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How to Walk a Dog
Asher Abrams has his ADHD under control—most of the time--even if he asks a lot of questions, can be forgetful, and is often impulsive. But he’s also creative and clever and fearless when it comes to standing up for the people he loves. Like his best friend, Gillian Benjamin. At least, she used to be his best friend until last summer when they had a huge fight, one that he’s never quite understood. After he catches her shoplifting in the grocery store, Asher learns that Gilly’s life has changed dramatically; her mom has disappeared, leaving her and her dad with nothing but a pile of debt. When Gilly’s period arrives unexpectedly at school, she is bullied. Asher is determined to normalize periods so no one gets shamed about this natural part of life. It doesn't bother him that he's a boy talking about the stigma around periods--that's the whole point, isn't it? Asher convinces Gilly to help film a movie about periods for his school passion project. When their silly PSA goes viral will their newly healed friendship be able to handle the attention?
Author Joanne Levy captures the heartbreakingly funny story of a remarkable protagonist living with ADHD. In pitch-perfect first-person narration, readers gain insight into the challenges and celebrations of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Asher’s doodles, (semiotics like footnotes, sketches, storyboards) featured throughout the book, amplify the storytelling and give further insight into how Asher’s mind works.
Author Joanne Levy captures the heartbreakingly funny story of a remarkable protagonist living with ADHD. In pitch-perfect first-person narration, readers gain insight into the challenges and celebrations of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Asher’s doodles, (semiotics like footnotes, sketches, storyboards) featured throughout the book, amplify the storytelling and give further insight into how Asher’s mind works.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2026
About the author
Joanne Levy
15 books280 followersJoanne Levy’s love of books began at a very early age. Being the youngest and the only female among four children, and the daughter to voracious readers, she was often left to her own devices and could frequently be found sitting in a quiet corner with her nose in a book.
A survivor of the corporate world, Joanne now works from home, supporting other authors and creating the friends she wishes she had when she was a kid.
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two mischievous cats, a mean African Grey parrot and a sweet but not-so-smart dog. When she’s not busy writing or assisting, she enjoys reading (obviously), needle-felting with wool (Google it), and taking long walks with her faithful writing companion, Labrador Retriever, Zoe.
About my reviews: I'm an author, so I know what it's like to get a non-stellar review of my book. So, with that in mind, I only review books I really like.
A survivor of the corporate world, Joanne now works from home, supporting other authors and creating the friends she wishes she had when she was a kid.
She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two mischievous cats, a mean African Grey parrot and a sweet but not-so-smart dog. When she’s not busy writing or assisting, she enjoys reading (obviously), needle-felting with wool (Google it), and taking long walks with her faithful writing companion, Labrador Retriever, Zoe.
About my reviews: I'm an author, so I know what it's like to get a non-stellar review of my book. So, with that in mind, I only review books I really like.
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Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Published October 20th 2026 by Union Square Kids
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Asher is sad sad and confused as to why his best friend, Gilly, stopped talking to him back in July, so when he sees her steal some menstrual products from the grocery store, he is concerned for her. Talking to her doesn't go well, and Asher's mother explains to him that Gilly's family's circumstances have changed; her parents divorced, her mother went to Florida, and her father was in a car accident and has been on disability. Asher, who has ADHD and often finds it hard to stay focused even during brief conversations, wants to help, especially after his mother explains to him the unfair stigma around periods. When Asher's current best friend, Dylan, makes fun of Gilly when she has a bad leak through her pants, Asher's resolve to help Gilly strengthens, and he lends her his jacket and calls his own mother to pick Gilly up. The two meet to walk Teddy, a dog belonging to a former neighbor of Gilly's, Melanie, and to talk through what has gone on. In school, the students are assigned a "passion project", and Asher decides he wants to do his on ending the stigma around periods. Gilly is uncomfortable about this, but Asher is so unabashedly forthright and unbothered talking about menstruation that she sees his point and agrees to help. Asher certainly has some missteps, but with the help of Asher's older brother Marc and his mother, he and Gilly manage to put together a humorous and informative video. Asher, who frequently forgets to do homework, even gets the project done a week early, doing some editing in the school computer lab. When the video appears on YouTube and goes viral, Asher is worried, even though most of the responses are positive. He figures that Dylan, who knew his password from when they would work on hockey videos together, posted the video, and Asher's mother says that she will talk to the school about it. Asher's teacher is very complimentary, and the best news of all is that Melanie, who is an advertising executive, represents the Good Days Menstrual Products Company, which wants to use the video as part of an ad campaign raising awareness. Operation Red Empathy is a success, Asher and Gilly return to being friends, and there is some good news for Asher's campaign to have his own dog as well.
Strengths: Asher is the driving force that makes this book successful. He is an endearing character who truly means well, but blunders about in a way that makes perfect sense if you have much exposure to middle school students. My former friend needs food? Let me just bring a big old bag of it to school. I loved how Asher's mother, a therapist, gently explains to him why this wasn't a great idea, and also tells him how he could have done things in a more acceptable way without yelling at him! The scenes with Asher's family, which also includes older brother, Mark, who enjoys magic tricks, and father, who is a doctor and encourages Asher to go running with him, are one of the best things in the book. There are a lot of trips to the grocery store which are such great opportunities for conversation. Dylan is a typical middle school jerk (and they ARE still around), and while Asher does push him when he is angry, most of the time he is able to either ignore him or stand up to him. Gilly's situation is achingly realistic, and it was comforting to see her be able to confide in Asher's mother. The dog walking also provided moments for conversation as well as an opportunity for Asher to show that he is responsible. The straight forward, unashamed attitude and language that Asher uses to discuss periods is refreshing, and sets a great example for middle school boys. If I had a tween boy at home, I would definitely make this required reading. I was a little concerned about the video going viral, but the video was well vetted with Gilly and the mother, so was well done, and the amount of views seemed reasonable. Very well done book that addressed a serious issue in an amusing and fun to read way!
