POCKETS, a 48-page Christian devotional magazine, is published 11 times per year by The Upper Room, with a combined January/February issue. It is aimed primarily at readers ages 8-12, although officially its readership is ages 6-12. Since 1981, Pockets has been helping children grow in their personal relationships with God. Issues are theme-related. A Kid's Advisory Board (KAB) evaluates each issue and also suggests theme ideas for upcoming issues. Pockets is a United Methodist publication, but is non-denominational in content. Overview:    The theme for this August issue is 'Good Sports.' • Cover: Pictured are children playing baseball. • Fiction: "Try and Tri Again" (pages 2-4) Three girls train for a triathlon, with one proving that it takes more than just athleticism to be a great athlete. • Puzzle: "Find It" (page 5) A hidden picture puzzle. • *Feature: "Do 1 Thing!" (pages 6-7) Children are given ideas for helping others and encouraged to do one thing weekly to make a difference in areas such as community, animals, family, friends, or church. • *Feature: "The List" (page 8) 10 Ways to be a Great Sport (on & off the field). • *Recipe Box: "Kebab Picnic" (page 9) With suggestions for the main course, a side, and dessert. • Fiction: "Choosing Sides" (pages 10-12) In gym class, a group of kids realize that choosing players isn't necessarily the best way to form a team. • Puzzle: "Choose a Way" (page 13) Clues to help the reader decide what seven friends did as individuals to be a good sport. • Nonfiction: "Vacation Fun!" (pages 14-15) Children's contest winners share vacation memories. • Quote: by John Lubbock (page 16) • *Fiction: "Brambleberry Island: The Wrong President" (pages 17-19) A monthly feature by Diana R. Jenkins. This month, Miki realizes that bettering the Ecology Club (and the environment) requires looking beyond her own wants and needs. • *Feature: "Pocketsful of Scripture" (pages 20-21) Suggested daily Bible reading, with thoughts for prayer time. • Poem: "What am I Thinking?" (page 22) A 12-line rhyming poem about having a second thought regarding quitting. • Puzzle: "Dress for Success" (page 23) A fill-in-the-blanks with illustration clues. • *Feature: "Pockets Club" (pages 24-25) These pages feature Pockets readers, including jokes from children. Pet Corner features a bio and photo of a reader's pet. There are also monthly readers' contests. The Spotlight introduces Kids' Advisory Board Members. • *Feature: "God in My Life" (page 26) Readers share how God is at work in their lives. • Poem: "It's Hot!" (page 27) A 9-line rhyming summertime poem. • *Feature: "Where in God's World?" (page 28-29) Provides fascinating facts and photos of various places around the earth. Includes a "Learn the Language!" sidebar. • Puzzle: "Always a Winner" (page 30) Unscramble sports and activity words, and then fill in the blanks to reveal a Bible verse. • Quote: From 'Pistol' Pete Maravich (page 31) • *Feature: "Amazing Kids" (page 32) A spotlight on ordinary kids helping others and changing the world in extraordinary ways. • Puzzle: "Fair Play Sudoku" (page 33) • Fiction: "The Terrible Trio" (pages 34-36) A humorous story in which a trio of back-up dancers see that standing in the spotlight doesn't necessarily make you the star of the show. • *Feature: "My Journal" (page 37) Provides prompts to encourage kids to write their thoughts, followed by a prayer. • Poem: "Let's Hear It!" (page 38) An 8-line rhyming piece, which demonstrates having a good attitude, even when losing. • Quiz: "Good Sport/Bad Sport" (page 39) Offers 13 scenarios where readers decide if the choices shown reflect being a good or bad sport. • Puzzle Answers (page 40) • *Feature: "Faith Heroes" (page 41) Focuses on someone who lived long ago, or who is alive now, and lived/lives by exhibiting love and compassion. This month's hero: Mary McLeod Bethune. • *Feature: "Mission of-the-Month" (page 42) Spotlights various mission-focused groups at work around the globe. This month: A lack of clean water is a problem for millions world-wide, but WaterAid is working to provide access to safe water for communities in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region. • Fiction: "S'Mores for all" (pages 43-45) When Cabin 5 wins gift certificates to throw a cabin party, they break from camp tradition, possibly starting a new