Galen, Laura, ed. February, 2008. Nick. New York: Viacom International. 

Although Nick Magazine is named after a television network, the issues cover a variety of topics for kids, and cover them in a fun, easy to read way that is appealing, especially to the target audience of 7-12 year olds. In February, 2008, the cover was dedicated to a fairly recent addition to the Nickelodeon lineup—iCarly. The cover of the magazine is guaranteed to grab the attention of readers with its up-close photo of the three main stars of the show. Inside, readers will find an interview with Miranda Cosgrove, the star of the show, as well as many features that are found in all Nick issues. All issues contain games and pranks, interviews with popular stars, as well as copious quantities of advertisements for video games, cinematic movies and DVD releases and television shows. In fact, readers may be surprised to find that there are almost as many advertisements as features. There are even several “prankvertisements” that are humorous and realistic. Although the advertisements could be distracting for some readers, the hands on activities and comics along with the occasional nonfiction article make this a fun magazine; although one that provides mostly fluff. Kids in the target audience will assuredly enjoy the bright colors and practical jokes that have made the television network popular.

Krull, Kathleen. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales. 2003. Harvesting hope: the story of Cesar Chavez. New York: Harcourt, Inc.

Cesar Chavez, like Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in change without violence. When Cesar’s family had to leave their farm in Arizona due to financial difficulties, they migrated to California where they worked in vineyards under horrific conditions for little money. As Cesar grew, he became more and more upset over the treatment of migrant workers, and, he began listening to those who suggested that change was a possibility. After months of speaking to other workers about work conditions, Cesar organized a march from Delano, California to Sacramento, the state capitol. Krull tells Chavez’ story with compassion and sympathy and yet in a way that lets readers feel the hope that Chavez felt and walk along with him on his march for better work conditions. Morales’ illustrations are reminiscent of Mexican folk art, and the colorful, two-page spreads draw readers into the story’s setting, from the bountiful farm that belonged to Cesar’s family, to the long march to the state capitol.  From Arizona to Sacramento, California, readers will join Chavez in his cause and will learn more about a boy who grew up to change his world.

Adler, David A. Illustrated by Colin Bootman. 2001. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. New York: Holiday House.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life is told by Adler in a way that younger readers will be able to understand. Adler begins with King’s birth in 1929 and describes events in his life that made him the man that is celebrated across the United States. When Martin was six years old, he was told that two of his friends could no longer play with him because he was black and they were white. Martin’s mother and grandmother explained hate and prejudice to him while still telling him that he was as good as anyone else. “Martin said later they taught him ‘sombodiness’”. The text is sparse, yet Adler has portrayed the life of Dr. King in a way that readers will understand his motivation and that he worked to ensure equal rights for everyone. Bootman’s two-page realistic paintings portray not only the life of Dr. King, but the world in which he lived. This edition is a wonderful addition that will prove useful for both research and education for readers and teachers alike.

Gibbons, Gail. 2002. Behold…the unicorns! New York: HarperCollins.

Gibbons follows Behold…the Dragons! with a look at another creature that lives on the edges of imagination. In Behold…the Unicorns!, Gibbons begins with the origins of the word “unicorn” and compares the mythological creatures to dinosaurs, narwhals, and even the rhinoceros, all of which have only one horn. Readers will also enjoy the fascinating discussion of unicorn legends from countries such as India, China and Ancient Greece. In ancient times, people believed that the unicorn horn had great power to heal, purify and save. The symbolism of the unicorn is presented in a factual, yet easy to understand way that will provide readers with a knowledge and respect for tradition and legend in their own and other countries. The accompanying watercolor-and-ink illustrations show unicorns of fantasy and legend doing what they do best—living “around the edges of our imagination and in our legends.”

Ryan, Pam Muñoz. Illustrated by Brian Selznick. 2002. When Marion sang. New York: Scholastic Press.

