Teen Voices

Title- Teen Voices

Author- Managing Editor- Becca Steinitz

ISBN- Not applicable

Publication Information- Women's Express Inc.

 

Plot Summary- This magazine covers a variety of elements including Art and Culture, Food, Health, Special Features. Editorial, Advice columns, and Reviews. In the issues I reviewed, one was focused entirely on health issues including anxiety and stress, teen pregnancy, sleep, asthma, and healthy eating. The other two were more generic issues covering a wide swath of topics. Many of the articles are taken from teen perspectives and/or written by teens themselves

Critical Evaluation- This is the magazine that has the most shelf appeal to teens. I have actually seen students reading it in the library on more than one occasion. This is because it actually looks like a regular magazine they might buy in a store. The cover is glossy with popping headlines. It reminds me of Seventeen. The articles are short and to the point interspersed with poetry, advice columns, and lots of graphics. The definite downside to this publication is that the magazine has a decided tilt toward females. It is published and supported by feminist organizations and that comes through in their articles. While I don't dislike pushing girls to be thoughtful and powerful adults in the world, the magazine is titled Teen Voices, not Girl Voices. A more balanced approach for boys would be helpful.

Reader's Annotation- Looking for help for college? For relationships? For dealing with all the pressures of being a teenager? Teen Voices will help you navigate the difficult adult world and issues you deal with daily.

Author Information- not applicable

Curricular Ties- journalism,

Genre- not applicable

Book talking ideas- not applicable

Challenge issues- Different articles may be controversial but would have to be handled on a case by case basis. Since it is a periodical, parents would be encouraged to evaluate the magazine as a whole. If there were still objections, I would process it the same as a text through our district review plan.

Interest Age 14-18

Why I selected this piece – Librarian recommended and I watched students read it during my digital resources observation time.