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20 empowering children's books that celebrate diversity and social justice.

For many of us, stories shape our world — starting from a young age.

Books can take us to places we've never been. They teach us how other people think, live, dream, and thrive.

Make believe hits overdrive with "Alice in Wonderland. " Image by iStock.

And stories that highlight diversity, fairness, and empathy can even change people's minds about tough issues.

But while fiction books with diverse casts of characters are on the rise overall, many books still don't include any specific cultural content. And according to data from the Cooperative Children's Book Center , parents and teachers are still more likely to find a book starring an adventurous animal or automobile than a child of color.

Illustration by David Huyck in consultation with Sarah Park Dahlen and Molly Beth Griffin.

After the election, kids (and their families) need to see examples of diversity and fairness more than ever. In the weeks immediately following the presidential election, the Southern Poverty Law Center recorded more than 700 incidents of harassment, intimidation and violence around the country . It's happening at schools, places of worship, businesses, and on the street.

That’s why hundreds of children's authors and illustrators joined forces to stand up to fear and bigotry with stories.

From the dollhouse to the White House, kids need to see themselves and people from diverse backgrounds and experiences saving the day, working hard, loving fiercely, and overcoming obstacles.

Image by iStock.

These creative professionals signed their names to a powerful statement that promises to work harder to bring more diverse kids stories to the world. The statement was written by the founders of the Brown Bookshelf, a site that signal boosts African-American authors and illustrators.

Together, these writers and illustrators pledged to use their talents "to help eliminate the fear that takes root in the human heart amid lack of familiarity and understanding of others; the type of fear that feeds stereotypes, bitterness, racism, and hatred; the type of fear that so often leads to tragic violence and senseless death."

These authors and illustrators will " plant seeds of empathy, fairness, and empowerment through words and pictures ." They'll be ink and paper reminders that each life is valuable and precious, regardless of origin, skin color, religion, gender, or orientation.

The list of pledgers includes several notable authors, illustrators, and influencers too.

National Book Award recipient Jacqueline Woodson; best-selling author Daniel José Older; Newbery Medal winner Marilyn Nelson; and author/actor/host LeVar Burton all pledged their support. As of this writing, the statement is supported by more than 700 authors and illustrators .

Quotation from Woodson's "Brown Girl Dreaming. " Woodson at the 32nd Annual Lab School of Washington Gala honoring Outstanding Achievers with Learning Differences. Photo by Riccardo Savi/AP.

Their mission is incredible, and fighting hate with empathy in stories and books has never been more important.

To start, here's a list of books for children of all ages that promote diverse experiences, kindness, hope. and empathy. I can't wait to see the new books that will join these ranks in the coming year.

Image designed by Michael Calcagno, Upworthy.

Preschoolers (ages 2-4)

" Counting on Community" by Innosanto Nagara

" I Know a Lot! " by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Sara Gillingham

" Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes" by Roseanne Thong, illustrated by John Parra

Little Kids (ages 5-7)

" This Day in June" by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten

" Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

" I Love Saturdays y domingos" by Alma Flor Ada, illustrated by Elivia Savadier

" Fish for Jimmy: Inspired by One Family's Experience in a Japanese American Internment Camp" by Katie Yamasaki

Big Kids (ages 8-9)

" Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah" by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls

" Thunder Boy Jr." by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Yuyi Morales

" Penny and the Magic Puffballs" by Alonda Williams, illustrated by Tyrus Goshay

" Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai

Tweens (ages 10-12)

" Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States" edited by Laurie M. Carlson

" Ghost" by Jason Reynolds

" Flying Lessons & Other Stories" edited by Ellen Oh

" The Tequila Worm" by Viola Canales

" One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Teens (ages 13+)

" Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz

" I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)" by Malala Yousafzai, with contributions from Patricia McCormick

" March: Book 1" by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell

" American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone who wants to make sure the next generation arrives at adulthood being empathetic and kind, that all begins with stories.

There's never a bad time to let children know how loved and valued they are. Change starts now.

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3 organic recipes that feed a family of 4 for under $7 a serving

O Organics is the rare brand that provides high-quality food at affordable prices.

via Becca Tapert/Unsplash

A woman cooking up a nice pot of pasta.

