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Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors
An essential, highly relatable collection of short fiction and poems around the topic of menstruation, written exclusively by authors who are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color
For Angela, it came on the basketball court—while playing on the boys’ team. For Penny, it came on a lakeside field trip, inspiring some cringeworthy moments of humor. And to Layla’s disappointment, it came at the start of her first fasting Ramadan, mandating that she take a “holiday.” Whether their period's coming spurs silence or celebration, whether they are well prepared for it or totally in the dark, the young people in these sixteen stories find that getting a period brings not only changes to their bodies, but also joy, sorrow, and self-discovery. Featuring BIPOC contributors who are some of today’s most talented authors in middle-grade fiction, Calling the Moon offers coming-of-age stories and poetry as varied as the phases of the moon, from funny to heartbreaking to powerful, all of them reassuring readers that they are not alone in their period journey.
With contributions by:
Hilda Eunice Burgos * Veeda Bybee * Susan Muaddi Darraj * Saadia Faruqi * Nikki Grimes * Leah Henderson * Mason J. * Erin Entrada Kelly * Guadalupe Garcia McCall * Elise McMullen-Ciotti * Yamile Saied Méndez * Emma Otheguy * Aida Salazar * Christina Soontornvat * Padma Venkatraman * Ibi Zoboi
For Angela, it came on the basketball court—while playing on the boys’ team. For Penny, it came on a lakeside field trip, inspiring some cringeworthy moments of humor. And to Layla’s disappointment, it came at the start of her first fasting Ramadan, mandating that she take a “holiday.” Whether their period's coming spurs silence or celebration, whether they are well prepared for it or totally in the dark, the young people in these sixteen stories find that getting a period brings not only changes to their bodies, but also joy, sorrow, and self-discovery. Featuring BIPOC contributors who are some of today’s most talented authors in middle-grade fiction, Calling the Moon offers coming-of-age stories and poetry as varied as the phases of the moon, from funny to heartbreaking to powerful, all of them reassuring readers that they are not alone in their period journey.
With contributions by:
Hilda Eunice Burgos * Veeda Bybee * Susan Muaddi Darraj * Saadia Faruqi * Nikki Grimes * Leah Henderson * Mason J. * Erin Entrada Kelly * Guadalupe Garcia McCall * Elise McMullen-Ciotti * Yamile Saied Méndez * Emma Otheguy * Aida Salazar * Christina Soontornvat * Padma Venkatraman * Ibi Zoboi
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 9, 2023
I enjoyed pretty much all of these stories, and it made me realize how needed it is for us to more explicitly discuss puberty and adolescent issues, especially when we feel more inclined to censor them.
The Rules of the Lake by Christina Soontornvat, 3 stars: I really like how this challenges what girls who get their periods early "look like," and I love the way the girls and women are there for each other.
Muñeca by Aida Salazar, 3 stars: I love the relationship between mother and daughter, and the way remedies are passed down from generation to generation.
Turning Point by Leah Henderson, 3 stars: This is a cute story about a tomboy daughter and her more feminine mom learning to connect.
Shiloh: The Gender Creamsicle by Mason J., 3 stars: Super appreciative that a book about periods includes more than cis girls, especially for younger readers.
Holiday by Saadia Faruqi, 3 stars: I really like how this challenges outdated ideas, like hiding anything about your period from men.
Ofrendas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall, 2 stars: It was pretty disappointing to go from reading about girls not being ashamed of their periods, to a story entirely about just that.
Mother Mary, Do You Bleed? by Erin Entrada Kelly, 3 stars: I love the sister relationship featured here, as well as the internal struggle with religion.
The Arrival by Nikki Grimes, 3 stars: This is short, but empowering.
Heavenly Water by Veeda Bybee, 3 stars: This is probably the story in the collection that's least about getting your period (it's a part of the story, but not the main plot), but it tackles the difficult topic of what to do when someone you love says something racist.
Sometimes You Just Need Your Prima by Emma Otheguy, 3 stars: Family is a pretty big theme in many of these stories, and I love how this utilizes technology to connect family from back home.
Cannibal at the Door by Elise McMullen-Ciotti, 3 stars: It was really brave of McMullen-Ciotti to write about addiction and trauma from a kid's perspective, and I'm so glad she did.
Thicker than Water by Hilda Eunice Burgos, 3 stars: I like how this shows the downsides of both ends of puberty: on one end your body is changing too fast for you to keep up, and the other you're seen as "strange" if you're a late bloomer.
Shakthi Means Strength by Padma Venkatraman, 4 stars: I love how this challenges sexist traditions and calls out unfairness, even if it's "not as bad" as someone else was treated.
Part of the Team by Yamile Saied Méndez, 3 stars: I appreciate how this treated a girl who's supposed to be "one of the boys," when that's not actually how it plays out.
Bloodline by Ibi Zoboi, 3 stars: This is a beautiful testament to all the women who came before us, specifically Black women passing on their traditions from generation to generation.
The Hadiyyeh by Susan Muaddi Darraj, 3 stars: I love seeing supportive families represented and breaking stereotypes that your body is something to be ashamed of.
The Rules of the Lake by Christina Soontornvat, 3 stars: I really like how this challenges what girls who get their periods early "look like," and I love the way the girls and women are there for each other.
Muñeca by Aida Salazar, 3 stars: I love the relationship between mother and daughter, and the way remedies are passed down from generation to generation.
Turning Point by Leah Henderson, 3 stars: This is a cute story about a tomboy daughter and her more feminine mom learning to connect.
Shiloh: The Gender Creamsicle by Mason J., 3 stars: Super appreciative that a book about periods includes more than cis girls, especially for younger readers.
Holiday by Saadia Faruqi, 3 stars: I really like how this challenges outdated ideas, like hiding anything about your period from men.
Ofrendas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall, 2 stars: It was pretty disappointing to go from reading about girls not being ashamed of their periods, to a story entirely about just that.
Mother Mary, Do You Bleed? by Erin Entrada Kelly, 3 stars: I love the sister relationship featured here, as well as the internal struggle with religion.
The Arrival by Nikki Grimes, 3 stars: This is short, but empowering.
