Eastside Extra

Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio "Benny" Flores, and Libby Abrams live a short drive from a small lake, but they've never been swimming in it. It's closed off as a "Superfund" site, a mysterious phrase they've never heard elsewhere. When Benny's out-of-town uncle brings him fishing gear as a present, only to find out no one is allowed to fish in the lake, the friends determine their next big question to explore: Why is the lake off-limits? As the friends interview their neighbors and explore their community's history, they'll find that not being able to swim or fish in the lake might actually be a good thing. Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends-and known to be relentlessly curious. They're always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging mysteries.

Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio "Benny" Flores, and Libby Abrams attend Eastside Middle School, which is facing challenges as a result of its growing student body. When they learn the school is getting extra funding this year, they know they have the topic for their next feature story: Who decides how public schools spend their money? And where does the money come from? As the kids interview people at school and learn about their different priorities for the money-an athletic field, a bigger auditorium, improved science equipment, and more-they realize the most important question of all: How can they be part of the decision? Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends-and known to be relentlessly curious. They're always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging mysteries.

Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio "Benny" Flores, and Libby Abrams have gotten used to being kicked out of their homes due to their endless questions. So when Anika's mother sends them to the grocery store on an errand, they suspect their questions were the culprit once again. But when they see who is behind the checkout counter, all of their trouble-making questions condense into one: Why does someone who could be retired choose to still work? Between popsicle breaks and jumps in the pool, this simple question leads the friends all around their community as they explore the facts and personal stories of veterans. Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends-and known to be relentlessly curious. They're always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging mysteries.

Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio "Benny" Flores, and Libby Abrams constantly study their surroundings, hoping to find the next feature story for their online neighborhood newsletter. But they've never turned their inquisitive gazes on themselves before. A chance question about Libby's door decoration leads the friends to realize they're all from immigrant families. This discovery prompts their next big questions: Where are our families from? Why and how did they come to the United States? As the friends learn their families' histories and deal with upsetting news about Anika's stay in the country, they vow to cherish what brings them together. Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends-and known to be relentlessly curious. They're always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging mysteries.