Indigenous Peoples’ Day is October 12, Native American Heritage Month is November, Thanksgiving is November 26, and Winter Solstice is December 21! Celebrate, read, and learn about these holidays and the culture of those who first lived on American soil.

PICTURE BOOKS

Aaniin: I See Your Light

By Dawn Quigley & Nanibah Chacon

Heartdrum, 2026, hardcover, $19.99

Aaniin (ah-NEEN) is an Ojibwe greeting for hello and can translate to “I see your light.” This book shows each child that they all have inner goodness and light.

All the Water on Earth

By Rochelle Strauss & Madelyn Goodnight

Kids Can Press, 2026, hardcover, $21.99

The author asks readers to observe the water all around them. Then she explains that it is all the water our planet will ever have, so we must be good stewards of the Earth and protect it.

Gabriel’s Winter Count

By Andrea M. Page & Alfreda Beartrack Algeo

Charlesbridge, 2026, hardcover, $17.99

A Lakota boy’s uncle puts him in charge of the winter count while his parents are away, which is an important cultural tradition he can share with his parents when they return.

Here Come the Aunties!

By Cynthia Leitich Smith & Aphelandra 

Heartdrum, 2026, hardcover, $19.99

The aunties are friends, neighbors, helpers, and more! Most importantly, they are the women who keep the community running and step in during times of need for all their children.

Indigenous From A to Z

By Traci Sorell & Natasha Donovan

Workman Kids, 2026, hardcover, $19.99

Letter by letter, Native peoples’ history, present and future, are explored and shared. This book is an alphabet book, a nonfiction book, and a book of cultural pride.

CHAPTER BOOK

Jo Jo Makoons: The Super-Scary Sleepover

By Dawn Quigley & Tara Audibert

Heartdrum, 2025, paperback, $6.99

First grader Jo Jo is sure she can handle her first sleepover. How scary can it be? Find out in this fifth book of the award-winning series.

MIDDLE GRADE

Heroes of the Water Monster

By Brian Lee Young

Heartdrum, 2024, paperback, $9.99

Edward’s soon-to-be step-brother Nathan prepares him to be the next guardian of Dew, a water monster. Together they must save the Fourth World from the coming Enemy.

The Shark Prince

By Malia Maunakea

Penquin Workshop, 2026, paperback, $9.99

Nohea is determined to win a surfing competition before his bloodthirsty half-human, half-shark heritage forces him to abandon his family.

Tales From Cabin 23: The Sinking House

By Darcie Little Badger

Clarion, 2026, hardcover, $15.99

This fourth book in the spooky Cabin 23 series is a tale based on Lipan Apache Folklore about three kids trapped in a sinking house. Will they all get out alive?

Who Was Wilma Mankiller?

By Andrea M. Page & Stephen Marchesi

Penguin Workshop, 2025, paperback, $6.99

Learn about a political activist and the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation in this volume of the Who HQ series.

YOUNG ADULT

An Expanse of Blue

By Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams

Heartdrum, 2026, hardcover, $19.99

When Aouli meets a new guy from her Hawaiian hometown, she breaks her father’s rules to fly free, despite the consequences at home.

Legendary Frybread Drive-In

Edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Heartdrum, 2026, hardcover, $19.99

Seventeen Indigenous authors contribute a story to this collection, where they tie together via the café that offers each person what they need.

Medicine Wheels

By Byron Graves

Heartdrum, 2026, hardcover, $19.99

When his mom is arrested, Bryce seeks out his grandmother, best friend, childhood crush, and skateboard to help cope with loss and abandonment.

Salt Water Blood

By Manuia Heinrich

Simon & Schuster, 2026, hardcover, $21.99

For better or worse, Moe can hear the sea’s thoughts that seem to predict the future. When her brother is accused of murder, Moe turns to the water—and a frenemy—to help clear his name and solve an island mystery.