Heavenly Water by Veeda Bybee, 3 stars: This is probably the story in the collection that's least about getting your period (it's a part of the story, but not the main plot), but it tackles the difficult topic of what to do when someone you love says something racist.
Sometimes You Just Need Your Prima by Emma Otheguy, 3 stars: Family is a pretty big theme in many of these stories, and I love how this utilizes technology to connect family from back home.
Cannibal at the Door by Elise McMullen-Ciotti, 3 stars: It was really brave of McMullen-Ciotti to write about addiction and trauma from a kid's perspective, and I'm so glad she did.
Thicker than Water by Hilda Eunice Burgos, 3 stars: I like how this shows the downsides of both ends of puberty: on one end your body is changing too fast for you to keep up, and the other you're seen as "strange" if you're a late bloomer.
Shakthi Means Strength by Padma Venkatraman, 4 stars: I love how this challenges sexist traditions and calls out unfairness, even if it's "not as bad" as someone else was treated.
Part of the Team by Yamile Saied Méndez, 3 stars: I appreciate how this treated a girl who's supposed to be "one of the boys," when that's not actually how it plays out.
Bloodline by Ibi Zoboi, 3 stars: This is a beautiful testament to all the women who came before us, specifically Black women passing on their traditions from generation to generation.
The Hadiyyeh by Susan Muaddi Darraj, 3 stars: I love seeing supportive families represented and breaking stereotypes that your body is something to be ashamed of.
May 31, 2023
This is the modern alternative to replace Are You There God, It's Me Margaret!
16 stories about getting your period by 16 different BIPOC authors. Interesting anecdotes about the different traditions cultures have surrounding your first period. Touching stories. Normalizing stories.
SO GOOD for an 10-11 year old girl who is excited/nervous about puberty. SO GOOD for older girls who are curious about different cultures and traditions.
So good.
16 stories about getting your period by 16 different BIPOC authors. Interesting anecdotes about the different traditions cultures have surrounding your first period. Touching stories. Normalizing stories.
SO GOOD for an 10-11 year old girl who is excited/nervous about puberty. SO GOOD for older girls who are curious about different cultures and traditions.
So good.
July 12, 2023
“Rules of the lake” by Christine Soontornvat. Penny, who is of Asian descent, is excited about the 6th grade class trip to a lake/water park in Texas, even if the water is brown. She can’t wait to swim—until she gets her first period. Her kingdom for a tampon, even within having the slightest idea how to use one. * This was great, and I commend Penny for her bravery! I’m glad the author let kids know that there are instructions with the tampons, and that she touched on environmental concerns about period products as well. The setting is well-described, too.
“Muneca” by Aida Salazar. The main character is Latine, 13, and more interested in when she will finally get her period than in working all summer in a doll factory with her mother, and translating for all the Latine women. But as one of seven sibs, she gets little time with her mother, and she’s especially grateful when her period comes and it’s super-painful. Then it’s good to have Ama around! * It’s great to have a representation of a different period experience (unusually painful), and of how different cultures have different ways to cope with women’s pain; methods with a long history of success behind them. Overall, this hits a lot of great connection points for different readers.
“Turning point” by Leah Henderson. Imari, who is Black, has never felt close to her ballet-teacher mother, who can’t understand why Imari loves soccer and gets so dirty and disheveled playing it. When Imari gets her first period, she really doesn’t want to tell her mother, but wadded up TP won’t work for long so she bites the bullet. Turns out her mother has been preparing for this day for a long time, and has a whole day of Turning Point Celebration activities planned. But are they what Imari wants to do? * I could really feel Imari’s frustration with her mother trying to change her, and how that affected their relationship. I also liked how Imari found all the details about period products confusing, and how social media didn’t really help—I’m sure a lot of girls feel the same way. Nice to have a story for sports girls!
“Shiloh: the gender creamsicle” by Mason J. In verse. Shiloh, who is Latine, gets their first period at soccer practice. It’s a huge deal in their family, like a Bat Mitzvah with a gigantic party and relatives flying in, but only women allowed. Shiloh, who is neither girl nor boy, feels very torn about the whole thing, but maybe they are not the only one? * Usually I like verse stories, but this one felt disjointed—sometimes it felt like lyrical poetry and sometimes like prose broken into poetry lines. I had trouble catching the tone. It’s great to have representation of a gender fluid(?) person who bleeds, though. (On a personal note, I cannot imagine having a gigantic bash to celebrate menstruation—I couldn’t even tell my mother, except in a note, and I swore her to secrecy. I would literally have run screaming from the idea!)
“Holiday” by Saadia Faruqi. Layla is so excited finally to be old enough to fast for Ramadan. But then, she starts feeling sick, and starts bleeding—and her Pakistani-American mother has never told her about periods. Worse, no fasting when you have your period, and no telling any male. Holiday? Not as far as Layla can tell! * Another perspective about periods from another culture, which is always good. I’m puzzled by how many of the girls in this book have painful periods—is that more common than not? Was I just lucky? And if Layla has Google, why didn’t she look up periods before, when her friend who got to go to sex ed told her about them? I like that Layla pushes back against the no telling her father/brother, though, and how she starts to understand the thinking behind some of her culture’s other traditions.
“Ofrendas” by Guadalupe Garcia McCall. After her mother’s death, Lucia notes how suddenly all the women of the neighborhood start leaving ofrendas— little offerings of food— for her father, and Lucia hates it. She is also wondering how she and her sisters, who now all need menstrual products, will be able to ask their father for what they need. * I could see how the girls in the story would be so stressed out to have not only lost their mother, but to worry that their father will immediately put someone in her place. And add to that their physical needs as young women now with only a father. I’m glad that the father was able to take on his new responsibilities and ease their worries.
“Mother, Mary, do you bleed?” By Erin Entrada Kelly. Jessa, who is Filipina, is wondering about a lot of things when she gets her first period. Her mother is very religious, so there are images of the Virgin Mary all over the house, and Jessa wonders if Mary bleeds too. She thinks about that, and about her relationship with her mother, who doesn’t want her to use tampons because she is “a good girl.“ Also, she thinks about her relationship with her older, much more popular sister. * This story felt a little fragmented, but I think that was representative of Jessa’s thoughts. She’s a believable girl, trying to understand her world and her family, trying to figure out what to believe.
