Decks and Dustcatchers
Sara Grajek -- School Library Journal, 4/1/2009
Teens and magazines can create a bit of a quandary for libraries. Magazines are great pick-up reading, have nice short articles for reluctant readers, and are eye catching with their colorful pictures. Yet it can be difficult to convince readers to take them home. Sometimes the price of a year’s subscription makes you want to utter words not to be heard in the teen section! However, with a slight shift of perspective, magazine collections can be seen as browsing collections that can lure in shy reluctant readers. Promoting the magazines’ free Web sites and ezines doubles the advantage of subscribing.Transworld Skateboarding. 1984. 14/yr. $12.00. Ed. Skin Phillips. ISSN 0748-7401. illus. (Subject: sports, outdoor life. Issue examined: April 2009)
With recent renewed interest in skateboarding, Transworld Skateboarding is sure to attract anyone cruising through with a skateboard tucked under their arm. Reflecting the positive and creative side of skateboarding, it’s filled with glossy photos of boarders in action, interviews, and ads for gear. A perfect counterpart is the magazine’s Web site, which is designed for active teens. Most of the site is dedicated to videos which include how-to’s, interviews, events, swag, and much more.
Craft. (Subject: arts, handicrafts. Reviewed March 2009)
Anyone crafty will enjoy Craft. As of this year, Craft has made the switch to an exclusively online version. Although many articles showcase artists’ works, Craft shines in presenting projects that range from simple to complex, from silly to serious. Fruit sushi anyone? There are enough crafts to make the head spin! Brighten a boring barrette with fabric or create a laptop bag from soda tabs. The site’s blog includes how-to videos and interviews with a separate link to podcasts. Since teen programs often include projects, Craft is a trusty resource for both young adult readers and librarians.
