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Revenge of the Red Club
A tween reporter discovers an important and beloved club at school is being shut down—and uses the power of the pen to try and activate some much-needed social change in this period-positive and empowering middle grade novel about the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Riley Dunne loves being a member of the Red Club. It’s more than a group of girls supporting each other through Aunt Flo’s ups and downs; it’s a Hawking Middle School tradition. The club’s secret locker has an emergency stash of supplies, and the girls are always willing to lend an ear, a shoulder, or an old pair of sweatpants.
But when the school administration shuts the Red Club down because of complaints, the girls are stunned. Who would do that to them? The girls’ shock quickly turns into anger, and then they decide to get even.
But wallpapering the gym with maxi pads and making tampon crafts in art class won’t bring their club back. Only Riley can do that. Using the skills she has cultivated as her school paper’s top investigative reporter (okay, only investigative reporter), she digs for the truth about who shut the club down and why. All the while dealing with friendship drama, a new and ridiculous dress code, and a support group that is now more focused on fighting with each other than fighting back.
Can she save the Red Club before this rebellion turns into a full-scale war?
Riley Dunne loves being a member of the Red Club. It’s more than a group of girls supporting each other through Aunt Flo’s ups and downs; it’s a Hawking Middle School tradition. The club’s secret locker has an emergency stash of supplies, and the girls are always willing to lend an ear, a shoulder, or an old pair of sweatpants.
But when the school administration shuts the Red Club down because of complaints, the girls are stunned. Who would do that to them? The girls’ shock quickly turns into anger, and then they decide to get even.
But wallpapering the gym with maxi pads and making tampon crafts in art class won’t bring their club back. Only Riley can do that. Using the skills she has cultivated as her school paper’s top investigative reporter (okay, only investigative reporter), she digs for the truth about who shut the club down and why. All the while dealing with friendship drama, a new and ridiculous dress code, and a support group that is now more focused on fighting with each other than fighting back.
Can she save the Red Club before this rebellion turns into a full-scale war?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2019
16 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Kim Harrington
15 books1,069 followersKim Harrington is the author of A Killer for Christmas, her debut adult mystery coming in 2026 from Crooked Lane Books. She is also known for her teen novels Clarity, Perception, The Dead and Buried, and Forget Me, as well as books for younger readers including Revenge of the Red Club, the Sleuth or Dare series, and Gamer Squad series. Visit her website at KimHarringtonBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 27, 2021
The girls-supporting-each-other concept in Revenge of the Red Club is especially refreshing, in light of the oh, so many "nasty girl," "popular, but mean girl," "chick clique," "cat-fighting" scenarios that we see so often on tv-shows, in movies, and in books these days. Even more powerful are the girls-finding-their-voices, and girls-standing-up-against-discrimination-and-injustice, and girls-combating-body-shaming themes in this book.
The Red Club itself is an interesting concept. While I wouldn't have joined a Red Club as a teenager or pre-teen, I certainly would have supported (and still do support) the idea of a Red Club for those who needed and/or wanted a girls' support group. I was actively involved in breaking gender barriers as a child, teen, and young adult. I had to fight for the right to be an "alter-boy" in the Catholic church as a child. I suffered for a half a season as "bat girl" on my little league baseball team before I was even given my chance to play in a game (All the boys, even those younger and less skilled than me got to play in every game). After I finally got put in my first game, I earned my right to play, and soon thereafter I earned a starting position. After years of fighting to get into boy scouts, I was one of the first members of a co-ed teen Boy Scout Explorer troop, in which I took on a leadership position early on. In college, while we had a women's rights organization, I preferred making my stand as a member of the student government and was elected president my senior year.
I certainly had a lot of fighting to do... simply because of my gender. I remember saying as a child that, as a girl, I had to constantly break down the doors, while my brother had them held open for him. But I was one of the lucky ones. Both my parents supported my aspirations 100%. I know, however, that this is not always, or even often the case, which is why the concept of a Red Club sounds so intriguing to me now, as the mother of a pre-teen daughter. (My daughter hasn't read this book yet, but I will update my review when she does).
