Cicada
Sue's Pre-Ramble
Recently, my Teen Genius turns 17 years old. He's a high school senior, an all-around terrific kid, and extremely talented actor, writer, and math whiz extraordinaire. To honor his birthday, I thought I'd review some things that represent him. The list is at the bottom of the review (as I add post).
Cicada magazine is one that the Teen Genius has subscribed to for about four years or so. It's exceedingly expensive, so I quiz him whenever renewal time comes around. He always indicates that this above all else is something he wants. It is a literary magazine published by the Cricket Magazine Group, which provides quality reading from the toddler years on up. It includes a mix of works by published adult authors as well as items submitted by the readers.
Subscribing/Cost
The cost to subscribe to
Cicada for one year, six bi-monthly issues, is $35.97, the single issue price is $7.95. There are usually several subscription cards in each magazine, or you can subscribe online at www.cricketmag.com, where you'll receive a two free issues when you subscribe. You can also get a bit of a break by subscribing for two years. The Teen Genius's current issue (September/October, 2003) arrived on September 5, and has 128 5.5"x8.5" pages, including the front and back covers. There are no advertisements at all.
Regular Departments
Editorial - these are written by different staff for each issue. This section comments on the rest of the magazine.
Letters - to the editor, with answers.
Expressions - an essay submitted by a reader. This month's topic is the dreaded SAT or Some Atrocious Test.
Submissions - here is all the information readers need to submit their poems, photos, drawings, essays and fiction (and how much they'll get paid if published!).
Featured In This Month's Issue
Although there are only four designated departments, there are several features that show up on a regular basis including: Art From Our Readers, Author Profile, and Book Reviews. Each of the pieces includes a quick bio of the author, the age of the young authors, and whether the author's work has been presented (and in which issue) in
Cicada before. I'll indicate author/poet for those written by published folks and reader for the teens who've submitted their work.
In the current issue are the following:
Fiction
Sunlight,
Author, Kim Culbertson
Good-bye to All Cats,
Author, P. G. Wodehouse
Looking at You Kid,
Author, Paul Buchanan
As Beautiful As,
Reader, Laura Walter
The Tin Butterfly,
Author, Norma Fox Mazer
My Road Trip to the Pretty Girl Capital of the World,
Author, Brian Yancy
Poetry
Assurance,
Poet, William Stafford
Window Cat,
Poet, Casey Carlsen
Sol's Legacy,
Reader, Abigail West
Separation,
Reader, Liza Flum
Rhinestone Dreams,
Poet, Jill Esbaum
Art From our Readers, Fresh Faces - The artwork page is usually of a similar topic. In this issue, readers have submitted six pictures in drastically different styles and media focused on faces.
Profile
Brian Yancy, Author of "My Road Trip to the Pretty Girl Capital of the World" talks about his writing.
Who Would Enjoy Cicada?
It is written for the 14-18 age range who love reading stories and poems that are relevant to them. But of course, I'm sure there are 12 year-olds who enjoy it and I'm (mumble, mumble) the mother of a now seventeen year-old and I enjoy it immensely. The Teen Genius would love to have one of his poems submitted. I wish he'd submit some more.
What I (and the Teen Genius) Like
If Ben & Jerry's ice cream was a magazine, it would be
Cicada . It's rich with flavor, really smooth, sometimes nutty, makes a positive impact on its community (of readers), original, and classic. The color cover art is usually very interesting and thought provoking. Inside, the artwork is all black and white, but it supports the text extremely well.
The Teen Genius likes the concept of a literary magazine for teens. He also likes that it is small enough to fit in his backpack, yet sturdy enough to withstand being jostled around.
What I Don't Like
It is so darn expensive! I realize that I'm paying to not have any ads, but yikes! The Teen Genius feels that he is outgrowing it, so will have to go in search of another literary journal for next year when he heads off to college.
Final Recommendation
Sue's Acid Test -- what happens to
Cicada when the Teen Genius is finished reading it? They are all neatly organized on his bookcase. He will probably keep them for eternity!
If you liked this review, you'll want to read my other magazine reviews:
Country Discoveries
Ladies Home Journal
Martha Stewart Living
Poets and Writers
Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion
Subscription Addiction
