A lovely graphic novel which normalises getting your period and hitting puberty. Great at explaining what symptoms girls may have and how they may feel.

A inclusive guide that families will find indispensable for their children hitting puberty. It covers such a wide range of topics and is backed by the MAYO Clinic.

In graphic format, the author normalizes getting your period and tries to answer any question a girl might have about the whole process in a straight-forward and easy to understand way.

I really wish I’d had this book when I was a kid. Instead, my mom shipped me off to my aunt who had “the talk” with me using an encyclopedia. I was embarrassed, couldn’t stop my leg from shaking uncontrollably, and was terrified the cotton tampax she put in a wine glass full of water as a demonstration, was going to expand inside me the exact same way. I think if I had been able to read a book like this, I wouldn’t have felt so alone and ashamed when I got my period at 9 and my family was telling me that now I was a woman. I certainly didn’t feel like a woman…I felt like a scared kid who had cramps so bad that my mom would give me shots of whiskey to help with the pain. I love this book because it is inclusive to all people that have periods and it makes having a period a normal, healthy, human thing that can be talked about without stigma or fear.

This is a genius way to inform girls about period. With uncertainty of what will happen to our body, and living in a society where talking about your body is somehow taboo, this book can help you out. The very informative read about when will you get periods, the symptoms, what to prepare and some other details about menses, is what you need. Regardless, when you have weird symptoms, you can always ask an adult to help you out.

A cute and fun way to inform young ladies about puberty and how to prepare for the period. Do I feel this book was helpful?! Yes. Do I feel like young girls are going to pick this up on their own before they need it? No. Great concept and cute formatting overall.

Thanks to Netgalley and Mayo Clinic Press Kids for the ARC of this!

I shared this with my 10-year old, she’s familiar with some parts of it, as we’ve read and had talks previously, but I think there was plenty of new information to make it worth the read. The format and tone was comfortable, I appreciated the non-gender-specific language, as well as the way that reuseable product options were presented. I really liked the art style and felt the length was just right for a quick introduction.

A basic guide that introduces periods and available products. It also provides tips and advice on going through puberty. The vibrant and inclusive illustrations, as well as how info is presented, made this a quick and engaging read.

Some of the text was repetitive with the exact same words being used - not sure if it's an oversight that will be corrected in the final book? I would have preferred more in-depth info, but this is a solid starter pack for adolescents.

This is my new go-to book for teaching young people with uteruses about periods. With a topic that can feel overwhelming and anxiety-provoking all on its own, I love that it is laser-focused on periods, without straying too much into other topics, like puberty, body image, and sex. It addresses the complex feelings and many of the taboos around periods, validating young people’s experiences while also providing facts and advice to help them navigate those experiences. While there is a brief description of what periods are, much of the book focuses on how to manage periods, such as organizing a period pack and product options, as well as how to navigate common challenges or concerns such as getting your period when you’re not at home or the ultimate nightmare of bleeding through on someone else’s sheets. Where was that advice when I was 11?

FANTASTIC! ⭐ I honestly can't recommend this more highly. It is great that periods are slowly starting to become a normal thing to feel comfortable talking about.

This book was legitimately fun and also funny to read, it is SO well put together. The different characters are a blast and I loved their back and forth banter and how everyone was different. They are very easy to engage with and relate to.

This covers everything. What is a period? What can you use? Any embarrassing situations and questions?.. it's all there. I wish they had a book like this when I was young! ❤️ 😎

This is a much needed book to help children navigate this new experience. I appreciate the illustrations and facts. Great job!

With a comic style, Period. by Ruth Redford and illustrated by Aitana Giraldez (Mayo Clinic Press Kids, August 2023) gives tween girls a friendly introduction to the menstruation process. The subtitle is “The Quick Guide to Every Uterus.” Three friendly cartoon friends have a conversation, giving young kids characters to relate to in a way that does not feel awkward, and the instructional text on each page gives accurate and straight-forward explanations, using proper medical terminology.


Why is it that we find it awkward to discuss menstruation? I sure remember it feeling that way when I was a youth. Since my daughter is a tween-going-on-teenager, I’m trying to be more open and less taboo about the natural functions she’ll be going through.

Period. gives a great overview of mensuration. The beginning shows an accurate illustration of the female reproductive system and a brief but thorough explanation of the menstruation process, from ovary to period. Other chapters give ideas on being prepared for a period, expecting your first period, managing a period, overcoming challenges and worries, dealing with PMS, and more. Period supplies are explained, including pads, tampons, menstrual cup, and period underwear.

The non-menstruation aspects of puberty are not expanded upon: once it suggests that puberty brings “sexual thoughts and feelings,” and the same page mentions zits, hormones, hair growth, and breast growth as symptoms of puberty. These concepts are not expanded upon beyond that. One of the three menstruators illustrated has short hair and may have been included in order to portray a trans male, but the term is never used in the text and, of course, such a person would still have a uterus and therefore need this book.

In less than 50 pages, the book covers a wide variety of issues in a very compact and kid-friendly manner. It certainly is a “quick” read as the subtitle suggests, and yet it covers just what a kid needs to gain familiarity and comfort with the idea of starting menstruation.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a perfectly age-appropriate guide to menstruation! The information was presented in a fun way, without being too silly, and factual and frank in a way that was refreshing. This would be a great addition to a school library (or school health office), and also perfect for newly-or soon-to-be- menstruating preteens

Period is a kind, accepting, informative and loving explanation of the menstrual cycle for young persons, told through a comic book format. I really enjoyed the artwork and the characters, they guided us through topics such as different period products, and what occurs biologically in the uterus.
My favorite part was that this book included a transman/non-binary person as one of our guides. Everyone with a uterus will have a cycle- it’s important to see diverse people in educational books. There was even mentions of experiencing gender dysphoria, and advice on what to do if you experience those feelings.

