Go with the Flow

I bought this for my 5th grade daughter and read it beforehand to make sure it was appropriate for her. So far, she and her friend group seem to be still mostly on the "little kid" side of their emotional and physical development, but of course she needs information about what's coming. Also, she is very curious about middle school and HS social life! This book is very girl-positive and body-positive, without painting such a rosy picture of adolescence/puberty as to be obviously not realistic. The characters are all different body types and races; one is starting to understand her LGBT identity while one is interested in boys; there's friend drama and models for conscious relationships with technology and social media. It's very solid information packaged in an engrossing, convincing story. There's also a vivid account of one girl's struggle with endometriosis -- that was the only part that freaked my daughter out a little bit! But at the same time, it was my daughter's concern about the endometriosis part that motivated her to ask me questions, which led to a VERY productive conversation about the whole book, menstruation, bodies, sex, etc. Overall a fantastic book.

My teen requested this book for Christmas. She loves it!

I bought this book for my 10 year old since she has "become a woman". She was so early they did not even do health lessons on periods in school yet. She came to me on day 2 thinking she was sick. I gave her hugs and gave her a mini health lesson. I also bought this book for her and told her to come to me with any questions. I thought a graphic novel describing it could help her understand what is happening to her body as well.

The thing I loved the most about this book was that most of the things that we’re in there were true. The only thing I didn’t like was that there was some sadness and yelling

Thank you for normalizing periods. Thank you for normalizing women supporting women. Thank you for providing people that have periods information that can help them and make them feel normal. My heart hurts for my teenage self but I’m so glad that this is available for others now! Let’s keep making change!

What a joy. I read this first before giving it to my 10 year old, and found myself really enjoying the story, dialogue and the way the female characters lift each other up. We aren't there yet, but I wanted to give my daughter a leg up on understanding what will happen to her body, and crush the negative stigma of periods. Statistically, some of her classmates probably have their period - but she said she hasn't heard anything (which makes me sad that these girls are hiding it). Anyway! I enjoyed it, my 10 year old ripped through it in one sitting and then read it again. She loved it.

Lily and Karen’s approach to the topic of high school girls dealing with their periods is unique and notable. At the same time the book deals with other high school social issues of wanting to fit in, cliques, being the new kid and more. The comic book style, illustrations and colorizing make the book charming and captivating. A must read for everyone 10 and up and their parents. I became aware of issues of equality and fairness that need to be addressed. Bravo ladies!

Such a positive and forward thinking book. I got this to go in a first period kit. My daughter stayed up late to finish the book in two days. She normally avoids books like they are poison. It has so many messages about healthy friendships and relationships. I was pleased to see how they handled painful periods and wish I had that education as a young woman.

every junior high should have at least five copies of this book! So good, plus it is a graphic novel.

The characters in this story each represent a different aspect faced by young girls facing their first period. The book has advice and information to get girls through this challenging time. Sasha, Fran, Abby and Chris are four girls who support each other through bullying, crushing and going to the prom. They face a high school more interested in buying sports kit for boys rather than improving sanitary products for girls in the rest rooms. Fran organises a campaign to tackle this and goes too far. Ultimately the girls friendships help them to make a difference. The sequel comes out in October.

I just love it sooooooo much!

I ordered it as a gift for my student who just started middle school. I love how it flags issues that no one talks about. Normalizing period is so important for all teens, not just girls!

The book is in excellent condition, arrived the next day and my daughter loves it. She read it right away and then started re- reading it.