Weaknesses: I'm conflicted about the cover and the title. On one hand, since they don't have anything to do with menstruation, it's a sneaky way to get boys to pick up the book. On the other hand, it's...kind of sneaky. I'm hoping it's the sort of book that I recommend to a reader I know will appreciate it, and he will recommend it to lots of friends. There will always be some readers who bring books back because they are just not ready for certain content, and that's okay.
What I really think: This is an excellent choice for readers who enjoyed Harrington's 2019 Revenge of the Red Club, McCullough's Code Red, Evans' Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins, Schneemann's and Williams' Go With the Flow graphic novel or Salazar's The Moon Within or Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors. It's a perfect book for modern young male feminists who want to learn to be supportive brothers and friends, and later helpful husbands and fathers, which is what we should all want.
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Asher is sad sad and confused as to why his best friend, Gilly, stopped talking to him back in July, so when he sees her steal some menstrual products from the grocery store, he is concerned for her. Talking to her doesn't go well, and Asher's mother explains to him that Gilly's family's circumstances have changed; her parents divorced, her mother went to Florida, and her father was in a car accident and has been on disability. Asher, who has ADHD and often finds it hard to stay focused even during brief conversations, wants to help, especially after his mother explains to him the unfair stigma around periods. When Asher's current best friend, Dylan, makes fun of Gilly when she has a bad leak through her pants, Asher's resolve to help Gilly strengthens, and he lends her his jacket and calls his own mother to pick Gilly up. The two meet to walk Teddy, a dog belonging to a former neighbor of Gilly's, Melanie, and to talk through what has gone on. In school, the students are assigned a "passion project", and Asher decides he wants to do his on ending the stigma around periods. Gilly is uncomfortable about this, but Asher is so unabashedly forthright and unbothered talking about menstruation that she sees his point and agrees to help. Asher certainly has some missteps, but with the help of Asher's older brother Marc and his mother, he and Gilly manage to put together a humorous and informative video. Asher, who frequently forgets to do homework, even gets the project done a week early, doing some editing in the school computer lab. When the video appears on YouTube and goes viral, Asher is worried, even though most of the responses are positive. He figures that Dylan, who knew his password from when they would work on hockey videos together, posted the video, and Asher's mother says that she will talk to the school about it. Asher's teacher is very complimentary, and the best news of all is that Melanie, who is an advertising executive, represents the Good Days Menstrual Products Company, which wants to use the video as part of an ad campaign raising awareness. Operation Red Empathy is a success, Asher and Gilly return to being friends, and there is some good news for Asher's campaign to have his own dog as well.
Strengths: Asher is the driving force that makes this book successful. He is an endearing character who truly means well, but blunders about in a way that makes perfect sense if you have much exposure to middle school students. My former friend needs food? Let me just bring a big old bag of it to school. I loved how Asher's mother, a therapist, gently explains to him why this wasn't a great idea, and also tells him how he could have done things in a more acceptable way without yelling at him! The scenes with Asher's family, which also includes older brother, Mark, who enjoys magic tricks, and father, who is a doctor and encourages Asher to go running with him, are one of the best things in the book. There are a lot of trips to the grocery store which are such great opportunities for conversation. Dylan is a typical middle school jerk (and they ARE still around), and while Asher does push him when he is angry, most of the time he is able to either ignore him or stand up to him. Gilly's situation is achingly realistic, and it was comforting to see her be able to confide in Asher's mother. The dog walking also provided moments for conversation as well as an opportunity for Asher to show that he is responsible. The straight forward, unashamed attitude and language that Asher uses to discuss periods is refreshing, and sets a great example for middle school boys. If I had a tween boy at home, I would definitely make this required reading. I was a little concerned about the video going viral, but the video was well vetted with Gilly and the mother, so was well done, and the amount of views seemed reasonable. Very well done book that addressed a serious issue in an amusing and fun to read way!
Weaknesses: I'm conflicted about the cover and the title. On one hand, since they don't have anything to do with menstruation, it's a sneaky way to get boys to pick up the book. On the other hand, it's...kind of sneaky. I'm hoping it's the sort of book that I recommend to a reader I know will appreciate it, and he will recommend it to lots of friends. There will always be some readers who bring books back because they are just not ready for certain content, and that's okay.
What I really think: This is an excellent choice for readers who enjoyed Harrington's 2019 Revenge of the Red Club, McCullough's Code Red, Evans' Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins, Schneemann's and Williams' Go With the Flow graphic novel or Salazar's The Moon Within or Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors. It's a perfect book for modern young male feminists who want to learn to be supportive brothers and friends, and later helpful husbands and fathers, which is what we should all want.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an enjoyable read. Joanne Levy knows how to appeal to a middle-grade audience, and the main subject matter of this one would catch the attention of any person in that age group!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
July 30, 2026
Period insecurity has been a topic explored in several recent novels but author Joanne Levy tackles the shame that accompanies this basic health fact of life and from the perspective of Asher, a sensitive male friend who is a vehicle used by Levy to also educate readers on the workings of a neurodivergent/ADHD mind.
