What Odyssey does best is create in-depth, everyday-science content that not only will inspire youngsters (grades 5-9) who are already sold on science and technology, but also intrigue those who aren't.

That's a hard educational abyss to straddle for this age group. Odyssey does it largely by linking what's fascinating in the world of science, including cutting-edge research and oh-wow discoveries, to what matters in daily life. Issues are thematically focused, though each covers a diversity of scientific topics. The most recent issue is all about "waste" and includes compelling topics such as where our trash goes once it leaves our homes; the relationship between food waste and hunger; how much energy recycling actually saves; what to do with radioactive waste; and even, yes, because it's so age appropriate, "What to Do With Poo…."

Other recent issues offered well-written pieces on "satellite gazing" in your own backyard, drones that are helping to protect orangutans in Sumatra and Borneo; and the Yellowstone super volcano. Odyssey's departments include the newsier topical Science Scoops, a useful Staying Healthy, the so-current Your Tech, and the interactive You've Got Mail. The magazine features slick production values and an entertaining page-by-page design that is kid-friendly, eye-catching and even artsy-hip at times.