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Parents' Guide to

The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Very informative -- but limited -- sex ed book for girls.

Book Karen Gravelle Body Awareness 2017
The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 8+

Based on 3 parent reviews

1234252y3y3738
1234252y3y3738 Adult
April 15, 2020
age 7+

Growing up

My daughter needed a bra badly and she smelled and I saw some hair growing in various places. I read her this article at first she was like what.Before we read this she told me she did not need a bra nor deodorant or a pad and she would not shave.She is in 5th grade I am homeschooling.When I did the laundry one day I found a bloody stain on her underwear I realized she started puberty I read this article and now she's wearing her bra shaving and wearing deodorant and pads.It was stressful.But this article helped a lot Thanks
Belinda N.
Belinda N. Parent of 6, 9 and 12-year-old
November 27, 2018
age 9+

A much better book than “it’s perfectly normal”

I’m so glad that I got this book for my daughter. It covers what she needs to know about puberty, such as what bra to wear, her first period, etc. It did mention sexual harassment, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s actually relevant to know about sexual harassment at her age, which is pretty scary, but true. If you’re not okay with that, the 1996 edition (old edition) of the book doesn’t mention sexual harassment. But, other than that, I can’t see anything that would be considered wrong with this book. Maybe the fact it didn’t mention homosexuality and assumed readers were heterosexual, but I’m okay with that, since my daughter already knows about gays and lesbians. It’s a good book for girls entering puberty.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE PERIOD BOOK: A GIRL'S GUIDE TO GROWING UP details the physical and emotional ways girls change as they go through puberty, particularly when they get their period. It starts by describing obvious external changes, such as growing breasts and pubic hair, and then explains internal changes. The book walks readers through choosing a bra, preparing for getting your period, handling menstruation emergencies, and dealing with pimples, mood swings, cramps, braces, and more. It explains what periods can feel like, how to minimize discomfort, and when to get help. It also discusses how growing older can affect friendships and provides advice for healthy relationships.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Author Karen Gravelle helps girls and their families grow more comfortable talking about periods, pubic hair, and pimples without blushing in this friendly, compassionate update of her sex ed book. The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up arms girls with information they need to feel confident and capable through puberty. It's packed with reassurance and practical advice, and well served by Debbie Palen's informative and entertaining illustrations.

Gravelle does an excellent job with what she chooses to cover, going beyond periods to discuss skin care, braces, nutrition, and relationships. Unfortunately, she skips some key subjects: sexual intercourse, consent, masturbation, sexually transmitted infections, birth control, homosexuality and transgender kids, and HPV vaccine. (Gravelle included all of these in her companion book for boys, What's Going on Down There?) The passage on sexting also fails to note possible legal concerns. In all, this is an excellent conversation starter -- but not a complete guide to growing up.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the frank language and illustrations in The Period Book. Do they make it easier to discuss menstruation and puberty with your parents or friends?

  • Have you or any of your friends or classmates been involved with sexting -- sending nude photos? What happened? (Get advice on talking with your child about sexting, or read our Sexting Handbook.)

  • Do you still have questions this book didn't answer? If so, bring your questions to a trusted adult.

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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