“The arrival,“ by Nikki Grimes. In this very short story in verse, the main character is an athlete, who wonders if her changing body will mean the change in her ability to do sports. * I found it odd that the main character had never heard of menstruation, but apparently had a supportive mother, who let her skip school because of her cramps. If she had a supportive mother, why did that mother never tell her about menstruation? Why didn’t she hear about it in sex ed? I do think it’s good to cover sports and girls, but I was just a bit puzzled by this.
“Heavenly water,” by Veeda Bybee. Callie Yang and her little brother are on a hiking trip with their father and some friends. Callie tells her father that she is on her period, and that her grandmother says it is a time of strength for her, because her menstruation is her time of “heavenly water.” Later at the camp, a friend says some thing microaggressively racist, and Callie needs to find the strength to call her out. * This one was a little disjointed, I thought. I wasn’t quite sure what the point was? I mean I’m glad that she called her friend out and that her friend responded appropriately, but I’m just not really seeing the connection with telling her dad about menstruation. It seemed kind of an unnecessary complication since nothing happened with that plot point.
“Sometimes you just need your prima,” by Emma Otheguy. Mira, who is in fifth grade, has a mother who is from Cuba. Her mother has a cousin in Cuba to whom she used to be close, but now she just sends her cousin and her cousin’s daughter packages because of all the damage Cuba has suffered from hurricanes. Mira has trouble understanding why her mother would be so distant with someone she used to be close to, just because that person changed. Mira has just gotten her period and doesn’t tell her mother because they are not a mother and daughter who talk to each other. Mira worries that if she changes, maybe her mother won’t like her either. * I liked this one a lot. I felt that it was very cohesive and explored the complexities of family relationships when people don’t agree on politics. I also like that it pulled no punches when describing menstruation, which will help a lot of kids who are worried about whether they and their periods are normal. This was my favorite story so far.
“Cannibal at the door,” by Ellise McMullen-Ciotti. Twyla has been living with her great aunt since her mother, suffering in addiction, threw her out. Twyla loves living with her great aunt Callie, who tells wonderful Cherokee stories, like the one about the monster Stonecoat, a cannibal defeated by menstruating women. But Twyla’s great aunt has health issues, and the social worker says that Twyla’s mother has worked hard to overcome her addiction and make a home for Twyla so she has to go. It is not going to be easy, though. * I thought this one was great and appreciated that it shared the whole of the Cherokee story. I think that there are a lot of kids who are in Twyla’s situation, and it must be so hard to try to build up a broken trust after an incident like the one that Twyla suffered. It’s also nice to know that stories about menstruating women have existed for a long time, but they’ve just fallen off the modern radar.
“Thicker than water,” by Hilda Eunice Burgos. Ramona hates the fact that she is only 11 and is already a C cup and got her period at age 10. Her mother keeps trying to make her wear clothes that hide her and make her look awful, but Ramona is also really uncomfortable with all the attention from creepy guys. She wishes she were like her older sister, Marta, who is 14 and completely undeveloped and hasn’t started menstruating yet. But her mother, a single parent, is worried about Marta being undeveloped. Is there something really wrong? * I liked this one, since it’s from the viewpoint of the more developed girl rather than the less developed girl, which seems to be a more common story thread. I can’t imagine going through what Ramona is going through at such a young age. I think the representation of family tension is well done, and the setting of a close-knit extended Latine family is also well done.
“Shakthi means strength,“ by Padma Venkatraman. Short story in verse. Shakthi is torn between her Indian and American sides, but she loves them both, including all of her Hindu culture. But then, she is publicly shamed at a Friday family gathering because she is menstruating, and therefore cannot touch the holy food. Shakthi turns her fury into poetry, and she and her friends decide they need to stage a protest about this humiliating practice. But will she have strength enough to stand up to her mother? * This was beautifully written, and beautifully expressed. The main character’s love of her culture comes through so clearly, as does her humiliation and fury at being shamed for something that she has no control over. I think a lot of students at my school who are likewise between cultures will see themselves here.
“Part of the team,“ by Yamile Saied Mendez. Angela loves nothing more than basketball, but as she and her friends entered middle school, all the girls dropped off the team until there was no one left. Angela joined the boys team, but it’s been hard work to try to get any playtime, even though she is so much better than so many of the boys. Suddenly, she’s no longer one of the girls (who have all become cheerleaders), but definitely not one of the boys, so where does she fit in? And then when she finally does get more playtime, she gets her period. * I like this one a lot too. I liked that Angela points out that being a sporty girl doesn’t mean that you can’t also want to be a girly girl or to enjoy the “ girly” things that you have enjoyed before. I’m glad that my school has a lot of girls’ sports teams.
“Bloodline,” by Ibi Zoboi. Adjoa has gotten her first period, and it’s time for her New Moon Rebirth ceremony, something that her mother and her grandmother, and all of her female ancestors went through. She doesn’t know what’s involved, but she knows it’s something important. Something from her ancestors, perhaps all the way back to Senegal. * This was short, and much less dramatic than I had feared. It’s got a lovely sense of connection with family to way back, especially for a family that probably endured slavery and might have lost such traditions.
“The Hadiyyeh,” by Susan Muaddi Darraj. Rana is 10, and in fourth grade, when she gets her first period. She has never heard about menstruation, so of course she panics and of course, her mother is not home so her father has to help her. At school, she tells her best friend, and they Google it. That infuriates her friend’s mother, who didn’t want her friend to know about it so early. Rana learns that in her family, it is considered a gift. * I feel sorry for kids who get their period so young; it seems like when I was a kid, most girls got it at 12 or 13, but now it’s going younger and younger. I’m glad that Rana has a supportive family, including her father. The family is of Palestinian descent.
