August Adventures with Little Miss HISTORY 🍎 (Guest Post)

Hello History Friends!

A new school year is upon us, and it's also the nation's 250th anniversary.

Can you believe August is already here? Backpacks will be packed, and classrooms will be buzzing once again.  As families prepare for a new school year, there's never been a better time to make history come alive. 

With America's 250th anniversary upon us, this school year offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the people, places, and stories that shaped our nation. My Little Miss HISTORY Travels books were written to inspire curiosity, encourage family adventures, and help children discover that history is anything but boring! https://LittleMissHISTORY.com

• Barbara Ann Mojica's BLOG

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 Back-to-School Shopping Tips

Whether you're homeschooling or sending your children back to school, here are a few ways to make learning more meaningful this year:

 Choose books that encourage curiosity—not just memorization.

 Include a family journal where children can record interesting historical places they visit.

 Keep a U.S. map handy and mark every historic site your family explores.

 Visit local museums, battlefields, historic homes, and landmarks whenever possible.

 Build a family reading basket with books that bring American history to life.

History isn't just another subject—it helps children understand who they are and where our country has been.

• HERE'S A BRIEF ARTICLE I WROTE ABOUT HOW TO SAVE MONEY! https://bamauthor.me/2026/08/04/tips-for-back-to-s...

 New Podcast Feature

I recently had the pleasure of joining the Drafting Motherhood podcast for a conversation about building a life around curiosity, education, and history.

We talked about:

• How the Little Miss HISTORY series began

• Why historical accuracy matters for children

• Encouraging curiosity through travel and storytelling

• Why it's never too late to pursue a dream

If you've ever wondered how my books came to be—or if you're looking for encouragement on your own creative journey—I think you'll enjoy this conversation. 

The episode, "Building a Life, Writing History," was released on June 30, 2026.

• Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xH1L6UHlqpKpx4k8RsY4T?si=jTRJJMgXT82Li4Y_HlA_ig&nd=1&dlsi=8109afd3003c49da

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 Reader Spotlight

"Barbara Ann Mojica’s "Miss HISTORY" series continues to be a gold mine for parents and educators, and "Little Miss HISTORY Travels to GETTYSBURG" is one of the most impressive installments yet. This book does a masterful job of bringing the gravity of the American Civil War to life in a way that is accessible, engaging, and visually stunning for young readers."

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Make This 2026, the Year Your Family Discovers America

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, now is the perfect time to explore our nation's remarkable story together.

The Little Miss HISTORY Travels series was created to help families learn together—one destination at a time.

Here's to a wonderful school year filled with curiosity, discovery, and unforgettable adventures!

Best Wishes and Happy Reading,

Barbara Ann Mojica
Little Miss HISTORY
www.LittleMissHistory.com

blogspot.comTreathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinnerAug 4, 2026

Meet Little Miss HISTORY – She’ll Be Your Tour Guide!

Barbara Ann Mojica is an accomplished author known for her book series “Little Miss HISTORY”.

Human-Interest Story: Refugees Given Hope

Hello!  Thank you for visiting (or re-visiting).  I first published this blog post about refugees in 2021 (content below the asterisks). The story of them finding hope through community support and humanitarian outreach, and the global landscape has shifted dramatically. Displacement has reached record levels. But so has the determination of ordinary people and organizations working to restore dignity, opportunity, and belonging. This story that I shared in 2021 remains just as relevant today — perhaps even more so — as millions continue to seek safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.  KEEP HOPE ALIVE!💞

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Kids in the film’s cast and crew live in a remote refugee camp, Kakuma Refugee Camp in Northern Kenya. They are waiting to be resettled in the U.S., Australia, Canada, or Europe. But IF peace and security return to their countries, they would like to go back home. They are called the Lost Boys of Sudan, but the "kids from different countries — Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda — and religious backgrounds".

The camp was started in 1991. In 2011, a 19-year-old Congolese refugee named Jean Michelle Batakane had an opportunity to leave the camp and get an education. He returned to the camp and continued his education by educating others.   He was determined not only to put his new skills to use, but to give the kids living in the camp HOPE!

