Write a backstory for a sidekick or supporting character in a novel you’ve read.
Stone Soup Magazine for young readers, writers, and artists
Saturday Newsletter: February 18, 2023
Red Galaxy (chalk pastels) by Ahaana Gangwal, 8; published in Stone Soup February 2023 A note from Emma Wood Hello! Since having my daughter in 2020, life has seemed to be in constant flux—partly because of the kids (just as soon as we discover the perfect routine, their needs seem to change!), partly because of the circumstances—we’ve moved twice with another one on the horizon—and partly because of changes at work—that is, here, at Stone Soup. Many of those changes won’t be immediately visible to you all, but there is one that will be: beginning with the May issue, we will revert to publishing on a bimonthly schedule. This means we will publish six longer issues a year instead of the eleven shorter magazines you are used to receiving. We have been considering all of our options to ensure that Stone Soup remains viable long into the future. Producing, printing, and mailing the magazine is Stone Soup’s main expense, and for 45 of its 50 years, we were a bimonthly publication. Returning to that model (but with longer issues—each one will now be like a small book!) allows us to print the same amount of content, just less frequently. This not only helps us cut back on costs, but also gives staff more breathing room—which in turn will free up some of our time to invest in other areas of Stone Soup. Since each issue will be longer and since there are other perks to being a subscriber (free submissions along with digital access to our magazine archives, our blogs, and our writing activities), we won’t be changing our subscription price at this time. I know this may come as a disappointment to some readers and subscribers. If you have any questions or concerns, please write to us at subscriptions@stonesoup.com. I also want to share that our GoFundMe campaign is halfway to its goal!! Thank you to all who have joined us so far; we are so grateful for your support. We ask once again that you consider contributing to our campaign and share our page with anyone who might also be interested in supporting our mission. Finally, through GoFundMe, it is also possible to become a fundraiser for us. If you or the young Stone Soup reader in your life is interested in starting a drive for Stone Soup in your local community, please let us know! We would be happy to support them, and believe this would be a valuable learning experience for any young person. My best, Stone Soup is published by Children’s Art Foundation-Stone Soup Inc., a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization registered in the United States of America, EIN: 23-7317498.
Practice, a comic by Jaslene Kwack, 12
Artist Statement My name is Jaslene Kwack, and I am 12 years old. I drew this picture on my iPad. I first got inspiration from Taekwondo, which is a sport that I practice and enjoy a lot. Although I learn just like everyone else, I think one thing that sets me apart is how I strive to expand my knowledge and preserve the things I already know. One of my teachers has brought up a topic which really got me thinking. They quoted someone asking, “Is it harder to get good or to stay good?” and I believe that it is both. Some might think, “Oh, it is harder to get good because you have to learn everything from the start and overcome problems.” but it is also equally important to keep reviewing the things you have done to “get good” because what’s the point in learning something if you’re going to forget it anyways? So, this brings me to the topic of my art. I drew this picture about how I practice Taekwondo every day, whether it be at home, at the dojang (the training area where I learn during classes), or outside, I always work harder to perfect every move and every action. Each panel of my drawing shows me performing a different move in Taekwondo, and the further down you look, the more time passes. For example, the first few show me in the summer (you can tell from my clothes and the bright blue sky along with the full green trees). Then, in the later drawings, I am shown wearing a hoodie as the leaves fall and the trees grow bare. Eventually, there is snow on the ground and I also draw myself standing inside my room practicing on a mat. The last panel portrays my house and me yelling the last phase of almost every sequence in Taekwondo: the kihap. The kihap is a yell or shout at the end of a move which is meant to intimidate an opponent. However, it also shows self-confidence and strength. This last panel shows my growth with my practice at the end of each day. Not only does this drawing and the idea behind it apply to Taekwondo, it also applies to other things I practice in my life. For example, I play both clarinet and bassoon, so I designate days to practice each instrument. I also play tennis by myself and with my brother during my free time at the tennis court outside of my house. On weekends, I go out with my family to practice golf, sometimes going on rounds and other times playing at a practice bay. I believe this drawing portrays my dedication to the things I am involved and interested in. It shows how I always work to perfect the things I have already learned in order to remember them and become better. Using this drawing, I also want to inspire others to passionately pursue the things they love and make sure they never give up.