Plot summaries are plentiful from publishers and assorted readers so I’ll skip that in this review and focus on the descriptive skills demonstrated by Levy as she allows Asher to talk through events in his day and the shifting, wondering, and flowing stream of consciousness that is an the mind of some who have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. His creativity is apparent as is his difficulty completing tasks or staying focused during chaotic times or when not engaged in the subject at hand. But within this neurodivergence is a caring sixth grader who is devastated over the surprise end to his best friendship with Gillian and his concern over 1) fixing that fail, 2) helping her cope with her parents’ divorce and her new financial situation, and 3) demonstrating to her and to others at their school that there is no shame in having a period, saying the word, or needing to buy period products. The bullying done by Dylan and Asher’s growing recognition that Dylan is not his friend is handled is a realistic way and provides several courses of action when dealing with mean and/or insensitive classmates. And using Asher’s close relationship to his parents and his older brother and the way they walk him through some of the ways he mishandles his thoughts and ideas will also offer up wisdom to readers on a variety of subjects. All of this, and the primary focus of Asher’s Passion Project to de-shame-ify periods kept at the forefront.
Oh, and there is absolutely dog-walking that happens which, in the book, facilitates great conversation times as well as teaches Asher a bit more about how to be responsible and follow through. However, one of the more subtle uses of the dog walking aspect may be to allow that to be the emphasis of the cover which will allow all genders to read the book and not worry that someone might “shame” them for reading a book about periods!
*Profanity: none
*Violence: Dylan’s bullying is verbal but Asher does react to it with his fist at one point which lands both boys in detention.
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Gillian’s parents are divorced, her mom is almost completely absent, and she is living with her dad; strong family support in Asher’s home and that support extends to Gillian; teachers presented in a positive light; diverse economic levels among main characters; Asher’s family is Jewish, his older brother Marc is working towards his bar mitzvah and they celebrate Hanukkah and Shabbos at least in a small way
*LBGTQ+: none (Although, the phrase Support Menstruators is used instead of Support Women Who Menstruate and that could be taken as recognition that gender fluid and trans people also menstruate.)
Read alikes:
*Go With the Flow (GN)-Lily Williams (Haven’t read it but it comes highly recommended.)
*Code Red-Joy McCullough (Loved this one!!)
*Free Period-Ali Terese (I wasn’t a huge fan of the immaturity the prankster friends demonstrated but readers at the jr high thought they were hilarious.)
*Hey God, Are You There? It’s Me, Margaret-Judy Blume
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Union Square Kids
Plot summaries are plentiful from publishers and assorted readers so I’ll skip that in this review and focus on the descriptive skills demonstrated by Levy as she allows Asher to talk through events in his day and the shifting, wondering, and flowing stream of consciousness that is an the mind of some who have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. His creativity is apparent as is his difficulty completing tasks or staying focused during chaotic times or when not engaged in the subject at hand. But within this neurodivergence is a caring sixth grader who is devastated over the surprise end to his best friendship with Gillian and his concern over 1) fixing that fail, 2) helping her cope with her parents’ divorce and her new financial situation, and 3) demonstrating to her and to others at their school that there is no shame in having a period, saying the word, or needing to buy period products. The bullying done by Dylan and Asher’s growing recognition that Dylan is not his friend is handled is a realistic way and provides several courses of action when dealing with mean and/or insensitive classmates. And using Asher’s close relationship to his parents and his older brother and the way they walk him through some of the ways he mishandles his thoughts and ideas will also offer up wisdom to readers on a variety of subjects. All of this, and the primary focus of Asher’s Passion Project to de-shame-ify periods kept at the forefront.
Oh, and there is absolutely dog-walking that happens which, in the book, facilitates great conversation times as well as teaches Asher a bit more about how to be responsible and follow through. However, one of the more subtle uses of the dog walking aspect may be to allow that to be the emphasis of the cover which will allow all genders to read the book and not worry that someone might “shame” them for reading a book about periods!
*Profanity: none
*Violence: Dylan’s bullying is verbal but Asher does react to it with his fist at one point which lands both boys in detention.
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Gillian’s parents are divorced, her mom is almost completely absent, and she is living with her dad; strong family support in Asher’s home and that support extends to Gillian; teachers presented in a positive light; diverse economic levels among main characters; Asher’s family is Jewish, his older brother Marc is working towards his bar mitzvah and they celebrate Hanukkah and Shabbos at least in a small way
*LBGTQ+: none (Although, the phrase Support Menstruators is used instead of Support Women Who Menstruate and that could be taken as recognition that gender fluid and trans people also menstruate.)
Read alikes:
*Go With the Flow (GN)-Lily Williams (Haven’t read it but it comes highly recommended.)
*Code Red-Joy McCullough (Loved this one!!)
*Free Period-Ali Terese (I wasn’t a huge fan of the immaturity the prankster friends demonstrated but readers at the jr high thought they were hilarious.)
*Hey God, Are You There? It’s Me, Margaret-Judy Blume
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Union Square Kids
Read
May 11, 2026Another great story by Joanne Levy! I loved it from the moment I read the intro letter to readers until the very end! Many readers will be able to see themselves within the characters of Asher and Gillian.
Asher and his ADHD that he is working very hard to stay on track and not get distracted from his thoughts, questions, or doing the things he'd rather be doing instead of his homework. Asher has Big Feelings (positive and negative) that sometimes get in the way and his mom helps him with different strategies and systems in place to help him get through.
