44 Pages

Gr 8 Up—"Children are the world's most important people," says Highlights editor Judy Burke. Since 1946, the magazine has built and sustained itself on this belief, putting out 44 pages of general interest, kid-centered articles and art, including jokes, advice, gentle lessons, puzzles, science facts, and "Your Own Pages"—reader contributions. Free of advertising, and eschewing violence and controversial topics, the family-run publication hires carefully, with a staff dedicated to crafting "emotional connections" with young readers. Every child's letter they receive is answered personally by staff. Although full-time staff members are predominantly white, freelancers add diversity, and it's clear that inclusion is integral to planning content. The emotionally rich, behind-the-scenes interviews and coverage are a particular strength of the film. Writers, designers, and editors analyze their thought processes as they strive to keep "Goofus and Gallant" and "The Timbertoes" current, while dipping corporate toes in creating an app to reach beyond print readers. Production meetings, editing discussions, decisions on graphics, and candid discussions of how to define "wholesome topics" in a changing world make this particularly relevant to students in high school and college.