Illustrations by Lance Lekander; Real-Life Word Nerd Photo Courtesy of Family

One Word, Three Ways

Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Words

By Della Herden

From the October/November 2025 Issue

Featured Skill: Vocabulary and Grammar,

Standards

The Story
Resources

One Word, 3 Ways

Look how this adventurous kid uses the word of the issue, legend.

There’s a local legend that Wicked Wanda, a bank robber from the 1800s, had her hideout in these woods.

If I find it, I’ll be a legend!

The legend on this map shows that it’s right around here. But where?

Legend can mean:

a story handed down from the past whose truth cannot be proved
a person who is famous for accomplishing something outstanding
an explanation of symbols on a map

Wild Word Challenge!

The word legend appears in this issue’s fiction story. Can you find it and determine which meaning is used there? Bonus: Find the legend on the map in this issue's nonfiction!

Root Power!

Meet Lexie! She time traveled from the ancient world and landed in Storyworks. Lexie loves words—especially ones with Greek and Latin roots. Today she’s using words with the Latin root sub. That means under or near. Can you figure out the meanings of the orange words below?

Lexie: My favorite place to swim is at a pool in the suburbs.

Friend: Let’s go now!

Lexie: The subway will help us get there.

Lexie: Submerging in the water feels great!

Write to Win

What root should Lexie use next? Find three words that contain the same Greek or Latin root of your choice. Then write a sentence for each word (or create a comic that features your words). Entries must be submitted to “Root Power Contest” by a teacher, parent, or legal guardian.* Students whose entries are chosen for a future issue will receive a prize!!

^{*Entries must be written by a student in grades 2-8 and submitted by their teacher, parent, or legal guardian, who will be the entrant and must be a legal resident of the U.S. age 18 or older. Visit the Storyworks Contests page for more information.}