(2) YA Luna, Heavenly Water, menses, period, monthly moon--menstruation by any name is a fact of life for the BIPOC main characters in these short stories that focus on cultural celebrations, social stigma, gender identity, and the myriad physical and emotional changes taking place during puberty. Christina Soontornvat's "Rules of the Lake" is a humorous and touching tale of a Thai American girl who is surprised by her first period during a school field trip. "Turning Point" by Leah Henderson is about a Black soccer player and her ballet instructor mother who find common ground in celebrating her first period. Mason J.'s "The Gender Creamsicle," written in verse, offers a much-needed perspective on the experience of a gender-nonconforming protagonist: "I am a gender Creamsicle: orange and white. / Not a Popsicle or ice cream. I am in between." The stories have broad appeal and are unified by a common thread of growing up. Issues related to race and gender, immigration status, and language diversity are set alongside culturally rich narratives about a singular and pivotal life event, giving young people an opportunity to feel seen, and less alone.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Sonali Zohra. In this powerful verse novel, Latika loves school, but she knows that when she turns twelve she will be forced to quit. The reason? Toilets. In her rural Indian village there are no toilets; women and girls must relieve themselves in fields after dark to avoid "shame." As she approaches puberty, she wants to "stop time / to stay a little girl" so she can continue her education without the complication of menstruation. When an engineer from the city installs a water pump for the village, Latika breaks the taboo and tells him about how the issue affects women's health and girls' access to education. Latika gives voice to something unspeakable and risks censure, but her bravery forces change and lasting improvement. She no longer wishes to "bury the moon" for the light it shines onto a supposedly shameful act but learns instead to view its light as friendly and useful. Emotive illustrations throughout employ deep, rich black and blue hues with bold accents in pinks and purples, accentuating the moonlight. Short poems allow for a powerful exploration of a variety of social issues, all linked to access to toilets and yoking together contradictory elements (fragile but strong; fearful but brave). An appended author's note explains that toilet access is a global problem affecting over four billion people.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021

(2) YA Illustrated by Lily Williams. After noticing bloodstains on new-girl Sasha's white pants, longtime friends Abby, Christine, and Brit swoop in and save the day. It's Sasha's first ­menstrual period, and the tampon and pad dispensers at Hazelton High are empty--as always. So Abby digs out her "emergency pad," and Brit offers her sweatshirt to conceal the stains. It's a bonding ­experience for all the young women. But for Abby, it's even more: it's a call to action. Why are the tampon and pad machines never filled, yet the football team has new uniforms? She reads up on menstruation, blogs about it, meets with the principal, and conducts a letter-writing campaign. A final "go big or go home" strategy upsets her friends--especially Sasha, who is still trying to live down her "Bloody Mary" episode. Abby's activism builds slowly over the course of the girls' sophomore year, and it's deftly mixed in with typical teenage goings-on (homecoming, crushes, trigonometry, prom). Based on Williams and Schneemann's webcomic The Mean Magenta, this potent fusion of feminism and friendship aims to normalize conversation about menstruation, with an authentically diverse group of main characters who differ in race, sexual orientation, family structure, body type, and period pain. Williams gets the life-as-a-high-schooler details just right in expressive panels shaded in--what else?--red tones. An authors' note, facts about menstruation, and suggested resources are appended.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2020

(2) YA This fresh, original anthology, aimed at older readers, not only shoots straight about the perils and pleasures of monthly bleeding but downright glories in it. Contributors include editor Fraustino, David Lubar, Han Nolan, and Linda Oatman High. The experiences range across age, time, and culture, evoking fear, wonder, loneliness, and the bonds of sisterhood, and depicting traditions both formal and casual.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2004

(2) 4-6 Fifth grade is a difficult year for Alice McKinley. In this third and final prequel to the nineteen-book series, Naylor gets the preteen world just right. As in the previous books, information about growing up, friendships, relationships, and sexuality is realistically blended into the satisfying story line and leavened with humor.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004

(4) 4-6 The notion of an anthology devoted to the underdiscussed subject of a girl's first menstrual period is original and inspired. Unfortunately, the thirteen contributions herein--fiction, nonfiction, a combination thereof, and one poem--are disappointingly uneven in quality. The contributors are of diverse backgrounds, and the most interesting and memorable offerings discuss the onset of menses in a larger cultural or political context.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Chris Wold Dyrud & Marcia Quackenbush. This friendly, reassuring overview has been updated and discusses everything from how to choose sanitary supplies to what to expect from a pelvic exam. The authors' every-girl-is-wonderfully-different philosophy is reinforced with simple drawings of a diverse group of girls. Included are straightforward definitions and diagrams, teen testimonials, and a parents' guide.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Perspectives on Physical Health series. These volumes identify five conditions that can affect the lives of teenagers, discuss the psychological and physical symptoms of each, and provide information on recovery. The repetitive prose is accompanied by statistics and testimonials from teenagers. The accompanying color photographs look posed, and in Overeating show only fit and healthy-looking teens. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan