Experts aren't sure when maple syrup was first invented. Indigenous Peoples in North America have very old stories of eating sap from maple trees. The first written record of maple syrup is from a French explorer in 1557.

I really appreciate your kind words, Paiyslee! The whole team at News-O-Matic works really hard to make sure it is fun. Thank YOU for reading! 😁

I love that idea, Charli! And it sounds like you had an interesting experience — you can tell me more about it by having a parent or teacher email us at ask@newsomatic.org. Maybe we can share about your experience with other kids!

Thanks for telling me what articles you'd like to see in News-O-Matic, Ciprian. It helps us a lot! Will you explain what is new in the 1.21 update for Minecraft? I want to learn more about it! Thanks!

That's a great question, Nova! You're right that heat does rise in a home. However, it is different on a mountain. As you go higher up, the air gets thinner. With less pressure in the air, there are fewer molecules. And because there are fewer molecules, the air cannot hold as much heat. That's why it's colder on the Earth the higher up you go in elevation! Hope that helps answer your question. 🗻

YES! News-O-Matic has a whole SERIES of articles about the national parks of the United States. You can search the words "national park" to find them. Or you can just search for some of your favorite parks like "Yosemite" or "Yellowstone" or "Acadia." Happy exploring, Kexin! 🥾

Emily Dickinson was an American poet, Olivia. She lived from 1830-1886. Her poems are very famous. And she is related to Taylor Swift! 🎤

Hi, Sienna! Aren't giant pandas just so great? I think they're really cute, and it's interesting to hear how the animals connect China to other countries!

Hello, Jyll! It's really cool that you know your strengths — and areas you could grow in! And it's awesome that you want to improve. I think that's a great idea for a topic. I'll see what I can do! In the meantime, I have some advice. Keep practicing reading and writing! You can read on News-O-Matic, and then you can try explaining the stories and sharing your opinions in writing.

We do have articles about BTS, Kyliah! You can use News-O-Matic's search to read some. The music group is taking a break while its members are serving in the military. So, there's not much recent news about them. But I do know one of the artists, Jin, recently participated in the Olympic Torch relay in Paris, France!

News-O-Matic writers get information from several different sources! First, we pay attention to other news reporters around the world. We listen to statements from the people and groups that the stories are about. And we talk with experts to learn more. We use the internet, books, and interviews!

When the temperature starts to get colder, the Arctic fox grows thicker, whiter fur. Then, when the seasons get warmer, the animal loses some of its fur, and it changes to a brown or grey color. Animals like foxes shed their fur and grow new fur all the time!

Hey, Zaiden! It makes me SO EXCITED to hear that you love News-O-Matic! What do you enjoy the most?

I agree, Lorraine! Baking can be a ton of fun! I'm happy to know that you're learning a lot too. What kinds of things do you like to bake? 😁

Hi, Jazmin. Have you seen or heard any cicadas this summer? There are so many in the eastern and midwestern United States this year! Cicadas can be found on every continent on Earth except Antarctica. They usually live in forests, rain forests, or deserts.

Good question, Stella! I'm not sure that everyone has been able to ride waves! I have an answer, though. I love to body surf! It's like boogie boarding -- but without a boogie board! 🌊

I can definitely do that, Alaina! Keep your eye out for an article about a breakdancer coming very soon. Keep up your hard work practicing and learning more about dancing!

Hi, Emma! I love to share articles about dogs in News-O-Matic! Did you see the recent Photo of the Day article about some special puppy pupils?

I hope you enjoy our recent article "Huge Wedding in India," Myra! Thanks for sharing about your life and what you're interested in reading!

Hey, Jonathan! The International Peace Garden that crosses the border between North Dakota, United States and Manitoba, Canada is open to the public! Would you want to visit?