Sisters in the Wind

By Angeline Boulley

Henry Holt, 2025, hardcover, $19.99

Lucy’s five years in the foster system have left her with a scarred—and dangerous—past she’s trying to leave behind. Then a couple tells her they know her family, she must decide who to trust.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

As summer comes to an end and the chilly nights of autumn appear, an outdoor fire is a perfect end to the day. In my opinion, nothing pairs better with a fire than s’mores. This sweet dessert is not just for summer but is often forgotten in the other seasons. The classic fireside treat is typically made with graham crackers, chocolate squares, and a toasted marshmallow. For a fun twist try substituting the ingredients and making a “mix and match” board or platter for your family and friends. Perhaps try a peanut butter cup instead of the usual chocolate square, or a toasted marshmallow between two chocolate covered pretzels.

Base

-Graham crackers

-Pizzelles

-Girl scout cookies

-Chocolate chip cookies

-Ritz crackers

Chocolate/filling

-Peanut butter cups

-White chocolate

-Rolos

-Slices strawberries

If you don’t have the ability to make fire­ —you can always make S’mores Rice Krispies Treats instead!

S’mores Rice Krispies Treats

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons butter

1 bag marshmallows, 10oz

4 cups rice cereal

2 cups golden grahams cereal

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Grease a 9x13 pan

2. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add marshmallows, and stir until melted.

3. Stir in cereal and mix until coated. Spread into pan and press down. Sprinkle chocolate chips over top.

4. Cut into squares and enjoy!

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

Is your child having one of those days or moments? A calming box may be just what your child needs for a quick and accessible reset.

A calming box is simply that, a way to bring calm back to a child when feelings get huge. A big loud tantrum, or an anxious feeling that slowly takes over makes logical reasoning often impossible. Let’s look at how to create, introduce, and make a go-to box your child can use to help regulate themselves to a more peaceful place.

When children are in the middle of something much bigger than their rational self can handle, it can be overwhelming to even know where to start. Their brain needs a reset and something external may be just the key.

As a teacher of many years, I know that calming centers or boxes can be very useful when managed. Building a box that fits each individual child is very important, but introducing the resource in a beneficial way is even more important. We will look at both in this article.

LET’S CREATE THE CALMING BOX.

First find a container that your child finds inviting. It can be any container, but I’d keep it manageable. It should be small enough to be toted but large enough to keep several items in it. 

Look to include items that speak to all different senses.

VISUALS TO SLOW IT ALL DOWN

• Liquid motion bubblers: Watching drops slide down is naturally hypnotic.

• Calm-down jars: Observing a plastic bottle filled with water, glycerin, and glitter that settles slowly when shaken is calming.

• Pictures of people that they love: A small photo or album can be just what is needed.

TOUCH AND TEXTURE

• Play-dough or putty: Squeezing and pulling dough releases physical stress.

• Pop-it toys help because of repetitive touch.

• Smooth “worry” stones or different textured fabrics: Rubbing or simply playing can be helpful.

SOOTHING SOUNDS

• Noise-canceling headphones: These are perfect to muffle a loud room.

• A small music box: The predictable sound of both the winding and music is incredibly comforting.

• Rainsticks: Listening to the beads fall while turning the stick keeps two senses engaged

BREATHING

• An expandable breathing ball: A sphere that expands and contracts can visually guide mindful breathing.

• Pinwheels: Blowing on a pinwheel forces a child to take long, deep exhales

• Mantra papers: Little slips of sayings, lines from favorite books, or even simple pictures that remind little ones of a word to say while breathing slowly can help reset.

These are just a few items to get you started, but, of course, the things must be beneficial to your child’s reset. If the child doesn’t “like” an item or if the item has worn out its welcome— switch it out. The calming box isn’t meant to be static. It should be consistent in its purpose but also inviting to your child by changing items if they no longer help with the reset.

Remember that calming boxes are not “time out” boxes or a punishment meant to banish a dysregulated child. They are meant to help strengthen a child’s own sense of power in bringing back a sense of calm to their moment. It should be a resource that can be proactively sought out in a positive way before feelings take over.