one. • Quiz: "Are You a Good Sport?" (pages 46-47) 7 different scenarios, and 3 answer choices for each. • *Feature: "Family Time!" (page 48) Encourages family interaction. This month's focus is on family discussion of issues such as how God wants us to treat our competitors, as well as tips for being a good sport during family play time. [*Monthly features, with the exception of "Recipe Box" and "God in My Life," appear to be primarily assigned or editorially written.] Amy's Experience When I first read about Pockets in a market guide several years ago, I knew a devotional magazine for children was something I'd love to be a part of. I immediately requested a copy. Once it arrived, I delighted in the fun, but meaningful stories, as well as the vibrant photos and illustrations. My children were equally as happy, and we soon became subscribers, eagerly awaiting our monthly issue. As I'd said, though, I wanted to share my work with Pockets readers. So I studied themes and submitted fiction stories, which were ultimately returned. Never one to give up, I submitted a simple summertime poem, and a few weeks later received a 'hold' card, which later resulted in a sale—my very first magazine sale. Joy! From there, I received more acceptances for some non-fiction pieces and several quizzes. It was an honor to serve as contributing editor of the June 2012 issue. Helpful Tips for Writers • Study themes! Puzzles, poems, and stories are heavily theme-related. Seasonal material is also featured. • Keep poems short, under 20 lines.    Fiction word count: 600-1,000 words    Non-fiction word count: 400-1,000 words • 'Breaking in' may be easier with poetry, non-fiction articles spotlighting children, or by putting a fresh twist on puzzles, activities, and kid-friendly recipes. • A special need listed on the website: articles featuring children involved in efforts to help the environment or other people, and accompanied by photos, preferably action shots. • Fiction pieces don't tend to be overtly religious (or preachy!), but do reflect a Christian lifestyle consistent with growing the faith and prayer-life of children. • Most of the stories are based on real-life happenings, with believable, age appropriate dialogue, featuring children of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds. Strive to let Pockets readers identify themselves and their friends in your characters. Action and humor seem to be a plus. • Submissions for a writing contest are accepted from March 1-August 15th. Entries aren't required to be theme-related, but must meet word count guidelines of 750-1,000 words. No entry fees. The winner is announced November 1, and receives $500 and publication. Some contest entries, though not winning the prize, are held for consideration. • No email submissions. 'Hold' cards are no longer sent (as was the case with my first acceptance), though writers are notified of acceptances prior to publication. A SASE may be included for returned materials or a SASP to acknowledge receipt of materials. • Adhere to due dates in relation to theme, available on the website. Final decisions about pieces for an issue are usually made about four mouths before its publication. If not sent previously, that's when acceptances and rejections are mailed. • Payment: I've always received payment promptly after returning the signed contract.    Stories and articles—14 cents/word    Poetry—$25 and up    Activities/puzzles—$25 and up • Be patient if you first receive rejections. Ms. Gilliam is a kind and amazing editor to work with, and sharing your work with Pockets readers is well-worth your efforts! Additional Information Lynn W. Gilliam, Editor Melanie Hooper, Editorial Assistant Writer's Guidelines: http://pockets.upperroom.org/write-for-us/writers-guidelines/ Themes: http://pockets.upperroom.org/write-for-us/themes/ Writing for Children's Magazines, August 2012     Copyright Amy Cobb

Amy Cobb enjoys writing in genres ranging from quizzes to devotionals to fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults. In addition to Pockets, her work has appeared in the following magazines: Highlights for Children, Highlights High Five, Clubhouse, Thriving Family, Pack-o-Fun, Home Education Magazine, and Home School Enrichment. When Amy isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children on the family farm.