Plot Summary

J-14 began in 1998 to provide teenagers with information such as teen gossip, quizzes, fashion, posters, and information about their favorite celebrities ("J-14 (magazine)," n.d.) and has remained a relevant source of information for these topics to this day. Print editions of J-14 are available in 6-issue subscriptions priced at $14.97 ("J-14: Subscribe," n.d.). Adds within the magazine are primarily on clothing, fragrance, and movies and television shows.

I selected the January 2020 edition for this review, which focuses on "The Best and Worst of 2019" as it's cover issue. Articles include the following topics:

• Camila Cabello's Got Love On the Brain (focusing on a popular singer's new romantic relationship)
• Ariana Grande's Saving Grace (focusing on a popular singer's struggle with anxiety)
• J-14's Best and Worst of 2019 (focusing on both positive and negative aspects of popular culture throughout 2019)
• Guy Guide (detailing celebrity male's preferences in relationships)
• J-14 Beauty Awards (highlighting beauty products)
• Her Look for Less (advice on current fashion trends)
• Entertainment Cheat Sheet (reviewing current popular movies, music, and shows)

Critical Evaluation

J-14 is written with simple prose, heavily focusing on making judgement calls about personal relationships, fashion, and other aspects of popular culture based on outside sources and personal opinion. The main focus is on celebrity relationships and their personal lives, with many mentions of fashion and upgrading your lifestyle. With its vibrant color scheme and number of celebrity photographs on the cover it is sure to catch even the reluctant reader teenager's attention. The publication is available in print and digitally, with access to both requiring purchase. Content within the magazine is broken down by category such as romance or fashion, making it easier for the reader to located the genre of their choosing within its pages. Additional digital content is available online, however, formatted as and endless list of articles readers can scroll through.

While J-14 is an interesting and light-hearted read, the gossip-heavy magazine could become problematic when focusing about celebrity's personal lives and what they deem, "best and worst," of the year. This can promote gossip-like behavior and judging others with little to no information, which is not the best message to send to young, impressionable readers.

Reader’s Annotation

Read about popular culture's relationships, break-ups, and hottest trends throughout 2019 in J-14's January 2020 edition!

About the Author (Publisher)

"American Media, Inc. (AMI) owns and operates the leading celebrity and health & fitness media brands in the country. Our magazines have a combined total circulation of 2.3+ million and reach 47+ million men and women each month. Our digital properties reach a total of 60+ million unique visitors and 762+ million page views monthly.

AMI pioneered both the celebrity and health & fitness categories. During the 1960s, the National Enquirer was the first magazine to begin publishing celebrity news and gossip on a weekly basis. Weider Publications (acquired by AMI in 2003) launched the very first health & fitness magazine, Your Physique, in 1940.

Today, AMI’s celebrity titles have the #1 market share in total newsstand circulation in the celebrity category and are the fastest growing brands online. Our health and fitness titles command the #1 market share of national magazine ad pages in their competitive set.

AMI created the concept of 360º marketing programs by being the first company to integrate editorial, print, digital, mobile and events into one package for our advertisers. This multi-media platform approach creates lasting consumer engagement and delivers a measurable return on the advertisers’ investment.

While maintaining a high profile industry presence, AMI remains streamlined and efficient, with the highest ROS of the top ten consumer publishers in the U.S.," ("About Us - Overview," 2019).

Genre(s)

Celebrities, popular culture, fashion, romance

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

Check out some of the tv shows, movies and CDs suggested within the magazine so you can join the discussion.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 11-19 (J-14, n.d.)

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Suggestive clothing, judging other's appearances, romance

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

J-14 was a huge source for celebrity gossip when I was growing up and is still going strong. Many teenagers are passionate fans, being part of what they call a "fandom," and this magazine supplies them with all of the current speculation and rumors.

Plot Summary

Official Xbox Magazine began in 2001 with the launch of the Xbox, and is North America's only all-Xbox monthly publication (RB Digital, n.d.). It provides information all topics relating to Xbox, such as it's newest games, reviews, and the gaming industry in general (RB Digital, n.d.). Ads within this magazine are primarily for games and gaming equipment, such as headsets and online servers. Official Xbox Magazine offers two subscription packages for print editions: 3 months for $11.25 at $3.46 per issue, or 12 months for $45.00 at $3.46 per issue.

For this review I selected the Christmas 2019 edition whose cover feature focuses on a new game by the creator of the popular Halo game series called Disintegration. Articles within this issue include the following topics:

• Big Story: Xbox All Access (focusing on a new service provided by Xbox regarding purchase of the latest console)
• Multiple previews of games such as Marvel's Avengers and Inertial Drift
• A ten-page description of the upcoming first-person shooter game Disintegration
• The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide (a season appropriate list of gifts for gamers)
• Multiple reviews of new or upcoming games available on the Xbox, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Destiny 2: Shadowkeep
• Directories (a list of classic and popular games available for Xbox One, as well as recommendations for movies and television shows)

Critical Evaluation

Official Xbox Magazine is a valuable resource for gamers who own an Xbox console and are interested in information regarding its games, both new and old. Many of the articles reviewing the games are thorough and informative, yet could be biased due to the fact that it is sponsored by the company it's reviewing. Containing actual images from the games it is detailing and reviewing will be sure to draw in the readers who are gamers, giving them an opportunity to view unseen new content. Teens who might not be interested in reading but enjoy gaming might find the information intriguing enough to open its pages. It is different from many other monthly magazines in that it is printed on thick, glossy paper and resembles a book more than a magazine, which could be appealing to gaming fans who do not want images of their favorite games being damaged easily. Although many of the games discussed within the magazine could be played on numerous consoles, it could alienate gamers with different consoles because it focuses solely the on games available on Xbox.