“Muneca” by Aida Salazar. The main character is Latine, 13, and more interested in when she will finally get her period than in working all summer in a doll factory with her mother, and translating for all the Latine women. But as one of seven sibs, she gets little time with her mother, and she’s especially grateful when her period comes and it’s super-painful. Then it’s good to have Ama around! * It’s great to have a representation of a different period experience (unusually painful), and of how different cultures have different ways to cope with women’s pain; methods with a long history of success behind them. Overall, this hits a lot of great connection points for different readers.
“Turning point” by Leah Henderson. Imari, who is Black, has never felt close to her ballet-teacher mother, who can’t understand why Imari loves soccer and gets so dirty and disheveled playing it. When Imari gets her first period, she really doesn’t want to tell her mother, but wadded up TP won’t work for long so she bites the bullet. Turns out her mother has been preparing for this day for a long time, and has a whole day of Turning Point Celebration activities planned. But are they what Imari wants to do? * I could really feel Imari’s frustration with her mother trying to change her, and how that affected their relationship. I also liked how Imari found all the details about period products confusing, and how social media didn’t really help—I’m sure a lot of girls feel the same way. Nice to have a story for sports girls!
“Shiloh: the gender creamsicle” by Mason J. In verse. Shiloh, who is Latine, gets their first period at soccer practice. It’s a huge deal in their family, like a Bat Mitzvah with a gigantic party and relatives flying in, but only women allowed. Shiloh, who is neither girl nor boy, feels very torn about the whole thing, but maybe they are not the only one? * Usually I like verse stories, but this one felt disjointed—sometimes it felt like lyrical poetry and sometimes like prose broken into poetry lines. I had trouble catching the tone. It’s great to have representation of a gender fluid(?) person who bleeds, though. (On a personal note, I cannot imagine having a gigantic bash to celebrate menstruation—I couldn’t even tell my mother, except in a note, and I swore her to secrecy. I would literally have run screaming from the idea!)
“Holiday” by Saadia Faruqi. Layla is so excited finally to be old enough to fast for Ramadan. But then, she starts feeling sick, and starts bleeding—and her Pakistani-American mother has never told her about periods. Worse, no fasting when you have your period, and no telling any male. Holiday? Not as far as Layla can tell! * Another perspective about periods from another culture, which is always good. I’m puzzled by how many of the girls in this book have painful periods—is that more common than not? Was I just lucky? And if Layla has Google, why didn’t she look up periods before, when her friend who got to go to sex ed told her about them? I like that Layla pushes back against the no telling her father/brother, though, and how she starts to understand the thinking behind some of her culture’s other traditions.
“Ofrendas” by Guadalupe Garcia McCall. After her mother’s death, Lucia notes how suddenly all the women of the neighborhood start leaving ofrendas— little offerings of food— for her father, and Lucia hates it. She is also wondering how she and her sisters, who now all need menstrual products, will be able to ask their father for what they need. * I could see how the girls in the story would be so stressed out to have not only lost their mother, but to worry that their father will immediately put someone in her place. And add to that their physical needs as young women now with only a father. I’m glad that the father was able to take on his new responsibilities and ease their worries.
“Mother, Mary, do you bleed?” By Erin Entrada Kelly. Jessa, who is Filipina, is wondering about a lot of things when she gets her first period. Her mother is very religious, so there are images of the Virgin Mary all over the house, and Jessa wonders if Mary bleeds too. She thinks about that, and about her relationship with her mother, who doesn’t want her to use tampons because she is “a good girl.“ Also, she thinks about her relationship with her older, much more popular sister. * This story felt a little fragmented, but I think that was representative of Jessa’s thoughts. She’s a believable girl, trying to understand her world and her family, trying to figure out what to believe.
“The arrival,“ by Nikki Grimes. In this very short story in verse, the main character is an athlete, who wonders if her changing body will mean the change in her ability to do sports. * I found it odd that the main character had never heard of menstruation, but apparently had a supportive mother, who let her skip school because of her cramps. If she had a supportive mother, why did that mother never tell her about menstruation? Why didn’t she hear about it in sex ed? I do think it’s good to cover sports and girls, but I was just a bit puzzled by this.
“Heavenly water,” by Veeda Bybee. Callie Yang and her little brother are on a hiking trip with their father and some friends. Callie tells her father that she is on her period, and that her grandmother says it is a time of strength for her, because her menstruation is her time of “heavenly water.” Later at the camp, a friend says some thing microaggressively racist, and Callie needs to find the strength to call her out. * This one was a little disjointed, I thought. I wasn’t quite sure what the point was? I mean I’m glad that she called her friend out and that her friend responded appropriately, but I’m just not really seeing the connection with telling her dad about menstruation. It seemed kind of an unnecessary complication since nothing happened with that plot point.
“Sometimes you just need your prima,” by Emma Otheguy. Mira, who is in fifth grade, has a mother who is from Cuba. Her mother has a cousin in Cuba to whom she used to be close, but now she just sends her cousin and her cousin’s daughter packages because of all the damage Cuba has suffered from hurricanes. Mira has trouble understanding why her mother would be so distant with someone she used to be close to, just because that person changed. Mira has just gotten her period and doesn’t tell her mother because they are not a mother and daughter who talk to each other. Mira worries that if she changes, maybe her mother won’t like her either. * I liked this one a lot. I felt that it was very cohesive and explored the complexities of family relationships when people don’t agree on politics. I also like that it pulled no punches when describing menstruation, which will help a lot of kids who are worried about whether they and their periods are normal. This was my favorite story so far.
“Cannibal at the door,” by Ellise McMullen-Ciotti. Twyla has been living with her great aunt since her mother, suffering in addiction, threw her out. Twyla loves living with her great aunt Callie, who tells wonderful Cherokee stories, like the one about the monster Stonecoat, a cannibal defeated by menstruating women. But Twyla’s great aunt has health issues, and the social worker says that Twyla’s mother has worked hard to overcome her addiction and make a home for Twyla so she has to go. It is not going to be easy, though. * I thought this one was great and appreciated that it shared the whole of the Cherokee story. I think that there are a lot of kids who are in Twyla’s situation, and it must be so hard to try to build up a broken trust after an incident like the one that Twyla suffered. It’s also nice to know that stories about menstruating women have existed for a long time, but they’ve just fallen off the modern radar.