He used a camcorder and a laptop and started offering courses to kids who wanted to learn film production. It's a wonderful story. Now the children who are refugees have dreams of a future.

Meet the Teenagers Who Started a Film ProductionStudio in Their Refugee Camp

Where Things Stand Today (2026 Update)

The challenges facing refugees have grown significantly since 2021.

According to UNHCR, more than 114 million people worldwide are now displaced due to conflict, persecution, and climate-related disasters — a dramatic rise from the 82 million reported when this article was first published. Yet amid these hardships, new pathways to hope have emerged.

• Many countries have expanded community sponsorship programs for refugees, allowing everyday citizens to help newcomers integrate into safe, stable environments. 

• Digital access and tools for refugees — from mobile banking to online education — now give refugees greater access to resources, training, and communication with loved ones.

• Mental health support for refugees has also become a priority, with NGOs offering trauma-informed counseling and community healing programs.

These developments echo the same message at the heart of the 2021 blog post story: when people are given support, they don’t just survive — they thrive.

Echoes of the Past: How Sungkyunkwan’s Legacy Shapes Modern Korea

K-drama lovers have probably watched this delightful series titled “Sungkyunkwan Scandal”.   For me, Korean dramas are both educational and entertaining. It turns out Sungkyunkwan is not fiction; it's real. It is an educational institution that still exists today, and it survives in two forms:

(1) Old Sungkyunkwan, the historic Confucian academy, founded in 1398, still stands in central Seoul as a cultural and ritual site.

(2) Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), the modern research university reorganized after 1945, is now one of South Korea’s top institutions.

Image credit:  visitSeoul.net

♦ Origins (1398–1894): Korea’s Highest Confucian Academy

Sungkyunkwan’s founding — Established in 1398 by royal decree at the start of the Joseon dynasty, it served as the nation’s supreme educational institution and training ground for government officials. 

Key features:

• Curriculum centered on the Confucian classics, literary composition, and preparation for the gwageo civil service exams. 

• The student body, originally capped at 150, later expanded to 200 in 1429. 

• Architecture followed geomantic principles: mountains behind, water in front, aligning with ideal energy flow. 

• Munmyo Shrine on campus held biannual rites honoring Confucius — a tradition still maintained today. 

Notable alumni include major Confucian scholars such as YiHwang and Yi I, whose writings shaped Korean intellectual history. 

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Transition & Turbulence (1895–1945)

During the late Joseon reforms:

• In 1895, Sungkyunkwan was reorganized into a modern three-year university, reflecting Korea’s modernization efforts. 

During Japanese colonial rule:

• It was demoted and renamed Gyeonghagwon, with Korean Confucian education suppressed. 

• Despite this, it remained a symbolic center of Korean Confucian identity.

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Modern Rebirth (1945–Present): Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

After Korea’s liberation in 1945:

• The original name Sungkyunkwan was restored.

• With nationwide Confucian support, it was reorganized into Sungkyunkwan University, now a comprehensive private research institution. 

Today SKKU:

• Operates two campuses:

  • Seoul (Humanities & Social Sciences)

  • Suwon (Natural Sciences & Engineering) 

• Has 34,000+ students and over 4,000 academic staff. 

• Maintains the motto “Humanity, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom.”

• Preserves the Old Sungkyunkwan buildings on its Seoul campus, integrating 600+ years of heritage with modern research. 

A major turning point came in 1996, when SKKU formed a strategic partnership with Samsung, accelerating its rise in science, engineering, and global rankings. 

⭐ Interesting Facts Across the Centuries

Confucian rites are still performed

Twice a year (May & September), SKKU hosts Seokjeon Daeje, a full Confucian ritual with traditional music and dance — one of the few surviving state rites in Korea. 

Oldest university in East Asia

SKKU traces its lineage back over 600 years, making it one of the oldest continuously operating educational institutions in East Asia. 

A blend of old and new

On the Seoul campus, you can walk from a 14th century Confucian lecture hall straight into a cutting edge glass library — a rare architectural juxtaposition.