Take advantage of a moment when your child is feeling ready to learn about the box. Have an age appropriate conversation with your child to let them know that you want to help them manage those times when they are having difficulties. Creating the box together when they are already calm can make a world of difference. Invite your child to decorate the box and even find a special place to keep it. Explain and model how to use each item. Revisit the box from time to time and reflect on how it’s going. Is the box helping? Keep the positive reinforcement going when the box has been effective and take time to really celebrate the successes.

Creating and using a calming box can be a powerful resource for both you and your child in promoting emotional well-being. You are helping to give the ultimate gift, the power to find calm in a sometimes loud world.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

Have you ever stopped to think about how the human body is an amazing machine? It can grow, feel, think, heal, move, hear, adapt, see … need I go on? Now a new exhibit at the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) will have you in awe of your body’s power—and its potential for more! Super Human: Power of Technology opens at RMSC on Friday, October 2, and museum staff can’t wait for visitors to check it out.

“A few years ago, we ran a survey asking people about the types of topics they would like to see from traveling exhibits at the RMSC,” says Calvin Uzelmeier, vice president of programs and exhibits at RMSC. “Near the top of the results were the human body, human medicine, and medical technologies.”

RMSC began searching for something special that would fulfill those interests. When they learned about Super Human, they were excited to book them for Rochester families. Another bonus? It was developed by Sci Tech, the same Australian science center that created RMSC’s popular Astronaut exhibit from the past year!

According to the website about the Super Human experience, it “explores how technological advancements and medical breakthroughs have revolutionized the way we live, opening new possibilities and making the world a more inclusive place. A world where people can see, hear, and communicate more easily—where we can use technology to increase the potential of the human body.” Many of us already use some of these tools, like glasses, hearing aids, and communication apps.

“One of the things I love about the exhibition is how the experiences are built to encourage people to do things together and have conversations about what they are experiencing,” says Uzelmeier, who adds that having fun, learning, and socializing are at the heart of what an RMSC experience should be.

The activities are targeted to ages 5 to 12 and their families, but anyone interested should check it out. For example, visitors can:

• Race against a simulated Paralympian with prosthetic limbs.

• Pilot a virtual jet pack and land it before running out of fuel.

• Sit inside a giant exoskeleton and practice lifting heavy loads.

• Try to move a ball using mind control.

• See in the dark with night-vision goggles.

• Control a robotic arm through their own gestures.

• Use voice commands to activate appliances.

• Test their aerodynamics in a wind tunnel. 

Plus so much more! With twenty-three different displays to engage with, there is something fun for everyone. 

Another thing this exhibit makes clear is that scientists and inventors take a lot of their ideas from nature. They ask, “How do nocturnal animals see in the dark, and how can I apply that to human eyes?” Or “How do birds fly, and how can I mimic their wings for humans?” Then they experiment with science and tech ideas that might work.

While all these gadgets are really cool, there is another side to human enhancements: ethics. Ethics are our standards for what is right and wrong. Just because humans can do or create something, does it mean we should?

The exhibit will challenge guests with ethical questions like, “Should gene editing be used to enhance human abilities?” Families and friends can discuss their answers, looking at the pros and cons of ever-advancing technology. When you focus on those tools that assist people with a physical or sensory impairment, it’s hard to argue against it.

“I hope visitors come away with a greater appreciation for the medical marvels that have revolutionized the way we live, and recognize the potential in themselves to discover the next great advancement,” says Uzelmeier.

Speaking of medical marvels, it is worth noting that the top two employers in the Rochester area are related to medicine. Anyone getting their annual check-up probably visits an office that is part of the University of Rochester Medical Center or Rochester Regional Health. Both are staples in our medical community, employing around 50,000 practitioners plus educators and researchers. Being around all those buildings and personnel can lead to inspiration for kids, teens, and young adults to seek medical careers. If Super Human helps get youth and their caregivers excited about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), that can help a whole lot of people and communities in the near future.

