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Kids' magazines great gifts -- year round

And they contribute to that literature-rich environment that is so important

By Danny McMillion

December 2009 -- You know the kid! She's too old for those kids' books but not yet a teenager, so you're stumped for what to get her the next holiday or birthday.

A year's subscription to American Girl magazine is perfect for the 10-year-old who is going on 17. The stories deal with such subjects as "How to Ace Your School Photo," "Hilarious Hairdos," "Dealing with Life Adversities" and "Decorating Eye Catching Sneakers." The short stories are sure to pique her interest. $22.95 for six issues.

Do you know any kid who wouldn't like to have a magazine chock full of fun crafts and ideas for making things out of stuff Mom is going to throw away? Pack-o-Fun is perfect for either boy or girl. It shows the craft, then gives a complete list of needed items and great, easy-to-read instructions for putting it all together. $21.97 for six issues.

Does your young "tweener" like to write? Stone Soup is the magazine for young writers and artists. Full of articles, poems, book reviews and art work written by young people, this magazine is sure to please the discerning young reader. It also offers young people a chance to write their own stories and poems and have them published. $37 for six issues.

For that sports crazy youngster on your list, consider Sports Illustrated for Kids. He or she will be able to keep up with all the stats on favorite sports stars and get information on how to improve their own games. Free sports cards are included in several issues a year. $32 for 12 issues.

So you think boys aren't interested in reading? I bet that you haven't shown them a copy of Boy's Life yet. Full of stories about cars, guns, sports and subjects boys are reluctant to discuss with anyone, least of all a parent, this magazine is sure to appeal to that hard-to-please young man. $24 for 12 issues.

Even the younger set can be enticed to read with the right periodical. Highlights magazine features cartoons, stories, coloring pages, puzzles and hidden pictures to stimulate the elementary school set. $29.64 for 12 issues. Its companion, Highlights High Five is geared toward ages 2 through 6.

Another great magazine for ages 9 to12 is Cricket, which is touted to lead young minds into the realm of the imagination. $33.95 for six issues.

Is there a young history buff in your family? The perfect way for him or her to discover American history is through a subscription to Cobblestone, the magazine that can answer all of those "why" questions about America and how we came to be. $33.95 for six issues.

National Geographic KIDS can be your life saver when it comes to providing a great gift for the young reader who is interested in wildlife and faraway places. Each issue brings new adventures in animals and travel. $19.95 for 10 issues.

For parents who want to get their little one started off appreciating reading, a subscription to Ladybug makes the perfect gift. Mom and Dad will be thrilled to have this gem of a magazine to share. $33.95 for nine issues.

McMillion is the director of the Raleigh County Public Library and a member of the advisory board for Raleigh County Read Aloud.