Sunday, 5 February 2012

MAGAZINES

Hi. Welcome back,

There are many wonderful magazines in the market for kids of all ages and teens, both in fiction and nonfiction, covering a wide array of topics, from world politics to fantasy and folklore.

What really appeals to me about a magazine is the style of writing, tight and compact, and the visuals, a key component that accompanies the articles.

Stories and articles for young children are usually less than 800 words. Middle grade up to 1500 and teens slightly more. I have talked to parents, teachers and librarians, and all have agreed, that short articles are perfect for the reluctant reader.  The child is not faced with the daunting task of tackling a 200 page book. Instead most articles are no longer than several pages. 

Many magazines specialize in nonfiction. This is especially appealing to boys, who are looking for something fast, exciting and informative. Articles focus on one idea, zeroing in on the highlights of a topic. They are very informative without an  overloading of  facts.


Magazines for young readers:

                                              

Highlights magazine is for kids between the ages of 2-12. It is packed with stories, both fiction and nonfiction, science experiments,  puzzles, jokes, craft activities and riddles.  A wonderful magazine that is brightly coloured and inviting to young readers. The feature articles are no longer than 800 words, written simply and age appropriate.  

Owl group of magazines. This was a personal favourite of mine.  My children read all three selections, beginning with Chirp, ages 3-6, ChickaDee ages 6-9 and Owl  ages 9-12. The magazines were well laid out, each designed for a specific age. Articles feature both fiction and nonfiction stories, discoveries, jokes, riddles, and puzzles.

Middle grade and upper middle grade readers:  

Nonfiction:    
 
          

Ages  9-14, both  fiction and nonfiction. I have specifically focused on four magazines that are appealing to boys.

Boys Life is a fabulous magazine for kids between the ages of 9-16. It is put out by the boy scouts of America. Each issue offers a variety of articles, and feature stories, from  mountain climbing, to outdoor campfires. Included in each issue are hobbies, projects and games. 

Odyssey: A science magazine for kids between the ages of 9-14.  Each issue features a theme, whether it be the science of candy, how stuff works, to extreme weather. Each issue is filled with nonfiction stories all related to the main theme as well as fictional stories. 

 National Geographic kids: For readers 6 and up.  A children's version of National Geographic magazine, featuring animals, nature, people and culture as well as games, puzzles and cartoons. The photography is outstanding giving a close up view of nature.  

Sports Illustrated kids: Like the parent magazine, Sports Illustrated kids offers the reader anything and all sports, from player interviews to game results.

Fiction:
 
   

Cricket Magazine: Ages 9-14 A magazine filled with  beautifully written stories, poems and folktales, featuring artistic illustrations.  
Cricket company also puts out a variety of other magazines, Odyssey being among the collection. 
Cobblestone: A history magazine for kids; Calliope: Explores world history throughout time. 
Faces: How kids live around the world. Muse: A science magazine for kids.

 
Teen Magazines:
Listen: A magazine that provides advice and information of real issues teens are coping with from relationships, drugs, and even the issue of suicide. 
Teen Ink: A magazine for teens written by teens.

I have only touched on some of the magazines, and will keep adding in future blogs. One last note; many magazines are available at the local library. 
I have found from previous experience, it is less expensive to buy a years subscription than individually off store shelves. 

Happy reading,
bye Rosalyne













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