Carus Publishing

When compared to Glamour, GQ and other fashion mags, Cicada couldn't seem any more wholesome for the teen scene. Of course, this very (and very admirable) quality will likely make for lower-than-average circulation of this literary magazine, and be met with lukewarm enthusiasm by High School audiences.

The short stories and artwork in Cicada cover a variety of topics, both contemporary and historical, but each volume is united by a single theme. The most recent edition, which celebrates the 175th anniversary of Mark Twain's birth, includes excerpts from his work, as well as short works by his modern-day literary inheritors. Cicada unpacks Twain's legacy from a variety of angles, focusing on his humor, insight into human nature, and call to social justice. The fact that this year coincides with the release of his long-awaited autobiography doesn't go unnoticed either. While it doesn't contain any actual text from the book, the release (and where to buy it) are discussed in various places. The poetry featured in this magazine is usually shorter, free-form, and more modern. Each word has meaning and each poem explores an aspect of that issue's theme.

Even the size and shape of Cicada invokes its literary roots--instead of the big, glossy covers of most magazines, this one is smaller, thicker, more book-like. Covers often seem to feature artwork from readers, and in fact each issue contains a "call for creative endeavors", asking teens to submit their original stories, poems, photos, and art for the chance to be published. This month's theme--humor--draws examples from Twain's work to help explain what they're looking for. Recommended for grades 9-12.… (más)

Click is an “ideas and science” magazine for children age three to six, and one of 14 magazines in the Cricket magazine family. Published nine times a year, each issue of Click covers a science topic or theme using both recurring characters and featured articles such as Click & Kids, Yo Wants to Know, and Beatrice Black Bear, as well as poems and stories suitable to each issue’s science topic or theme. Click is a well researched and well written science magazine for children. The layout is uncluttered and for the most part the art avoids the abstract in favour of clear, though stylized, illustrations that compliment the magazine’s science content. At the back of each issue is a pullout paper activity such as a game, puppet, or craft. Like in Exploring Landscape Art With Children (1992), Click covers often complex topics with a combination of illustrations and text that young children will find interesting and fun.… (más)