I read this book in a constant state of aggravation and frustration, mostly frustrated that this kind of discrimination, body shaming, and suppression of rights could possibly still exist in the USA. I've traveled the world and I know we have a long way to go to achieve gender equality worldwide, but I was shocked to see these kinds of issues being dealt with by a contemporary American writer. Censorship of newspaper articles, and the shutting down of the school newspaper? The banning of leggings? The closing of a girls' support group? Is this a contemporary middle grade or a dystopian novel? But whether these problems are widely spread (I hope not!) or isolated incidents (I rather hope so), it's important to remember where we came from, how we got to where we are now, and what goals we still need to push forward and strive toward. The process has never been easy. Finding our voices, taking a stand, forming a support group, organizing a movement, writing and publishing about the issues and possible solutions, utilizing civil disobedience -- all of these measures were necessary for Riley and her friends, and all these measures may be necessary for all of us -- to bring us closer to true equality and social justice.
I received a copy of this book from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The Red Club itself is an interesting concept. While I wouldn't have joined a Red Club as a teenager or pre-teen, I certainly would have supported (and still do support) the idea of a Red Club for those who needed and/or wanted a girls' support group. I was actively involved in breaking gender barriers as a child, teen, and young adult. I had to fight for the right to be an "alter-boy" in the Catholic church as a child. I suffered for a half a season as "bat girl" on my little league baseball team before I was even given my chance to play in a game (All the boys, even those younger and less skilled than me got to play in every game). After I finally got put in my first game, I earned my right to play, and soon thereafter I earned a starting position. After years of fighting to get into boy scouts, I was one of the first members of a co-ed teen Boy Scout Explorer troop, in which I took on a leadership position early on. In college, while we had a women's rights organization, I preferred making my stand as a member of the student government and was elected president my senior year.
I certainly had a lot of fighting to do... simply because of my gender. I remember saying as a child that, as a girl, I had to constantly break down the doors, while my brother had them held open for him. But I was one of the lucky ones. Both my parents supported my aspirations 100%. I know, however, that this is not always, or even often the case, which is why the concept of a Red Club sounds so intriguing to me now, as the mother of a pre-teen daughter. (My daughter hasn't read this book yet, but I will update my review when she does).
I read this book in a constant state of aggravation and frustration, mostly frustrated that this kind of discrimination, body shaming, and suppression of rights could possibly still exist in the USA. I've traveled the world and I know we have a long way to go to achieve gender equality worldwide, but I was shocked to see these kinds of issues being dealt with by a contemporary American writer. Censorship of newspaper articles, and the shutting down of the school newspaper? The banning of leggings? The closing of a girls' support group? Is this a contemporary middle grade or a dystopian novel? But whether these problems are widely spread (I hope not!) or isolated incidents (I rather hope so), it's important to remember where we came from, how we got to where we are now, and what goals we still need to push forward and strive toward. The process has never been easy. Finding our voices, taking a stand, forming a support group, organizing a movement, writing and publishing about the issues and possible solutions, utilizing civil disobedience -- all of these measures were necessary for Riley and her friends, and all these measures may be necessary for all of us -- to bring us closer to true equality and social justice.
I received a copy of this book from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2024
As I read, I kept thinking, “Boy, I wish someone had thought of a club like this when I was in middle school!”
Go, Girl Power!
Go, Girl Power!
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February 6, 2019My new book! Coming October 22, 2019!
June 3, 2019
The Baby-Sitters Club meets the First Rule Of Punk in this fierce novel about sisterhood, friendship, and standing up for what’s right. When the Red Club—an after-school, student-run club for middle school girls to ask all their weirdest questions about periods and other aspects of puberty without shame—gets shut down after anonymous complaints of it being too "inappropriate", Riley and her friends must investigate the real reasons why their club was taken away. And they just might start a feminist movement in the process.