“Projections indicate employment in healthcare jobs in the US are going to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations over the next decade, and a reliance on technological advancements in healthcare must meet population needs,” says Uzelmeier. “We need to encourage both the current and next generation of emerging professionals to pursue careers in the fields of healthcare.”

“Everything from bionic arms to jet packs to cochlear implants were created by someone who was once a kid wondering, “Can I do that?’” he says. “I hope everyone comes away from Super Human realizing they are a super human, capable of any of those things, and more.”

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

Q: Why do zebras have stripes?

A: Because they don’t want to be spotted!

Joking aside, a zebra’s stripes really do keep them from becoming easy prey in their natural rage! When the herd stands together, their patterns blend into each other, making it difficult for predators to single out an animal. And when a herd, or “dazzle,” of zebra can number around one thousand animals, that is a lot of stripes!

While they don’t need to worry about being stalked by lions at the zoo, zebras sure do look cool in their black and white coats. Morgan Saidian, zoologist at the Seneca Park Zoo certainly thinks so. “Technically, zebras are black with white stripes. Each one’s stripe pattern is unique.” Just like a human fingerprint!

Want to see these fancy stripes for yourself? Visit the Zoo’s three plains zebras, Lydia, Liberty, and Dottie!

“To tell the zebras apart, Liberty has a brown nose. Lydia has a black nose, and her stripes go all the way down to her hooves. Dottie also has a black nose, but she does not have stripes on her lower legs near her hooves,” says Saidian. 

Dottie is the “baby” of the bunch at nine-years-old. Liberty is ten, and Lydia is the oldest at thirteen. In nature, zebras can live to be twenty-five years old, but in zoos they can reach age forty. All three girls came to the zoo in the fall of 2018, when the Animals of the Savanna exhibit opened. That was also when the Masai giraffes moved into the zoo, sharing their yard with the zebras.

“During the day, our zebras and giraffes live together very well and respect each other’s space,” says Saidian. “Occasionally, we do see some cute moments. At night, our security cameras have gotten footage of all the giraffes and zebras laying down together in the indoor yard.”

This behavior reflects how the two species interact in the African savanna, where they often graze together. The giraffes towering necks give them sightlines to incoming predators. Meanwhile, the zebra herd helps conceal the giraffes with their disorienting stripes.

Another plus to their symbiotic relationship? They aren’t competing for the same food! The giraffes munch leaves from the tree tops and zebras eat grasses and shrubs near the ground.

Speaking of food, the three girls share twenty-five pounds of hay each day. They also each get 1-2 pounds of “zebra grain,” which are pellets that contain vitamins and nutrients specifically for zebras.

“Their favorite treats are carrot sticks. We use them when we train the zebras,” says Saidian. “For enrichment, they enjoy leaves of romaine lettuce.” Needless to say, these animals are happily vegetarian.

There are three species of zebra throughout Africa: Grevy’s zebra, which are endangered; Mountain zebra, which are vulnerable; and plains zebra, which are “near threatened.” Over the past thirty years, their numbers have continuously decreased. People hunt them for their furs, and many of their natural migration routes are blocked by fenced-in farms. Plus, Masai giraffes are endangered, and as we’ve seen, the two species rely on each other. Less of one type of animal can leave both species more vulnerable.

Fortunately, the zoo is committed to global conservation efforts. Buying a ticket or membership to the zoo and spending time learning about the wildlife all contribute to saving animals worldwide, including the zebras and their giraffe friends.

Besides, visiting the animals is fun! For example, once you identify Lydia, Liberty, and Dottie by their nose color and stripe patterns, you can watch them and learn about their individual personalities.

“Lydia is very patient with baby giraffes and helps us get them used to being around zebras,” says Saidian, sharing her own observations. “Dottie is curious about new things and always checks out new enrichment items. Liberty is very solid with her training. Once she learns something, she has got it down.”

All three of these girls are very smart and trained to be voluntary participants in their own health care. While zebras may look similar to horses and share a common ancestor, they are actually much more aggressive and can have dangerous kicks. This makes their training important. Zoo zebras know how to gently offer their front feet to the zoologist for hoof cleaning and trimming. They also allow the zoologist to give them injections if they need a vaccine.

