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

by Karen Gravelle, Jennifer Gravelle, Debbie Palen (Illustrator)

The essential guidebook for every girl.

The Period Book is a reassuring must-read for every girl about to have her period, and every parent wishing to prepare a daughter for this important milestone. With more than 300,000 copies sold, The Period Book stands out from the pack by specifically addressing younger girls. And with eleven now the average age at which girls get their period, this supportive and practical approach, providing clear and sensitive answers to common questions, is evern more welcome today.

The revised edition includes a new introduction for parents and an additional chapter about body image.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Childrens, Parenting, Education, Teen, Science

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Katie Mauger · Rating 1 out of 5]

I reviewed this book for work to see about including it on a sex ed list, and I was not impressed with it as far as inclusivity goes (which is not very darn far in this book). According to this book all girls have periods and everyone who has a period is a girl. As far as this book is concerned, trans kids don't exist. There is actually very little mention of LGBTQ stuff at all, which seems weird for a book that is supposedly about puberty and growing up. If fact, the only mention I found was one single paragraph buried in a chapter about how you, as a girl going through puberty, are probably starting to feel attracted to boys now. This paragraph reads:

"By the way, while many people develop romantic feelings toward members of the opposite sex, you probably already know that some people are attracted to people of the same sex while others are attracted to people of both sexes. But regardless of whether a person is attracted to someone of the same or opposite sex, the romantic feelings experienced are the same."

So you probably already know this, but SOME people might be gay. Probably not you though. At least, I certainly hope not, because the rest of this chapter is going to be about all your new sexy feelings for boys. Also the phrases "both sexes" and "opposite sex" imply that there are only two sexes and completely erases intersex kids.

Maybe I'm being harsh, but this edition was published in 2017. They could have done better, and there’s better stuff out there.

I’d recommend people to go with the 2014 edition of “It’s Perfectly Normal” (for kids like 10-14) or “Sex is a Funny Word” (for kids like 8-12) instead. If you’re looking for a book specifically about periods “Hello Flo” seems like a pretty good choice as well, though it has some of the same problems with trans inclusivity as this book.

[Nora · Rating 1 out of 5]

-Aimed to 8-12yo American GIRLS (not inclusive at all and making periods a 'girl thing', let's not tell the other half of the world about it)

- It explains the changes that happen during puberty but can be repetitive at times and very shaming

- It forgets to talk about many things, specially about pleasure and the clitoris which is simply mentioned once.

-It has a clear cis, heteronormative, traditional stereotyping and patriarcal mindset

-It covers illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia but then says that the perfect body is almost impossible instead of saying that every body is perfect

-sentences like 'breasts are a very big deal in American culture', encouraging to wear bras, promoting being embarrassed about having a period, talking about how 'popularity' comes with being 'really pretty, really athletic'... Just stereotype after stereotype...

-There is a chapter on Wearing Braces but not one on pleasure or sex. However they encourage you to not to send nudes, in case they are shared (what about telling others that's illegal to share them!?)

-It says the cup is for older women and to use pads or tampons without covering all the chemicals in them... Doesn't mention sustainability. It does cover about being clean promoting shame suggesting to even carry an extra pair of trousers in your backpack as a backup!

-It doesn't encourage to go to the doctor for checks unless something is wrong.

- Getting your period means 'becoming a woman' apparently...

Overall: clearly a guide from 1996 that shouldn't have been reprinted in 2017.

[Dilek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ergenliğe adım atanların kendini bulmasına yardımcı olabilecek, başlarına gelen ya da gelebilecek hemen hemen herşeyi anlatan bir kitap. Sadece ülkeler arasında kültür ve kaynak farkından dolayı minik bir düzenlemeye ihtiyacı var.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter just listened to an audio copy of this book, so I decided to read it also to see if it covered all the basics. I am happy to say that this book does a very good job of covering everything a preteen or young teenage girl needs to know about puberty.

The book details all the nitty gritty in a light and sometimes humorous way that should appeal to most girls. Descriptive drawings are also included. We learn about what changes to expect with puberty, including breast development, pubic and body hair growth, and zits. Girls are encouraged to use a hand held mirror to examine their own genitals in the privacy of their room or bathroom to better understand their body.