Depictions of violent video games are present throughout the magazine, which could make some caregivers of younger teens uneasy. Discussions of weapons, fighting styles, and violence portrayed within certain games could dissuade readers who play non-violent video games from reading it.

Reader’s Annotation

Take a sneak peek into the newest upcoming information from Xbox, learn more about your favorite games, and read reviews of what's coming out next!

About the Author (Publisher)

"We are Future plc, an award-winning, global multi-platform media company. We’re the name behind successful brands in specialist consumer and B2B sectors including technology, gaming & entertainment, music, creative & photography, home interest, education and television. We connect with an audience reach of over 260+ million worldwide with their passions, through our expert content, world-class events and cutting-edge proprietary technology.

MAGAZINES: We are a leading platform for specialist consumer and B2B content, publishing 80 magazines and 568+ bookazines yearly, with a total circulation of 1.4m+.

Our purpose: We change people’s lives through sharing our knowledge and expertise with others, making it easy and fun for them to do what they want," ("Who We Are," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Gaming

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

What new game for 2020 are you most excited about and why?

Reading Level/Interest Age

All ages

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Portrayals of violent situations, mild language

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

This magazine is a great source of information for gamers of all ages regarding one of the most popular gaming consoles. Because it provides information regarding all aspects of gaming culture, it can serve as a one-stop resource for teens interested in gaming.

Plot Summary

Since 1944 Seveneteen has been a resource for young people to develop social skills and feel confident in themselves, with its first editor providing teenage girls with examples of women in workforce (Seventeen (American magazine), n.d.). Though it began as a resource for primarily fashion and romantic advise it has evolved into also promoting self-confidence in young people, primarily for young women (Seventeen (American magazine), n.d.). Ads within Seventeen primarily focus on clothing, makeup, and fragrances. While it is no longer in print, all of its editions are available online (https://www.seventeen.com/).

For this review I selected the last print issue of Seventeen, its December 2018-January 2019 edition, which features a cover story on popular young actress Kiernan Shipka. Articles contained within this issue include:

• Crush the Holidays (gift guide appropriate to the season)
• OOTDs That Sparkle (fashion advice for the winter season)
• Vanishing Skin Probs (health and beauty advice)
• The Dark Effect Selfie Filters Have on Your Mind (information regarding the damage image filters have on self-confidence)
• Tricks for Feeling Bold, Calm, and More! (advice on ways to manage emotions and social interactions)
• Voices of the Year (brief biographies on influential women of 2018)
• Kiernan Shipka (interview with popular actress)

Critical Evaluation

Seventeen is a refreshing blend of beauty advice, information on popular culture, and empowering young people to feel confident and take ownership of themselves; it reflects the new wave of feminism that allows people to enjoy wearing makeup and being interested in fashion without subscribing to societal norms, in particular for women. This magazine reinforces to young people that it is important to be well rounded and informed about all aspects of life. The material is presented in a conversational tone that allows the reader to feel a connection, yet is not so simplified it would appear condescending. The brightly colored covers, attractive fonts, and interesting headlines make this magazine appealing, and could potentially draw in reluctant readers. The highly graphic format of the magazine lends itself to 21st century teenager's interest in graphically presented information, which now lends itself to the magazine's digital content. It's health articles regarding difficult subjects such as self-confidence, bullying, and addictive substances shed light on important topics without coming across as a lecture.

Reader’s Annotation

Flip through the pages of Seventeen to hear advice about fashion, relationships, and inspiring young people.

About the Author (Publisher)

"Hearst is a leading global, diversified media, information and services company with more than 360 businesses.

Its major interests include ownership in cable television networks such as A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime and ESPN; global financial services leader Fitch Group; Hearst Health, a group of medical information and services businesses; transportation assets including CAMP Systems International, a major provider of software-as-a-service solutions for managing maintenance of jets and helicopters; 33 television stations such as WCVB-TV in Boston and KCRA-TV in Sacramento, California, which reach a combined 19 percent of U.S. viewers; newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle and Times Union (Albany, New York); more than 300 magazines around the world, including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Men's Health and Car and Driver, and digital services businesses such as iCrossing and KUBRA; and investments in emerging digital entertainment companies such as Complex Networks," ("About," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Fashion, romance, popular culture, social interactions

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts - Fiction Literature

Booktalking Ideas

Check out some of the tv shows and movies suggested within the magazine so you can join the discussion.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 13-19 per Seventeen

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Mild language, suggestive clothing

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

Seventeen provides a positive balance of popular culture information and personal development that can be lacking in many other magazines for young adults. With its positive messages about life and relationships, as well as encouragements about accepting yourself, this magazine is a great resource for young people transitioning into adulthood.