“Thicker than water,” by Hilda Eunice Burgos. Ramona hates the fact that she is only 11 and is already a C cup and got her period at age 10. Her mother keeps trying to make her wear clothes that hide her and make her look awful, but Ramona is also really uncomfortable with all the attention from creepy guys. She wishes she were like her older sister, Marta, who is 14 and completely undeveloped and hasn’t started menstruating yet. But her mother, a single parent, is worried about Marta being undeveloped. Is there something really wrong? * I liked this one, since it’s from the viewpoint of the more developed girl rather than the less developed girl, which seems to be a more common story thread. I can’t imagine going through what Ramona is going through at such a young age. I think the representation of family tension is well done, and the setting of a close-knit extended Latine family is also well done.
“Shakthi means strength,“ by Padma Venkatraman. Short story in verse. Shakthi is torn between her Indian and American sides, but she loves them both, including all of her Hindu culture. But then, she is publicly shamed at a Friday family gathering because she is menstruating, and therefore cannot touch the holy food. Shakthi turns her fury into poetry, and she and her friends decide they need to stage a protest about this humiliating practice. But will she have strength enough to stand up to her mother? * This was beautifully written, and beautifully expressed. The main character’s love of her culture comes through so clearly, as does her humiliation and fury at being shamed for something that she has no control over. I think a lot of students at my school who are likewise between cultures will see themselves here.
“Part of the team,“ by Yamile Saied Mendez. Angela loves nothing more than basketball, but as she and her friends entered middle school, all the girls dropped off the team until there was no one left. Angela joined the boys team, but it’s been hard work to try to get any playtime, even though she is so much better than so many of the boys. Suddenly, she’s no longer one of the girls (who have all become cheerleaders), but definitely not one of the boys, so where does she fit in? And then when she finally does get more playtime, she gets her period. * I like this one a lot too. I liked that Angela points out that being a sporty girl doesn’t mean that you can’t also want to be a girly girl or to enjoy the “ girly” things that you have enjoyed before. I’m glad that my school has a lot of girls’ sports teams.
“Bloodline,” by Ibi Zoboi. Adjoa has gotten her first period, and it’s time for her New Moon Rebirth ceremony, something that her mother and her grandmother, and all of her female ancestors went through. She doesn’t know what’s involved, but she knows it’s something important. Something from her ancestors, perhaps all the way back to Senegal. * This was short, and much less dramatic than I had feared. It’s got a lovely sense of connection with family to way back, especially for a family that probably endured slavery and might have lost such traditions.
“The Hadiyyeh,” by Susan Muaddi Darraj. Rana is 10, and in fourth grade, when she gets her first period. She has never heard about menstruation, so of course she panics and of course, her mother is not home so her father has to help her. At school, she tells her best friend, and they Google it. That infuriates her friend’s mother, who didn’t want her friend to know about it so early. Rana learns that in her family, it is considered a gift. * I feel sorry for kids who get their period so young; it seems like when I was a kid, most girls got it at 12 or 13, but now it’s going younger and younger. I’m glad that Rana has a supportive family, including her father. The family is of Palestinian descent.
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March 29, 2023I am a contributor to this anthology. So of course, I think it’s a wonderful and important collection of stories, not to mention groundbreaking, following the footsteps of Aida Salazar’s THE MOON WITHIN. My story is a little different from the others, in that it is rather fierce (showcasing a powerful protagonist who speaks out against the practice of shunning women when they are on their period). The other stories are more celebratory. However, all our stories have a common theme: empowering menstruators and breaking the silence and stigma associated with menstruation.
May 6, 2023
Calling the Moon is a collection of stories challenging the societal reluctance to talk about periods, told by authors of color. Excellent and important concept, even if I didn't like everything about the way it was done--with the exception of one story about a seemingly-nonbinary kid, the rest of the collection was pretty heavy on "this is what happens to WOMEN!" sentiments; I don't recall there being any disability rep; and I felt there was a bit too much "periods are wonderful/a blessing/a source of wisdom!" and not enough acknowledgement that for many of us who menstruate, it just plain sucks in so many ways. But at least we have a book that talks about periods at all, which is significant and helpful.
I continue to be confused by all these stories about characters who get their periods while not yet having any breast growth, body hair, growth spurt, acne, etc. Seriously, it felt like most of the narrators in this book went out of their way to mention their flat chest. As far as I know, this is not the typical order for puberty--periods are supposed to be one of the last changes (which makes sense evolutionarily). Yes, there are certainly people who experience puberty in many different ways, but why is this specific atypical variation overwhelmingly dominant in books? My only guess is that maybe authors think it makes their characters seem younger or more innocent somehow? Which opens up a whole different issue--are we normalizing periods at the cost of de-normalizing or even sexualizing the rest of puberty? Hmm, I'll need to think about this more.
In the meantime! I present my usual list of stories in the anthology. Unfortunately it's been a little while since I finished the book and so I don't think I remember details of the stories well enough to rank them, but if I have specific notes about any of them I'll add those.
The Rules of the Lake (my inner lifeguard must object to the kids swimming unsupervised, but otherwise I really liked this one and thought it made a fun start to the collection)
Muneca
Turning Point
Shiloh: The Gender Creamsicle (the only not-a-cis-girl main character. Be aware Shiloh gets deadnamed once. Told in verse)
Holiday (nice nuanced discussion of the intersection of religion and femininity. But was there an actual reason ultimately given for why Layla can't fast while on her period? I'm not sure)
Ofrendas
Mother Mary, Do You Bleed? (a bit of distracting verb-tense switching. There's also a weird scene where characters do research to reject the idea that "tampons make you lose your virginity" but there's no thinking about how virginity itself is a fake idea anyway?)
