How and why have our ideas about the giant squid and the “fantastic beasts” in the sidebar changed over the years? Write a well-supported response.

In the article “Why Is This Cow Wearing a Backpack?,” find three verbs that mean release, one noun that means substances released into the air, and one idiom that means don’t expect or wait for something. Then write a paragraph using at least three of the words or idiom.

Write your own Word Nerd sentence, along with its translation. 

You just found the journal of a World War I soldier who lived thanks to Cher Ami! What would it say for the day of the rescue? Write a journal entry with details from the article.

Imagine you are Mara at the end of the story. Write a letter to Eta, telling her why you might not see her for a while and how you feel about that.

Imagine you have an old uncle Rip who fell asleep 20 years ago and just woke up. What changes would most surprise him? Write an essay with at least three ideas.

Imagine you’re starting a new after-school book club. Write a letter to your classmates convincing them to join, using information from the infographic.

In the article “The Mystery of the Stolen Bugs,” find four nouns that mean criminals, three verbs that mean stole, and one idiom that means found in the act of doing something wrong. Then write a paragraph using at least three of them.

Write your own Word Nerd sentence, along with its translation.