Since my daughter's reading skills took off, I am very interested in magazines for her. Of course the excitement at getting mail addressed to her is a huge part of the draw! I have found magazines that I did not like for kids full of junk ads to magazines that I loved. This is one that I really like but feel that it is more for older girls, like pre-teens? It says for ages 8-12 years old. My daughter was really excited to read what other girls were writing. A big part of this magazine is writing from girls for girls! Seriously, not sure why it is only for girls as most of the content is unisex?
Let us start with what I really enjoyed about this magazine for kids:
No advertisements for junk foods, sugary cereals, Pop-tarts, new movies on DVD for kids, no high priced Wii or PS2 or whatever else electronic game is out at the moment ads, and no beauty product ads!
No focus on being skinny and pimple-free but on being healthy and active in the community, garden, etc.
Any girl can write the content in this magazine. From letters to the editor to their own stories or questions or even answers to other reader's questions! Girls send in their poems or just tell about living on the farm or in the city. One even sent in an experiment in growing plants!
All New Moon content is for girls, by girls, and about girls and their interests
Facts about other countries, what they eat, how they live, and even a recipe from that country.
In one issue, the editors asked Amish girls questions about their lives and their daily schedule.
Interesting factual articles on science topics.
Brings girls' voices to the world. Empowers girls.
Nothing objectionable in the magazine.
New Moon publications and experiences remain free of advertising and external media influences in order to avoid “perfect girl” stereotyping, and to remain accountable only to girls and their needs.
This magazine is shaped more like a book than a magazine and has a thicker cover.
Each issue has around 50 pages to it.
In today’s hyper-sexualized, celebrity-focused, and often violent culture, it’s more important than ever for parents and other caring adults to stay connected to their ‘tween and’ teen girls – just at the time when they’re trying their independence. You know this, and that’s why you’re seeking the right places – safe places – for your girls to engage with the larger world community. In New Moon Girl Media, you’ll find the resources and community to support you as you encourage your daughters to grow their spirits and share their creativity. New Moon magazine is the only girl-centered publication to win the Parent’s Choice Foundation Gold Award – seven times! New Moon Girl Media will bring the same dedication that has earned us this honor to our on-line, ad-free experiences for girls. And we'll connect you in community with other caring adults who share your concerns.
This magazine was started by parents who were looking for this type of safe content for their daughter but could not find it. With that in mind, they created this magazine for girls.
Go Girl! is a great section on
girl activists, adventurers, and athletes. This features real girls that write into the magazine of course! Other regular features are on one woman's career, women in history, articles on girls' changing bodies, science articles and experiments, and girls write in from other countries about their cultures.
What I did not like about this magazine:
It seems cluttered to me. Like they are trying to do too much on every page of it. There will be a story by girls then a picture then facts around all of that and it just seems like too much info for one page to hold.
Most of the magazine does seem to focus more on older girls over 11 years old than under 11 years old. Since girls write most of the content, this may be why. Younger girls may not have the writing skills to get an article published.
Girls can write in EVERY department in New Moon. Articles should be between 600 and 1200 words. A blurb under this states that they will send a note if they are able to publish the articles and if the girl does not receive anything within 6 months, that they were not able to use it in the magazine and to try again.
$42.95 for a yearly subscription seems a little high for a children's magazine and that is at a reduced price of $10 off the regular subscription fee. This includes only 6 issues and in a club membership at newmoonclub.com.
All in all, I do feel this is a great magazine for kids and love that most of it is made up of girls' submissions of articles and letters. A healthy alternative for girls instead of Seventeen which I loved when I was a pre-teen. No love stories in this New Moon magazine and no makeup hints or body building strategies for young girls! No advice on what boys like or how to flirt with your heart throb of the week. Even with the drawbacks, I do consider this one of the best magazines that I have run across for kids!
Other magazines that I have reviewed:
National Geographic for Kids
http://www.epinions.com/content_426871328388
FamilyFun
http://www.epinions.com/content_426448424580
Practical Homeschooling Magazine
http://www.epinions.com/content_426367684228
Highlights for children
http://www.epinions.com/content_427765501572
What is so good about THIS magazine?
Safe, no ads, plenty of healthy content, girls write most of the content themselves, alternative to the Seventeen style magazines for pre-teens!
What is unique about this magazine?
Content is mostly written by girls themselves.
Is it worth the price?
Yes, a little pricey but better than some of the alternatives!
There has to be some bad to this magazine, right?
Pricey, seems cluttered to me, more content for older girls over 11 years old I felt.
Any warnings people should be aware of?
None.
Final verdict:
A healthy magazine alternative for girls. Informative articles as well as girls writing most of the content make this one to get for your daughter or grandchild!
pablo the reader
Don't let anyone tell you that you have to be a certain way. Be unique. Be what you feel. Melissa Etheridge
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