This is a great, empowering book about menstruation that I wish I had when I was growing up.

What every uterus-owning human needs before entering puberty. This comic-style book is engaging, awkward, and truthful. It goes into great detail on how to manage periods in a no-nonsense straightforward way that is so relatable. This is a great puberty book that solely focuses on periods, and doesn't really drift into the aspect of relationships or anything else. A great starting point for managing periods!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

📚 Book: "Period.: The Quick Guide to Every Uterus" by Ruth Redford, illustrated by Aitana Giráldez.

🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Review:

"Period." is an incredibly informative and empowering book that tackles an essential topic often shrouded in silence and taboo: menstruation. Ruth Redford, along with the beautiful illustrations by Aitana Giráldez, has created a comprehensive guide that not only educates but also celebrates the diverse experiences of individuals who menstruate.

The book covers everything from the biology of the menstrual cycle to the emotional and physical changes that occur during this time. Redford's writing is clear, concise, and accessible, making it suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds. She effortlessly combines scientific information with personal anecdotes and stories, ensuring that the book remains engaging throughout.

One of the standout features of "Period." is its inclusive approach. Redford emphasizes that every uterus is unique and that there is no "right" or "normal" way to experience menstruation. She addresses the diversity of bodies, identities, and experiences, ensuring that readers feel seen and validated. This inclusivity extends to discussions of menstrual products, providing information and options for all preferences.

Aitana Giráldez's illustrations are vibrant, charming, and add an extra layer of depth to the book. They beautifully capture the range of emotions associated with menstruation, making the content even more relatable and engaging. The illustrations also contribute to the book's inclusivity, representing a diverse cast of characters.

"Period." is not only a valuable resource for individuals who menstruate but also an excellent tool for education and destigmatization. It's a book that encourages open conversations and promotes understanding and empathy. Whether you're a young person navigating their first period or an adult seeking to expand their knowledge, this book offers a wealth of information and perspective.

In conclusion, "Period.: The Quick Guide to Every Uterus" is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about menstruation and the experiences of individuals who menstruate. Ruth Redford's informative and inclusive approach, combined with Aitana Giráldez's stunning illustrations, makes this book both educational and enjoyable. Let's break the silence, celebrate our bodies, and embrace the power of knowledge!

#BookReview #PeriodTheQuickGuideToEveryUterus #RuthRedford #AitanaGiraldez #MenstruationMatters

This is a no-Nonsense guide for Girl children and must be introduced to the curriculum of Sex education for all middle-graders. Quite a knowledge it contains.

There is so much about a female body and its how it reacts to any changes scheduled basis on age. It will surely work as a manual for teenagers and make them aware as well as ready for any mis-happening due to lack of knowledge. Every girl deserves a navigation through her complete age till being adult.

I would recommend every parents to let their daughters read this book even if they are in dilemma for how to convey the knowledge on the so called taboo subject and fill the gaps.

This book is an absolute must to give a copy of to any girl who is approaching puberty! It is published in the popular format of a graphic novel. I was fortunate enough to have been given good reading materials, plus a parent who would talk to me about things. Many young people do not have people in their lives who they know they can talk to, and get accurate information. This book is similar to those I had in the 1960s and 1970s, but discusses more up-to-date products and options, and discussed other issues, including PCOS, endometriosis, infections – and even choosing to stop your periods. It tells you about common things, and brings up issues you want to bring up with your doctor or other medical professional.

On page 35, talking about leaks at night and what to do to prevent them or how to clean them, I was disappointed that the one my mother told me of decades ago which I used throughout my life was not included: Use a dark-colored towel, preferably an old one, between you and the sheet. These days, there are also disposable pads with a plastic backing sold in pharmacies, and even reusable pads with a moisture barrier.

The possibility of reusable, washable pads was brought up in the section on pads, but they were left off of page 44 when talking of products that lessen the effects on the environment.

It’s sad though that there had to be the warning about safety and privacy when using an ap on a phone, but it’s great that it’s in the book as to warn people in advance a but this book did a wonderful job of putting the warning in a sentence about how someone's period data can be used, monetized, or abused. That's a topic for another (long) book,

I appreciated the diversity shown in the drawings of the people in the book. All of the groups represented deal with the same things, and in the same choices of ways.

This book was great! I loved how informative it was while also being lighthearted and fun. There was a lot of really good information!.

Great introduction to periods for young readers. The book does an excellent job of breaking things down step-by-step both in terms of how the body works and how period products are used while leaving room for more detailed discussion with a trusted adult. I really feel like it will give kids the vocabulary they need to discuss these issues with their pediatrician. I also appreciated that it took a measured approach on positivity - there are some characters who are excited for their period and others dreading it just like there will be a range of readers looking for answers. The discussions of PCOS and endometriosis at the end are pretty rushed so I don't know how much a young reader will understand from them, but again hope they'll at least have the vocabulary now to ask their doctor if they're experiencing a problem period. Appreciated how inclusive the book is - avoiding lots of gendered language, saying that if you've got a uterus you're likely to get a period, and acknowledging that periods may cause stress related to gender identity. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read early.