What I would have given for a book like this—or even better, an actual Red Club—in middle school!!!! I think I will be passing this off to every middle schooler, middle school teacher, middle school counselor, parent of a middle schooler, etc. that I know. This is going to be a book that’s referenced over and over again as the years go by and one that, down the road, I think we’ll look to as the start of leading a new generation of women who don’t try to hide their tampons up their sleeves as they race to the bathroom. What a world that will be, right?
What I would have given for a book like this—or even better, an actual Red Club—in middle school!!!! I think I will be passing this off to every middle schooler, middle school teacher, middle school counselor, parent of a middle schooler, etc. that I know. This is going to be a book that’s referenced over and over again as the years go by and one that, down the road, I think we’ll look to as the start of leading a new generation of women who don’t try to hide their tampons up their sleeves as they race to the bathroom. What a world that will be, right?
January 27, 2020
This could easily have been another banal tween book, but instead it covers a topic a lot of people still somehow squirm about, menstruation, and in particular the many ways it effects tweens and young teens. Every girl, every woman has gone through some of what goes on here, and god do I wish there had been a "red club" at my Bronx junior high school in the 70s!
There's a lot going on here, not just about menstruation but about bullying, body shaming, and dual standards for boys and girls. There's a lot about friendship, about family. The grownups here are not cartoon dimwits, they too are struggling with how to deal with it all, and show that they can listen and learn and change. Above all this is believable, and the sort of solid tween fiction that I rarely find these days. I hope others will find it too.
There's a lot going on here, not just about menstruation but about bullying, body shaming, and dual standards for boys and girls. There's a lot about friendship, about family. The grownups here are not cartoon dimwits, they too are struggling with how to deal with it all, and show that they can listen and learn and change. Above all this is believable, and the sort of solid tween fiction that I rarely find these days. I hope others will find it too.
April 18, 2021
This was such a heartwarming read! MOXIE for your younger readers looking for an intro to feminism, self-love, and female empowerment. Totally recommend!
May 17, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
What an amazing and important commentary on the way that young girls are treated in, unfortunately, a painful number of schools in the United States today. Kim Harrington's Revenge of the Red Club is one of those books that I honestly wish every young girl would read. The fact of the matter is that some schools still shame young girls for their bodies, still shame them for something as natural as menstruation, still censor and deny their education in essential areas of life. And why? Well, it's the complaining parents, of course, who are happy to have their children live in ignorance to life's truths and ultimately damaging them horribly in the long run.
I was fortunate enough as a child to have parents who didn't censor my education, who were actually active in ensuring that I knew about my body and provided me with the support needed in understanding facets of the world that I was growing up in. Depressingly, there are many places where this is not the case. One just has to think of the abstinence-only education that happens in the southern states to recognize where the problems are. Regardless, Revenge of the Red Club focuses primarily on the censorship of education and support surrounding periods and body shaming.
In a world where both the school and, unfortunately, some of the parents do their best to keep the education of their students' censored from perfectly normal things like menstruation, a group of girls set up a club for anyone who has started their period so that they can support each other. This comes in the form of weekly meetings and newly built friendships. But when someone's mom complains and gets the club banned, the girls have to do everything in their power to fight back against the injustice. And not only that, but there's the ridiculous dress code and shaming of women to address as well.
And so the girls band together to protest, making plans for different kinds of pranks to pull throughout the week as they move forward.
I think this book is an excellent commentary on some of the problems with the education system and society in general. There are a lot of frustrating things that happen just as a result of the closed-mindedness of an unfortunate number of people that need to be changed. And while this book isn't going to change everything, it at least offers an opportunity for young girls to learn more about their world and what's right vs. wrong. I'm honestly surprised by how little it's been read up until now.
If you have a daughter around twelve, honestly, you should do her a huge favor and get her this book.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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What an amazing and important commentary on the way that young girls are treated in, unfortunately, a painful number of schools in the United States today. Kim Harrington's Revenge of the Red Club is one of those books that I honestly wish every young girl would read. The fact of the matter is that some schools still shame young girls for their bodies, still shame them for something as natural as menstruation, still censor and deny their education in essential areas of life. And why? Well, it's the complaining parents, of course, who are happy to have their children live in ignorance to life's truths and ultimately damaging them horribly in the long run.
I was fortunate enough as a child to have parents who didn't censor my education, who were actually active in ensuring that I knew about my body and provided me with the support needed in understanding facets of the world that I was growing up in. Depressingly, there are many places where this is not the case. One just has to think of the abstinence-only education that happens in the southern states to recognize where the problems are. Regardless, Revenge of the Red Club focuses primarily on the censorship of education and support surrounding periods and body shaming.
In a world where both the school and, unfortunately, some of the parents do their best to keep the education of their students' censored from perfectly normal things like menstruation, a group of girls set up a club for anyone who has started their period so that they can support each other. This comes in the form of weekly meetings and newly built friendships. But when someone's mom complains and gets the club banned, the girls have to do everything in their power to fight back against the injustice. And not only that, but there's the ridiculous dress code and shaming of women to address as well.
And so the girls band together to protest, making plans for different kinds of pranks to pull throughout the week as they move forward.
I think this book is an excellent commentary on some of the problems with the education system and society in general. There are a lot of frustrating things that happen just as a result of the closed-mindedness of an unfortunate number of people that need to be changed. And while this book isn't going to change everything, it at least offers an opportunity for young girls to learn more about their world and what's right vs. wrong. I'm honestly surprised by how little it's been read up until now.
If you have a daughter around twelve, honestly, you should do her a huge favor and get her this book.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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February 21, 2021
Riley has always had a way with words, she uses them to get her point across. In Riley’s school, The Red Club, has been meeting for years, but this year it’s under attack. This challenge was just the first of many that were revealed and challenged under the roof of Riley’s middle school. Riley and her friends want an equal playing field, they have excellent points to back themselves up, so watch out Hawking Middle School, the battle has just begun.
I enjoyed how this middle school book addressed a variety of controversial and important issues. The Red Club is a long-standing club at this school yet this year, it’s coming under fire. The club is for girls who have started their menstrual cycle. If you haven’t experienced “Aunt Flo,” you can’t be a member of the Red Club. There are positives and negatives to being a member of the club and as the students respond to the club and its members, I learned what some of these reasons were. The book centers around this club but the book also addresses bullying, double standards, dress-code, self-absorbed individuals, pressure, communication, family, and friendship. I know, it’s quite a list.
One day, Riley offered some female help to Julia. Being new to the school, Riley then told Julia about the Red Club, who seemed excited about it. Yet, Julia informed Riley later her mother didn’t like the idea of the club therefor she wouldn’t be attending the meetings. What? Why is that?
It isn’t long before the principal closes down the club which ticks off the members. Some of the girls still decide to meet off-site (love this!). Riley, an excellent investigative reporter for the school’s newspaper wants to investigate but, the newspaper is now shut down. What!? Riley is good at exposing the truth, her articles have raised a few eyebrows including the principals. What can Riley do now? It’s time for the girls to unite.
This wasn’t a female vs. male book, rather it shows the perception of issues. There were some males who understood what Riley’s and her friends were saying and stood with them as they faced their opponents.
It thought it was a great read and I only had one issue with the book. When Riley talks with her mom, I had an issue with that scene. It’s definitely a terrific middle school read. 4.5 stars. Pair this with graphic novel Go With the Flow.
