Own Your Period

July 15, 2021
A bright, informative guide to period positivity. Quint, a menstruation educator, wants to enable her audience to destigmatize periods through knowledge and makes sure to explain that her work isn't intended only for "period owners." Her illustrated offering is broken down into three sections: "The Basics," "Managing Periods," and "Period Positivity." "The Basics" explains the anatomy (both internal and external) of people who have periods and the phases of the menstrual cycle. The second section discusses the mechanics of having a period, from charting to choosing menstrual supplies (with an emphasis on sustainability). There is no discussion of how trans and nonbinary kids may face particular challenges in schools or other public places, however. "Period Positivity" goes a step further, relating menstruation to the world at large, breaking down taboos, overcoming shame, and examining media depictions of periods over time. Throughout, Quint adds personal anecdotes and reflections about her own past period perceptions. Some activities may not be for everyone (like making vulva cupcakes), but Quint's guide is conversational, accessible, and, with its linguistic emphasis on all people who have periods, inclusive. Medeiros' bold, full-color illustrations show a diverse spectrum of kids with a range of skin tones, gender presentations, sexual orientations, ability, and body sizes. A glossary and index are included. The skimpy list of resources enumerates only three websites (one of which is the author's). An inclusive and timely guide. (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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August 1, 2021
Grades 3-7 A leading UK expert on menstruation and founder of the menstrual discourse and social justice movement Period Positive, Quint brings her knowledge and humor to this upbeat, comprehensive guide to periods. Aimed at preteens before their first period or those who've recently started menstruating, it's also inclusive, using gender-neutral language, such as "people who get periods" or "period owners." Accompanying vibrant illustrations, featuring both diverse cisgender girls and trans boys, echo this inclusivity. Divided into three sections, the guide begins with some basics, from female anatomy to what happens during periods to menstrual cycle phases. The second section focuses on managing periods, addressing topics such as what periods look like, technique for charting one's cycle, menstrual supplies, and painful periods. In the final "Period Positivity" section, the author counters the historical shame of menstruation and negative imagery in the media with myth busting and encouraging discussion. Quint shares snippets of her own period experiences throughout, making the material all the more relatable. An excellent resource for anyone new to periods.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2021

Gr 6-10-Quint proves to be a purveyor of menstrual knowledge and advice in this book geared toward a new generation of "period owners." It is divided into three sections: "The Basics," "Managing Periods," and "Period Positivity," the latter framing the overarching tone of the book. Menstruation should not cause shame and Quint hopes to change attitudes with information. She honors the contemporary understanding of gender by not using gendered labels for those who menstruate. She further questions problematic medical terminology (information which may surprise even adult readers) and provides scientific names for the reproductive system. At times Quint goes into a level of detail beyond the grasp of or relevancy to a premenarchal child, burying some of the basic information. Still, she answers many practical questions that other books fail to, such as "What do periods look like?" and "What do they feel like?" and explores a range of menstrual products beyond the disposable, providing information about sustainability and waste. Quint shares her own experiences in witty sidebars which, although some contain British-isms (e.g., "loo roll" and "wee"), flow with her "cool aunt" vibe. Illustrator Medeiros reinforces the celebratory tone with her delightful and bright illustrations. Modern colors make up the pages' backgrounds and a cast of characters extremely diverse in gender presentation, race, culture, and ability sprinkle the pages. Most menstruators will find themselves reflected somewhere in this book. Unfortunately, Quint missteps slightly when it comes to inclusion, framing religious and cultural menstrual rituals and rules as occurring in the past, and not acknowledging that for some menstruators these are real, and often meaningful, parts of their experience. VERDICT A much-needed and extremely well-researched update to the menstrual canon. A recommended purchase for libraries serving tweens and teens.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge P.L., MA

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