“Currently, we are working on training them for voluntary blood draws,” says Saidian.

If you visit them this winter, they are probably staying warm in their indoor area. That said, they do get curious about the snow and will check it out, so make sure to give them a warm hello on your next visit!

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

Audrey is searching for kids in the Rochester area who are doing big things. Today she interviews seventeen year old Jasmine Brucato who is a senior at Honeoye-Falls Lima High School and a wrestling champion, ranked ninth in the country by Sports Illustrated. She has one sister, two dogs, two cats, a horse and a chicken.

How did you get involved in wrestling?

My dad wrestled [as a finalist in the Olympic trials in 1992, a two-time Greco-Roman national champion] and I thought that was pretty cool. When I was eleven years old, I started going to the boys’ practice here in HFL. I was the only girl. I didn’t know if I was going to stick with it, but I just kept going back. And I guess I stuck with it.

How much time have you put into this over the years?

A lot. It’s been six years and I train almost every day, sometimes twice a day. Before nationals, it’s two to three times a day. I have to take a lot of time off school, almost weekly.

What are some of the big challenges you’ve faced?

Definitely that you have to just keep going. I’ve taken a couple hard losses, including a recent hip injury in Fargo, and I need to take time to regroup and realize that I still love the sport, and it’s not the end if I just lose a couple of matches.

What are some important tournaments or championships that you’ve done?

I recently went to the Fargo Nationals, one of the biggest tournaments in the country. I’ve been to the Super 32 Challenge, which is probably the hardest tournament in the United States. I went to World Team Trials, and I lost in the blood round. That was a hard loss for me. I’ve won USA Wrestling and I’m a seven-time age group state champion. I’m a NUWAY finalist, national champion and team champion. I’m a Journeyman Women’s World Classic champion.

What do you enjoy most about wrestling?

Definitely making and creating relationships with people because I’m a people person. I like to see how far I can push myself, just showing up on a bad day. Wrestling just makes me happy.

Who is your favorite wrestler?

Spencer Lee.

What are your long term goals for the future?

I’m excited to look at colleges. For the longest time, I have wanted to win the Olympics. So I think that’s my big long-term goal. But a little closer goal is probably to be an NCAA champ.

Do you have other hobbies or interests?

I write, draw, paint and sing. I used to be pretty good at horseback riding. I also cook and bake. I kind of do a little bit of everything.

Is there anything else that you want readers to know?

Yes! I started a singlet business. Singlets are the uniforms we wear in wrestling. Girl’s singlets are different cuts than men’s and a lot of people don’t understand that. So we have designed our own special cut for women, and they’re triple stitched. I only wear my own singlets. We make custom individual singlets or full team gear.

Find Singlets by Jazzy on TikTok or Instagram at @singletsby_jazzy_.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.

As the brisk autumn days turn colder and darker, That includes a thriving community of railfans, many of whom enjoy intricately designed model train layouts. With the holiday season approaching, we’re on the fast track to the best holiday-and winter-themed model train displays in the Rochester area.

❶ ARCADE & ATTICA RAILROAD

Our first stop is A&A Railroad. Located at 278 Main Street in the town of Arcade, this historic station features exhibits from antique railroad lanterns to switch locks and stands. Visitors can board the last operating steam train excursion in New York State. During the holiday season, this train is headed straight to the “North Pole” carrying pajama-clad families enjoying hot cocoa. Santa’s Wonderland Express is a family-friendly holiday journey that includes a visit with Santa, the elves, and reindeer. For more information, visit aarailroad.com. 

❷ THE GARDEN FACTORY

No tickets are necessary for the annual holiday model train display at the Garden Factory at 2126 Buffalo Road in Gates. It has become a tradition for many local families as well as out-of-towners, opening the day after Thanksgiving and running daily until December 24. This impressive display is more than sixty feet long and twenty feet wide and takes more than one hundred hours to move and assemble for viewing. Train enthusiasts will want to spend hours taking in all the details and more than one hundred train cars. Over the years, the original railroad has undergone many repairs and modifications. New scenes include wind turbines, a gold mine, and an updated drive-in. For more information, visit gardenfactoryny.com. 

❸ AMAN’S FARM AND MARKET

It’s full steam ahead to the model train layout on display at Aman’s Farm and Market at 2458 East Ridge Road in Irondequoit. Originally a tiny roadside stand, this farm market dates back to 1840. Maureen and Joe Stuhler spend weeks setting up their incredible Christmas village, complete with more than 170 buildings, animated figures, tiny vehicles, a carousel, and working model trains. This tradition began to honor the Stuhlers' late sons Devin and Joel and is open from Thanksgiving until the New Year. Visitors can purchase a miniature holiday angel with all proceeds benefiting the Irondequoit Food Cupboard. For more information, visit amansfarmandmarket.com. 

❹ ROCHESTER MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

Choo! Choo! November is model railroad month, and the Rochester Model Railroad Club is celebrating with its annual open house on November 14 and 15. Come and marvel at the 2,400-square-foot layout at 150 South Clinton Avenue featuring 350 feet of double track mainline depicting scenes of the Lehigh Valley Railroad of the 1950s and a trolley line with cars running under overhead wire. Visitors can shop the model railroad equipment sale and watch as many as ten trains running simultaneously, including trains from the popular children’s television series Thomas the Tank Engine. For more information, visit rocmrrc.com. The Rochester Model Railroad Club also supports other area clubs and events including the holiday display at RIT.

❺ TIGER TRACKS AT RIT

One of the most well-known holiday train shows is gearing up for its twentieth year. Tiger Tracks is a two-day show that takes place every December at the Gordon Field House, located on the Rochester Institute of Technology campus. Thousands of guests attend the show which features vendors, concessions, and door prizes as well as seminars about model railroading presented by members of the community. Put together by the RIT model railroad club, this event is fun for the whole family. Learn more at rittrainshow.com. 

➏ EDGERTON MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

Founded in 1950, the Edgerton Model Railroad Club houses one of the most carefully curated holiday model train layouts in Rochester. Located in the Edgerton Recreation Center at 41 Backus Street, this club has maintained four large displays for more than seventy-five years, each depicting one of the four seasons. With thousands of dollars’ worth of model trains donated from the Lionel Corporation and backdrops painted by the Rochester Art Club, many groups and individuals have contributed to the maintenance and artistry of this display over the years. Santa’s house at the North Pole sits high atop the mountains above the winter scene that includes a snowman building contest, a parade down the miniature Main Street and tiny Christmas trees for sale. Visitors are sure to enjoy the twinkling lights set to holiday music as well as pushing all the buttons that make the town come to life. Check out edgertonmodelrailroadclub.com for more information on this year’s holiday model train display.

❼ DISPLAY AT BRIGHTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY

We’re right on schedule! Let’s head over to 2300 Elmwood Avenue and check out the trains at the Brighton Memorial Library. In December, this local library hosts two setups in its large program room. While at the library, be sure to check out a VIP pass to the New York Museum of Transportation. Your pass can be checked out just like a book and will allow you one free admission to the museum with one paid admission. Visit brightonlibrary.org for more information on the train display as well as the full list of participating museums and arts organizations in the VIP pass program at this and all Monroe County libraries.

❽ MEDINA RAILROAD MUSEUM

Home to Western New York’s Polar Express Train Ride, the Medina Railroad Museum is also the place to view one of the largest model train layouts in New York. Located in a restored freight station at 530 West Avenue in the town of Medina, this display is 204 feet long and fourteen feet wide. Visitors are able to interact with the layout through push-button controls and view the impressive twelve sets of 100-car trains. This unique museum serves as an interactive timeline of Western New York over the years, featuring artifacts from rail companies from the 1800s to the present day. medinarailroadmuseum.org.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of (585) Kids.