I enjoyed how this middle school book addressed a variety of controversial and important issues. The Red Club is a long-standing club at this school yet this year, it’s coming under fire. The club is for girls who have started their menstrual cycle. If you haven’t experienced “Aunt Flo,” you can’t be a member of the Red Club. There are positives and negatives to being a member of the club and as the students respond to the club and its members, I learned what some of these reasons were. The book centers around this club but the book also addresses bullying, double standards, dress-code, self-absorbed individuals, pressure, communication, family, and friendship. I know, it’s quite a list.
One day, Riley offered some female help to Julia. Being new to the school, Riley then told Julia about the Red Club, who seemed excited about it. Yet, Julia informed Riley later her mother didn’t like the idea of the club therefor she wouldn’t be attending the meetings. What? Why is that?
It isn’t long before the principal closes down the club which ticks off the members. Some of the girls still decide to meet off-site (love this!). Riley, an excellent investigative reporter for the school’s newspaper wants to investigate but, the newspaper is now shut down. What!? Riley is good at exposing the truth, her articles have raised a few eyebrows including the principals. What can Riley do now? It’s time for the girls to unite.
This wasn’t a female vs. male book, rather it shows the perception of issues. There were some males who understood what Riley’s and her friends were saying and stood with them as they faced their opponents.
It thought it was a great read and I only had one issue with the book. When Riley talks with her mom, I had an issue with that scene. It’s definitely a terrific middle school read. 4.5 stars. Pair this with graphic novel Go With the Flow.
March 18, 2020
This book makes a really fierce and important statement, just like the main character, Riley.
Riley is part of a club at her middle school that basically runs itself- the Red Club. This club invites girls who have received their monthly visitor already. They talk about various things, from tampons to cramps. Riley feels proud to be part of the club and help other girls with their needs.
But one day, someone complains to the school board about the club, and other things. Suddenly, a strict dress code is enforced, and the Red Club is shut down. Riley is devastated. With the help of her friends, she works to bring back fairness and understanding to teachers and students alike.
Overall, this book is genius. I love the idea of having a Red Club. I can totally understand how that can help girls everywhere. This book is also amazing because of the message it sends to readers, saying that it is okay to talk about these kinds of things, that no one should be ashamed.
I recommend this book to 4-7th graders. That is around the age when these things start up, and it can be chaotic. Reading this book could help girls cope with anxiety about their period, answer some questions, or even just let them no they are not alone. Overall, it is a really great read.
Riley is part of a club at her middle school that basically runs itself- the Red Club. This club invites girls who have received their monthly visitor already. They talk about various things, from tampons to cramps. Riley feels proud to be part of the club and help other girls with their needs.
But one day, someone complains to the school board about the club, and other things. Suddenly, a strict dress code is enforced, and the Red Club is shut down. Riley is devastated. With the help of her friends, she works to bring back fairness and understanding to teachers and students alike.
Overall, this book is genius. I love the idea of having a Red Club. I can totally understand how that can help girls everywhere. This book is also amazing because of the message it sends to readers, saying that it is okay to talk about these kinds of things, that no one should be ashamed.
I recommend this book to 4-7th graders. That is around the age when these things start up, and it can be chaotic. Reading this book could help girls cope with anxiety about their period, answer some questions, or even just let them no they are not alone. Overall, it is a really great read.
September 1, 2020
My heart grew 7 sizes reading this! I loved the girls dealing with the real sexist problems inherent in American dress codes (the policing in the story was absolutely representative of my 9 years as a public high school teacher), and all of the ways that decorum and “following the rules” serve to make girls feel ashamed of themselves. This book is outstanding.
January 16, 2021
Great! This is a good replica of the injustices against women, which happen almost daily. It also displays how you can fight back. What impressed me the most is that even with all the examples of injustices, it was still a good fiction book! I totally expected it to be more of a book to raise awareness than a book that you could have fun reading. I’ll give it five stars any day!