His "former best friend", Gillian, they haven't talked since the summer, moved to a new house and he didn't know. There seems to be a lot of things he doesn't know about his former best friend.
Asher is a kind soul with a big heart. When he notices a red stain on the back of Gillian's pants he goes to help. Gillian is of course, devistated by the day's events and Asher is not sure why she would be considering menstration is a natual, normal bodily function for girls and women. He's so empathetic and sincere in all he tries to do to help his friend.
"How to Walk Your Dog" would be a great read aloud for upper elementary and middle school classes. It would be a great addition to all health classes! get students talking and understanding that they have nothing to be ashamed about when they get their period. Once the conversations start, hopefully they can continue out of the classroom and out into the world and see it's not a big deal. it happens, get over it.
A must-have addition to Joanne Levy collections, health classes, and all libraries!!
#JoanneLevy #HowToWalkADog #Read #MGLit #KidLit #Edelweiss #ReadThisBook #MGBooks #NewRealease #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #Books #Read
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-I loved all the different names they came up with for speaking in code when a girl has her period. I used Aunt Minnie. I'm not sure how that name came to be. Aunt Flo I heard later in life.
-I felt seen as a librarian. Gillian wants to be a librarian and she loves filing papers and organizing things. I have always loved organizing my room, the kitchen or bathroom cabinets. In one of my Library Science classes the professor had made a comment about we "librarians are the ultimate organizers" and I cried on the way home knowing that I finally found my people and I was going to school for the right career. I cried a lot when Gillian talked about her love of organizing.
-When Asher was discussing how the dog Teddy helped him so much with helping feel better after a rough (ruff) day at school, I kept thinking Asher needs a emotional support animal of his own. The dog could help him with his anxiety and other stresses. I'm really glad Asher ended up having Teddy for his own, that was a really nice surprise.
Asher and his ADHD that he is working very hard to stay on track and not get distracted from his thoughts, questions, or doing the things he'd rather be doing instead of his homework. Asher has Big Feelings (positive and negative) that sometimes get in the way and his mom helps him with different strategies and systems in place to help him get through.
His "former best friend", Gillian, they haven't talked since the summer, moved to a new house and he didn't know. There seems to be a lot of things he doesn't know about his former best friend.
Asher is a kind soul with a big heart. When he notices a red stain on the back of Gillian's pants he goes to help. Gillian is of course, devistated by the day's events and Asher is not sure why she would be considering menstration is a natual, normal bodily function for girls and women. He's so empathetic and sincere in all he tries to do to help his friend.
"How to Walk Your Dog" would be a great read aloud for upper elementary and middle school classes. It would be a great addition to all health classes! get students talking and understanding that they have nothing to be ashamed about when they get their period. Once the conversations start, hopefully they can continue out of the classroom and out into the world and see it's not a big deal. it happens, get over it.
A must-have addition to Joanne Levy collections, health classes, and all libraries!!
#JoanneLevy #HowToWalkADog #Read #MGLit #KidLit #Edelweiss #ReadThisBook #MGBooks #NewRealease #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #Books #Read
Possible Spoiler Alerts
.
.
.
Spoiler Alerts
.
.
.
Spoiler Alerts
.
.
.
Spoiler Alerts
-I loved all the different names they came up with for speaking in code when a girl has her period. I used Aunt Minnie. I'm not sure how that name came to be. Aunt Flo I heard later in life.
-I felt seen as a librarian. Gillian wants to be a librarian and she loves filing papers and organizing things. I have always loved organizing my room, the kitchen or bathroom cabinets. In one of my Library Science classes the professor had made a comment about we "librarians are the ultimate organizers" and I cried on the way home knowing that I finally found my people and I was going to school for the right career. I cried a lot when Gillian talked about her love of organizing.
-When Asher was discussing how the dog Teddy helped him so much with helping feel better after a rough (ruff) day at school, I kept thinking Asher needs a emotional support animal of his own. The dog could help him with his anxiety and other stresses. I'm really glad Asher ended up having Teddy for his own, that was a really nice surprise.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Menstruators"? I did not think this book would advocate against women, but it really doubles down in the conclusion. I have been called many things, but that is not one of them. When everyone charged with talking to me about menstruating gave their spiel, none used that imaginary word. They all spoke of me "becoming a woman". I'm so confused why the author is trying to take away and lessen female strength, abilities, and power. Is Levy intentionally trying to give men the spotlight on the topic of menstruating? Men cannot menstruate. Even post-op, transvestites do not menstruate. This is basic science. I am so disappointed.
Needless to say, How To Walk A Dog is not a book about completing chores, getting a job, or caring for a pet well. This book is about destigmatizing menstruation. Cool. Excellent. Love that! But as someone whose parents never bought menstrual products for her and who also never stole them, I was SO disappointed in Gilly for her crime. Anyone in that store would have bought them for her. Levy gave her entirely too much grace and almost advocates for the crime when there's literally free products in the school bathroom! Grab some for the weekend, girl. Grab some to keep at home just in case. Grab some for friends. Gilly has zero forward thinking skills and zero excuse for choosing to become a criminal. It's so frustrating when society literally changes standards and laws to prevent crime and criminals still commit that crime- UGH.