Over the past few years, rising supermarket prices have forced many families to make compromises on ingredient quality when shopping for meals. A recent study published by Supermarket News found that 41% of families with children were more likely to switch to lower-quality groceries to deal with inflation.

By comparison, 29% of people without children have switched to lower-quality groceries to cope with rising prices.

Despite the current rising costs of groceries, O Organics has enabled families to consistently enjoy high-quality, organic meals at affordable prices for nearly two decades. With a focus on great taste and health, O Organics offers an extensive range of options for budget-conscious consumers.

O Organics launched in 2005 with 150 USDA Certified Organic products but now offers over 1,500 items, from organic fresh fruits and vegetables to organic dairy and meats, organic cage-free certified eggs, organic snacks, organic baby food and more. This gives families the ability to make a broader range of recipes featuring organic ingredients than ever before.

“We believe every customer should have access to affordable, organic options that support healthy lifestyles and diverse shopping preferences,” shared Jennifer Saenz, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer at Albertsons, one of many stores where you can find O Organics products. “Over the years, we have made organic foods more accessible by expanding O Organics to every aisle across our stores, making it possible for health and budget-conscious families to incorporate organic food into every meal.”

With some help from our friends at O Organics, Upworthy looked at the vast array of products available at our local store and created some tasty, affordable and healthy meals.

Here are 3 meals for a family of 4 that cost $7 and under, per serving. (Note: prices may vary by location and are calculated before sales tax.)

O Organic’s Tacos and Refried Beans ($6.41 Per Serving)

Few dishes can make a family rush to the dinner table quite like tacos. Here’s a healthy and affordable way to spice up your family’s Taco Tuesdays.

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 22 minutes

Ingredients :

1 lb of O Organics Grass Fed Ground Beef ($7.99)

1 packet O Organics Taco Seasoning ($2.29)

O Organics Mexican-Style Cheese Blend Cheese ($4.79)

O Organics Chunky Salsa ($3.99)

O Organics Taco Shells ($4.29)

1 can of O Organics Refried Beans ($2.29)

Instructions :

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned; remove any excess grease.

2. Add 1 packet of taco seasoning to beef along with water [and cook as directed].

3. Add taco meat to the shell, top with cheese and salsa as desired.

4. Heat refried beans in a saucepan until cooked through, serve alongside tacos, top with cheese.

tacos, o organics, family recipes O Organics Mexican-style blend cheese. via O Organics

O Organics Hamburger Stew ($4.53 Per Serving)

Busy parents will love this recipe that allows them to prep in the morning and then serve a delicious, slow-cooked stew after work.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 7 hours

Total time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb of O Organics Grass Fed Ground Beef ($7.99)

1 ½ lbs O Organics Gold Potatoes ($4.49)

three O Organics Carrots ($2.89)

1 tsp onion powder

I can O Organics Tomato Paste ($1.25)

2 cups water

1 yellow onion diced ($1.00)

1 clove garlic ($.50)

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned; remove any excess grease.

2. Transfer the cooked beef to a slow cooker with the potatoes, onions, carrots and garlic.

3. Mix the tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, onion powder and Italian seasoning in a separate bowl.

4. Drizzle the mixed sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker and mix thoroughly.

5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the potatoes are soft. Dish out into bowls and enjoy!

potatoes, o organics, hamburger stew O Organics baby gold potatoes. via O Organics


O Organics Ground Beef and Pasta Skillet ($4.32 Per Serving)

This one-pan dish is for all Italian lovers who are looking for a saucy, cheesy, and full-flavored comfort dish that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 27 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb of O Organics Grass Fed Ground Beef ($7.99)

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp dried basil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 can O Organics Diced Tomatoes ($2.00)

1 can O Organics Tomato Sauce ($2.29)

1 tbsp O Organics Tomato Paste ($1.25)

2 1/4 cups water

2 cups O Organics Rotini Pasta ($3.29)

1 cup O Organics Mozzarella cheese ($4.79)

Instructions :

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder

3. Add tomato paste, sauce and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in water and bring to a light boil.

4. Add pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is well coated. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Remove the lid, sprinkle with cheese and allow it to cool.

o organics, tomato basil pasta sauce, olive oil O Organics tomato basil pasta sauce and extra virgin olive oil. via O Organics

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Family

Woman who was pressured to quit her job to raise stepdaughter's baby makes a bold decision

This sparked an important conversation about family responsibility.

via Pixabay

A middle-aged woman holding a baby.

