ANNOTATION

"...covers the basic information of hygiene, body changes, communication with parents, examinations, and possible embarrassing situations."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Karen Gravelle and her fifteen-year-old niece, Jennifer Gravelle, have written a down-to-earth and practical book that answers any questions you might have about your period, from what it is and what it feels like, to how to choose pads and tampons, to how to talk to your parents about it. The Period Book will help guide you through all the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with your period, as well as related issues like dealing with pimples, mood swings, and new expectations from friends and family. Debbie Palen's funny and sympathetic cartoons ease the confusion and exasperation you might feel, and celebrate the new sense of power and maturity that your period can bring. Perfect for sharing, The Period Book is a trusty friend that can help you feel happy and confident about this new phase of your life.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

With the help of her 15-year-old niece, Karen Gravelle hits her mark with this accessible guide for adolescent girls. Frank and at times funny, the book focuses on changes that occur during puberty, specifically those accompanying menstruation. Though the scope is, intentionally, not as comprehensive as many handbooks on adolescence, the authors address nitty-gritty, practical details not usually included in such tomes (e.g., tips on improvising a sanitary pad). In addition to answering a range of "What if?" questions that would be embarrassing for many girls to ask, the authors also cover such subjects as what to expect from a visit to a gynecologist; living with pimples, cramps and "weird emotions"; and how to communicate better with parents. A comforting chapter about physical development draws an important distinction between being "normal" and being "like everyone else." Though sometimes silly or cliched, Palen's cartoon illustrations echo the candor of the text and reinforce its kid-friendly approach. Ages 8-up. (Mar.)

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

Sexuality books usually upset me. It's not the subject matter. It's just that they put information for a four-year-old in the same book with information for a nine-year-old. So I'll be reading along about how babies are made and suddenly I turn the page and we're discussing orgasm. Gravelle's The Period Book is perfect for girls, 8-11, who are beginning to wonder about getting their periods. When my son was in this phase, he didn't want to read aloud about these things, but my nine-almost ten-year-old daughter does. She and I read this book from cover to cover and almost every page helped her ask a question. We had a wonderful conversation about how all women are connected-and how any woman, anywhere, would be happy to lend you necessary supplies if you suddenly got your period and had none. The book has great suggestions to prepare young girls, and one of the best things we did was take a field trip to discover useful items in our bathroom.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-In a friendly, chatty manner, Gravelle explains the external and internal changes of puberty. She gives girls just enough practical details to know what to expect and how to cope with periods. Questions about big and little matters are answered in the same reassuring, sisterly vein. Humorous line drawings add to the light tone. Similar to Period (Volcano, 1991) by Gardner-Loulan, Lopez, and Quackenbush, this title is more direct, has fewer distractions, and the information is well indexed. While it doesn't replace a comprehensive work like Lynda Madaras's The What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls (Newmarket, 1987), its directness and simplicity makes it a solid choice, especially for younger girls.Martha Gordon, formerly at South Salem Library, NY