American Girl’s magazine for girls ages 8-12, published by the American Girl company and featuring ads for their products. This magazine is an alternative for girls interested in reading teen magazines, and topics covered are relatable and age-appropriate. A typical issue will include seasonal craft ideas with instructions, recipes, decorating tips, an advice column, quizzes, jokes, and short realistic fiction stories about issues that will resonate with young girls. A yearly subscription costs $24.95 and includes six issues. Unlike many magazines for tweens, American Girl does not feature articles on makeup or puberty, which many parents will appreciate. However, some girls may feel they age out of the magazine sooner because of this fact, and may start looking for other magazines that address these issues. This is still a classic magazine which seeks to embrace young girls interests. Highly recommended. ( )

From life questions to crafts, girls across the country will find something to enjoy in this magazine. The format is similar to traditional women's magazines-- letters to the editor and short columns, a quiz, then some longer articles, a craft or party idea, and then a story or two. Many articles feature real readers, either for drawing or story contest submissions, articles about girls who have done something out of the ordinary (like making bracelets to raise money for cancer patients), or reader questions. An emphasis on adult or parent interaction runs throughout most issues, from requesting help with knife skills for a recipe or asking a parent before donating used clothing. Stories, either reader-submitted or otherwise, showcase girls who have been put in tight positions regarding friends or school being able to make the right decision in the end. The wholesome content will have parents breathing a sigh of relief, but may not hold the interest of readers at the higher end of the intended age range very long. Advertisements only show American Girl products and are kept to a minimum. Recommended for ages 8-11. ( )

American Girl Magazine is chock-full of crafts, recipes, fun facts, personal anecdotes, games, advice, and holiday fun. It stands out amongst the other magazines of this age group for a few reasons: It has things girls this age really care about -- fashion, friends, fun party ideas -- without being vapid or age inappropriate. In addition, it also has stories from real girls and articles about things like the relief effort in Haiti, and the story of two girls whose father is in the National Guard and surprised them for Christmas. There's even an article on present-receiving etiquette (Shocker! Someone is still teaching manners!?). All of this is presented in a fun way, and it doesn't feel "dorky" or "baby-ish." It's refreshing to see a girls magazine for this age group, which really needs a few good ones. They're too young for "Teen Vogue" and "Seventeen" but too young to want to read "Highlights" or "Ranger Rick" anymore. American Girl provides a welcome bridge between childhood and the always-feared realm of teen-dom. This magazine is recommended for girls between the ages of 8-13. ( )

The American Girl Magazine is a beautifully designed text created for inspiring and encouraging young girls everywhere. The pages include puzzles, quizzes, crafts, and even mini-posters for young girls to hang up! Articles include polls, recipes and advice for overcoming problems at home, school, and with friends. The magazine encourages girls to be themselves and enjoy being a girl. It is fun, inspirational and offers much more then beauty tips like many magazines designed for young women. American Girl features stories on heroic young women who make a difference in the world. This magazine is a great edition in any classroom or middle school library and could be beneficial for young women struggling with accepting who they are in their crazy “tween” years. ( )