This PSA is too long and not entertaining enough for even the most empathetic of young male souls. How To Walk A Dog is also very niche: a menstrual story about going viral from a bully's actions, written mostly for a male audience aged 11-14, Asher, a 5th grader, has ADHD and is Jewish, but not practicing. Levy writes at a first grade reading level, often saying things like "big feelings" (used FIFTEEN TIMES) instead of appropriate, more mature language that pre-teens should be using. My 6 year old doesn't talk about his "big feelings" because he says things like "Mom, I'm frustrated that my brother took my Lego. Will you help me?" Also, counting down until the child chooses to obey in 5th grade? That's infantilizing a pre-teen. It teaches kids that they can disobey direct instructions until they choose to obey. The dichotomy between mature content and immature, lower elementary writing makes me wonder who the target audience is.
Triggers: bullying, period spotting
Thank you to Union Square and Co. and NetGalley for this ARC.
Needless to say, How To Walk A Dog is not a book about completing chores, getting a job, or caring for a pet well. This book is about destigmatizing menstruation. Cool. Excellent. Love that! But as someone whose parents never bought menstrual products for her and who also never stole them, I was SO disappointed in Gilly for her crime. Anyone in that store would have bought them for her. Levy gave her entirely too much grace and almost advocates for the crime when there's literally free products in the school bathroom! Grab some for the weekend, girl. Grab some to keep at home just in case. Grab some for friends. Gilly has zero forward thinking skills and zero excuse for choosing to become a criminal. It's so frustrating when society literally changes standards and laws to prevent crime and criminals still commit that crime- UGH.
This PSA is too long and not entertaining enough for even the most empathetic of young male souls. How To Walk A Dog is also very niche: a menstrual story about going viral from a bully's actions, written mostly for a male audience aged 11-14, Asher, a 5th grader, has ADHD and is Jewish, but not practicing. Levy writes at a first grade reading level, often saying things like "big feelings" (used FIFTEEN TIMES) instead of appropriate, more mature language that pre-teens should be using. My 6 year old doesn't talk about his "big feelings" because he says things like "Mom, I'm frustrated that my brother took my Lego. Will you help me?" Also, counting down until the child chooses to obey in 5th grade? That's infantilizing a pre-teen. It teaches kids that they can disobey direct instructions until they choose to obey. The dichotomy between mature content and immature, lower elementary writing makes me wonder who the target audience is.
Triggers: bullying, period spotting
Thank you to Union Square and Co. and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 6, 2026
Thank you to the author and Union Square kids for a advanced readers copy.
This was such a surprising book. I have loved Joanne Levy‘s books for a while now, so when I heard that she had a new book coming up, I had reached out to try to get an early copy.
I have to say upfront that this is such a great “window“ book for understanding, ADHD. The book does so in very clever ways, including short chapters, but also changing font types in sizes and putting certain things in bold face really helps to demonstrate loud intrusive thoughts. I love that sometimes scenes change in a single line when the main character, Asher, realizes something else has been going on around him while he was distracted.
Although the book is called how to walk a dog, it is also a lot about men’s responsibility for ending the stigma around periods. I feel like it points. This started to feel a little didactic, but it is very clear that this is a passion project for the author and extremely important for its intended audience. Readers who want an Animal focus story will probably come away a little disappointed as the titular dog ends up being a tertiary plot point.
The book wrapped up very nicely and feels like a win, especially because the beginning of the book starts at a pretty low place all around. Friendships are repaired, some friendships abandoned, really mean mocking spurs action that turns out to be truly beneficial on a nationwide scale, and the dog gets, well, walked!
Really really really highly recommend this book not only for the ADHD representation, they work to dispel stigmas around menstruation 🩸, but overall a nice story on the differences we can make when we recognizing that harm is being done.
This was such a surprising book. I have loved Joanne Levy‘s books for a while now, so when I heard that she had a new book coming up, I had reached out to try to get an early copy.
I have to say upfront that this is such a great “window“ book for understanding, ADHD. The book does so in very clever ways, including short chapters, but also changing font types in sizes and putting certain things in bold face really helps to demonstrate loud intrusive thoughts. I love that sometimes scenes change in a single line when the main character, Asher, realizes something else has been going on around him while he was distracted.
Although the book is called how to walk a dog, it is also a lot about men’s responsibility for ending the stigma around periods. I feel like it points. This started to feel a little didactic, but it is very clear that this is a passion project for the author and extremely important for its intended audience. Readers who want an Animal focus story will probably come away a little disappointed as the titular dog ends up being a tertiary plot point.
The book wrapped up very nicely and feels like a win, especially because the beginning of the book starts at a pretty low place all around. Friendships are repaired, some friendships abandoned, really mean mocking spurs action that turns out to be truly beneficial on a nationwide scale, and the dog gets, well, walked!
Really really really highly recommend this book not only for the ADHD representation, they work to dispel stigmas around menstruation 🩸, but overall a nice story on the differences we can make when we recognizing that harm is being done.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Asher A. Abrams is a young adolescent with a big heart, and, because of his ADHD, Big Feelings—and lots of energy and many, many questions. But when two things happen, he takes action.
1. When he sees his ex-best friend Gilly Benjamin stealing menstrual products from the grocery store, he is very upset (that she would be a thief) and confused. He does not know—and later finds out—that her reason for ending their friendship was her parents’ divorce—she just could not bring herself to answer all his questions—and the reason for her theft is because her mother has left, her father had an accident, and money is tight (and also she doesn’t want to talk to her dad about her “feminine needs.”)