Elite training ground

In the Joseon era, only the most promising scholars — often future ministers — could study here. Admission required passing the lower civil service exams. 

Modern powerhouse

SKKU consistently ranks among Korea’s top universities and is globally recognized in engineering, business, and natural sciences.

CONCLUSION:

Sungkyunkwan is real and absolutely still exists.
It survives both as a living Confucian heritage site and as Sungkyunkwan University, a major global research institution. Its story spans royal patronage, colonial suppression, postwar rebirth, and modern innovation — making it one of the most historically layered universities in the world.

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REFERENCES/SOURCES:

Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea. “Seokjeon Daeje.” Cultural Heritage Administration, english.cha.go.kr. Accessed 9 May 2026.

Deuchler, Martina. The Confucian Transformation of Korea: A Study of Society and Ideology. Harvard University Asia Center, 1992.

Haboush, JaHyun Kim. Confucian Kingship in Korea. Columbia University Press, 2001.

Lewis, James B. “The Korean Civil Service Examinations.” Korean Studies, vol. 24, no. 2, 2000, pp. 1–30.

Palais, James B. Confucian Statecraft and Korean Institutions. University of Washington Press, 1996.

Sungkyunkwan University. “About SKKU – History.” Sungkyunkwan University www.skku.edu/eng/About/sungkyunkwan/history.do (skku.edu in Bing). Accessed 9 May 2026.

Seth, Michael J. A Concise History of Korea: From Antiquity to the Present. 3rd ed., Rowman & Littlefield, 2020.

The Book is For All People

Believers and non-believers may argue and debate about the facts presented in the Book aka the Bible, but both groups agree that the scriptures are fascinating reading.

Believers and non-believers have argued and debated about the facts presented in the Book, aka the Bible, for thousands of years. Is it true or is it false? No consensus has ever been reached. But both groups agree that the scriptures are fascinating reading.

– The storyline is woven over 66 books, from Genesis to Revelation.
– There are descriptions of the lands or nations and their inhabitants with a view of what life was like during biblical times.

– The recording and reporting of significant historical events, though some choose to call them fanciful stories or legends.
– There are wise proverbs, profound parables, beautiful poetry, and song lyrics (nobody really knows what the music sounded like).

Almost every year, many make a New Year’s Resolution that they are going to read the entire Bible. They schedule daily readings and by the end of 365 days (366 during Leap Year), hope to have accomplished what they set out to do. How hard can it be?

* The times have truly changed, haven’t they?

There was once a time when the scriptures were a closely guarded “secret”. The common man was not allowed to view these words, let alone read them and try to comprehend their meaning. Self-appointed “keepers” who considered themselves a sort of “religious elite” decided that they were the only ones who should possess this knowledge, and they were the only ones capable of interpreting and teaching the “hidden meanings”. They refused to allow the Bible to be translated or read by ordinary folk.

Brave men, at great peril to their lives, dared not just to read the Word but to translate it into plain English. William Tyndale (1494–1536) was forced into exile and later burned to death as a heretic. But not before he translated the Bible into English. He was determined. There were others who, like Tyndale, were willing to risk it all.

These days, anybody could actually read the Bible in a year or even less than a year. In fact, people don’t even have to read anymore! Just listen. The Bible is available on cassette tapes, CD, DVD, audio files via the Internet, etc. FREE! Translations are in English and hundreds of other languages. Indeed, the Israel Museum partnered with Google and undertook the Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Project to make these ancient manuscripts available for up-close and personal examination by everyday people!

ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST:

“Digital Dead Sea Scrolls.” The Digital Dead Sea Scrolls, http://dss.collections.imj.org.il/. (Image credit.)

“THE DARING MISSION OF WILLIAM TYNDALE – Steven J. Lawson (2015).” Veritas et Lux, 9 Feb. 2015, https://davidsteele.blog/2015/02/09/the-daring-mission-of-william-tyndale-steven-j-lawson-2015/.