April 21, 2021
Probably a 2.5 for me, in all actuality. I get what this book is trying to do, and I admire what it's trying to do. It just didn't quite work for me. The only book I remember ever talking about periods was Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. When I read that book for the first time in 4th grade, it was already really outdated (BELTED pads??? What are those???), but it was all we had, and I read it over and over again. So, I am glad girls today have a book that is much more up-to-date. I love how this book encourages us to normalize menstruation and to question sexist dress codes and to support each other. BUT... the school didn't feel real to me, and the main character was a little too over the top. I love how some of the boys banded with the girls, but would that REALLY happen? I've taught middle school for 23 years, and I just can't imagine this scenario in reality. I WOULD like to see a "secret" space where girls can go for supplies without embarrassment... where pads, tampons, and even extra pants were available without having to go to the nurse or a teacher... where they can just help themselves and where they can guide their peers to go when needed. I think it was the idea of the Red Club that made me raise an eyebrow. I think it's great in theory, but I just don't see it happening in reality, at least where my school and our students are now. Maybe someday, though, I hope?
August 25, 2020
this should have been extremely my shit, but the writing was a little heavy handed for me. all the kids sounded like adults and it was all wrapped up way too easily, even for a middle grade book.
April 10, 2021
I loved this book.
September 13, 2023
Add to social justice unit. Read pages 5 "I know"- 7
In Hawking Middle School, there are no pads or tampons in the girls' bathrooms. So, what is a girl to do when she gets her period? Rile y and friends have crested the Red Club, where you can meet after school and talk menstruation. There is also a locker for the members with supplies as well as extra pans and shirts. Everything is going well until the school decides to cancel the club and take everything away from them. Can Riley and the club members get the club back up and running or will the members never stop fighting.
In Hawking Middle School, there are no pads or tampons in the girls' bathrooms. So, what is a girl to do when she gets her period? Rile y and friends have crested the Red Club, where you can meet after school and talk menstruation. There is also a locker for the members with supplies as well as extra pans and shirts. Everything is going well until the school decides to cancel the club and take everything away from them. Can Riley and the club members get the club back up and running or will the members never stop fighting.
August 15, 2020
I am loving all the period fiction right now - and LOVED this book. I think it would appeal to students of any gender, and I want a red club at my school now.
February 15, 2021
A fantastic middle grade read focusing on the "Red Club,"a club led by eighth grade Riley Dunne, focusing on issues related to menstruation. When the club is forced to disband by the principal due to an alleged parent complaint, Riley and other club members mobilize forces to highlight the club's importance through a week-long series of daily actions and protests designed to normalize conversations around menstruation and also meant to highlight the implicit body-shaming of the school's newly enforced dress code. This is a pitch-perfect middle grade read that would make a great book club choice for BOTH males and females.
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September 15, 2022Loved the agency and activism; this book provides middle schoolers with a lot of language and ideas for fighting unjust policies at their schools (not just the ones addressed in the book). It also shows a great example of allyship, which I did not find unrealistic at all (and, yes, I have worked with middle school students for about 8 years). The information about periods and normalizing this natural process will be very helpful for many; I know my 4th and 5th graders have asked for fiction books addressing pubertal changes. Transboys and nonbinary students who menstruate will not find any representation or consideration here, as the book is very cis het normative. I liked the realistic parent relationships, and the camaraderie of the Red Club girls despite their differences in other ways.
In addition to the lack of trans and non-binary consideration, I was disappointed in a few choices the author made. One, at the end of Chapter 11, is the lack of pushback at Riley's grandmother's comment to her dad that "'I'm sure you have much more important things to do than slave away in the kitchen.'" Riley pushes back on Grandma's "weird feelings about men and women splitting household chores" but does not address the use of "slave" in this context. I hope future editions of the book change Grandma's language or addresses the problematic use of "slave" in this context. Because the book addresses so many other problematic issues, leaving this one unexamined seems to imply that it is OK.
