Skateboarder

Bibliographic Information: Owens, J. (Editor). (2013). Skateboarder [Magazine]. San Clemente: Source Interlink Media. Website URL: http://www.skateboardermag.com/

Content Summary: Skateboarder Magazine was born in 1964 as a quarterly, but then disappeared until the skateboarding boom in the 70’s. Due to dangerous quality of proto skate gear, the sport faced banning more than once in its history. The magazines success has followed the ups and downs of the sports popularity, but thrives today as the “Bible” of skateboarding magazines. Editors credit the superb photography and editorials for their success. The magazine also features interviews, reviews of gear from decks to shoes, and offers free giveaways.

Wikipedia. (2013). Skateboarder [Magazine]. (28 April, 2013). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboarder_(magazine)

Genre: Magazine

Subjects: skateboarding, skateboards, skateboard gear

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues/Defense: N/A

Reason for Selection: The sport of skateboarding has a bad reputation among authoritative figures since its beginnings in the 60’s and 70’s, which is why it will always have a special place in the heart of teens. But beyond that, it is a growing phenomenon, and I don’t see it losing its momentum for years. The photos in this magazine are amazing, and teens will agree.

Alternative Press

Bibliographic Information: Pettigrew, J. (2013). Alternative press. [Magazine]. Cleveland: Alternative Press. Website URL: http://www.altpress.com/

Content Summary: Alternative Press, or AP, was founded in 1985 by Mike Shea who wanted to give credit to many of the underground bands that were being featured on his local radio stations in Cleveland, Ohio. What began as a photocopied zine eventually grew to feature bands on the cover right before they made it big (Red Hot Chili Peppers). The magazine averages 198-220 pages per month and has such features as “Favorite Gear” and “Unsigned Bands of the Month.” The magazine now sponsors several music festivals like Warped Tour and the Taste of Chaos Tour. The photographs have a very iconic, glossy, high contrast appeal.

Wikipedia. (2013). Alternative press. (28 April, 2013). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_Press

Genre: Magazine

Subjects: alternative rock, music, bands

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due to some occurrences of profanity, this magazine may be challenged. If so, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies, Reading Lists, and Resources for Recommended Literature: Pre-K-12.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed book reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly.

5.     Book selection rationale.

6.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: This is the go-to magazine for reviews of alternative bands. I can’t count how many great interviews with my favorite bands were published by AP. This is a staple music magazine for many teens, and features full spread photographs.

Game Informer

Bibliographic Information: McNamara, A. (Editor). (2013). Game Informer (Magazine). Minneapolis: GameStop Corporation. Website URL: http://www.gameinformer.com/

Content Summary: This monthly American video gaming magazine was developed in 1991 and offers reviews, previews, articles, news, and strategy guides on all of the major video game consoles. Once a year, the editors put together a “Top 50 Games of Lat Year” issue, awarding a Game of the Year, and Top ten Lists in different categories. They also do an annual E3 issue, summarizing all of the major highlights from this prestigious annual video game conference. They review games based on a scale of 1 (awful) to 10 (perfect). Only 23 games have been awarded a ten rating. The covers usually feature very striking game art that wraps across the front and back of each issue.

Wikipedia. (2013). Game Informer. (28 April, 2013). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Informer

Genre: Magazine

Subjects: videogames, video game consoles, Wii, Wii U, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation Vita

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due the graphic nature of some videogames (sexual and violent), this magazine may be challenged. If so, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies, Reading Lists, and Resources for Recommended Literature: Pre-K-12.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed book reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly.

5.     Book selection rationale.

6.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: Since GamePro went out of business, this is one of the few magazines left to review games for every console, and provides gamers with a general overview of games, both good and bad. In depth articles focus on the worthwhile games.

Nylon

Bibliographic Information: Baker, A. (Editor). (2013). Nylon. New York: Nylon Holding Inc. Website URL: http://nylonmag.com/

Content Summary: Nylon was cofounded in 1999 by Marvin Scott Jarrett and Jaclynn Jarrett. The name was chosen arbitrarily, but eventually became a sort of acronym for their primary cities of focus: New York and London (NY and LON). The magazine has grown from an underground name to a mainstream staple, and has even published three books related to beauty and fashion.

            The magazine focuses on pop culture and fashion, but also delves into art, beauty, design, music, technology, travel, and cinema. The look and feel of the magazine is bold and chaotic, like a collage or idea board, but with clear and bold font through out.

Wikipedia. (2013). Nylon (magazine). (28 April, 2013). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nylon_magazine

Reader’s Annotation: Teens can learn about the latest trends in fashion and beauty, while also getting a slice of current happening in the art, music and design worlds.

Genre: Magazine

Subjects: Fashion, Beauty, Music, Films, Travel, Design, Art, Trends, Celebrities

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Some mature content such as sexor alcohol may be discussed in celebrity interviews. If challenged, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies, Reading Lists, and Resources for Recommended Literature: Pre-K-12.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed book reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly.

5.     Book selection rationale.

6.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: This magazine always stood out to me because it goes beyond mainstream trends and explores more individualistic styles. There is a much broader range of cultural influence, too, unlike a lot of the other teen fashion magazines out there.