Last week I had the privelege to address a retreat for children's magazine editors in Boyds Mills, PA, sponsored by Highlights Magazine.

My topic was "The Kids Who Need You the Most." I was reminded, and was able to remind these magazine producers, of all the things that magazines can do to help struggling readers, reluctant readers, and those readers who are just don't read the way we expect kids to read. Think of what magazines can offer:

Strong visuals tied to text.
Short chunks of text.
A focus on nonfiction.
Tying reading to activities and interests for experiencial learners.
A huge number of topics to choose from.
Always new reading material.

All these things are perfect for reaching boy readers. We do not put enough magazines in the hands of boys.

Here are a few magazines you might not know but should:

Moo-Cow Fan Club: The Children's Magazine Both Funny and Smart (www.moocowfanclub.com)
This is one for every kid who draws his own commics when he is supposed to be paying attention in English class. Thematic and edgy.

Boys' Quest (www.boysquest.com)
The boys counterpart to Hopscotch For Girls, Boys Quest is activity-based and full of games, puzzles, jokes, and all kinds of interactive language.

Dig (Published in partnership with Archeology magazine. www.digonsite.com)
Caves, mummies, lost civilzations and ancient mysteries. Add in photos and illustrations, along with projects to make, and you have a real winner for the guys who like to get their hands dirty.

... and don't forget the old favorites, like...

National Geographic Kids (www.kids.nationalgeographic.com)
All right, this is the classic. Adventure, animals, and the most amazing photography in the magazine world.

Ranger Rick (National Wildlife Federation   www.nwf.org/RangerRick)
The original critter-zine that has never wavered in their commitment to bugs, lizards, and real big teeth.

Cobblestone (www.cobblestonepub.com)
History come alive. Any kid who can do a history project in school using Cobblestone will count himself lucky.

All of these magazines were represented at the editors' retreat, meaning they are all committed to improving the quality of their products for kids, and all of them now have the struggling reader at the fore of their thoughts. Think about a magazine subscription as a gift that gives those kids who may not read enough books something to read for a year to come.