why does newsstand not behave like other apps

I view certain magazines in the Newsstand app on my iPad. The app opens with no problem but will not close with the upward swipe as my other apps do. Once newsstand is opened, the only other apps I can get to are ones that were already open when I began using newsstand. I have to turn off my iPad in order to close this app and get to my other apps. Is there a fix for newsstand or is there a replacement app from which to view magazines?