Plunge into my favorite magazine ~ American Girl Magazine!

About a year ago, I purchased a bi-monthly subscription to American Girl Magazine for my daughter, and she also checks out back issues from her school library. Overall I've been impressed by the wholesomeness of this magazine for elementary school aged girls, about 8-12. The magazine emphasizes positive traits, values and activities that pre-teen girls should be spending their time and energy doing--sports, crafts and community service. And, one unbelievable fact about AG Magazine is that there are NO advertisements! Especially considering that AG magazine is published by American Girl LLC, a company that markets high-end dolls and accessories. My daughter is so taken with the publication that she offered to share her thoughts and impressions about her beloved subscription. I hope you enjoy learning more about American Girl magazine from a real American Girl!

I'm nine years old, and I wrote this review (with a little help from my mom). I hope you will find my review of American Girl Magazine interesting, and maybe even show it to your daughter...

What You will Find in American Girl's Pages:

Articles: Every month the main feature varies, but there are also some regular columns which are my favorites:

About the cover: Meet the cover girl of the magazine

Shining Star(s: A girl or girls who made a difference

AG art gallery: artwork from around the U.S.

True story: find out a one real story from an American girl

Contest: These vary each month and are usually questions that readers can answer. How about one from Sept/Oct 2007: "Creative Vending Machine Visions--If you could sell anything in a vending machine, what would it be?"

Heart to Heart (a different topic each month): find out about girls who have tips and tricks from their everyday lives that they want to share. A few are: How to Remember: tips and tricks for remembering things! Also, Changing: what kids experience with new babies in the family, a new move, or any new thing.

Occasional non-fiction story: Learn all about kids who shine and have dreams that go beyond your imagination!

Art corner: American Girl's readers' artwork

Tricks for having great parties, even book clubs, and other things you can do with friends!

Snack bar: new snacks to make yourself and try

Fictional story: wonderful stories that are fantastic for anyone, one is even written by Megan McDonald (the author of Judy Moody and other childrens' books)!

Brainwaves: activities and puzzles... in the back of the book, fun for your brain!

Laffateria: funny jokes to tell!

Dear American Girl... true questions from girls that need a little help with a problem or situation with friends, or at school or home. This advice question comes from an American Girl reader:

"Dear American Girl,
I need help! I say the word like way too much. I try to think about what I say before I say it, but like just always seems to slip out. One time I said it so much, my teacher was even a little mad at me. What should I do?"
-like a lot

American girl responded:
"The truth is, no one likes kids hearing someone say like over and over. Thinking about what you're going to say is good, but you also need to listen to what you're saying while you talk. Ask your family and friends to give you a signal, such as pointing at you, every time you say like. At first, you'll be surprised how often you say it,but you'll become more aware of what comes out of your mouth. Speak slowly, and don't be afraid to have pauses in your conversation. You can kick this habit!"
-American Girl

Final Thoughts from IA:

What I love about American Girl Magazine: The ideas from other kids make me think about my life, and the stories are interesting to read. This magazine is full of bright ideas, ways to have fun, and true stories from other girls' lives! Quizzes are a blast to take, and new crafts that I've tried make great gifts and keep me busy for hours at a time. Stories from real girls all over the nation bring me right to their houses to find out what is going on in other places. Then, I zoom out to the American Girl Website, http://www.americangirl.com/agmg/mag_activities.html to Help! From You, to see how other girls answer advice questions. I have learned a lot from other girls' advice. Here are just a few articles that I loved reading from the January/February issue (2008):

Friends for Keeps? Why doesn't Clara ever sleep over? by Teresa Cotsirilos

Skating Dreams by Sami P. January/February 2008 issue

Hair You'll Love-and new styles that you can do-- and cute crafts, too! by American Girl January/February 2008 issue

Talk to Your Parents about Anything-Let's say you could use some advice. Or something big has happened. Our tips can help you say what's on your mind.

What I would like to change about American Girl:
Personally, I think American Girl Magazines are just a little too pastel for me. Too much pink, purple, light orange, lime green, baby blue, and yellow are the most common colors that you'll find. There is very little red, darker blue, or orange. Although this is still such a good magazine, the colors were one of the first things I noticed. Overall, though, I love this magazine!

Subscription Rates: Cover price is $4.50. A bi-monthly subscription for one year is $22.95 and for two years is $39.95.

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