Seventeen

Bibliographic info

Shoket, A. (editor-in-chief). Seventeen. New York. Monthly periodical.

Genre

teenage periodical

Reading Level/Interest Age

Targeted audience: Women 16-24

Reader’s Annotation

Seventeen is a magazine for older female teens and young adults with a variety of topics covered.

Plot Summary

Seventeen magazine features today’s hottest celebrities and fashion advice. Other topics covered inside issues of Seventeen include:

• Fashion/Beauty (hair, make-up, clothing)
• Relationships
• Exercise tips
• Horoscopes
• Entertainment
• Making a difference
• Editorials
• Room makeovers

Critical Evaluation

Seventeen sells over 20 millions issues annually (Seventeen MediaKit, 2012). Over the years the median reader age has increased, but it is still most popular among older teens and young adults. Some of the feature articles are excellent topics, such as saving the planet, and other are less sophisticated, such as getting better abs. The magazine always features some sort of article promoting newsworthy social issues, but it isn’t for the most globally conscious teen. Seventeen is geared towards your typical teens who are anxious for the newest fashion trends, make-up secrets, guy insight, and a bit of celebrity gossip.

One of the best programs initiated by Seventeen is the “Seventeen Body Peace Project”. It’s a year long program designed to help young girls stop obsessing over their body image and appreciating themselves for who they are.

About the Author

“Ann Shoket (born 16 June 1972) is an American magazine writer and editor…She was named the editor-in-chief of Seventeen in January 2007, succeeding Atoosa Rubenstein. She began her career as a reporter at Steven Brill’s The American Lawyer, then created the webzine Tag, an online community of artists and writers. Shoket was also senior editor with the Parade family of publications, and senior editor of CosmoGIRL!magazine.

She has also appeared in several episodes of the reality show series America’s Next Top Model as a judge.” (Wikipedia, 2012)

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Book-talking Ideas

Compare Seventeen to other teen magazines you’ve read.

Challenge Issues

The magazine often offers relationship advice as well as tips on how to look sexier. Some articles are blatantly sexual and offering advice of this nature.

If a challenge were to arise in my library I would:

• Refer to the Library Bill of Rights (Items I, II, and III). http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
• Refer to the library’s current collection policy.
• Refer to the many positive reviews found on Amazon and GoodReads.
• Have an easy to access copy of the library’s Reconsideration Form if a challenge is inevitable.
• Show the numerous awards and positive reviews for the book.

Why was this included?

Seventeen magazine has been around for many years and has always been a popular choice among teenage girls.

References

Seventeen. (2012). Key Demographics. Retrieved December 9, 2012 from http://www.seventeenmediakit.com

Wikipedia. (2012). Ann Shoket. Retrieved December 9, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Shoket