44 PAGES

For 70 years, Highlights has been a source of fun and education for kids, a demographic the magazine refers to as the “world’s most important people.” In 44 PAGES, filmmaker Tony Shaff follows the staff as they prepare for their upcoming anniversary issue. Working out of an old house in quaint Honesdale, Pennsylvania, the editorial team is an enthusiastic bunch—passionate about children and seemingly always in a good mood. Started by Garry and Caroline Myers, the publication is still family-run, despite personal tragedies and financial roadblocks along the way. Of course, things have changed a lot since its inception in 1946. Print media is suffering due to the internet, and with kids using tablets and smartphones now, Highlights must find new ways to engage its audience. The magazine must also address modern social matters, such as same-sex couples, transgender issues, and racial sensitivity. Considering the age of the readers, it’s a tricky task. Shaff’s charming documentary takes us inside a cultural phenomenon that’s survived generations and continues to enrich the lives of youths across the globe. —E.F.