2. When Gilly starts her period at school and Asher’s new male friends make fun of her, Asher decides that his school passion project will be to make a film to normalize menstruation and take away the stigma that females face, an “End the Shame” campaign. With the help of Gilly with whom he has again become best friends, his therapist mother, his magician brother, and the calming effects of Teddy, a dog he is now walking, and the inadvertent help of his ex- friend and “jerk” Dylan, Asher’s video and Operation Red Empathy becomes quite the success.
This was a delightful read with a truly engaging main character. For kids with ADHD or any neurodevelopmental disorder, who lack focus or who experience any of Asher’s challenges, this novel will let them feel seen and provide some new coping and managing strategies. All readers will benefit from reading and discussing the very important topics presented, and the very short chapters would lend it to a read aloud—perhaps in health classes.
1. When he sees his ex-best friend Gilly Benjamin stealing menstrual products from the grocery store, he is very upset (that she would be a thief) and confused. He does not know—and later finds out—that her reason for ending their friendship was her parents’ divorce—she just could not bring herself to answer all his questions—and the reason for her theft is because her mother has left, her father had an accident, and money is tight (and also she doesn’t want to talk to her dad about her “feminine needs.”)
2. When Gilly starts her period at school and Asher’s new male friends make fun of her, Asher decides that his school passion project will be to make a film to normalize menstruation and take away the stigma that females face, an “End the Shame” campaign. With the help of Gilly with whom he has again become best friends, his therapist mother, his magician brother, and the calming effects of Teddy, a dog he is now walking, and the inadvertent help of his ex- friend and “jerk” Dylan, Asher’s video and Operation Red Empathy becomes quite the success.
This was a delightful read with a truly engaging main character. For kids with ADHD or any neurodevelopmental disorder, who lack focus or who experience any of Asher’s challenges, this novel will let them feel seen and provide some new coping and managing strategies. All readers will benefit from reading and discussing the very important topics presented, and the very short chapters would lend it to a read aloud—perhaps in health classes.
October 20, 2026
Great Middle Grade Novel!
"How to Walk a Dog " is a great title to hook the reader, but once leashed in, they discover a long leash that lets them run through so many other topics. Yes, there is an adorable dog in the story, but Joanne Levy weaves a story about a living with ADHD, saving a friendship and empathy. Asher is very creative, but his lack of focus, intense curiosity and his unfiltered questions and comments can get him in trouble. Like many people with ADHD, he is often "too much". Levy captures life with ADHD perfectly, Asher's narration complete with lists, asides, irreverent non sequiturs, doodles and footnotes. People with ADHD will definitely feel seen. The character's mother is a therapist, and she talks to Asher about his feelings and his inappropriate behavior that results when he doesn't think things through. This allows the author to slip in a lot of advice to young readers on everything from coping with ADHD, and spiraling feelings, to providing charity and support to those in need without causing embarrassment.
The main plot to this story is a surprising one for a novel with a male protagonist.: menstrual shame. Asher may be impulsive, but he is also caring and empathetic. Asher spots a friend shoplifting menstrual products, and later, when she is bullied because of a stain from an unexpected period, he comes to her defense. He can't understand why something that is normal and healthy for half the population is whispered about and seen as dirty or shameful. Asher needs a passion project for school and decides to launch an anti-shame campaign. I never thought about it as shameful, but it is true, that it is rarely talked about in mixed company. And even then, many people still use the same euphemisms that were popular in the past. Hopefully young readers will get the same message that Asher wants to send. Periods are natural and healthy and nothing to be ashamed about. Girls will feel seen and maybe boys reading the story will be a little kinder to their sisters and female friends.
"How to Walk a Dog " is a great title to hook the reader, but once leashed in, they discover a long leash that lets them run through so many other topics. Yes, there is an adorable dog in the story, but Joanne Levy weaves a story about a living with ADHD, saving a friendship and empathy. Asher is very creative, but his lack of focus, intense curiosity and his unfiltered questions and comments can get him in trouble. Like many people with ADHD, he is often "too much". Levy captures life with ADHD perfectly, Asher's narration complete with lists, asides, irreverent non sequiturs, doodles and footnotes. People with ADHD will definitely feel seen. The character's mother is a therapist, and she talks to Asher about his feelings and his inappropriate behavior that results when he doesn't think things through. This allows the author to slip in a lot of advice to young readers on everything from coping with ADHD, and spiraling feelings, to providing charity and support to those in need without causing embarrassment.
The main plot to this story is a surprising one for a novel with a male protagonist.: menstrual shame. Asher may be impulsive, but he is also caring and empathetic. Asher spots a friend shoplifting menstrual products, and later, when she is bullied because of a stain from an unexpected period, he comes to her defense. He can't understand why something that is normal and healthy for half the population is whispered about and seen as dirty or shameful. Asher needs a passion project for school and decides to launch an anti-shame campaign. I never thought about it as shameful, but it is true, that it is rarely talked about in mixed company. And even then, many people still use the same euphemisms that were popular in the past. Hopefully young readers will get the same message that Asher wants to send. Periods are natural and healthy and nothing to be ashamed about. Girls will feel seen and maybe boys reading the story will be a little kinder to their sisters and female friends.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🅼🅾🅼🅼🆈 & 🅼🅴 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
𝔼-𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 • ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ
Release Date: October 20, 2026
вιg ℓ яαтιηg: ♾️⭐️
It's not a shame to have periods. It's okay if you have periods - it happens like every month. Asher is the main character of the book and he broke the stigma of periods. The dog part was very, very, very cute and I love dogs. Thank you for looking at Big L's, Sweet P's and Mom's bookstagram!
