Magazines for Girls

When I was growing up, there weren't a lot of magazines aimed at girls. I read Seventeen and then graduated to Vogue, Elle, and the like, all checked out from the library. Those magazines did little for my self-esteem. When I look at them now, they're kind of horrifying.

Luckily I was a voracious and non-discriminating reader skipping from classics like Grapes of Wrath and Nicholas and Alexandra to the trashier Mommie Dearest and Valley of the Dolls. My college years introduced me to a slew of new writers, both in fiction and poetry, along with a burgeoning zine scene. I had a broad range of influences to help counter-balance the mainstream crapola. I have always loved reading and of late, haven't been making it a priority. The hole this leaves is wide and dry.

My almost nine year old loves books of all kinds but has a penchant for non-fiction and graphic novels. She enjoys quiz books and anything highlighting weird but true facts. Her grandparents have gifted her subscriptions over the years to Puzzle Buzz, Highlights, and National Geographic for Kids. All were adored.

I'm excited about a few new magazines aimed at young girls and tweens that seem to offer a lot more than the typical hair, fashion, and boy advice of the magazines of my youth.

Kazoo is a quarterly magazine for girls 5-10 years old and started by writer and editor Erin Bried and her own 5 year old daughter. We subscribed and got the second issue a couple of weeks ago. The theme is nature and it is full of great activities and stories. We are loving it. Scary Mommy has a great profile of the magazine.

Bright Lite is another new quarterly magazine for pre-teen girls. The founders, Christa Renee and Ami Komai, are both Los Angeles moms and have created a journal for girls by girls. Here's an interview with the founders. I just contributed to their Kickstarter so should be getting the first two issues soon.

Kazoo and Brite Lite are undoubtedly influenced by Tavi Gevinson's Rookie, an online magazine aimed at teens, but often transcending that demographic. Stylistically they rely on artwork from girls presented with a sophisticated zine quality.

These magazines aren't cheap, ranging from $50-60 for quarterly subscriptions. I'm not suggesting in any way they aren't worth it, but if that is hard to justify, you might see if your library has them or share a subscription with a friend.

Discovery Girls looks slicker and not quite as hip, but claims a readership of over one million girls world-wide. Consumerism is downplayed and it focuses on how to be a good friend and make good choices. It comes out six times a year and is about $20. I'm glad it is an option and I'm going to look for it at the library to see if it is something Audrey would like.

I'm sure there are more out there and more to come. I'd love to hear about your favorites.