Street Librarian

Chris Dodge Utne magazine

Greater Good is a significant new magazine published by the Center for the Development of Peace and Well-Being at the University of California. The Spring 2004 premier issue covers the biochemistry of compassion, as well as how volunteers can make a positive difference in the lives of prisoners by reaching out to their families. $7.95 from 1231 Tolman Hall, #1690, Berkeley, CA 94720; peacecenter.berkeley.edu/greatergood.htmlp>

Now in its second year, panlingual Gobshite Quarterly ('Your Rosetta Stone for the New World Order') publishes diverse international writing, from Hungarian fiction that reads like a song ('hogy jaj. jaj. Jaj.') to poetry, memoirs, and 'reasoned rants' by political jester Paul Krassner, Lebanese author Venus Khoury-Ghata, and others. $20/4 issues from Box 11346, Portland, OR 97211; www.gobshitequarterly.com

Published since 1988, John Toren's Macaroni is one man's urbane quarterly zine of articulate travel writing, reviews, and philosophical musings about diverse intellectual and aesthetic matters. Recent issues have memorialized a family cabin; reported on a Robert Bly poetry reading and a talk by poet Charles Simic about translation; and wondered what it means to be emotionally moved. Format: 8.5 by 11 inches folded lengthwise. $12/6 issues from 2437 McNair Dr., Golden Valley, MN 55422.

Pistil pushes the boundaries between 'fashion and politics, glamour and feminism.' The second issue of the Chicago-based magazine interviewed pornographer/professor Barbara DeGenevieve, profiled fat activist Nomy Lamm (lesbian, disabled, and proud), and covered the artist Orlan, who 'gets plastic surgery in public to make her face look like classical icons of feminine beauty.' $15 from Box 220225, Chicago, IL 60622; www.pistilmag.com

Empowering Girls: Magazines for Daughters, Nieces, and Sisters

It's not easy being a girl. From preschool through puberty, girls deal with social strictures, mixed messages, and wide-ranging expectations. Fortunately, there are several magazines that can help girls develop their potential, think critically, and grow into strong women.

Teen Voices, now in its 13th year, is a nonprofit quarterly written and edited by girls and young women. Recent issues have included firsthand accounts about eating disorders, race relations, and an inaugural visit to the gynecologist, as well as interviews with inspirational women and a list of '10 reality shows that should be on TV.' $19.95/4 issues from Box 120-027, Boston, MA 02112; www.teenvoices.com

New Moon: The Magazine for Girls and Their Dreams is a bimonthly by and for girls ages 8 to 14. Each edition contains art and poetry by girls, a peer advice column, letters, and a variety of articles. One recent issue focused on music and dance, while another profiled 25 girls-to show that 'girls who aren't supermodels or movie stars are still special.' $29/6 issues from 34 E. Superior St. #200, Duluth, MN 55802; www.newmoon.org

Dream/Girl: The Arts Magazine for Girls, a venue for girls' writing and art, is also a good source of book reviews, articles about diverse female role models, and all sorts of practical tips. Recent issues have included a pictorial profile of documentary photographer Marion Post Wolcott and a five-step guide to making envelopes. $22.95/6 issues from Box 51867, Durham, NC 27717; www.dgarts.com

Shameless, a new self-proclaimed 'progressive magazine for teenage girls,' focuses on female empowerment. The Summer 2004 introductory issue profiles a teen comedy duo and a women's radio collective at McGill University, and includes a good assortment of reviews, advice, and how-to info about everything from silk-screening to 'earth-friendly' menstrual products. $22 Canadian in U.S., $12 in Canada/3 issues from Box 68548, 360A Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON M5S 1X1, Canada; www.shamelessmag.com

Also noteworthy: Girl Press, publisher of 'strong books for strong girls' (most recently Girl Director: A How-to Guide for the First-Time Flat Broke Film Maker) and Gurl.com (a Web site devoted to girls' issues).