Peach’s Picks Rating
Title:
Cicada
Publication Information:
Publisher: Carus Publishing Company, Cricket Magazine Group, Chicago, Illinois
Editor-in-Chief: Marianne Carus
Executive Editor: Deborah Vetter
Art Director: John Sanford
Designer: Pamela Bonesteel
Rights and Permissions Coordinator: Diane M. Sikora
ISSN: 1097-4008
Published bimonthly
Length:
48 pages
Summary:
Cicada magazine is aimed at teens and young adults. It contains original poems, works of fiction, and artwork created by its audience. Brief bios of most of the authors are included with each article. Every issue has a theme; for instance the theme of the January/February 2010 issue is “reaching for the stars”. Included is a work of fiction by Chris Wiewiora and beautifully illustrated by Elmer Crabb. The story is told in first person by a young man named Thomas whose goal it is to win the grueling Chicago Marathon. A poem by Fredrick Zydek titled, “Plate Tectonics” is included in this issue. On the surface it discusses the scientific theory of plate tectonics, but the underlying theme is the emotional shifts in a person’s life. The eye-catching cover was created by an artist named Andouiette. It sets the theme’s tone by showing a robotic creature with a hand extending to the stars. Each issue contains a feature titled, “Spot Artist”. The January/February 2010 issue featured work by Megan Russell. A link is offered to her website
http://www.mrillustration.com/.
Critical Evaluation:
This magazine, aimed at teens and young adults, has been a staple for over 25 years. Throughout the years it has successfully transformed as cultural perceptions have changed. The articles are short and well written, holding the reader’s attention. Each issue opens with a letter from the Executive Editor, Deborah Vetter, giving an overview and some background relating to the issue. The magazine is printed on glossy paper. The artwork is reproduced in black and white. The magazine’s art direction is eye-catching and appealing to teens. No advertisements are included in the publication. The topics are timely and speak frankly to topical issues. The table of contents is on the verso of the front page and is clear and easy to navigate. The pages are clean and well-laid out. The publication received a 2010 Parents’ Choice Award. Visit the companion website at http://www.cicadamag.com/. While the magazine is attractive, it is not attractive in a commercial and hip style. It looks like what it is: a literary magazine for teens that high school teachers suggest students read. The publication appears to be required reading rather than a magazine that a teen might choose for pleasure and browsing.
Reader’s Annotation:
A short story tells us of Akshay whose family immigrated to Toronto from India. He is struggling to find his way through high school and his new life while his father and mother struggle with their new life and the many obstacles that immigrants face. In another section of the magazine, the narrator of the poem “Ubi Sunt” longs for a lover who has left their scent behind on a pillow.
Author Information:
All articles are written by teens and young adults
Genre:
Magazine – creative writing
Curriculum Ties:
Use in literature and creative writing classes. Include in the library’s magazine browsing collection
Booktalking Ideas:
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your writing or artwork published, this magazine offers that opportunity.
Read beautiful short stories and poetry composed by teens and young adults that range from science fiction to heart felt musings on life’s meaning.
Reading Level/Interest Age:
High school
Other publications intended for a similar market:
Teen Ink
Challenge Issues:
None apparent, but if the work is challenged deal with challenges by having a challenge policy in place, selection policy in place (ALA policies). Meet with library administration if necessary. Provide positive review(s) from professional publications.
Why this work is included in Peach’s Picks:
This is a highly regarded publication aimed at teens who wish to see their work published. It is found in the YA section of my local branch library. It receives four peaches rather than five because the layout is reminiscent of required reading material rather than hip, popular reading material. The content is worthy of five peaches.
Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Cicada/dp/B00006FXOU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=magazines&qid=1272165316&sr=8-1
References:
Patenaude. J. (2010). “Cricket history”. Cricket Magazine Group: Cobblestone Publishing: Carus Publishing. Retreived February 14, 2010, from http://www.cricketmag.com/pages_content.asp?page_id=3
Cicada
Publication Information:
Publisher: Carus Publishing Company, Cricket Magazine Group, Chicago, Illinois
Editor-in-Chief: Marianne Carus
Executive Editor: Deborah Vetter
Art Director: John Sanford
Designer: Pamela Bonesteel
Rights and Permissions Coordinator: Diane M. Sikora
ISSN: 1097-4008
Published bimonthly
Length:
48 pages
Summary:
Cicada magazine is aimed at teens and young adults. It contains original poems, works of fiction, and artwork created by its audience. Brief bios of most of the authors are included with each article. Every issue has a theme; for instance the theme of the January/February 2010 issue is “reaching for the stars”. Included is a work of fiction by Chris Wiewiora and beautifully illustrated by Elmer Crabb. The story is told in first person by a young man named Thomas whose goal it is to win the grueling Chicago Marathon. A poem by Fredrick Zydek titled, “Plate Tectonics” is included in this issue. On the surface it discusses the scientific theory of plate tectonics, but the underlying theme is the emotional shifts in a person’s life. The eye-catching cover was created by an artist named Andouiette. It sets the theme’s tone by showing a robotic creature with a hand extending to the stars. Each issue contains a feature titled, “Spot Artist”. The January/February 2010 issue featured work by Megan Russell. A link is offered to her website
http://www.mrillustration.com/.
Critical Evaluation:
This magazine, aimed at teens and young adults, has been a staple for over 25 years. Throughout the years it has successfully transformed as cultural perceptions have changed. The articles are short and well written, holding the reader’s attention. Each issue opens with a letter from the Executive Editor, Deborah Vetter, giving an overview and some background relating to the issue. The magazine is printed on glossy paper. The artwork is reproduced in black and white. The magazine’s art direction is eye-catching and appealing to teens. No advertisements are included in the publication. The topics are timely and speak frankly to topical issues. The table of contents is on the verso of the front page and is clear and easy to navigate. The pages are clean and well-laid out. The publication received a 2010 Parents’ Choice Award. Visit the companion website at http://www.cicadamag.com/. While the magazine is attractive, it is not attractive in a commercial and hip style. It looks like what it is: a literary magazine for teens that high school teachers suggest students read. The publication appears to be required reading rather than a magazine that a teen might choose for pleasure and browsing.
Reader’s Annotation:
A short story tells us of Akshay whose family immigrated to Toronto from India. He is struggling to find his way through high school and his new life while his father and mother struggle with their new life and the many obstacles that immigrants face. In another section of the magazine, the narrator of the poem “Ubi Sunt” longs for a lover who has left their scent behind on a pillow.
Author Information:
All articles are written by teens and young adults
Genre:
Magazine – creative writing
Curriculum Ties:
Use in literature and creative writing classes. Include in the library’s magazine browsing collection
Booktalking Ideas:
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your writing or artwork published, this magazine offers that opportunity.
Read beautiful short stories and poetry composed by teens and young adults that range from science fiction to heart felt musings on life’s meaning.
Reading Level/Interest Age:
High school
Other publications intended for a similar market:
Teen Ink
Challenge Issues:
None apparent, but if the work is challenged deal with challenges by having a challenge policy in place, selection policy in place (ALA policies). Meet with library administration if necessary. Provide positive review(s) from professional publications.
Why this work is included in Peach’s Picks:
This is a highly regarded publication aimed at teens who wish to see their work published. It is found in the YA section of my local branch library. It receives four peaches rather than five because the layout is reminiscent of required reading material rather than hip, popular reading material. The content is worthy of five peaches.
Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Cicada/dp/B00006FXOU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=magazines&qid=1272165316&sr=8-1
References:
Patenaude. J. (2010). “Cricket history”. Cricket Magazine Group: Cobblestone Publishing: Carus Publishing. Retreived February 14, 2010, from http://www.cricketmag.com/pages_content.asp?page_id=3
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