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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Comprehension Quiz

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Debate: Should a 13-Year-Old Girl Be Allowed to Sail Around the World Alone?

Laura Dekker, 13, lives in the Netherlands. She wants to be the youngest person to sail alone around the world. Her voyage would take place in a 26-foot boat. The trip could take up to two years. Laura would have to deal with bad weather and mechanical problems by herself. Her father is an expert sailor, and he says that Laura is too. He supports her wish to go on the voyage. But judges in the Netherlands have said not so fast. They think the trip might be too dangerous for a young person. They will make a final decision at the end of the month.

NO!
Justin Fishman, 10, New York, New York
Laura Dekker is making a horrible choice in wanting to sail around the world alone for two years. It will be dangerous and scary to travel solo because she might get caught in thunderstorms and hurricanes. Laura is only 13. She could get kidnapped by pirates! If Laura goes on this trip, she would also be missing two years of school. Not being able to see her family or her best friends would probably make her homesick. Laura should not be allowed to go on this expedition by herself.

YES!
Grace Rowley, 11, Huntington, New York
Laura Dekker should be allowed to sail around the world alone for two years. One problem with grown-ups today is that they don't always think kids are old enough to do something, or they just don't have enough faith in kids. Laura should be allowed to go as long as she keeps in touch with her parents. There could be checkpoints set up every few thousand miles so that adults could check in on her. If Laura is allowed to go, her trip could prove to people everywhere that kids can do whatever they set their minds to.

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