YA reading blog

CosmoGirl:Prom.  (2007).  Hearst Magazines.

4 out of 5 stars

Age range 16-18

Some of the dresses make me wish there were proms all of the time for all ages.  I don’t remember there being such variety when I was prom age.  This magazine specifically focuses on prom so everything in the issues is geared toward that.  There are more ads than you usually see in a magazine but, I don’t think people mind that as much in a prom magazine as they may be looking for something that is advertised.  

The rest of the content was typical prom issue.  An article about Ashley Tisdale from High School Musical discussed her prom experience.  Other sections dealt with hair, makeup and accessories. 

Also included: 

The magazine included tips for dresses that flatter any figure and how to find a cheap version of dresses seen on Hollywood stars as well as how to get their hair. 

The usual quizes on “your prom style” and whatnot made an appearance. 

Tips for getting along with your mother when various prom related concerns arise. 

Stories about prom regrets and how to avoid them.

Self-tanning advice and prom pilates.

This magazine is fairly typical of prom magazines and was quite fun to read.  I can’t help it, I love to look at pretty dresses.

Kate

Seventeen: Spring Shopping Issue. (March, 2007).  Hearst magazines, 66 (?). 

Age range 13-17

5 stars out of 5

This category was fun, this is the topic for my groups YA Hotline issue.  I have been reading a lot of magazines for young adult girls.  So far they have been what you would expect, the same content as the adult magazines tailored for younger people. 

Seventeen magazine is a lot like the adult magazine Glamour.  It has fashion and makeup tips, articles about celebrities and information about sexual health.  It does have some Prom realted fashion blurbs and the celebrities are younger, for instance Mandy Moore is on the cover (just for the record she is stating she will never be a toothpick like Nicole Richie and I know I am relieved), but basically the layout is the same as is the overall look of the magazine. I am just glad I recognize the person on the cover.  Does this mean I am in touch with the YA world?  Maybe not yet.  I learned how to decode his instant messages and that Kate Hudson is the star who shares my style sense.  I also really like the clothes in this magazine, I don’t think I could pull them off but I enjoy them anyway.  Especially the clothes in the Living Colour spread, they are bright and colourful and youthful. 

This magazine had some interesting articles from real life.  It talked about the dangers of the new trend to take prescription drugs at parties, abusive relationships and violence.  The article about violence is one in which four young men beat a homeless man to death.  I found this very hard to read, it was heartbreaking.  The boys were so brutal and cruel that I almost cried to read about it.  The author provides information about the young men’s background and the consequences of their actions, which thankfully are severe. 

This magazine also includes a quick teen-friendly read about racial stereotypes and why they are wrong.  This section is great, it features young women of various racial backgrounds, in short blurbs stating why they dislike stereotypes and why they don’t fit into them. 

Overall this magazine was fun to read and had a lot of worthwhile content.  Oh and I also learned how to apply “wild” nude lipcolour.

Kate