All the mechanics of menstruation are covered, and pads and tampons are also covered in detail. A tampon how-to, with illustrations is also included. What to expect at a gynecology visit is also discussed.

Then there are detailed Q&A's about things that a girl might worry about being normal, items such as uneven breasts or breast stretch marks, and the consistency and volume of their menstrual discharge> Then there is a "what to do" section with all those "horrors" a young girl might encounter, such as getting her period when she is unprepared. Helpful hints for what to do if you bleed through your clothes are discussed, and items that you can use if you don't have any pads or tampons handy are also mentioned (though I have to admit I never personally considered taking off and using one of my socks!)

All in all, this book is very well done, and I would recommend it to any young girl approaching puberty.

[Ada Seven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annemle beraber yavaş yavaş ilerleyerek ve bol bol konuşarak okuduğumuz bir kitap oldu. Fakat kitap sadece genç kızların regl dönemini değil, bu dönemde karşılarına çıkabilecek başka durumlardan da söz ediyordu. Bunları henüz tecrübe etmeden tekrardan üstünden geçmek ikimize de iyi geldi. Bu kitap tüm genç kızların gelişme dönemlerine girmeden önce okunacaklar listesinin en üstünde yer almalı!
Sevgiler: ADA SEVEN ❤️

[Selin Alper · Rating 5 out of 5]

12 yaşındaki kızımla birlikte uzun süreye yayarak, üzerinde konuşarak okuduk.
İçerik sadece regl olmak ve hormonların değişmesi üzerine değil, bu dönemde çocuklarımızın yaşadığı pek çok sıkıntı alt başlıklarda toparlanmış. Bazıları hızlı geçmiş ama üzerine konuşmak için iyi bir anne-kız okuması. Tavsiye ediyorum kız çocuklarımızın hepsine..

[Vi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I saw it in a book sale and it was only Php 45. But that Php 45 was well spent because this book really contains valuable information for girls especially during her red days.

What I liked:
(a) the way the author explained the anatomy of the female reproductive organ
(b) What to do when you have a period and many other things about the menstrual cycle
(c) tips when certain situations happen and you have your period
(d) how to wear pads/tampons

What I disliked:
There was nothing to dislike about this book.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book! Overall I think it is a good resource. The information presented about menstruation, PMS, and feelings is pretty spot on! However, throughout the book I kept thinking "What about trans kids?" I have friends with kids my daughter's age, and some of them will be getting periods and would probably like information that included them--even if they don't identify as girls! Additionally, the entire book is severely heteronormative. What about gay kids? The author made one passing comment that was like "sometimes people have feelings for someone of the same sex" but didn't give it any more credence. For a book that talks a lot about what is "normal" I find that minimizing and excluding homosexual and bisexual feelings is harmful. (After writing this, I changed my rating from three stars to two.)
And, chapter 9.... I know plenty of reviews talk about chapter 9. Many people didn't like the mentions of anorexia and bulimia. What I have a bigger problem with is the author's normalizing the idea of a perfect and unattainable body.... And the fact that she thinks CHILDREN could actually be obese and they need to be weighing themselves. Holy shit! Diet culture starts early. (After writing this, I went from two stars to one, and I've decided not to give this book to my daughter.)

[coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have ever read that dealt with explaining a girl's period and transition from a girl to a woman (which is really sad). I'm already going to be 21 soon and yet I found that I didn't know quite a few things and this book really taught me things. It also reassured me about things that I had always worried about, things that I had always wanted to ask my mom but was too embarrassed to do so.

I enjoyed the little pictures inside, they were fun to look at but also easy to read, especially the diagrams. Compared to school textbooks, this book was much more interactive.

The ending was especially interesting because the issues it talks about feel like they're personal problems but in reality a lot of people have the same doubts and worries. I had always believed that I was the only one in the dark, that everyone already knew this information but it's not the case. I suppose it's because nobody ever really talks about the subject that I thought this.

Another thing that I liked about this book is that it pushed me to speak with my mom. I had gone to the library with only thoughts of me reading this but once I started reading I would go to my mom and ask "Did you know this" or "Why is this so" or even "Can you tell me more?" Some things my mom was able to answer and others we were both stumped on.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a general overview of female puberty and menstruation for readers age 8 to 12.

