Welcome to Your Period!

November 1, 2020
An Australian writer and doctor team up to empower "the next generation of bleeders" to become "period boss[es]." Casual and engaging, this seeks to demystify, reassure, and arm readers with information about menstruation and other aspects of puberty. With the book's focus on managing periods and how to prepare, topics range from menstrual products--both the use and the environmental impact of each kind--to how to advocate for your needs to parents, caregivers, coaches, teachers, and friends. Personal stories and quotes from both other teens and adults are peppered throughout, and cross-references with page numbers are often provided so readers can jump to other sections for further reading on specific topics. Effort has seemingly been taken to avoid using gendered language--people who "have a uterus"--but the occasional feminine term (girls, ladies, sisters) slips through. The fact that some people who are assigned female at birth do not identify as female is addressed, and an anecdote from a trans man recounts correcting a drugstore clerk with the inclusive term sanitary items. Cartoon illustrations provide anatomical information and instructions as well as showing a fairly diverse group of teens, but images are reused, and the preponderance of figures present female. Energetic and accessible, this guide serves as a cheerleader in your corner. (glossary, resources) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

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December 1, 2020

Gr 5-8-This colorful, informative guide explains getting and managing one's period. The experience can be scary, exciting, or fun-it's never without some kind of emotional response. The assuring and candid text helps demystify this bodily rite of passage. From providing readers with the basics of anatomy and the reproductive systems to clearly explaining the differences between pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, this comprehensive title will assist readers through the whole process. The section "Be Prepared with a Period Pack" encourages readers to have a special bag with period supplies ready at all times. Overall, this title is very inclusive. The illustrations depict many different body sizes and skin tones, and the text mentions girls with disabilities and people who are transgender. VERDICT This guide, with its frank and upbeat style, will be a welcome companion for those on the cusp of puberty and help them realize that they are not alone.-Elaine Baran Black, Georgia P.L. Svc., Atlanta

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2020
Grades 6-10 Female health podcaster Stynes and adolescent health specialist Kang team up in this comprehensive guide to menstruation. For girls still waiting to get their period, they begin with basics, from what it will feel like to sanitary products to preparing period packs. Once readers have some experience with menstruation, they'll be more interested in such topics as regularity, endometriosis, and whether women can get pregnant while on their period. No matter the subject, the authors' conversational tone offers reassurance to fearful, shy, or questioning readers. Upbeat images of females with varying skin colors and shapes, in hijabs, and in wheelchairs reaffirm the commonality of menstruation, while images of pads, tampons, and menstrual cups offer disarming representations of what to expect. A chapter entitled "Period Challenges," such as how to handle swimming or living with a dad, offers even more tips. Although the book is targeted for cis-gender girls, the authors also address menstruation in transgender boys. A helpful list of period resources rounds out the text. Empowering young women with knowledge, this guide is welcome indeed.

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