The Story of the Bible: The Fascinating History of Its Writing, Translation & Effect on Civilization (Larry Stone, Thomas Nelson Pub., 201, 94 pages) (archived copy)

Learn a Language: French is the… 2nd most studied language ...

Parlez-vous français?  Non?  Why not?

English is my native tongue. In elementary school, we were taught Spanish. It wasn't optional. It was required. But when I got to high school, the foreign language courses offered were Spanish, French, and Latin. No need to take Spanish. About a third of the student body was Cuban, and they spoke Spanish all the time. You could learn it just by listening. The smart kids took Latin. You know. The ones who were going to be doctors. I seized the opportunity and took 3 years of French. Loved every minute of it! 

Unfortunately, I've forgotten a lot because there were never regular opportunities to converse with anyone who spoke the language. Found a cool Tumblr blog that shares one French word a day. It's a nice reminder. Glad I took the class in high school. Love the sound of French words. So romantic. The French language even makes RAP sound good!

Reasons why you should learn French:

• French is the… — 2nd most studied language — 5th most spoken language — 2nd working language in most organizations — 4th language of the Internet ... bonjourfrenchwords.tumblr.com

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https://bonjourfrenchwords.tumblr.com/post/141048679523/french-is-the-2nd-most-studied-language-5th

https://polyglottraveler.tumblr.com/post/147194267871/idioms-in-french-and-english

https://languagesenrose.tumblr.com/post/168062233436/a-list-of-french-teachers-on-youtube

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Original Source

Read Books Written for Children like "All Around the Moon" by Jules Verne for FREE!

Do you enjoy reading children's books? I do.

I found an incredible treasure trove of historical children’s books at openculture.com, ALL digitized and free to read online. FREE!! 

I know all about “Around the World in 80 Days”. But I never knew Jules Verne wrote a book titled “All Around the Moon”. Did you?

~ Shared via Pinterest: http://ift.tt/2uCnfn7 

Rediscovering Historical Children’s Books

There’s something magical about opening a children’s book from another era. The language, illustrations, and moral lessons offer a window into how past generations understood childhood, imagination, and education. These books aren’t just quaint artifacts—they reveal shifting cultural values, forgotten storytelling styles, and the evolution of what adults once believed children needed to learn.

Exploring historical children’s literature can deepen our understanding of social history, art, and even parenting trends. It’s also a reminder that stories have always shaped how young people see the world.

If you’re curious to explore this rich legacy, one of the best resources available is a remarkable digital archive hosted by Open Culture. They’ve gathered over 6,000 historical children’s books, all fully digitized and completely free to read. The collection spans centuries and genres, making it an invaluable resource for educators, researchers, parents, and anyone who loves the charm of vintage storytelling.

This site offers open access to rare materials that would otherwise be locked away in special collections. It’s a treasure trove of cultural history—beautiful, surprising, and endlessly inspiring.

Book Lovers Gifts for Bookworm/Reader/Librarian, Books Accessories

for Reading Lovers, Bookish Items for Book Club, Reading Accessories Blanket 60x50in

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The Space Novels of Jules Verne: From the Earth to the Moon, All Around the Moon

DID YOU KNOW? More People Will Speak French by the Year 2050

Parlez-vous français? Non? Why not?

DID YOU KNOW?

There are lots of benefits to learning French. According to numerous sources:

• French is a working language and an official language of the United Nations.
• French can boost both your educational and career prospects.
• French is the language of the future.

French is the second most studied language in the world. However, it is believed that a boom in French-speaking African states will significantly increase the percentage of global French speakers by 2050. You don’t say? Because even though, according to a list for 2020, French is included among the most commonly spoken languages in the world, I still sort of wondered why more people in the world didn’t speak the language. (O.o) 

So glad to know the French language might become a more spoken language and not just a studied language. I love the language. When I lived in Maryland, USA, from 1988 to 1995, there was a school there that taught the children in French. At the time, it seemed odd. But I guess the educators were thinking ahead! What vision!

Original Source

English is my native tongue. In elementary school, we were taught Spanish. It wasn’t optional. It was required. But when I got to high school, the foreign language courses offered were Spanish, French, and Latin.