It contains age appropriate and medically accurate information that is delivered in simple, easy to understand, and reassuring manner. Some of the information is presented in a question and answer format. Although there is a chapter on "romantic feelings," sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, and pregnancy are not discussed.

Illustrations accompany the text, and there is a table of contents at the front and an index at the back.

The book also touches on social issues such as sexual harassment, eating disorders, changing friendships, and sending nude photos. There is also a chapter on dental braces.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for moms to read with their girls. It does have graphics girls & a few boys. I just skipped what I thought was over their heads for now.

[Lil And]

I can't read it

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book but it’s not one I can confidently give to a young girl.

Myths galore about periods & body care.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is going nowhere near my kid. There is some ok basic, biological info. But the rest of it is fucking cis-het-normative BS, and reinforces all kinds of negative body and social stereotypes. I read the re-released version that came out in 2017.

How is this for a load of crap: "There's this part of the cafeteria called the reject cafeteria, where the kids who aren't very popular sit. Sometimes I just go in and say something nice to one of them, like Hi I really like your shoes. You don't have to be friends with everyone, but you can be friendly." THIS IS SHOWN AS AN EXAMPLE OF GOOD BEHAVIOUR.

Load of crap the second: "Obesity is more than being chubby or needing to lose a few pounds. Obese people are <> fat. Being this overweight negatively affects both their self-esteem and their health." ...Because obvs fat people = EW and should be pitied for their sad, sad existences.

Last one, or my head is going to pop off (in reference to anorexia and bulimia) "...And, sadly, neither one ever makes a girl more attractive."

I AM NOT MAKING ANY OF THIS UP.

There are WAY BETTER, more empowering options out there. My fave so far is "Celebrate Your Body And Its Changes Too" by Sonya Renee Taylor. Do yourself and the pre-pubescent folks in your life a favour and check it out.

[Andy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this book as a purchase for my school library. The one star it gets are for explaining periods but it doesn't explain much else. Yes, I know it's called 'The Period Book' but it's subtitled 'A Girl's guide to Growing Up'. Is that ALL girls need to know about? When compared side by side with the 'boy' version, it's such a disappointment.
It contains absolutely no information on sex or masturbation (Zero. Zilch). There's a chapter called 'Romantic Feelings that talks about crushes and wanting to be noticed, and then goes no to talk about the dangers of sexting. Honestly, I'm incensed at how little agency (or credit) this book gives girls.
How is anorexia and bulimia a normal part of growing up??? I can't even begin to talk about the problems with this... smh.
There's almost no acknowledgement of any kind of queerness whether it be gender or sexuality and that's a real problem for me too.

Altogether a frustratingly 1950s view of what girls need to know about growing up.

(I do recommend the 'boy' version though. It's great)

[Breanna Bean · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am appalled that this book is at the top of all the "best first period books" and such. It's horribly outdated and sexist. There is actually a line about boys and sex that reads "the fact that they may try to persuade you into sex should not necessarily be held against them." WTF???

Other criticisms:
-no mention of gender identity and or confusion
-focus on concealing bodily functions rather then empowering girls, e.g., encouraging girls to shave legs/armpits and pluck hair on face, wear deoderant/perfume with no mention of alternatives
-emphasis on pads and tampons with no mention of menstrual cups or period panties, etc
-emphasis on how awful and embarrassing periods are
-language that discludes unique caregiver situations -- a lot of "talk to your mom or step-mom" when it should be "trusted adult."
-outdated information about eating disorders, including fat-shaming language
-a lot of use of the word "virgin" which just needs to get thrown out of common vernacular altogether

There's more but you get the picture.