A story that recently went viral on Reddit’s AITA forum asks an important question: What is a parent’s role in taking care of their grandchildren ? The story is even further complicated because the woman at the center of the controversy is a stepparent.

The woman, 38, met her husband Sam, 47, ten years ago, when his daughter, Leah, 25, was 15. Five years ago, the couple got married after Leah had moved out to go to college.

Leah’s mom passed away when she was 10.

Last year, Leah became pregnant, and she wanted to keep the baby, but her boyfriend didn’t. After the disagreement, the boyfriend broke up with her. This forced Leah to move back home because she couldn’t afford to be a single parent and live alone on a teacher’s salary.

Leah’s story is experienced by many young mothers who are facing difficulties. The father isn’t involved in the baby’s life as a caretaker or financially. Sadly, 33% of all children in the U.S. are born without their biological fathers living in the home.

babies, young mother, moms

via Alexander Grey/Unsplash

The new mother is a teacher and can’t afford to live on her own with a child. A recent study found that out of the top 50 U.S. cities, Pittsburgh is the only one where a new teacher could afford rent.

The stressors of taking care of the baby made Leah realize she needed help.

“But once she had the baby around 4 months back, Leah seemed to realize having a baby is not the sunshine and rainbows she thought it was,” the woman wrote on Reddit. “She barely got any sleep during the last four months. All the while Sam was helping her with the baby while I did almost all chores myself.”

“Now her leave is ending. She did not want to leave the baby at daycare or with a nanny,” the woman continued. “Sam and I both work as well.”

Leah asked her stepmother if she would stay home with the baby. The stepmother said no because she never wanted to have a baby and she has a job. “I asked why Leah can't stay home with the baby herself,” the woman wrote. “She said how she was young and had to build a career. I said many people take breaks to raise kids, and she broke down crying about how she was so tired all the time being a mom and needed something else in her life too.”

babies, stemoms, reddit

​A middle-aged woman with a baby.  

via Pixabay

After the woman told her stepdaughter no, her husband pressured her to stay home with the baby. But she refused to give up her job to raise her stepdaughter’s child. “Leah said yesterday how she wished her mom was alive since she would have had her back. She said I didn't love her, and my husband is also mad at me,” the woman wrote. The woman asked the Reddit community if she was in the wrong for “refusing to help my stepdaughter with the baby,” and the community responded with rapturous support.

"[The woman] should tell her husband to knock it off and stop trying to pressure her into raising his daughter’s baby. If he wants a family member to look after her baby while she works, then he can do it," Heavy_Sand5228 wrote.

"This is Leah's baby that she alone chose to have. That doesn't obligate you to change YOUR life to suit her desires. The whole business of saying you don't love her because you won't quit your job to watch her baby is manipulative and messed up, and I'm shocked your husband is siding with her, " SupremeCourtJust-a** added.

Leah and many women like her are in this situation because, in many places, teachers are underpaid, rent is high, and not all dads pay child support, even those required by law.

Another commenter noted that the baby is much more the father’s responsibility than the stepmother's. "To add, Leah should consider seeking child support from her ex. Her kid should be getting that money, " Obiterdicta wrote.

This article originally appeared on 10.3.23

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Now's your chance to help someone doing good in your community win $1000 towards the charity of their choice

Upworthy and P&G are back with the #ActsOfGood Awards.

Images provided by P&G

Three winners will be selected to receive $1000 donated to the charity of their choice.

True

Doing good is its own reward, but sometimes recognizing these acts of kindness helps bring even more good into the world. That’s why we’re excited to partner with P&G again on the #ActsOfGood Awards.