The Arrival (another in verse. Points for the character having breasts--which seems weird to say, but hey, this is supposed to be a book about puberty)
Heavenly Water
Sometimes You Just Need Your Prima
Cannibal at the Door
Thicker than Water
Shakthi Means Strength (verse again, and nicely done)
Part of the Team
Bloodline
The Hadiyyeh
I continue to be confused by all these stories about characters who get their periods while not yet having any breast growth, body hair, growth spurt, acne, etc. Seriously, it felt like most of the narrators in this book went out of their way to mention their flat chest. As far as I know, this is not the typical order for puberty--periods are supposed to be one of the last changes (which makes sense evolutionarily). Yes, there are certainly people who experience puberty in many different ways, but why is this specific atypical variation overwhelmingly dominant in books? My only guess is that maybe authors think it makes their characters seem younger or more innocent somehow? Which opens up a whole different issue--are we normalizing periods at the cost of de-normalizing or even sexualizing the rest of puberty? Hmm, I'll need to think about this more.
In the meantime! I present my usual list of stories in the anthology. Unfortunately it's been a little while since I finished the book and so I don't think I remember details of the stories well enough to rank them, but if I have specific notes about any of them I'll add those.
The Rules of the Lake (my inner lifeguard must object to the kids swimming unsupervised, but otherwise I really liked this one and thought it made a fun start to the collection)
Muneca
Turning Point
Shiloh: The Gender Creamsicle (the only not-a-cis-girl main character. Be aware Shiloh gets deadnamed once. Told in verse)
Holiday (nice nuanced discussion of the intersection of religion and femininity. But was there an actual reason ultimately given for why Layla can't fast while on her period? I'm not sure)
Ofrendas
Mother Mary, Do You Bleed? (a bit of distracting verb-tense switching. There's also a weird scene where characters do research to reject the idea that "tampons make you lose your virginity" but there's no thinking about how virginity itself is a fake idea anyway?)
The Arrival (another in verse. Points for the character having breasts--which seems weird to say, but hey, this is supposed to be a book about puberty)
Heavenly Water
Sometimes You Just Need Your Prima
Cannibal at the Door
Thicker than Water
Shakthi Means Strength (verse again, and nicely done)
Part of the Team
Bloodline
The Hadiyyeh
April 14, 2024
I just want to say before I jump into the individual reviews that I am past the age of eleven and I have been having my period for a time now, so the writing wasn't to my taste or my mental level in general. I didn't connect to it the way I connect to books for older teenagers. However. Other than that, it was a good book. I would have appreciated it when I was starting my period, and I liked that I could read about the view on periods from some families and people who are BIPOC. Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean that universally these groups of people think about periods like they do in the book, but it was good to see. Now, let's get into the individual reviews!
The Rules of the Lake by Christina Soontornvat
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was an amusing story and it shows the awkwardness of unexpectedly having a first period. It takes place at a lake where the main character has been excited to go with her class. She wanted to do some flips into the water. But unfortunately, she starts her period just as they get there. She isn't able to swim, thanks to it. She goes around with her friends, asking for a tampon to swim. At first, no one has one she can have, but even when someone gives her one she drops it in the toilet and clogs it so she can't swim still. Thankfully a teacher has products for her and she can get in finally.
Muñeca by Aida Salazar
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The main character isn't Amá's favorite child. She isn't the oldest, or the youngest, or one of the boys. But she has agreed to work with Amá in the factory over the summer. Amá, at the factory, looks in at the dolls with more adoration and love than she ever looks at the main character with. Even though the main character isn't Amá's favorite, Amá does show her love when her period starts while working in the factory. It's not break time yet, but the main character is hiding in the bathroom while she tries to figure out what to do. Amá ends up talking to the boss, asking him to allow them to take a break out in the car because her daughter feels ill. The story ends with Amá using her skills to relieve the main character's cramps, which is kind of sweet.
Turning Point by Leah Henderson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really liked this one. Imari and her mom don't have the same desires. Imari wants to play sports and enjoy herself with that, but Mom wants her to do ballet. When Imari starts her period she doesn't immediately tell her mom. She doesn't talk to her mom much, after all, as her mother and she don't get along very well. But after a bit of research herself she tells her mom. Mom is very excited because Imari is a woman now, and she is happy that her daughter is growing up, as shown by this visible sign. They have a period celebration of sorts, where Imari just gets to do something fun. Imari assumes that they're going to a ballet, but when they end up at the park, her mother plays soccer with her: She's allowed to be herself. This is a turning point in their relationship. Beautiful and meaningful ❤️
{More coming soon}
The Rules of the Lake by Christina Soontornvat
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was an amusing story and it shows the awkwardness of unexpectedly having a first period. It takes place at a lake where the main character has been excited to go with her class. She wanted to do some flips into the water. But unfortunately, she starts her period just as they get there. She isn't able to swim, thanks to it. She goes around with her friends, asking for a tampon to swim. At first, no one has one she can have, but even when someone gives her one she drops it in the toilet and clogs it so she can't swim still. Thankfully a teacher has products for her and she can get in finally.
Muñeca by Aida Salazar
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The main character isn't Amá's favorite child. She isn't the oldest, or the youngest, or one of the boys. But she has agreed to work with Amá in the factory over the summer. Amá, at the factory, looks in at the dolls with more adoration and love than she ever looks at the main character with. Even though the main character isn't Amá's favorite, Amá does show her love when her period starts while working in the factory. It's not break time yet, but the main character is hiding in the bathroom while she tries to figure out what to do. Amá ends up talking to the boss, asking him to allow them to take a break out in the car because her daughter feels ill. The story ends with Amá using her skills to relieve the main character's cramps, which is kind of sweet.
Turning Point by Leah Henderson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really liked this one. Imari and her mom don't have the same desires. Imari wants to play sports and enjoy herself with that, but Mom wants her to do ballet. When Imari starts her period she doesn't immediately tell her mom. She doesn't talk to her mom much, after all, as her mother and she don't get along very well. But after a bit of research herself she tells her mom. Mom is very excited because Imari is a woman now, and she is happy that her daughter is growing up, as shown by this visible sign. They have a period celebration of sorts, where Imari just gets to do something fun. Imari assumes that they're going to a ballet, but when they end up at the park, her mother plays soccer with her: She's allowed to be herself. This is a turning point in their relationship. Beautiful and meaningful ❤️
{More coming soon}
July 16, 2023
I wish this book had been written 50 years ago! Each story depicts in a different way, the epic journey girls take to become young women. Many are poignant, some are funny, all are heartfelt.
