain way, you can nurture your
13. Nasuh and Mikayla both like playing this. (pp. 17-18)
KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left,
Page 2:1) True, 2) True, 3) False: Women do three times the domestic work that men do.
4) Tue, 5) False: Only 48% of US. women think ‘women in this country are treated with respect and dignity. 6) True, 7) False: Every year, 12 million girls are marred before age 18
8) Tue, 9) False: Less than 20% of landowners are women. 10) True, 11) tue, 12) True
Page 3:Elisat BL Gia at CR, Hera at BC,
Jobiat LexatTl, Levoat, Minaat(R,
Noah at TC, Pry at C
Page 7: Letters found: D, FG, H,N, PQ, R, W.
1) confidence, 2) courage, 3) determination,
4) empathy, 5) hopefulness, 6) integrity,
7) perseverance, 8) questioning, ) wisdom
1. If you go to the , you'll be about 240,000 miles (386,000 km) from Earth. (p. 25)
3. Bahar and Arjun both like doing 4. What koala babies are called (p. 11) 5. Leonora Stirling Holsapple traveled to
image means you're comfortable with
. (pp. 17-18)
as a young
in order to thrive. (p. 11)
-(p.27)
Page 10:) 4, /,10;D) 11, 3;) 17,8; F)8, 19;6) 6, 10;H) 9, 11;1)2, 13;,)8, 3,5, 1 0r5,5,5,10F2,7,5,10011,1,5,1
Page 11: Alberta, Canada; Marsupials
Page 12:A) 5, B)7,() 1,D)6,E)9, F)4,6)3,H)2,1)8 Page 13:1) interests, bold; 2) encourage, confident; 3) leam, determined; 4 share, enthusiastic;
5) culture, respectful; 6) challenge, skilled; 7) honest, ‘truthful; 8) imagination, unique; 9) aware, wise Page 19: 1 atfarTL, 1 atfarTR, 2atTL, 3 at TC,
Dat TR, 2at CL, 1atG 2at R, 2 at BL, 2a BC 2at BR Page 20-21: () Artemis, B) Luminosity
Page 25: Camera at CL, cubesatat BC ish at TC, light at BR, plant at BR, radio at BC, rake at C, tongs at CL, wire at C
[Page 29]
WINGS oF ONENESS
“The world of humanity possesses two wings: man and woman... the completeness and perfection of the human world are dependent upon the equal development of these two wings.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha
v (': amazing to watch birds swoop and swirl in the sky. But and go hungry. Fewer girls can go to school. More men than C\ if one wing isn’t as strong as the other, a bird can't fly well. women are leaders in business, science, and government.
~ We can think of humanity as a bird, with women and men as Even boys’ sports teams get more support than girls’ teams. f, the wings. When women don't have the same opportunities You can help build fairness and stability. Watch out for
prejudice, injustice, and stereotypes. Stand up against them. —. |
as men, or if they're not treated equally, the female “wing” is We all can support girls and women everywhere to break free
weaker. This makes birds—and humanity—unstable. Around the world, more women than men live in poverty of inequality and soar toward their goals. poe
V53 Ni w& Brilliant Star 29
[Page 30]
“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-Baha
Brilliant Star wings of Equality « Vol. 53 No. 1 ANARD- WINNING PUBLICATION OFTHE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OFTHE BANAT OF THE UNITED STATES