Seventeen Magazine

Bibliographic Information:
Shocket, A. (Editor in Chief). (2009/2010, Decmeber/January). Seventeen (New York, NY), 69(1).

Summary:
This magazine has five main sections in additional to its feature articles. The first section is all about fashion. This issue discusses the preppy glam look, the perfect party look, sexy steals, sparkly clothes, new ways to wear the basics, holiday deals, and what to wear for New Year’s Eve. The second section involves beauty. There are three articles in this issue regarding beauty: One about hair, one about eye make-up, and one about purchasing good make-up at a less expensive price. The next section is all about health. The section has three articles as well. The first article is about choosing healthier party snacks. The next discusses the lies shown on television about sex. The last article features a teen’s scare with the swine flu. The fourth section is entitled “love life.” One of the articles warns girls not to trust the lines that boys give. Another article tells why guys continue to like girls whom they dump. The last article in this section gives advice on how to get a guy. The last section is called “your life.” The cover story is about Miley Cyrus. She gives her advice on style and love.

Critical Evaluation:
I can see how young women would find this magazine appealing. Miley Cyrus is on the cover. She is very popular with her singing and hit television show, Hannah Montana. Most of the magazine is devoted to appearances and how to improve them. There are tips on hair styles, make-up, fashion, and exercise. Exercise is important, but this magazine presents it in relation to how it makes you look, “great abs, butt & legs.” Other than the focus on looks, the magazine is full of advertisements. Out of 152 pages, 58 of them are full page ads. This does not include ads that share space with an article. I must give the magazine credit. While many of the articles are basically fluff, there are some serious issues that are also covered. There is an article on the myths of television sex, an article warning girls not to trust the lines guys give, and an article on cyber-bullying which gives examples. These last articles are important for young women to read. Therefore, I would recommend this magazine. If the fluff of beauty and fashion catches their eye causing them to read the more important topics, it will be worth it.

Reader's Annotation:
This is a beauty magazine for teens, specifically geared toward women.

Information about the editor:
There is not much information on Ann Shocket. None in the magazine, and very little information when I did a google search for her. She was appointed editor in chief of Seventeen magazine in 2007. She helped orchestrate the expansion of the magazine to an online version.

Genre: Magazine

Curriculum Ties: Language Arts

Booktalking Ideas:
• What is your definition of beauty?
• Why do you think this magazine focuses on looks?
• Do you pay attention to the advertisements? Why? Why not?
• What is cyber-bullying? Have you ever experienced it?

Reading Level/Interest Level:
This magazine will appeal to young adults and younger students.

Challenge Issues:
Advertisements; stereotyped definition of beauty; scantily clad women; sex talk; how to kiss

If the magazine is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the entire magazine.
• Show positive reviews of the magazine.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the magazine:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
• Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
o Positive reviews
o Selection policy
o Reconsideration policy

Selection Process:
I did a google search of teen magazines. One of the articles recommended Seventeen.
http://www.world-newspapers.com/youth.html