Wonderstruck
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE TEAM AT WONDER YEAR
Volume 6 • November 2023
Have you read Wonder Year?
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Reviews help more people learn about our book.
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Book News
Our book, Wonder Year, has been out in the world for almost two months, and we love reading reviews and hearing from people about its impact. Our family travel book is also getting its own traveling legs–it has recently become available in the UK, Europe, and Australia, too.
Our other big news is that we’ve been picked up by REI.com and select REI stores in Colorado. This is an exciting partnership, and we look forward to watching it unfold.
To sweeten the book review request noted above, we have a giveaway contest happening on Instagram until November 10. If you screenshot a review from Amazon, REI, or Goodreads and send it to us, you’ll be entered to win a daypack, water bottle, travel journal, and more!
Blog Roundup for October
We published four blogs in October with the intention of providing current resources, creating community, and solving problems for traveling families. Our first post, however, was more of a celebration: a recap of our Book Launch Month. September was a whirlwind and, as first-time authors, we drank it all in! For any of our readers who also wonder about writing a book, we hope this is a helpful read.
Our second post was a Community Connector piece to amplify the work of Discover Corps. The intention and expertise of Alex Dubois, Lynne Corvaglia, and the rest of the team just might be a fantastic piece of your worldschooling plan.
Third, we looked at Greece as an inspired destination for your family travels. This blog highlights seven reasons why Greece is an excellent choice for interactive and deep learning for all. From the art and architecture to the natural beauty and beyond, Greece will not disappoint.
And last, we offered our spin on turning any outing into an exploration on sustainability. Packed with hands-on ideas, resources to dive deeper, and a conversation on curiosity and awe, this blog will remind you that a “daily dose of wonder helps our children develop compassion, concern for others, and optimism, all components of a sustainability mindset.”
We hope you enjoy reading these as much as we enjoyed creating them!
November Happenings Around the Globe
- November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultural history of Native people and to recognize their contributions in the US and around the world.
- Iceland Airwaves Music Festival is a multi-genre music festival that takes place November 2-4, 2023 in Reykjavik. It’s reputed as one of the best festivals in the world, with an impressive lineup of new and established artists.
- Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a chance for families and friends to come together and celebrate the memory of deceased loved ones. Wherever you are on November 1-2—whether it be Mexico City, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Seattle, or other spots—pause, remember, and join in the festivities, parades, and activities like building ofrendas (private altars) taking place worldwide.
- Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, is observed in many countries to honor veterans of World Wars I and II. In the US, Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed each year on November 11. For a brief worldschooling lesson on the history of Veterans Day, check out this video from PBS Learning Media and take a moment to thank people who have served.
- Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that takes place this year on November 28, 2023. Created as a special day in 2012, its message is to elevate the act of doing good. There are a million ways to give: volunteer with a shelter, donate food, give blood, create a fundraising campaign, help your neighbors, help someone you don’t know. Giving Tuesday is a great time to engage the entire family in acts of goodness.
Nature’s Offerings
- In November, snow geese (Anser caerulescens) migrate from breeding grounds in Alaska and Canada to winter habitats in milder climates of the Lower 48 and Mexico. Avid birders anticipate catching the overhead movement of these gorgeous, migratory waterbirds.
- Another extraordinary migration in the late fall is the roughly 200,000 caribou (Rangifer tarandus) that make their way from the tundra of Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to the lichen-rich boreal forests in and around the Brooks Range. This incredible journey affects everything in the path, including the vegetation, bacteria, predators, and most certainly Alaska Natives. The Nunamiut Iñupiat, The Caribou People, have lived in close relationship with caribou for over 11,000 years. It is a relationship based on survival, respect, and spirit.
- November in Aotearoa, New Zealand is the last month of spring and a great time to take a Great Walk. According to the Department of Conservation, “the Great Walks are premier tracks that pass through diverse and spectacular scenery. From native forests, lakes, and rivers to rugged mountain peaks, deep gorges, and vast valleys, there’s a Great Walk for everyone.” Few crowds and glorious sunny days make November a wonderful time to visit “the land of the long white cloud.”
- Cano Cristales is a magical river in Serrania de la Macarena National Park in Columbia. With the right light and clear waters, typically in July through November, visitors can see a spectrum of five colors, giving the river the name of “liquid rainbow.” The bright colors are made by an aquatic plant called Macarenia clavigera, which turns impressive shades of green, yellow, red, and purple.
- The Brunswick Islands off the North Carolina coast are south-facing barrier islands that offer fantastic adventures such as kayaking, birding, and beachwalking. Running east-west and parallel to the shoreline, the Brunswick Islands offer a super-cool opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. So, if you find yourselves near Oak Island, Ocean Isle, or Holden Beach in November, get ready for a double treat!
Links We’re Loving…
- Motherofallpodcasts – Samantha and Taylor are “two best friends surviving parenthood together.” This podcast brings their thoughtful and approachable perspectives to the everyday challenges of parenting. Check out episodes on fertility, kid and parent health, fitness, family travel, and conscious parenting, plus lighter topics such as funny things kids say and do.
- @saltyvagabonds – We’ve been following the saltyvagabonds since we first interviewed them for our book in early 2022. Amanda is a travel creator and advisor who calls a sailboat home with her partner and two children, and we love getting a glimpse into what worldschooling by boat can look like. We also appreciate Amanda’s aesthetic–check out the family’s Instagram for some gorgeous images of #boatlife.
- Runwildmychild’s mission is to highlight the importance of outdoor play in raising healthy, happy kids and to support parents in prioritizing time spent outside. Staffed by a creative team of over 30 parents, RWMC offers a website, podcast, and social community dedicated to getting kids out into nature. You’ll find ideas and resources for family travel, crafts, games, and outdoor activities across their platform. They issue an extensive holiday gift guide for outdoorsy families, too.
- Mommymoadventures – Maureen Hochdorf is a writer, editor and content creator focusing on family travel itineraries, guides, and advice. Check out the insights and features from her recent trip to Banff, Canada—that’s one of our favorite spots. We appreciate Maureen’s focus on budget travel and the tips she shares on earning passive income.
- Woodschoolbali – One of our goals at Wonder Year is to feature some of the many resources available to worldschool, including established schools that welcome worldschooling families. Wood School Bali is one such place, offering several programs outlined on their website. Part of a network focused on Neohumanist Education, the school aims to create an educational environment that fosters ethics and inspires children toward benevolent actions in the world.
We hope you found these updates and tips helpful! We wish you all the best in your worldschooling adventures, whether you’re planning your trip, are currently on the road, or have already returned and want to stay connected to the family travel community.
As always, we’d love your feedback. If you have any questions or comments about this newsletter, feel free to reach out to us at any of the emails below. Thank you!
Happy Trails,
Wonder Year Team
Annika: annika@wonderyear.com
Angela: angela@wonderyear.com
Julie: julie@wonderyear.com
