This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

The World Mourns A King

The small Arab kingdom of Jordan seemed to be the center of the world in early February. Kings, Presidents, Sultans and Prime Ministers from around the globe arrived at the royal palace to say goodbye to King Hussein, 63. The King died of cancer on February 7.

Hussein had ruled Jordan since he was 16 years old. For much of his reign, Jordan and the other nations of the Middle East battled with Israel for control of land. But Hussein spent the last years of his life seeking peace. He was proud to have signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994. Though ill, he went to Maryland last year to help Israel and the Palestinians make a peace deal.

Now Hussein's son Abdullah, 37, is Jordan's King. He says he'll continue his father's work. "I am not starting from zero," said Abdullah. "I've had the honor over the past 20 years of being by His Majesty's side."

Next: Reading Scores On The Rise