Marion Anderson loved to sing. And when she sang, everyone wanted to listen. Marion’s voice had a range of three octaves—24 notes. She could make her voice sound like a summer rain shower and she could make her voice sound like the thunder that precedes a storm. Marion Anderson’s lifelong dream was to become a professional singer. Her church promised to pay for her music school as soon as she was accepted. Unfortunately for Marion, growing up in the United States in the first half of the twentieth century, many people were not willing to overlook the color of her skin. She was denied entrance to music school, but with the determination for which she became known, she did not give up. Ryan has provided an insight into the life of an extraordinary American. Marion Anderson’s gift of singing led her across the world, and in the end, home again where she performed for a crowd of 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial. The book is set up as a program for an opera or other musical performance, and has words to songs recorded by Marion throughout. The sepia-toned illustrations by Selznik bring Marion’s world to life for readers and blend perfectly with the flowing text of the story. The timeline in the back of the book along with more information about Marion’s life make this story one that will touch the hearts and minds of readers.

Markham, Lois. February, 2008. Kids discover: islands. New York: Kids Discover. 

KIDS Discover is a magazine published for children ages 6 and up. The magazine features nonfiction articles, poetry, photographs and illustrations that draw readers in and encourage them to read the entire issue in one sitting. The “Islands” issue was written by Lois Markham and features a sea turtle on the cover with an island covered with palm trees in the background. The supplemental illustrations on the cover are whimsical and fun, and will draw readers’ attention and encourage them to find the matching article inside. In addition to the articles, some pages add “Facts & Figures” presented in a timeline style and several pages ask a question for which the answer can be found elsewhere in the issue. The text is written on a level that would be extremely challenging for the six-year olds that the magazine targets, but the illustrations and photographs would prove interesting for younger readers. KIDS Discover provides teaching guides on the website that provide activities and more in depth information for use in the classroom. The large amount of information contained in each issue combined with the reading level makes this a magazine more suited for upper elementary or middle school students. However, as a supplemental resource, KIDS Discover is an attractive addition to a school curriculum or a home library.

Winter, Jonah. Illustrated by Ana Juan. 2002. Frida. New York: Scholastic Press.

Jonah Winter has detailed the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in a beautiful picture book that will appeal not only to younger children, but to older ones and even adults who are interested in the art that transformed Kahlo’s life. In simple text, Winter describes the life of Kahlo from her birth in the town of Coyoacan in Mexico to her bout with polio at age 7 and the school bus accident that almost took her life at age 18. Throughout her life’s ordeals, Frida used art both to escape the constant pain that she felt, and to express emotions that she could not express herself. “Instead of crying, she paints pictures of herself crying.” The bright, color-drenched illustrations by Juan feature Mexican characters throughout the story. Frida Kahlo’s story will inspire hope in readers who see the world differently than their peers, and Juan’s artwork will keep this book open and studied for readers who, like Frida Kahlo, love to look at things very closely and see something new with each reading.

Chorlian, Meg, ed. March, 2008. Cobblestone: Tough Times—Surviving the Great Depression. Peru, IL: Carus Publishing Company.

Cobblestone magazine is an American History magazine published primarily for children aged 9-14 years. Each issue focuses on one particular topic and includes activities and book reviews in addition to feature articles. Readers will also find recommended web sites and historical sites to visit along with games and puzzles. In March, 2008, the Cobblestone Magazine focused on the Great Depression. Although easy to read, the articles and coverage of this dark time in our nation’s history was thorough. Along with the accounts of the Depression given through the eyes of people who lived and survived it are articles and features focusing on leaders and artists during this time period. The March issue features both personal and political views of the Depression and even features a game called “Crack the Hobo Code” which challenges readers to look at symbols commonly used by hobos during the depression and discover their meanings Another popular feature in each issue is the “brain ticklers” which are quizzes over the content of the magazine. Cobblestone magazine, specifically the Great Depression issue published in March, 2008 is an interesting way for readers to read about, appreciate, and especially to respect the history of America.

Jenkins, Steve. 2004. Actual size. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

For readers who want to know how they measure up against animals in nature, Steve Jenkins has presented an inventive way to give them what they want. Each two-page spread uses torn-paper and cut-paper collages to give the actual size of animals, or at least of part of their body. One two-page spread shows the 12-inch eye of a giant squid with startling effect. In addition to the actual size illustrations, Jenkins writes a few lines that give readers additional information. For instance, on the three-page fold-out of the mouth of the saltwater crocodile, Jenkins writes “The saltwater crocodile, the world’s largest reptile, is a man-eater. Length: 23 feet.” For additional information, readers can look at the back of the book which presents a smaller picture of each animal along with information about their habitat, characteristics, and interesting traits. All in all, Jenkins has created a fun and interesting look at several well-known animals that readers of varying ages and abilities will enjoy.