5 Literacy Magazines Every School Library Should Know About
18 July, 2025 ● Written by STORYVOR
Books tend to get all the credit when we talk about literacy. But if you're a teacher, librarian, or parent looking to ignite a love of reading in young people, magazines deserve some enthusiasm as well. Like books, they’re language-centered physical objects designed to pore over and explore, but they’re shorter, distinctly visual, and can feel easier and more accessible to young readers just starting out. Plus, new ones arrive every few weeks or months, making them something young readers can get excited about.
Below, we’ve handpicked magazines that we think are the perfect addition for school libraries. But really, we think these sorts of reading materials should be everywhere. We recommend them for dentists’ and therapists’ offices catering to children, public waiting areas, or even just your own kitchen counter. Spreading a love of reading is all about making literacy resources accessible and visible everywhere children go, so don’t hesitate to put them where kids will find them.
Without further ado, here are five of the most inspiring, beautifully crafted magazines that belong on every school bookshelf and in every child’s hands.
1. Illustoria
Ages: 6–12
Great for: Art lovers, visual learners, and budding storytellers
Why it belongs in your library:
Illustoria blends creativity and literacy in a perfect, child-centric way. This ad-free, art-forward magazine features illustrated stories, comics, interviews with authors and artists, and hands-on projects that celebrate storytelling in all forms. It’s gorgeously designed and encourages active participation. In short, a magazine that treats kids’ imaginations with real respect.
📌 Standout Feature: “Story Starters” that invite kids to write or draw their own endings.
2. Cricket Magazine
Ages: 9–14
Great for: Confident readers who love classic storytelling
Why it belongs in your library:
Cricket has been a gold standard in children’s literary magazines for decades — and for good reason. Every issue is packed with short stories, poems, literary nonfiction, and beautiful illustrations. It introduces young readers to high-quality literature with the tone of a trusted friend, never talking down.
📌 Standout Feature: Letters to the editor section — kids write in, and get published!
3. Kazoo Magazine
Ages: 6–12
Great for: Curious kids who love stories and science
Why it belongs in your library:
Kazoo is a wildly creative magazine aimed at girls, but recommended for anyone. Each issue features stories written and illustrated by women — from astronauts to authors — and combines art, science, comics, and storytelling in a truly inspiring way.
📌 Standout Feature: Storytelling challenges and interviews with women trailblazers.
4. Storytime Magazine
Ages: 4–9
Great for: Read-aloud moments and timeless tales
Why it belongs in your library:
This UK-based magazine is a gem for early readers and anyone who believes in the magic of reading aloud. Each issue features fairytales, fables, poems, and myths, all richly illustrated and designed for shared reading.
📌 Standout Feature: Downloadable activity packs for classrooms and at-home learning.
5. Brainspace Magazine
Ages: 8–14
Great for: Science lovers, deep thinkers, and tech-savvy readers
Why it belongs in your library:
Brainspace is where literacy meets the future. This Canadian-based print magazine offers a rich mix of science, history, technology, engineering, and math, all written with sophisticated storytelling and paired with brilliant visuals. Articles are paired with augmented reality content, meaning students can scan pages with a tablet and watch animations, interviews, or experiments come to life. It’s a dynamic, brain-boosting experience that turns reading into exploration.
📌 Standout Feature: Uses augmented reality to bring nonfiction to life. It’s a bit like holding science videos in your hand.
