Cicada

Title- Cicada

Author- Editor-in-Chief- Marianne Carus

ISBN- Not Applicable

Publication Information- Bimonthly publication from Carus Publishing

Plot Summary- This magazine is devoted to publishing short fiction of interest to teens. Unlike Teen Ink, this magazine has primarily adult author contributing although there are occasional stories from teens too. In the issues I reviewed, there were stories from Ray Bradbury, Roald Dahl and a variety of lesser known authors. Additionally, there are several poems and the occasional non-fiction narrative piece. They cover topics including lost animals, college essay writing, driving, summer school, magic, and being stuck in a hospital on a beautiful spring day.

Critical Evaluation- Cicada is often the magazine children pick up after Cricket, but it does not have the same popularity. This seems to be because it lacks the visual appeal of other magazines that compete for teenager attention. A magazine devoted almost entirely to fiction is generally not where the typical teenager lives. Teenagers tend to expect the visual punch of lots of images. This magazine seems more like computer generation 1.0. The text is entirely monochromatic- images and text. The stories are certainly in line with teenage interests, but if it is not getting picked up, then it seems to be problematic. This text is probably very popular with English teachers. However, for the right student- those interested in creative writing or who prefer short reads over long novels- this magazine will be a hit. The space is maximized for stories and not wasted on advertisements. It also has a nice mix of writers; some are quite famous, but most are younger authors who have a good sense of teen life and issues but the writing experience to put together a good story.

Reader's Annotation- Looking for a good short story? If you enjoyed Cricket as youngster, you'll really love Cicada.

Author Information- Various authors contribute to the magazine.

Curricular Ties- English

Genre- Periodical, Fiction

Book talking ideas- Not Applicable

Challenge issues- would vary by edition, but probably not many

1. Re-read the text to familiarize myself with the story
   
2. Ask parents for their specific objections (they are required to file that with our school district)
   
3. Review approved books list from California Department of Education for similar materials
   
4. Review approaches from ALA
   

Interest Age 14-18

Why I selected this piece- Like Teen Ink, this piece was recommended to me by the librarian.