Would I Recommend: YES!
SWEET P яαтιηg: ♾️⭐️
It almost made me cry. The dog part was really cute and periods are really strange to have and you guys should never be embarrassed when you have a period. Periods are not fun to have. Periods are really weird to talk about, but Asher is trying hard to break the stigma of periods. Thank you for listening to Sweet P's and Big L's book channel.
Would I Recommend: YES!
мσмму яαтιηg: ♾️⭐️
@joanne_levy_ what an absolute masterpiece piece! This was my kids first novel (ages 8 & 6) and I was FLOORED with how attentive they were when I was reading! This story made the introduction and normalization of periods so incredibly easy! Also, Sweet P and myself saw a lot of resemblance between Asher and herself (while not diagnosed, I will be starting the process soon!) & hearing Sweet P saying, "mommy, that's just like me.". Joanne, it was truly music to my ears hearing my kids say, "but mommy, just one more chapter!" There were so many incredible life lessons and learning opportunities that was warming my heart and brough tears to my eyes. Will be absolutely recommending this to ALL of my mom friends!
Would I Recommend: YES!
𝔼-𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 • ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ
Release Date: October 20, 2026
вιg ℓ яαтιηg: ♾️⭐️
It's not a shame to have periods. It's okay if you have periods - it happens like every month. Asher is the main character of the book and he broke the stigma of periods. The dog part was very, very, very cute and I love dogs. Thank you for looking at Big L's, Sweet P's and Mom's bookstagram!
Would I Recommend: YES!
SWEET P яαтιηg: ♾️⭐️
It almost made me cry. The dog part was really cute and periods are really strange to have and you guys should never be embarrassed when you have a period. Periods are not fun to have. Periods are really weird to talk about, but Asher is trying hard to break the stigma of periods. Thank you for listening to Sweet P's and Big L's book channel.
Would I Recommend: YES!
мσмму яαтιηg: ♾️⭐️
@joanne_levy_ what an absolute masterpiece piece! This was my kids first novel (ages 8 & 6) and I was FLOORED with how attentive they were when I was reading! This story made the introduction and normalization of periods so incredibly easy! Also, Sweet P and myself saw a lot of resemblance between Asher and herself (while not diagnosed, I will be starting the process soon!) & hearing Sweet P saying, "mommy, that's just like me.". Joanne, it was truly music to my ears hearing my kids say, "but mommy, just one more chapter!" There were so many incredible life lessons and learning opportunities that was warming my heart and brough tears to my eyes. Will be absolutely recommending this to ALL of my mom friends!
Would I Recommend: YES!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An absolute hit of a new middle grade book by award-winning Canadian children's author Joanne Levy and my new favorite book of hers. This book hugely accessible with short chapters, doodles and a gem of a relatable, loveable main character. The story follows Asher, a bighearted Jewish boy who has ADHD and is mourning the loss of his best friend, Gilly and is stunned when he catches her stealing period products in a grocery store.
When Gilly moves back he does his best to earn her forgiveness but finds himself making mistake after mistake. Finally a school project and a goofy dog help them mend their friendship and they become accidental stars when Asher makes a video campaigning to end period shaming in support of Gilly who was getting bullied at school because of her period.
Full of friendship, humor, great tips for managing ADHD and important messages about period positivity, anti-bullying and financial insecurity. I loved that the story is cleverly told from a boy's POV and how Asher stands up for his friend in such a brave and public way. Perfect for fans of books like Free Period by Ali Terese. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
When Gilly moves back he does his best to earn her forgiveness but finds himself making mistake after mistake. Finally a school project and a goofy dog help them mend their friendship and they become accidental stars when Asher makes a video campaigning to end period shaming in support of Gilly who was getting bullied at school because of her period.
Full of friendship, humor, great tips for managing ADHD and important messages about period positivity, anti-bullying and financial insecurity. I loved that the story is cleverly told from a boy's POV and how Asher stands up for his friend in such a brave and public way. Perfect for fans of books like Free Period by Ali Terese. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2026
Middle schooler Asher is very open about his ADHD diagnosis and his family works to support him in a variety of ways. We are given a front seat view of how his brain works, what sets him off, and what helps him regain control. His former best friend Gilly was also kind and supportive, but shut him out and he does not understand why. They start to repair their friendship when he notices she has bled through her pants and he gives her his sweatshirt to tie around her waist (classic move!). His mom (a therapist) helps him understand a lot about what is going on with Gilly and her family, and how girls have often been made to feel ashamed of their periods and the symptoms surrounding them. Asher decides to do his passion project assignment about destigmatizing menstruation and it sets off an incredible series of events. This book provides so many windows and mirrors on ADHD, menstruation, food insecurity, and bullying, all while being written in a way that will hook the intended audience. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Asher Avi Abrams is a boy with big feelings, a kind heart, ADHD, and an ex-best friend, Gilly Benjamin, whom he discovers stealing menstrual products from the supermarket. Asher can't imagine why Gilly would steal, and he still doesn't even know why they're no longer friends. Asher confronts Gilly, setting the plot in motion — and a surprising, creative, and heartfelt plot it is!
The characters are wonderful, real, and relatable. The narrative voice reminded me a bit of Jack Gantos's Joey Pigza, particularly in energy and cadence. The creative chapter headings and structure add to the book's readability. But mostly, what's not to love about finding one's voice, period advocacy, ADHD rep, a cute dog, and a meaningful friendship that survives the ups and downs of tweendom?