The #ActsOfGood Awards recognize individuals who actively support their communities. It could be a rockstar volunteer, an amazing community leader, or someone who shows up for others in special ways.

Do you know someone in your community doing #ActsOfGood? Nominate them between April 24 th -June 3 rd here . Three winners will receive $1,000 dedicated to the charity of their choice, plus their story will be highlighted on Upworthy’s social channels. And yes, it’s totally fine to nominate yourself!

We want to see the good work you’re doing and most of all, we want to help you make a difference.

While every good deed is meaningful, winners will be selected based on how well they reflect Upworthy and P&G’s commitment to do #ActsOfGood to help communities grow.

That means be on the lookout for individuals who:

Strengthen their community

Make a tangible and unique impact

Go above and beyond day-to-day work

The #ActsOfGood Awards are just one part of P&G’s larger mission to help communities around the world to grow. For generations, P&G has been a force for growth—making everyday products that people love and trust—while also being a force for good by giving back to the communities where we live, work, and serve consumers. This includes serving over 90, 000 people affected by emergencies and disasters through the Tide Loads of Hope mobile laundry program and helping some of the millions of girls who miss school due to a lack of access to period products through the Always #EndPeriodPoverty initiative.

Visit upworthy.com/actsofgood and fill out the nomination form for a chance for you or someone you know to win. It takes less than ten minutes to help someone make an even bigger impact.

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Gen Z and Millennials are sparring over ankle socks in their latest generational split

Cringe or the perfect fit?

Photo credit: Canva

Gen Z and Millennials are fighting over wearing ankle socks

It would seem that there's no way for Millennials to win when it comes to Gen Z's fashion rules . First they made fun of their older counterparts for wearing skinny jeans, then it was side parts, now it's ankle and no show socks. Those are out, while the tube socks that Millennials' boomer parents used to try to make them wear are in.

Surely they have to know that they are simply recycling late 90s-early 2000s fashion? But with how confidently they taunt Millennials for their supposed fashion faux pas, maybe they don't. One brave Gen Zer decided to ask the question on every Millennials' mind–why are ankle socks out?

Eva Gutowski took to TikTok to ask her fellow young people why they decided that they were switching to tube and crew socks, even though she's already made the switch. So what's the deal, Gen Z?

"I don't know when or why it happened but there was a shift in our generation where we are all about the tube socks now. I don't think I will ever go back to a no-show sock. I will die wearing tube socks," Gutowski shares.

Fellow Gen Zers were quick to explain why they made the shift to tube socks over no-show socks and it's actually pretty practical.

@mylifeaseva

Gen z socks vs millennial socks 🧦 what happened there? 🤨

♬ original sound - Eva Gutowski

"No show socks roll off my heel and feels uncomfortable in my shoe :/," someone writes.

"Stopped wearing them after years of not finding a pair that didn’t slide right off + don’t find myself wearing shoes that “require” wearing some," another says.

"I used to HATE when my socks showed, and loved when vans had their no show socks but nowwww socks showing really pulls the fit together, " one person claims.

Millennials on the other hand is over Gen Z's shenanigans and complaints about things that were beyond cool kid vibes when they were younger. Matt Bellassai jumped on his own TikTok account to set the record straight as a representative of the Millennial generation.

"I just want to say, you will pry these ankle socks off my cold dead feet before I put on a sock even approaching my shins. I don't think you understand. When I was in high school if I wore a crew sock they would've bullied me within an inch of my life, " Bellassai exclaims passionately.

Many fellow Millennials concur with his passionate rebuttal to Gen Z's fashion critiques. They will be keeping their no-show socks thankyouverymuch.

@mattbellassai

you will pry my ankle socks from my cold dead feet

♬ original sound - matt bellassai

"We worked too damn hard to get no-show socks," one person exclaims.

"I can't wait until summertime and they're all walking around with crew sock tan lines," another laughs.

"Not to mention that if I had worn crew shocks that showed... I would have been walking around looking like MY FATHER," someone guffaws.

"Anything higher than an ankle sock is unacceptable. I can FEEL it on parts of my shin that doesn’t need to be touched," a commenter gasps.