In Guadalupe Garcia McCall's story, "Ofrendas", Lucia and her younger sisters, Marta and Paola must cope with their mother's death. Now their father must care for them.
"Because La Santa Muerte- that feminine personification of death- had walked by in
her elegant flowered dress and swooped up their mother's soul in one fell swoop while she drove home from the grocery store days ago, Lucia, Marta and Paola were in a frazzled, flustered state of unrest." -p. 108.
When Paola gets her first period, the sisters realize there are not enough sanitary napkins for her. How to get them when they are not old enough to drive? Then their father offers to take Lucia to the grocery store, and Lucia thinks this is her chance to sneak in sanitary napkins without her father having to know. But at the store, Lucia can't figure out how to do this. However, she ends up not needing to.
" 'Just one more thing,' her papi said. 'Come on.'
But instead of turning back and heading toward the food aisles, Lucia's papi pushed
the cart forward and turned into aisle thirty-three.
He stood in the middle of it with his hands on his hips .
'Small. Medium. Unfragranced.' He read the words on the boxes aloud to himself.
'Ah, here we go. Assorted sizes. What do you think?'
Lucia grinned and nodded-relieved.
Her papi offered Lucia the big box of pads. She took it and found a space for it
between the chocolate cookie cereal and the giant package of toilet paper in the cart. In
that moment, when her papi smiled and pushed their grocery cart out of aisle thirty-
three, Lucia knew she and her sisters had nothing to worry about. Their mami's love lived
in their papi's heart." -p. 130
All in all, this book is a beautiful read.
In Guadalupe Garcia McCall's story, "Ofrendas", Lucia and her younger sisters, Marta and Paola must cope with their mother's death. Now their father must care for them.
"Because La Santa Muerte- that feminine personification of death- had walked by in
her elegant flowered dress and swooped up their mother's soul in one fell swoop while she drove home from the grocery store days ago, Lucia, Marta and Paola were in a frazzled, flustered state of unrest." -p. 108.
When Paola gets her first period, the sisters realize there are not enough sanitary napkins for her. How to get them when they are not old enough to drive? Then their father offers to take Lucia to the grocery store, and Lucia thinks this is her chance to sneak in sanitary napkins without her father having to know. But at the store, Lucia can't figure out how to do this. However, she ends up not needing to.
" 'Just one more thing,' her papi said. 'Come on.'
But instead of turning back and heading toward the food aisles, Lucia's papi pushed
the cart forward and turned into aisle thirty-three.
He stood in the middle of it with his hands on his hips .
'Small. Medium. Unfragranced.' He read the words on the boxes aloud to himself.
'Ah, here we go. Assorted sizes. What do you think?'
Lucia grinned and nodded-relieved.
Her papi offered Lucia the big box of pads. She took it and found a space for it
between the chocolate cookie cereal and the giant package of toilet paper in the cart. In
that moment, when her papi smiled and pushed their grocery cart out of aisle thirty-
three, Lucia knew she and her sisters had nothing to worry about. Their mami's love lived
in their papi's heart." -p. 130
All in all, this book is a beautiful read.
March 10, 2023
Calling the Moon tells the stories of young people from different cultures of the world about the experience of their first menstrual cycle. This is a book which many young and older women can relate to. We can see different views of different cultures about how they view womanhood. It also promotes sex education as so many young people can be informed about how their cycle can come at different ages and with different symptoms, etc. Every character comes from a different family setting, race, age group, and culture, but all seem to share similar feelings such as the anxiety of being too young or too old to have their first moon. Even though there might be initial fears or misinformation, the girls are able to find support from friends, teachers, and family members.
Opinion:
This book is written with diversity in mind, and I personally appreciate that each writer seemed to have really studied the background of different cultures written in this book. Each author created a solid background story for each of the characters, which made them more relatable. At some point, it felt like the writer is telling not just a story, but of all who had experienced their first moon and letting our story be known. The emotions and feelings are also very realistic. Although the experience of some characters seemed similar to some other characters, which gives the feeling of reading a story all over again, the background stories made them unique. It's also understandable that people can share similar experiences in similar situations. I would recommend this collection to everyone who loves short fiction and poems.
Opinion:
This book is written with diversity in mind, and I personally appreciate that each writer seemed to have really studied the background of different cultures written in this book. Each author created a solid background story for each of the characters, which made them more relatable. At some point, it felt like the writer is telling not just a story, but of all who had experienced their first moon and letting our story be known. The emotions and feelings are also very realistic. Although the experience of some characters seemed similar to some other characters, which gives the feeling of reading a story all over again, the background stories made them unique. It's also understandable that people can share similar experiences in similar situations. I would recommend this collection to everyone who loves short fiction and poems.
June 28, 2023
What worked: Wow, I wished a book like this one had been around when I was ten years old. Powerful, relatable short stories/poetry/free verse that goes over the first time girls/teens have their menstrual period. This anthology shares tales of BIPOC girls and their experiences of this time. It brought back memories of when I was ten and mortified at the changes happening in my body. I was the youngest in my classroom and thankfully my mother, like some of the mothers in this anthology, went over what was happening without it being shameful.
Here's some of my favorites:
The Rules of the Lake by Christina Soontornvat where the first time happens during a class pool event. What I loved is how the protagonist's friends rally around her.
Ofrendas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall shows how sisters help each other during a difficult time
Sometimes You Just Need Your Prima by Emma Otheguy where reaching out to a cousin in Cuba helps the protagonist realize that her first experience with her period is normal.
Bloodline by Ibi Zoboi shows the family celebration of this event. I love the idea of girls putting in a family Bible their ages and photos when they had their first period.
There are other relatable experiences like the tampon comments. **I heard the same thing in my own family and didn't find out otherwise until college!
Heartfelt modern-day Are You There God, It's Margaret. This anthology shares the fears, uncertainties, and emotions of having a period. Powerful resource. Totally recommend.
Originally posted at: https://www.yabookscentral.com/callin...
Here's some of my favorites:
The Rules of the Lake by Christina Soontornvat where the first time happens during a class pool event. What I loved is how the protagonist's friends rally around her.