Thank you to the author for this Advanced Reader Copy.
The characters are wonderful, real, and relatable. The narrative voice reminded me a bit of Jack Gantos's Joey Pigza, particularly in energy and cadence. The creative chapter headings and structure add to the book's readability. But mostly, what's not to love about finding one's voice, period advocacy, ADHD rep, a cute dog, and a meaningful friendship that survives the ups and downs of tweendom?
Thank you to the author for this Advanced Reader Copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There is so much to love about this book. Asher, the main character, is delightful, even when he gets things wrong, because he is clearly always trying his best. I loved how Levy portrayed Asher's ADHD, and how the writing was so gripping that I didn't want to put the book down. Plus, I really admire that Levy decided to address the topic of period shame, particularly in a book with a male main character. I love that Asher's Jewish identity is so normalized—it's just part of who he is. I really, really hope that lots of kids pick up this book. I think kids with ADHD will see themselves in Asher, and I hope reading this book will begin to address some of the stigma that still surrounds periods. Also, I'm a sucker for a book with a giant adorable dog. 5 stars.
Thank you so much to Union Square & Co. and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much to Union Square & Co. and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book was so cute! Asher Abrams is a boy with ADHD who is trying to repair a broken friendship with his best friend Gillian. After seeing Gilly steal a box of pads Asher tries to talk to Gilly about what happened, but she keeps pushing him away because of an incident that happened between the two of them. Gilly then has her period and leaks in front of the whole playground at school and gets teased by some boys. Asher then decides to do his passion project at school about period normality. With a cute dog, hilarious jokes, and fun twists this book is a hit! Read this to find out more, it’s definitely worth it! Then read all the other amazing books by this wonderful author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As someone with ADHD, I really connected with the main character. I especially related to some of the challenges of growing up making friends, and being worried about being too much. It really felt like it shined a light on the impulsive characteristics of those with ADHD in a lighthearted way, easy enough for kids to understand. I loved the chapter titles, nontraditional formatting, and footnotes which really made this book stand out.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As someone that wants to speak out on behalf of others, Asher is definitely a character to love. It’s a great book for discussing intent vs. impact since Asher (like many kids!) needs help figuring out his missteps. This sounds like a really heavy issue book, but the tone is fairly light and often funny.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Author Joanne Levy’s latest book, entitled “How to walk a dog” is a poignant, yet humorous story told from the perspective of Asher Adam, known by his best friend as “Triple A”.
Asher has ADHD, which sometimes hijacks his resolutions to keep a focus on the task at hand.
This distraction redirects his attention to become hyper focused on random things and situations that lead him to an end result not originally intended.
One day, Asher’s focus is again interrupted doing a errand for his mom in the grocery store. A chance sighting of Gillian Benjamin [aka former best friend known as Gilly Bean], derails his mom’s simple instructions, by creating a laser sharp curiousity and observes her pocketing a menstrual product then exiting.
This singular action by Gilly sets in motion a series of events that throw the former friends back together on a school project that eventually leads to a finale that no one could have predicted!
Levy has crafted a thoughtfully written story that beautifully intertwines self discovery, humour, pertinent conversations, with courage and hope.
This is a wonderful narrative that shows how courage to take a stand to create change against a stigma or something you strongly believe in, can turn someone into a ‘change maker’!
Short length chapters allow the pace of this story flow. It also allows the reader into how Asher thinks and deals with his overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
Oh yes, and interwoven into this is Asher’s desire to have a dog and footnotes!
Highly recommended! Five Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks to Union Square Kids for an early physical ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
Asher has ADHD, which sometimes hijacks his resolutions to keep a focus on the task at hand.
This distraction redirects his attention to become hyper focused on random things and situations that lead him to an end result not originally intended.
One day, Asher’s focus is again interrupted doing a errand for his mom in the grocery store. A chance sighting of Gillian Benjamin [aka former best friend known as Gilly Bean], derails his mom’s simple instructions, by creating a laser sharp curiousity and observes her pocketing a menstrual product then exiting.
This singular action by Gilly sets in motion a series of events that throw the former friends back together on a school project that eventually leads to a finale that no one could have predicted!
Levy has crafted a thoughtfully written story that beautifully intertwines self discovery, humour, pertinent conversations, with courage and hope.
This is a wonderful narrative that shows how courage to take a stand to create change against a stigma or something you strongly believe in, can turn someone into a ‘change maker’!
Short length chapters allow the pace of this story flow. It also allows the reader into how Asher thinks and deals with his overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
Oh yes, and interwoven into this is Asher’s desire to have a dog and footnotes!
Highly recommended! Five Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks to Union Square Kids for an early physical ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy
I just finished the ARC of this book and adored it. Asher is a wonderful and realistic example of a neurodivergent kid, and I love that through his therapist mom there are examples of strategies to use with kids who have Big Feelings.
Read
July 23, 2026
Trigger & Content Warnings
Parental divorce discussed (secondary character)
Minor blood depiction
Parent with long-term disability due to injuries sustained in a car accident (secondary character)
Themes of period poverty & menstruation stigma
Parental divorce discussed (secondary character)
Minor blood depiction
Parent with long-term disability due to injuries sustained in a car accident (secondary character)
Themes of period poverty & menstruation stigma
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I thoroughly enjoyed Asher and Gilly’s friendship, and I loved the portrayal of a character with ADHD.
I thoroughly enjoyed Asher and Gilly’s friendship, and I loved the portrayal of a character with ADHD.
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