Second, in Chapter 20, there are comments about Camille Flores' hair that could be very difficult for readers who have similar hair. Camille, introduced in Chapter 4 as having "long black hair hung to her waist," "tan skin," and "the perfect bone structure of her mother, who'd been a model in Brazil before she came to the United States," comes to school one day with her "trademark long, straight hair...the approximate size of Texas. It was as if someone with big hair got electrocuted and then went for a run on a day with 100 percent humidity. It was the biggest hair I'd ever seen. A photo of it belonged in the Guinness Book of World Records." Camille loves her hair and says "'Isn't it gorgeous? The best part is that it's a choice. I can straighten it like I usually do or wear it big and curly like this." Riley narrates, "it did look awesome. At first it had been shocking because I'd never seen her wear it that way before. But the way she held herself and the way she flaunted it, Camille rocked that hair." Again, I hope a future edition addresses this scene in a way that is more sensitive to people who have hair like Camille's. The hair love after the description of Riley's first impression of it does not negate the harm done by reading that paragraph.
In addition to the lack of trans and non-binary consideration, I was disappointed in a few choices the author made. One, at the end of Chapter 11, is the lack of pushback at Riley's grandmother's comment to her dad that "'I'm sure you have much more important things to do than slave away in the kitchen.'" Riley pushes back on Grandma's "weird feelings about men and women splitting household chores" but does not address the use of "slave" in this context. I hope future editions of the book change Grandma's language or addresses the problematic use of "slave" in this context. Because the book addresses so many other problematic issues, leaving this one unexamined seems to imply that it is OK.
Second, in Chapter 20, there are comments about Camille Flores' hair that could be very difficult for readers who have similar hair. Camille, introduced in Chapter 4 as having "long black hair hung to her waist," "tan skin," and "the perfect bone structure of her mother, who'd been a model in Brazil before she came to the United States," comes to school one day with her "trademark long, straight hair...the approximate size of Texas. It was as if someone with big hair got electrocuted and then went for a run on a day with 100 percent humidity. It was the biggest hair I'd ever seen. A photo of it belonged in the Guinness Book of World Records." Camille loves her hair and says "'Isn't it gorgeous? The best part is that it's a choice. I can straighten it like I usually do or wear it big and curly like this." Riley narrates, "it did look awesome. At first it had been shocking because I'd never seen her wear it that way before. But the way she held herself and the way she flaunted it, Camille rocked that hair." Again, I hope a future edition addresses this scene in a way that is more sensitive to people who have hair like Camille's. The hair love after the description of Riley's first impression of it does not negate the harm done by reading that paragraph.
July 27, 2019
Everyone who is, has been or has contact with a middle school girl should read this. LOVED it!
June 23, 2020
Riley Dunne loves to share knowledge through her writing on the school paper and her active role in the Red Club where girls in her middle school can talk about their periods and anything else that might be going on. But when Riley's school starts to enforce more rules, the club is shut down. And to make matters worse dress code restrictions are in full force; no more leggings, no short-shorts (determined by the finger length rule), and no straps thinner than 3 fingers. Determined to make the school see that these new restrictions are sexist Riley starts a revolution to get things changed. But revolutions don't often go as planned.
I LOVED this book. It was very open about dress-code, periods, middle-school insecurities, and friendships. It's a perfect read for those who love social-justice or are in middle school themselves. It's very easy to see yourself in Riley and her friends shoes.
I LOVED this book. It was very open about dress-code, periods, middle-school insecurities, and friendships. It's a perfect read for those who love social-justice or are in middle school themselves. It's very easy to see yourself in Riley and her friends shoes.
May 12, 2021
Almost every female middle schooler has an embarrassing story about their period, and this story revolves around periods and female empowerment and mutual support. But the best idea ever is to have a "Red Club" where girls can meet and share information and tips, and support each other, and also have a locker with menstrual products and even sweat pants in various sizes. ALL middle schools, and even high schools should have such a locker for emergencies! When the principal takes it away, and institutes a draconian dress code (that of course only applies to girls), Riley tries various tactics to change things, from asking, to recruiting adult support, to finally, civil demonstrations (everybody carry around a tampon!). Riley makes mistakes, and the twist ending of who complained to the principal about it makes this believable. Light romance (lots of blushing, definitely no kissing) is appropriate for the age.