[Corinne Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pre-read this to decide whether to share it with a young lady approaching puberty. I had sought out a couple books that covered anatomy, periods, puberty; but that wouldn't have much info about sex, etc. (I don't feel that's necessary yet). This book fits that bill. The thing I didn't like is that, in my opinion, it focused on body image in an unnecessarily negative way. Sure, most or all girls/women will struggle with body image, at some point, to some degree. But I don't think we need to put ideas in 8+ year old girls' heads by telling them things like "Most girls aren't thrilled with their looks," "You might not like your new curvy hips," "If you need to lose a pound or two...," "If you had all the resources celebrities do, you'd look perfect too," etc. Aside from that, I did like the rest of the book.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a YA book and I was reading this for my 10 year old. Note: definitely YA and some content may not be suitable for your pre-teen and below...depending on the maturity level of said child. This book is written from the point of view of the author. I think 1 star is a bit unfair. I saw a review about this book being non inclusive. Here is the thing. The author may not know what it's like from a "non inclusive" point of view. I'm sure there are other books (as one reviewer noted) that you can read that is "inclusive." As a woman who was born female I totally related to most of what she said. If that is the demographic she was speaking to, then "reviewer" she may not have been speaking to you.

[Bailey Gadberry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Horrible advice on ED'S, the rest of the book is fine. But if you struggle with your body weight, this will RUIN you. The words that it said about overweight kids made me want to die. It also says that people with bulimia and anorexia are ugly, and barely gives any detailed about the eating disorders. I would recommend talking to your kids about eating disorders and being overweight, because being called unremarkably fat at 10 really hurts the good old self esteem. This book it pretty good, but if you have a bad relationship with your body and food, maybe skip the, "Nobody's perfect section," ironically

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great and necessary book for every young girl. I read this now as an adult as I never had it available to me as a teenager and was curious as to what it would say.
Periods shouldn't be something we're ashamed to talk about, they shouldn't be taboo and they shouldn't be something we don't understand as kids.
It's very important to educate future generations of boys and girls about their bodies in a way that doesn't make them feel ashamed or disgusted.

This book also helps if you're a parent wanting to discuss this with your kids or vice versa.

[Ay Dree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book with my daughter when she got her 1st period. I loved the honesty, visuals, and direct information provided.
This book led to many open and honest discussions about girl and boy body parts; how babies are created; body changes; hormones; bullying; peer-pressure; romance; sexual harassment and rape; and much more.
I loved the fact that my daughter felt comfortable asking questions and learning about these different topics.

[Shunae France · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good

[Madame Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dated, but sound, positive advice.

[Rebecca]

read this as a belated sex ed -- it's quite clear and easy to understand

[Emily Alemán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo leí poco antes de entrar a la adolescencia, no lo recuerdo demasiado pero sé que me pareció muy interesante y respondió algunas de las dudas que empezaba a tener sobre mi cuerpo.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it. It is a good book for girls like 9-13 it is good so they can learn about periods. Honestly a great book!

[Boz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for my daughter and highly recommended; opened up a lot of conversations and questions between her and her mother.

[Radiolab]

Radiolab asked listeners for their sex ed recommendations.

Amy, a Radiolab listener, says, "I found it in the library in third grade and it was the first time I realized that you don't just take a pill and become pregnant. I also remember that it focused a lot on what happens during puberty, and said relatively little about sex, which made me assume for several years that sex was just this thing that happens occasionally, but it's not really that important."

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having a tween, I have been trying to find books that will prepare her for puberty and a little beyond. At 9 1/2, she has the American Girl Body Book which is fairly appropriate for her age now, but I am still trying to find something for her when she hits about 12 or 13 years old to further answer her questions. I found this book on paperbackswap and it is decent but I feel my daughter is still a little too young for it since it shows a drawing of a naked male body (tastefully done, but not something she needs to see right now) and it does talk about sex (again, tastefully done but I don't think she needs it yet - she knows the basics of it all and as she asks questions, I tell her, but I think this book is a little more than she is ready for currently). I'll have this book for her when she is ready in a couple years.

[Banu Sancar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regl olmanın vücuttaki pis kanın dışarı atılması ile ilgili bilgilendirmenin yapıldığı bir dönemde büyümüş bir anne olarak iyi ki böyle bir kitap var dedim. Ergenlikle birlikte vücuttaki değişimler, regl olmaya başlayarak karşılaşılacak zorluklar, kullanılacak pedlerin çeşitliliği, beslenme ve en sonunda tacize de yer verilmiş gayet anlaşılır bir dille yazılmış kaynak niteliğinde bir kitap olmuş.
Cinsellik eğitmeni Rayka Kumru’nun da kendi kültürümüze göre dip not şeklinde tavsiyelerinin olması çok güzel düşünülmüş..