An inspiring look at the unique and authentic relationship that Highlights for Children has with its young readers and a call to action for adults to really listen to the kids in their lives.
Highlights Magazine receives thousands of letters from kids each year, letters that are personal, deep, sometimes funny, poignant, often surprising, and always touching and real. Kids write to Highlights expressing their frustrations, fears, worries, and curiosities, and Highlights answers every letter with respect, guided by the belief in taking kids and their ability to understand, grow, and learn seriously. This book will give its readers an inside look at how Highlights helps kids navigate a complex world. And it will show readers that even though the world has changed since the founding of Highlights in 1946, kids are concerned with the same issues now that they were then. The letters are also a reflection of the changing times over decades and an opportunity to help readers understand kids' thoughts and worries.
This book is part cultural commentary, part guide to raising healthy, empowered kids, and part nostalgic look at how Highlights thinks about the relationships between adults and their children. It covers topics that include family, school, friendship, feelings, fears (including letters about coronavirus), responsibilities, and hopes & dreams. It will inspire parents and caregivers to understand the pressures on their children at every stage in a new way. Christine French Cully is Chief Purpose Officer and Editor in Chief at Highlights for Children. She has overseen editorial content for the company for more than 20 years and is responsible for ensuring that the products and experiences that the company develops align with the Highlights mission and purpose. She has answered hundreds of kids' letters over the years and firmly believes that reading and answering kids' mail is one of the very best ways to keep her fingers on the pulse of kids. Cully divides her time between Honesdale, PA, and Nashville, TN.