• No need for me to take Spanish. About a third of the student body was Cuban, and they spoke Spanish all the time. You could learn it just by listening.

• The smart kids took Latin. You know. The kids who were going to be doctors one day.

• I reasoned that even though I will probably never go to France, a lot of Canadians come to America, and they speak French! So I seized the opportunity and took 3 years of French, and loved every minute of it!

Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten a lot because there were never regular opportunities to converse with anyone who spoke the language. But thanks to the Internet, I found a cool blog that shares one French word a day, and another website that teaches you how to learn French the fun way. (Links shared below.) They are nice refreshers and help me brush up on my French, so I don't completely forget.

I love the sound of French words. They are so romantic. The French language even makes RAP sound good! LOL. 🌝

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RELATED LINKS:

Bon jour French Words

Idioms in French and English | Polyglot Traveler

A list of French Teachers on YouTube

French Lessons and Language Tools From Laura K. Lawless

French Grammar Games

Interesting Facts About French

11 Top Benefits of Learning French That May Surprise You

Countries Where French is the Official Language

French Speaking Countries in the World | Francophone

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Looking for fun ways to help your students learn French grammar? Wifienne Brigitte Humbert has designed a grammar game set -- and it is available to the public for free! https://t.co/CW5vbWLWe9 pic.twitter.com/MBX5YIuqHn

— Women In French (@WomenInFrench) August 21, 2019

❄️Want to help your children improve their French? Our bilingual poster is a great tool to help kids learn the names of various winter sports. ?￢ﾛﾷ️

?Order your free poster on-line!
?https://t.co/KaiCVA4mep#bilingualism pic.twitter.com/Dmk0a7aaR9

— OCOL of Canada (@OCOLCanada) January 11, 2020

Revisiting the Brown v. Board of Education (1954) SCOTUS Decision 70 Years Later

Brown v. Board of Education (1954) is a landmark Supreme Court case in the United States that addressed racial segregation in public schools. SCOTUS led by Chief Justice Earl Warren, ruled unanimously that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The Court held that "separate but equal" facilities, a doctrine established by the earlier Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896, were inherently unequal and thus violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. This decision was a crucial moment in the American civil rights movement, but NOT a “shining moment” in American history.  Let me 'splain WHY.

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“Importantly, the Brown v. Board decision did not extend its scope beyond public schools. The ruling specifically addressed educational institutions and did not mandate integration across other public facilities or societal sectors.” (Quote Source)

This is true. The historic Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) did not extend BEYOND the scope of public schools.  How convenient!

This is NOT a “shining moment” in American history, particularly with respect to historic decisions made by the Supreme Court. But it does shine a light on the lengths people who hold a position of authority will go to make sure “certain people” stay on TOP while “certain others” are kept down, have doors closed in their faces, etc. It's a "convenient tool" to ensure that oppression, unfair discrimination, and inequality are BUILT INTO THE SYSTEM. 

The history of legal decisions made in America, from the Supreme Court, all the way down to the lesser courts, is PROOF of this country's HYPOCRISY.

Image credit

Whereas the pledge of allegiance and the constitution use words to PROMOTE and PROMISE ideals like justice, liberty, and equality … the legal decisions show that WE THE PEOPLE DON'T PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH!!

Although … to be fair ... not all Americans are hypocrites. Some of US really do believe those words in the pledge and the Constitution.

But it is a very "inconvenient truth" when the ones who are hypocrites are in positions of authority and power. The Brown v Board decision is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. An extremely accurate historical record for US ALL.

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NOTE: The remarks above were my comments left at an article published via Medium.com titled: “implications of the Brown v. Board of Education decision”. I am repeating them here because they bear repeating. (Original Source)

Separate: The Story of Plessy v. Ferguson, and America's Journey from Slavery to Segregation https://t.co/EY1bjkc2qB #history #markers and #reminders #BooksWorthReading #Project2025 wants to do away with the Dept of Education. WHY? Is it so bad that it NEEDS to be SCRAPPED? pic.twitter.com/sIwPwToVeW

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) August 3, 2024

Isn't it SILLY that a country as diverse as America, even has to discuss DEI?
Even SILLIER? That a country as diverse as America even had to pass a Civil Rights Act.
The SILLLIEST? When people ACT LIKE there's no problem when the PROBLEM IS SO OBVIOUS.

