I also read Nat'l Geographic (still do.) When I was younger there was Berenstain Bears, and I'd try to read anything that was recommended on Reading Rainbow. I remember being subscribed for a short time to Highlights for Kids magazine and making crafts from their craft pages.

When I think back as to my reasoning for reading all that silly pop crap that I mentioned before, I realize it's cuz there really wasn't a whole lot of other books to pick from as I remember it. (Well except other books, like 70's books by Lois Duncan or Judy Blume, and even older books like the Nancy Drew series. And Sassy magazine was the closest thing to a feminist teen magazine ever, a precursor to Bitch or Bust. Not kidding!)

But it's no different today when I look at my niece's selection of books and magazines- quality is no better today. But if nothing else my English grammar, punctuation, & spelling was exceptional in elementary school as a result of reading the way I did. ;)