The Week Junior news magazine for kids

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently highlight The Week Junior as an engaging resource for introducing children to current events and global news. This sentiment is echoed by Baby Gizmo, which describes the magazine as a high-quality tool that promotes critical thinking and optimism by empowering kids with real-world information. The Organized Homeschooler recommends the magazine for older kids and preteens who enjoy current events, noting that its age-appropriate reporting gives children the information they need to form their own opinions. Teaching with a Mountain View praises the rich content for sparking deep educational conversations. However, some trade-offs are noted. Raising A Legacy expresses concern over perceived political leanings and historical inaccuracies. This source also observes that sensitive subjects are sometimes treated as footnotes, which may require parents to be more proactive in facilitating discussions.

How It Works

Each week when the 32-page magazine arrives in the mail, the child typically spends 30 to 60 minutes reading through colorful sections covering world news, science, and animals. Parents often use the 'Big Debate' feature as a structured family discussion at the kitchen table, where the child weighs two sides of a current issue and explains their own viewpoint. Some families use the 'Quiz of the Week' on the final page as an informal way to check reading comprehension and memory. Because it is a physical magazine, no extra materials or screens are required, making it a portable supplement that can be used independently by the child or as a shared read-aloud.

Switching to This?

Since this is a news magazine rather than a sequential textbook, there are no formal placement tests or diagnostic tools required for entry. The community rule of thumb is that if a child is reading independently at a 3rd-grade level or higher, they can dive straight into the current issue. Families can start a subscription at any time of the year without missing prerequisite information, as each issue focuses on the latest global happenings. If you are switching from a more rigid, textbook-based social studies program, expect a transition toward more conversational learning where the child leads the curiosity through current events rather than a set timeline of history.

Curriculum Details

Price

$49 - $59/semester

Print: $49 for 25 weekly issues (list price $59). Print + Digital: $59 for 25 issues (list price $69), adding app access and the digital archive. The first 6 issues are a risk-free trial, and the card is charged when the 6th issue mails. Offer valid in the U.S. only. Digital-only access is sold only on school orders of 6 or more students, at $1.29 per student per week with a 6-week minimum.

About $98 - $118 per year (Two 25-issue terms per year at the posted prices)

Grades

3 - 9

Available As

Print Digital

Coverage

Supplement

Subjects

History/Social Studies Reading/Language Arts Science Logic & Critical Thinking Art

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Pacing

Self-paced

Parent Time

0-15 min/day

Student Independence

Fully independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

Parents typically use the magazine as a conversation starter or a prompt for social studies discussions, but children can read it entirely independently.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: June 2026

How This Compares

Compared to TIME for Kids, which is largely designed for classroom use and can feel like a traditional school assignment, The Week Junior has a more 'lifestyle' feel that includes puzzles and book reviews to keep kids engaged. When weighed against Scholastic News, The Week Junior generally offers more depth and covers more complex global political topics, making it better for middle schoolers who have outgrown simpler news formats. For families considering CNN 10, the main difference is the medium; while CNN 10 provides a fast-paced daily video, The Week Junior focuses on building long-form reading stamina and physical literacy. Unlike World Kids, which reports news from a specific Christian worldview, The Week Junior maintains a secular and neutral stance, which is a key factor for families looking for non-partisan reporting. Finally, compared to a comprehensive curriculum like Blackbird & Company, this magazine acts as a low-prep supplement that keeps social studies focused on the present day rather than deep-diving into historical literature.

Getting Started