Review: Aletheia Writing Magazine

I remember as a young girl, before computers, receiving a subscription to a literary magazine in the mail that was all children's submissions.  I devoured it each time it arrived, and even sent in a few submissions myself that didn't get published.  I also enjoyed my junior high and high school collections of student's stories, poems, and artwork.  So when I found out I was going to be able to review Aletheia Writing Magazine,  I was excited to be able to share it with my daughter Alyssa, 16. 

I received the Fall 2011 edition of the magazine, as well as a link to a digital copy of the summer edition.  Aletheia Writing Magazine is described as a quarterly publication focusing on the literary and artistic works of Christian teens, ages 13 to 19.  The name Aletheia is Greek for 'truth' or 'unveiling'.  Included in each edition is a Writer's Challenge (teens submit a poem based on a picture or a story based on a proverb), a Featured Contributor, a book review, Glory to God for the Beauty of Nature (photography), Ancient Ink(words from people of the past), and an interview or other feature for edification and enjoyment.  From the publishers:

"We are excited to offer Christian teens a healthy platform in which to express themselves, especially in a culture that so definitively shapes and saturates their worldview with unhealthy imagery and values."

What did I think?  I enjoyed reading Aletheia Writing Magazine and looking at the beautiful artwork.  Many of these teens are very talented.  I think it is a wonderful way for Christian teens to have an outlet for their creativity.  Personally, I would be careful with younger teens, based on individual maturity level, reading this magazine.  There are some darker stories/images that may be too much for less mature/younger teens.  Aletheia publishers do point out:

"Aletheia Writing Magazine is geared toward youth ages 13 to 19. Because contributors’ ages vary, the maturity level of situational content may likewise vary."

What did Alyssa (16) think?  She found it interesting in that she had never seen a publication like this, where teens could submit their creative work and have it published. She liked many of the stories and artwork, but without me sharing any of my thoughts, she immediately said she would be concerned for a younger teen to read some of the writings, saying they were 'dark'. 

Overall, both Alyssa and I give Aletheia Writing Magazine a thumb's up! We think it is a beautiful magazine, very well done, and a great platform for Christian teens. If you are a teen interested in submitting your work to Aletheia, click here.  There are also writing tips on the webpage. Click here to view a sample of Aletheia magazine.  If you are interested in subscribing, the cost is $26 for four issues a year, each 40 pages and full color.  This price includes shipping and handling. Click here to subscribe.

I received Aletheia Writing Magazine free in exchange for my honest review.  If you are interested in reading other crew member's reviews, click here.