Cobblestone

This is a very very good magazine, I would recommend it not only for homeschoolers but for school teachers as well!! We love the way it focuses on one subject and then gets in depth with it. We will be maintaining our subscription for many many years!!

Child was very happy.

Cobblestone Magazine is advertised for grades four through nine. It's all about American history. Because there are so many controversial and delicate topics covered, I would encourage parents to think carefully about whether a younger child is prepared to read and discuss Cobblestone articles. Gifted readers under eight who may be fine with the vocabulary and serious tone of the articles may be too sensitive to be exposed to the often dark content. Recent sample issues covered D-day and the Allied invasion of Normandy, Ken Burns and his documentary on World War II, and John F. Kennedy. The D-Day issue includes a photo of a fallen soldier and the remark, "Omaha Beach was littered with smashed vehicles and dead and dying men." This issue also has a great map of the invasion plan, military statistics, and profiles of key players in the war. Churchill, F.D.R., Stalin, Eisenhower, and Hitler are among those covered. There are also stories on code breaking, engineering marvels, spies, and clever deceptions. An interview with Buck Compton, real life hero portrayed in Spielberg and Hanks' "Band of Brothers" film, is another highlight. The issue on Ken Burns mentions the Bataan Death March and civilian families held for years in a Manila prison camp. Ken Burns has done a fabulous job of documenting so much important American History. I am excited to see an entire issue devoted to his work. His passion for history really helps to bring it alive and allows kids to understand that it's much more than a bunch of dates to memorize. The issue devoted to John F. Kennedy is balanced and fair. There is a story about his childhood, another about his experience with PT 109, and then a look at his campaign and the first televised Presidential debate. A presidential time line details his time in office and there are articles on the cold war, Cuban missile crisis, and his assassination. An interview with Caroline Kennedy informs readers about the JFK Library and the Profiles in Courage award. These issues are jammed with factual accounts, interviews, and terrific photos, as well as theme related crossword puzzles, cartoons, and "brain ticklers" which are actually short quizzes based on the content of the current issue. Contests encourage readers to submit their own versions of World War II posters, or to nominate a local good citizen. Real kids offer reviews of theme related web sites and books. There are also suggestions on places to visit, such as the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and in Washington D.C. I heartily recommend Cobblestone both to schools and individual families wishing to encourage children to appreciate and respect American history. If we don't pay attention to the past, how can we learn from it?

This is a magazine for youth ages 9-14 years-old (grades 4-8) whose sole focus is American history. Each issue concentrates on a different time period (e.g., The Great Depression), or a historical event (e.g., the bombing of Pearl Harbor) or a famous historical personage (e.g., Henry Ford) of which it provides in-depth coverage throughout its pages, making use of descriptive articles, real stories, photographs (both historical and modern) and colorful illustrations. The publisher boasts that each issue is created "with input from noted historians, museum curators, and leading children's authors." Additionally, the publisher's website maintains free online teaching guides for each issue with a variety of ideas, activities, and classroom exercises that teachers can employ using that particular issue. I'm sure this would also prove helpful for parents who home school their children. Cobblestone is the only American history magazine specifically geared for children. Just don't expect it to come every month, as I believe only 9 issues per year are published, corresponding to the school year.

Wonderful magazine for youth and ME too! It is filled with all the history anyone could want to know. It is an excellent tool in educating your children.

I have 5 grandchildren who have all been getting magazines from Cricket since they were in the "Ladybug" stage. The magazines are a tad expensive, but they are beautifully done, on quality paper, and have no advertising. It is also nice that you can change to a different magazine at any time, which is great as the kids grow and their interests change. Also, you can get a digital, or print + digital subscription, in addition to just the print subscription. That said, I must warn you about this company's customer service-it is horrible. First of all, they are terribly unorganized. Have been trying for 3 years to get all 5 of these magazines filed under one account number, and for some reason that seems to be impossible with this company. Second, they start sending out renewal notices 6 months before the subscription ends and send them about every 2 weeks - it is just overkill and a waste of paper. And last, but not least, their phone customer service lines are only open Monday-Friday for about 10 hours each day. Very poor. I will continue to buy these magazines because the kids really like them and would be disappointed if I didn't get them, but I must admit that I will be VERY happy when they have outgrown them and I can stop doing business with this company.

I really like these magazines. As a homeschooler, I've used a few for our History curriculum. Especially great was that there "were" teacher's guides for back issues. Unfortunately, when I go to the website now there are links to teacher's guides for back issues, but they don't work. Where did those wonderful teacher's guides go??? Why doesn't the website for Cobblestone have a way to ask them directly??? What is happening with these magazines??? I hope the people producing the magazine see this so they can fix the problem. Right now I won't be able to use them since the back issue teacher guide links don't work. :(