Since everything is coming back around again for Gen Z, should Millennials warn them to stay away from the business casual club wear? Maybe just leave them to their own devices and see what recycled fashion trends pop out of the wash next.

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Mom creates groundbreaking way to teach her kids about chores with a 'Notice and Do' list

She says it has been a game changer.

Photo credit: Canva , @samkelly_world/ Threads

The "Notice and Do" list is a great chore list alternative that teaches kids to be aware of what needs to be done.



Though motherhood has long involved the intangible, yet nonetheless taxing responsibilities of managing a household, we’ve only had the term “invisible labor” to actually define this experience for thirty some odd years .

And if the conversation of invisible labor is still fairly new in the world of adults, how can they teach kids to be cognizant of it?

Sam Kelly, therapist and mom of three, has a pretty cool solution to this, and it starts by tweaking the traditional chore list.

On her Threads account , Kelly explained that she has ongoing conversations about invisible labor with her 6, 10, and 12-year-old, where she teaches them that “that the very first step in anything getting done around the house (including chores) is NOTICING that something needs to get done and then doing it.”

It’s through these conversations that Kelly realized the chores charts that most parents use miss this “crucial step,” which only “defaults that emotional labor onto me, their mom/the woman, to carry the load of knowing what needs to get done and then doing the work of assigning tasks.”

So, instead of chores, Kelly’s family participates in an activity she calls their “Notice and Do’s.”

“I’m teaching my kids how to first notice what needs to be done around the house and then take the initiative to actually do it on their own,” she writes, with the end goal being for them to eventually participate in “shouldering the mental load (in age-appropriate ways)” without needing instructions from mom.

Post by @samkelly_world
View on Threads

Long term, Kelly hopes that her kids will not only be more aware of invisible labor that happens every day, but also “have developed the proactive, self-motivational skills to take responsibility for doing it themselves.”

In creating her “Notice and Do” lists, Kelly has also made sure to address—and dispel— inherent gender norms, in both teaching her daughter that it is not solely a woman’s job, and teaching her son to take an equal amount of responsibility.

“This might seem like a crazy fantasy pipe dream. I get it,” she writes. “But slowly, over time…it’s working.”

All in all, other adults seemed to love this approach.

“Those are all great executive functioning skills of planning, organization, perception, attention, working memory and initiation at work. Well done! 👏🏾👏🏾,” one person wrote.

“I love this. It really TEACHES instead of just bossing them around. Goes a long way,” another added.”

chores for kids

“I love this. It really TEACHES instead of just bossing them around."

Photo credit: Canva

Kelly’s “Notice and Do” list obviously isn’t a fix-all, but the fact that it’s creating awareness around labor which so often goes unnoticed is such a game changer. Think about how different our society might be if this mindset skill was as commonly taught as the alphabet or time tables.

Thankfully, Kelly did make it easy to teach kids with a free guide, which you can check out here .

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People are swooning over Martin Short and Selena Gomez's sweet 'Jimmy Kimmel' interview

"This friendship of theirs is profound and adorable."

Jimmy Kimmel Live!/Youtube

They're our favorite famous friend duo.

Selena Gomez appeared on “J immy Kimmel Live !” last night—not to chat with Kimmel himself, who was off, but her “Only Murders in the Building ” co-star Martin Short filling in as guest host. And the interview was a 13 minute glimpse into quite the endearing cross-generational friendship…complete with an adorable mini makeover.

Discussion topics were abound—everything from the “Wizards of Waverly Place” reboot to Molly Shannon farting in Meryl Streep’s face while filming “Only Murders” season four. Yes, really.

But one of the many highlights of the segment was when Short reflected on their very first meeting, which happened to be their first day working together.

Short recalled being worried that Gomez, with her early fame and millions of followers, might be a “nightmare” on set, but was “already in love” with her from their first hello, and called her “the biggest pro” he had ever worked with.

In turn, Gomez shared how nervous she was to be working with “two icons” (Martin Short and Steven Martin, that is), and one day mustered up the courage to ask if she could sit next to them during a break to feel less “lonely.”

“Ever since then, my chair has always been in the middle of theirs,” Gomez said.

