Brilliant Star

Brilliant Star: Transforming Our Spirits, Vol. 51, No. 5. This issue focuses on qualities that help us and our communities change and develop. Compelling content includes:

• Explore tools for adapting to change with a growth mindset;
• Discover how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá touched kids’ hearts in Paris;
• Learn a prayer in three languages to help your spirit bloom;
• Quiz yourself on how you respond to opportunities;
• Create a shining snowflake mobile in Nur’s Nook;
• Find out how kids around the world handle changes and challenges;
• Turn milk into ice cream in Maya’s Mysteries;
• Learn answers to kids’ questions about space from NASA astronaut Dr. Don Pettit and our STEM Education Advisor, Dr. Steve Scotti;
• Get to know Eric Harper, who wants his music to bring us closer to God.

Brilliant Star: Be a Candle, Vol. 51, No. 4. This issue honors the life and example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and encourages kids to consider how they can be of service to others. It includes these engaging stories and activities:

• Explore the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which was dedicated to serving humanity and the Bahá’í Faith;
• Invite friends and family to take on a two-week service challenge;
• Discover puzzles and activities that inspire you to put kindness into action;
• Quiz yourself on how well you listen to yourself and others;
• Create a cactus garden gift to celebrate resilience;
• Find out how Bahá’ís created the first race amity convention in 1921;
• Interview people you admire about how and why they serve humanity;
• Get to know Ridvan Foxhall, who empowers kids to express their virtues and cultures onstage and in their communities.

No matter where your strengths and interests lie, your acts of kindness can be candles that light up our world!

Brilliant Star: Join Together, Vol. 51 No. 3. In this issue, discover the meaning and importance of being a world citizen. Compelling content includes:

• Build friendships with games and activities;
• Gain tips and tools for overcoming prejudice;
• Quiz yourself on your change-making skills;
• Create a mini lighthouse with Nur to shine a light on truth;
• Get to know Deltin Sejour, whose passion for dance unites people;
• A story about the first marriage between a Black and white Bahá’í;
• Learn about the Shrine of the Báb and the Ridván Garden in Israel;
• Find out ways to appreciate cultures other than your own;
• Practice finding virtues in nature.

Brilliant Star: Heroic Spirit, Vol. 51, No. 2 In this issue, explore the true meaning of heroism through these activities and more:

• Quiz yourself about your proactive powers;
• Discover inspiring virtues at an Uplifters’ training camp;
• Learn about service from furry, four-legged friends;
• A Nur’s Nook craft to create your own Castle of Courage;
• Find out how to encourage others as a servant leader;
• Write and draw about your own superpowers, goals, and heroes;
• Stories of heroic acts of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh;
• Get to know Dr. Mia Derstine, who uses her healing touch in emergency rooms and in the wilderness;
• Learn answers to kids’ questions about space from NASA astronaut Don Pettit and our STEM Education Advisor, Dr. Steve Scotti.

Brilliant Star: Bounty of Gratitude, Vol. 51 No. 1 In this issue, discover the power of thankfulness with these activities and many more:

• Quiz yourself about how grateful you are.
• Make a sweet gift for a superhero in your life.
• Start your own gratitude journal.
• Find out how handling challenges can strengthen your spirit.
• Get to know Trish Khan, a zookeeper who’s passionate about protecting primates.
• Learn answers to kids’ questions about space from NASA astronaut Leland Melvin and our STEM Education Advisor, Dr. Steve Scotti.
• Shining a light on everyone and everything you’re thankful for brightens our world!

This issue empowers kids to help build racial justice and unity, with compelling content including:

• A quiz about taking action to end racism and prejudice;
• “What Do You Say?” activity to practice responding to prejudice;
• Stories about the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh and their responses to persecution, including an article on the Fire Tablet;
• Story of Robert Turner, the first African American Bahá’í;
• Nur’s Nook “Balanced Bird” craft project representing equity;
• Virtual and in-person games for understanding privilege and creating friendship;
• “Maya’s Mysteries” science experiment about building bridges to connect with others;
• Activity inviting kids to interview an elder about prejudice and racism;
• And much more!

This issue celebrates Brilliant Star’s 50th birthday and gives kids tools for developing cooperation and consultation skills. Compelling content includes:

• A behind-the-scenes look at how Brilliant Star is created;
• Nur’s Nook craft about creating your own mini magazine;
• Quiz yourself on cooperation skills;
• Take a creativity challenge in “Maya’s Mysteries”;
• Get to know Brian Lepard, a law professor who helped with the earliest version of Brilliant Star when he was a kid;
• Draw yourself as a future Stargazer;
• Develop a growth mindset and learn from mistakes;
• Get tips on consultation for stronger teamwork.

Created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Báb, the “Light of Faith” issue features stories and activities about the Báb’s mission and the oneness of religion, including:

• A two-page illustrated timeline of key events in the Báb’s life;
• The story of the Báb’s house arrest and His influence on the people of Shíráz;
• A story and activity about Bahá’u’lláh’s recognition of the Báb’s divine station;
• A “Shining Lamp” profile of the wife of the Báb, Khadíjih Bagum;
• A “Stargazer” interview with Bahá’í scholar Dr. Moojan Momen, who talks about the Báb;
• A fun lantern craft honoring the light from God that shines in all faiths;
• Explorations of the Báb’s station and the oneness of religion through puzzles, a drawing activity, interviews with kids, and more.

Brilliant Star, Volume 49, number 6, January / February 2018

This issue of Brilliant Star discusses limitless force – setting goals and working to achieve them; finding your gifts and sharing them with the world; and learning about responsibility, self-control, and inner calmness.