Claremont Review

Peach’s Picks Rating


Title:
The Claremont Review

Publication Information:
Editors: Multiple and frequently change
ISSN: 1188-5068 (National Library of Canada)
Published twice a year: Spring and fall
Supported by: The Canada Council for the Arts, The Canadian Magazine Fund, and the Publications Mail Registration Program
Distributor: Magazines Canada

Length:
120 pages

Summary:
The Claremont Review is published twice a year, spring and fall, to showcase the creative writing and visual art talents of teens who are 13-19 years-old. Every poem and story that is submitted is read by an editor. They choose the 50 poems and 20 stories are chosen for consideration per issue, which are then reviewed by poetry and fiction judges. The Claremont Review editors make the final selections for the upcoming publication. The cover is a work of art created by a contributor. Brief notes about contributors are included in the back of the publication. Teens who wish to be published should study the judges’ comments in each issue to understand the quality and type of work being sought. The editors do not accept works of fiction created in the style of diaries of journals. The publication sponsors two contests. The winner of the Trivia Contest wins a one-year subscription to the magazine. There are two categories in the Annual Contest; poetry and short story. Cash prizes are awarded to those who place in first, second, and third place. Winners and those who receive honorable mention are published in an upcoming issue.

Critical Evaluation:
The journal was created in 1991 by a group of editors who wanted to offer teen writers an opportunity to be published. Most of the work published is produced by Canadians, but submissions are welcome from all 13-19 year-olds in the English-speaking world. Submissions include poems, short stories, short plays, graphic art, and photography. The editorial staff works on a voluntary basis. A bonus for all aspiring writers is that submissions, which include a self-addressed stamped envelope, receive a written comment from the editorial staff. The qualifications for inclusion are clearly laid out. Writers are encouraged to submit time and again, and not be discouraged if their work is not accepted. The Claremont Review is a very attractive, professional-looking journal, one in which the published teens will be proud to be included. The editors could market the product more effectively to American high school teachers and librarians in order to reach a larger market.

Reader’s Annotation:
The Claremont Review is a highly-regarded journal that publishes poetry, short stories, and graphic works created by teens. You will enjoy this journal whether you are an aspiring author or want to read the work of other teens.

Author Information:
All articles are written by English speaking teens from around the world, ages 13-19 years old, although the majority of work is created by Canadian teens.

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 published, this magazine offers that opportunity.

Read excellently crafted short stories and poetry composed by teens and young adults that include heart-felt musings on life’s meaning, as well as beautiful artwork created by teens.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
High school

Other publications intended for a similar market:
Teen Ink
Cicada

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. A high school teacher who teaches creative writing and is the faculty advisor for the high school’s annual literary publication recommended it to me. It receives five peaches for its excellent content and appearance.

Amazon link:
None available

References:
(2010). The Claremont Review. Retrieved, May 1, 2010, from http://www.theclaremontreview.ca/index.html