Kids School

Every year, tens of thousands of children write to Highlights magazine, sharing their hopes and dreams, worries and concerns, as if they were writing to a trusted friend. From the beginning, the editors at Highlights have answered every child individually. Longtime editor in chief Christine French Cully has curated a collection of this remarkable correspondence (letters, emails, and poems) in Dear Highlights - revealing an intimate and inspiring 75-year conversation between America’s children and its leading children’s magazine.

They call him Güero because of his red hair, pale skin, and freckles. Sometimes people only go off of what they see. Like the Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez, 12-year-old Güero is puro mexicano. He feels at home on both sides of the river, speaking Spanish or English. Güero faces the start of seventh grade with heart and smarts, his family’s traditions, and his trusty accordion. And when life gets tough for this Mexican American border kid, he knows what to do: He writes poetry.

In The Big Deposit, each student has been assigned to present a simple business plan to the class and the bankers. The student with the best business plan wins a cash prize and a bank account at the bank. A surprise ending leaves the whole class happy.

It’s Career Day at the Brite Star School, and the class gets a visit from Brett’s parents. In What’s the Law?, Brett’s father, who is a lawyer, and Brett’s mother, who is a judge, help the class understand the basics of the court system.

In A Trip to the Courthouse, Officer Dan takes the class on a trip through the courthouse and jail. Guess who ends up on the inside looking out?

Have you ever heard of a school bus that talked to the children as he drove them to school? The Johnson twins, Bobby and Tommy, can’t believe their ears! Find out what happens in the adorable story “The Little School Bus That Talked.” Then you will meet Amy, a little girl that is nervous about her first day at school. Her mother has a great idea to calm Amy’s nerves—and it worked! Follow Amy throughout her day as she meets friends, eats lunch, and plays on the playground. Get ready to go back to school with fun stories, silly sing-along songs, and a talking school bus!