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) August 3, 2024

NOTE: I wonder if Musk had a problem with apartheid being forced on kids without parental consent. Of course, he'll undoubtedly use the excuse that when it happened, he was just a kid himself.

The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence is a Mystery Series Written for Children:

Do you enjoy mysteries?  Are you fascinated by the history of ancient Rome?

Do you enjoy it when history is made interesting instead of just being tested on how well you can recall dates, events, and names of people and places?

Think you might like reading a historical mystery series?
(Written for young readers but nobody has to know you’re an adult. One of my guilty pleasures is reading children's books.)

Here is a recommendation. This series has won awards. It’s called The Roman Mysteries and was written by Caroline Lawrence. Her goal for undertaking this task was to entertain children while reading and educate them about this ancient civilization. She succeeded. In fact, her books received praise from teachers and parents, as well as awards and recognition. This is not the only mystery series she has written but since it deals with life in ancient Rome which is one of my favorite topics, it is being recommended for mystery lovers who also have an interest in the Roman Empire.

Set in 1^st century A.D., Book 1 of the series is titled “The Thieves of Ostia”. The last of the series, Book 17 is “Man from Pomegranate Street”. The reading material targets ages 10 through 14 and the novels are available in various formats: hard copy, audio, digital, etc.
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Here is the complete Roman Mysteries series:

The Thieves of Ostia (1)

The Secrets Of Vesuvius (2)

The Pirates Of Pompeii (3)

The Assassins Of Rome (4)

The Dolphins Of Laurentum (5)

The Twelve Tasks Of Flavia Gemina (6)

The Enemies Of Jupiter (7)

The Gladiators From Capua (8)

The Colossus Of Rhodes (9)

The Fugitive From Corinth (10)

The Sirens Of Surrentum (11)

The Charioteer Of Delphi (12)

The Slave-Girl From Jerusalem (13)

The Beggar Of Volubilis (14)

The Scribes From Alexandria (15)

The Prophet From Ephesus (16)

The Man From Pomegranate Street (17)

The Slave-Girl From Jerusalem

This exciting adventure recreates the siege at Masada.

Caroline Lawrence has also written other historical mysteries. View Her Author's Page.

Source:  Webnuggetz.com

NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 

Do You Like the Idea of Studying Abroad?

There is a quote that goes: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

I don't think education is expensive. I think it's priceless!

And you can' quote me on that.

I love the idea of education. I love the idea of formal education. I love the idea of higher education. If you had told me that I could attend school abroad in another country and pursue my education, I would have jumped at the chance. Alas! That chance was not afforded me.

But many others were given the opportunity and they embraced it. Those people are by our standards “successful” and well known. People like:

• Freddie Mercury (1946–1991) ~ (“Queen” lead singer, songwriter, and musician)
• Kerry Washington (1977 - ) ~ (actress aka “Olivia Pope”)
• Bill Murray (1950 - ) ~ (actor and comedian, “Saturday Night Live”, “Ghostbusters”)

There are lots more. If you're curious to know who they are you'll find quick summaries – names, some photographs, where they were born, and where they studied.

People Who Studied Abroad | Tumblr

Successful People Who Studied Abroad 

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I know the times are perilous with terrorist attacks and the dangers posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But if you had the opportunity, would you like to study abroad.

6 Ways to Study Abroad for Free or Cheap | Go Overseas

Where Can You Study Abroad for Free? | Top Universities

Alfa Beta @AlfaBetaIndia

Alfa Beta is one of the leading education consultants worldwide and is a pioneer in the field of abroad education. Contact us @ info@alfabetaedu.in or @ +91 9873765556 Visit us @ alfabetaedu.in#AlfaBeta #studyabroad #StayHomeStaySafe #CAREERTIPS #education #career

March 31st 2020

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