Ofrendas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall shows how sisters help each other during a difficult time
Sometimes You Just Need Your Prima by Emma Otheguy where reaching out to a cousin in Cuba helps the protagonist realize that her first experience with her period is normal.
Bloodline by Ibi Zoboi shows the family celebration of this event. I love the idea of girls putting in a family Bible their ages and photos when they had their first period.
There are other relatable experiences like the tampon comments. **I heard the same thing in my own family and didn't find out otherwise until college!
Heartfelt modern-day Are You There God, It's Margaret. This anthology shares the fears, uncertainties, and emotions of having a period. Powerful resource. Totally recommend.
Originally posted at: https://www.yabookscentral.com/callin...
September 7, 2023
This anthology‘s pretty good!, catered toward middle-school girls going through puberty and periods for the first time.
The diversity is well-done, including a variety of backgrounds, religions, period cultural traditions, and—occasionally—stigmas, with one overarching purpose of the anthology as a whole to be to stop that big stigma of everyone not talking about—and sometimes feeling uncomfortable talking about although they shouldn’t—something that happens to half of the population every month.
My favorite stories were “Holiday” by Saadia Faruqi and “Mother Mary, Do You Bleed?” by Erin Entrada Kelly.
Overall, I’d recommend this anthology to anyone interested in period media and awareness!
The diversity is well-done, including a variety of backgrounds, religions, period cultural traditions, and—occasionally—stigmas, with one overarching purpose of the anthology as a whole to be to stop that big stigma of everyone not talking about—and sometimes feeling uncomfortable talking about although they shouldn’t—something that happens to half of the population every month.
My favorite stories were “Holiday” by Saadia Faruqi and “Mother Mary, Do You Bleed?” by Erin Entrada Kelly.
Overall, I’d recommend this anthology to anyone interested in period media and awareness!
June 18, 2023
A much-needed, stellar collection of short stories by 16 incredible BIPOC authors, all about menstruation. I loved learning how many various cultures and families view the beginning of menstruation, and even celebrate it. I also loved the positive messages about menstruating, in spite of some of the frustrations and difficulties - and prejudices -that accompany this very natural stage of development. The stories showed such a wide range of ages, experiences, and levels of knowledge. I would not hesitate to share this book with young people 10+ and wish I'd had it for my daughters when they were this age!
January 14, 2024
What I Liked:
Such an important book for young girls! I loved that it was written in various short stories of girls with very different experiences. A great way to normalize this time of maturity and also to learn about various cultures around the world. Reading these stories is sure to help girls feel more comfortable with the changes in their bodies.
What I Didn't Like:
Book Promo:
Share with 4th-6th grade teachers and ask them to tell students about it with their classroom lessons on puberty.
Such an important book for young girls! I loved that it was written in various short stories of girls with very different experiences. A great way to normalize this time of maturity and also to learn about various cultures around the world. Reading these stories is sure to help girls feel more comfortable with the changes in their bodies.
What I Didn't Like:
Book Promo:
Share with 4th-6th grade teachers and ask them to tell students about it with their classroom lessons on puberty.
July 11, 2023
This is such a good book! I highly recommend for all teens! I loved reading from all different cultures and backgrounds about the traditions and importance of women starting menstruation. There is something sacred and divine in a woman’s body being able to create and sustain life. There are a lot of unknowns and unpleasant things to deal with, but the way many cultures celebrate it is so beautiful to me!
January 19, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I love that all of the authors are listed on the cover! Short story collections like these are a good way to introduce readers to a wide variety of authors. Fans of Evans' Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins, Harrington's Revenge of the Red Club and Williams' graphic novel Go With the Flow will appreciate this short story collection.
I love that all of the authors are listed on the cover! Short story collections like these are a good way to introduce readers to a wide variety of authors. Fans of Evans' Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins, Harrington's Revenge of the Red Club and Williams' graphic novel Go With the Flow will appreciate this short story collection.
June 27, 2023
This is probably my favorite anthology that I’ve ever read. Each story finds humor in the uncomfortable, shows intergenerational support and community care, and deepens the readers’ understanding how diversity among race, ethnicity, and gender show up in the ways people experience menstruation. Also I really loved the mixture of poetry and prose!
May 14, 2023
A wonderful, important collection of celebratory stories about getting your period. I loved the range of stories of girls — some who knew what to expect, some who were surprised, some who resisted old, shaming attitudes. Loved it!
May 31, 2023
I might be a bit biased here because I have an absolute hatred of periods and dislike the thought that someone becomes a woman when they have one.
Learning about different cultures was a little interesting, but not enough to make this any more enjoyable.
Learning about different cultures was a little interesting, but not enough to make this any more enjoyable.
August 17, 2023
Love these coming-of-age stories! Each story is captivating and unique. I couldn't help but read these and think how far we've come from when the only story a girl could find about getting her period was Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.
January 2, 2024
An important book for all young people to read. A celebration of what has been hidden and not talked about for so long. Young people today are ready for this openness and the wealth of everyday stories this book contains.
March 17, 2024
This book is definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but it is an important book for preteens and teens as a celebration of transition from girlhood to womanhood. The ways different families and different cultures treat menstruation is interesting, as is the variety of writing styles.
March 31, 2023
I loved this book. I thought it was really insightful and very diverse. I’m not BIPOC myself, I’m white, but this book helped me peek into the lives of girls & women who are BIPOC.
May 7, 2023
My daughter devoured this book. A must-read for girls on the verge for puberty! I wish I had this when I was their age!
July 10, 2023
So glad this book exists! Can't wait to get it into kids' hands.
September 11, 2023
Loved it!! An anthology by BIPOC authors about periods! Highly recommend for middle grade and high school girls.
September 19, 2023
a great collection of short stories that celebrates diversity and changes one goes through as they grow up
November 23, 2023
very insightful and will definitely help with gep’s new project!!
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 20, 2023An important topic but wow a lot of these 'short' stories were too long and it just got to be too much of the same. DNF.
January 10, 2024
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
January 12, 2024
I wish I had this collection of short stories when I started my period. So beautifully written, educational, and empowering.
April 9, 2024
A well written book! This is truly amazing and I would love to see it in schools.
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