This moment happens around the 2:20 mark. Check it out below.

Then Gomez gives Short some contouring with her makeup line, Rare Beauty. Gomez giggling while instructing Short to give a “kissy face” is everything.

Honestly the whole thing is just filled with so much mutual adoration, that fans couldn’t help but gush.

“This was unbelievably sweet.”

“One of the best things about this show is that Selena’s involvement has introduced so many young people to the genius of Steve Martin and Marty Short and given them this huge late-career revival.”

“Idk what it is, but this interview was just so…pleasant. Like it was thoroughly enjoyable and it went by so quickly.”

“The bond between her and Steve/Martin is real.”

“Martin making her laugh constantly makes me happy. Everybody deserves a good laugh .”

OMG, this has got to be one of the most heartwarming interactions between host and guest I have ever seen on a talk show.

And perhaps this was the best comment of all:

“This friendship of theirs is profound and adorable, and proof that it doesn't matter what our differences are, we can all be better to each other, and for each other. Age is just a number, and it shouldn't be a cause for societal separation. People like to call this strange crew weird, and it's great for jokes, but there's nothing weird about mutual admiration, love, and respect. We would all be much better off with more of those things in our lives.”

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13 Youtube channels that people say give them comfort in times of stress

We all need a little comfort watch now and then.

Tasting History with Max Miller , Girl With The Dogs

Some of the best TV isn't even on TV

Traditional television might have once been the predominant way to escape into a simpler world, but more and more folks are finding the same type of comfort on Youtube.

After all, Youtube was essentially the first platform that enabled people to both create and consume content specifically keened into their unique interests, and it remains an entertainment powerhouse because of that.

On Youtube you can learn new things, see spectacular sights, laugh at funny sketches, go on a deep dive into your favorite bits of pop culture , and more. Sure, you can basically do these things on its social media predecessors like TikTok and Instagram, but in bite-sized versions. For those who still appreciate long form content, i.e. old folks , it’s nice to have something that feels a bit like a comfort tv show, with the candidness of a home video. And for that, Youtube is king.

Odds are your Youtube algorithm is well set with creators you enjoy, but if you’re looking to add something new, we’ve got a curated list of options brought to you by our sponsors. Aka Reddit.

Someone by the user name of ThatsMrMuckToYou asked: “ What is your comfort Youtube channel? ” and people responded with all kinds of different answers. But overall what people really seemed to find comfort in was helpful information (travel videos, history, science, etc.) combined with a host who was down-to-earth, warm and didn’t promote an agenda.

Take a look at some of the best contributions below.

one Tasting History with Max Miller

Uncover the origins of the world famous PB&J, discover what makes deviled eggs so devilish, find out why the heck the Michelin tire company is the authority on good food, and more with host Max Miller. In each episode, Miller recreates ancient or historical recipes while explaining the very human stories behind them. After each video you’ll feel a little smarter, and a whole lot hungrier.

2. Defunctland

Defunctland got its claim to fame with documentary style videos exploring the history of extinct theme parks and amusement park attractions. Unsurprisingly Disneyland relics make up a bulk of the content.

Nowadays, the Defunct canon also consists of television shows deeply buried within every millennials subconscious, like “Zooboomafoo” and “Between the Lions.”

3. Wolter's World

This channel promises "HONEST travel advice without all the extra fluff" and definitely delivers. Wolter's World primarily focuses on do's and don't of different cities, but will also go off the beaten path every once in a while, like with his "travel scams" video. It's no wonder that folks find comfort in seeing beautiful places around the world, or that they love the charming way Wolter helps them learn about these gems.

4. Steve1989MREInfo

You’ve probably never thought to yourself, “you know what I’d really like to see today? A guy eating vintage military rations.” But still, Steven Thomas quells that curiosity before it happens. Some of Thomas’ most notable reviews are of a 61-year-old peanut butter from a Korean War-era C-ration.as well as an American Civil War-era hardtack from 1863. Besides the obviously unique content, folks really love Thomas’ calm delivery and catchphrases, such as "nice hiss"—referring to the oh-so satisfying sound that can be made when opening hermetically sealed packages.