July 13, 2020
Middle school girls deciding to try to burn down the patriarchy at their school when their club about periods gets shut down and dress code rules are strictly enforced? Turns out I'm HERE FOR IT. For about half of this book I couldn't decide if it was a little too heavy handed or didactic with its feminist message, but by the end I was cheering for the girls and if things wrapped up a touch too neatly I was able to let it go with a smile. For girls starting to think about activism and their bodies and how those are intertwined, this would be a great read. Periods: they happen! They are normal! They are not gross or to be ashamed of! How great to have a book that explicitly states this for girls who are having their first periods or are going through the stress that is puberty.
January 21, 2023
I just want so many adolescent girls to read this.
January 4, 2020
Riley Dunn is an investigative reporter for the Hawking Middle School paper. She's also one of the leaders of the Red Club, a supportive group for girls with their periods. They have a locker full of extra supplies and clothes and weekly meetings with other girls to get support, advice and information that they wouldn't otherwise get at home. Suddenly, the school starts to crack down on the dress code for girls, disband the school newspaper, as well as the Red Club. Riley and her friend's are tired and angry at the double standards that they are being subjected and start fighting back. We definitely need more books like this. I definitely wished we had a Red Club at our school.
July 16, 2021
This book needs to be in every middle school library. The Red Club is a semi-secret club dedicated to helping girls navigate the challenges of getting your period at school.This club at student investigative reporter Riley Dunne's middle school and she is a member. When complaints from a parent lead the principal to shut it down, and also amp up enforcement of the school's dress code which unfairly targets the girls and not the boys, Riley and her friends take action to change this discriminatory policy and reinstate their club! Great middle grade book that should be read by both boys and girls, and full of inspiration for removing the stigma around menstruation!
December 2, 2019
Fantastic!! I loved everything about this - the girl power, we're-not-going-to-take-it-anymore story and the excellent characters (both female AND male, and kids as well as adults) as well as the many messages (let's normalize periods, let's consider the messages dress codes send to kid, giving teens a voice in the things that impact their daily lives, etc.). I can't recommend this highly enough! I wish there had been some additional notes for readers about how to start their own Red Club, as well as some of Riley's articles/essays - that would have been this even better.
April 3, 2020
This is the modern version of "Are You There God, It's Me Margaret" but with a giant punch of feminism and girl power. A great read for both preteen girls and boys, but unfortunately no boys will likely read it with a title and summary of the revenge of a club about menstruation... Riley, the main character, is a feisty and memorable main character who has a lot more convictions and power with words than I ever did at her age! Overall, this is a great book that I wish was packaged better to appeal to both genders.
June 28, 2021
I honestly was disappointed in this book. I think my expectations were too high since the book has been nominated for an award. It is written in a lighthearted, fun manner, and is an easy read. I found the plot to be predictable and also unbelievable. It was difficult for me to see middle school boys stepping up for middle school girls as they did in this novel. I also had difficulty with the believability of many of the relationships between the characters. However, it was a sweet, easy read and middle school girls would probably enjoy it.
February 7, 2020
While parts of the plot felt contrived and the adults all seemed a bit flat, the book as a whole touched on a lot of the things that adolescent girls go through. Body image, crushes, navigating friendships that are suddenly changing, developing slower or faster than other girl - each of these and more were written with a realistic and sympathetic tone while capturing the drama of middle school.
November 8, 2019
Serious girl power! Tackles many issues that middle school girls face, and does so in a positive and empowering way. Here's hoping this book inspires a Red Club at every middle school. And parents-- this is a must-read for you, too!
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