Honest History

Honest History is the award-winning magazine for kids that brings important stories from the past to life through engaging, educational topics, beautiful illustrations and fun activities. Each issue is filled with often-untold stories of people, places, and events from around the globe that inspire and encourage kids to create a positive impact on history themselves. Created to provide big brain benefits to curious young minds ages 6–12.

Honest History

A Letter for Young Historians

FEATURED YOUNG HISTORIAN

WELCOME TO SCANDINAVIA

YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW

people you should know

RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING • Scandinavia is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to renewable energy and recycling. Let’s find out why.

In Swedish, we say HEJ! • Can you pronounce these common Swedish words and phrases?

Life on a VIKING SETTLEMENT • While it’s hard to imagine Vikings apart from their fearsome raids, life at home was decidedly domestic. Most Vikings lived in small settlements made up of six or seven farms.

Beyond the Sea: A VIKING HISTORY • Hear the word “Viking” and you might envision barbarians with horned helmets, dragon-headed ships, and brutal warfare.

A STICKY SITUATION • Like people today, the Vikings used glue for all sorts of projects. From waterproofing their boats to cementing things together, glue played an important role in the Viking’s day-to-day life. Using the recipe ahead, experiment to see how well the glue works on fastening popsicle sticks together to make a boat or how well the glue keeps water off an object.

THE VARANGIAN GUARD • You may have heard of the Vikings, but have you ever heard of the Varangian Guard? Pronounced “vr·an·jee·uhn,” this elite group of men was known for their loyalty and honor. Loosely translated as “men of the pledge,” the Varangian Guard quickly became recognized for their military skill and usefulness as they faithfully protected the Byzantine Empire.

WRITING RUNES • The Vikings used letters called runes to write. Look at the runes below and compare them to the letters and sounds we use today.

Over the Rivers and Through the Fjords • Scandinavia has a vast landscape. From glaciers to rocky coastlines, Scandinavia and its surrounding Nordic countries have a variety of landscapes that are captivating to behold.

Words We Should Learn

Shield-Maidens and the Legends of Freydis • Shield-maidens are exciting characters in Nordic myth and legend. Skjoldsmøyer, or shield-maidens, were female warriors who voyaged across the sea, led crews on missions, and braved the most terrifying battles. But how many of these types of tales are true?

How to hugge

THINKING IT OVER

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

WORD SEARCH! • Where are these words?

GET THE VIKING TO HIS SHIP

SUBSCRIBE TO HONeST HISTORY

We want to hear from you! • We love hearing your suggestions and what you’ve learned from reading Honest History. Cut out the postcard below and mail in your ideas. Who knows? Your postcard might be seen in our next issue!

THE ADVENTURE MAGAZINE FOR YOUNG HISTORIANS