“Actually really fascinating to see how food preservation has evolved over the decades!” one fan noted.

five Camping With Steve

Dubbed the “modern day Bob Ross” by some viewers, Steve Wallis doesn’t consider himself a survivalist, but seems to be able to camp anywhere—from mountain terrains to more unusual spots like Walmart parking lots. On his channel, you can learn about all sorts of camping styles, including "boondocking", "urban stealth", “gold mining,” "bushcraft", and yard camping. It’s all in an effort to, as Wallis puts it, to "take back camping for the people. "

six History Tea Time with Lindsay Holiday

As perfectly suggested in the name, Holiday’s 20-ish minute history documentaries feel as fun, warm and refreshing as a nice cuppa tea. Her knowledge is also pleasantly wide spread, allowing her to be able to delve into a variety of topics. But one thing remains the same now matter what—here passion.

As one viewer put it, “the way she breaks down people’s lives really humanizes them and actually makes me interested in learning history.”

seven Food Wishes

In an internet teeming with recipe videos, this one is petty special

John Armand Mitzewich, more commonly known as "Chef John” might never been seen in his videos, save for his hand holding utensils, but his narrations have a lovely singsong tone, and one can always expect some kind of rhyming wordplay joke. For example: "You are, after all, the law man of your slaw, man."

Plus, Chef Jon frequently spices up his recipe with some cayenne pepper, since in his opinion it gives the extra touch of the heat being out “the unique tastes of the dishes forward.”

eight Urban Rescue Ranch

Videos of baby coyotes, vultures, beavers, armadillos, raccoons, kangaroos, capybaras…need I go on?

The Urban Rescue Ranch was originally a “crackhouse,” and turned into a Certified wildlife rehabilitation facility and farm sanctuary for exotic livestock in central Texas that are often hunted. Despite a lot of the cheeky titles (like “How to Catch and Cook a Baby Deer”), these wholesome videos just show reduced animals living their best lives.

nine Smarter Every Day

For the more left-brained folks out there, engineer and science communicator Destin Wilson Sandlin strikes a perfect balance between education and entertainment as he “explores the world through science.

Check out what one viewers had to say:

“Destin is contagiously upbeat, seems to be very passionate about everything he approaches and does an excellent job of explaining whatever the subject matter is. His giddiness about some of the same things I would get excited about is a nice mood boost when I need it sometimes. His appreciation for the workers that make things happen is nice to see too. The guys a legit rocket scientist, but relates to mechanics, farmers, machinists, and a whole bunch of other tradesmen as equals, not in a demeaning way that some presenters can do sometimes.”

ten Kitboga

Being a “great example of chaotic good,” Kitboga records himself getting back at phone scammers. It’s not just some satisfying schadenfreude, either. Kitboga tries to educate people by walking them through common scammer lies, and reports them when able.

eleven Primitive Technology

Just as the name suggests, host John Plant demonstrates thow to make tools, traps and forms of shelter using only materials found in the wild.

Though you’ll see a lot of stones axes and woven bark fiber items, there’s “no talking, no cringe intro, no 'like comment subscribe', no flashy editing, no sound effects, no viral thumbnails, no giveaways, no drama, no sob stories, no clickbait, no sponsors, no fakery”…which at least one viewer really appreciates.

12. Adam Savage’s: Tested

If you’re jonesing for more “Mythbusters” vibes, this is the channel for you. Join Adam Whitney Savage, former “MythBusters” host, as he goes behind the scenes of popular movies to dissect how iconic props are made, or as he infuses some wonder into everyday objects like USB cables. The possibilities are endless.

13. Girl With The Dogs

Vanessa De Prophetis has been a professional pet groomer for 12 years, and can attest that “it’s never a dull moment.” So it’s no wonder that she was able to rack up a huge following with her comedic and informative content (which, by the way, goes to help local dog rescues).

De Prophetis shares both her “best” and “worst” canine and feline clients, but it’s clear that she loves them all in the way she interacts with them.

One fan wrote, “It’s great when a really aggressive dog tries to take her head off and she’s just like, “sir.”

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