Free Period
Scholastic Inc. | ISBN 9781338835830 Hardcover
272 Pages | 5.735" x 8.560" | Ages 8 to 12
Helen and Gracie are pranking their way through middle school when a stinky stunt lands them in the front office -- again. Because nothing else has curbed their chaos, the principal orders the best friends to do the unthinkable: care about something. So they join the school’s Community Action Club with plans to do as little as humanly possible.
But when Helen is caught unprepared by an early period and bleeds through her pants -- they were gold lamé! -- the girls take over the club’s campaign for maxi pads in bathrooms for all students who menstruate. In the name of period equity, the two friends use everything from over-the-top baked goods to glitter gluing for change. But nothing can prepare them for a clueless school board (ew), an annoying little sister (ugh), and crushes (oh my!).
As Helen and Gracie find themselves closer to change and in deeper trouble than ever before, they must decide if they care enough to keep going . . . even if it costs them their friendship.
Raves & reviews:
Praise for Free Period:
"This book is the period equity anthem we've been waiting generations to read. It glitters with humor and shows us the power that comes from staring down injustice. Free Period is about to start something BIG." - Carrie Firestone, author of Dress Coded
"A funny and fast-paced story about two steadfast best friends who refuse to go with the flow. It has everything I love: friendship, family drama, and first crushes, plus period equity, loyalty, and standing up for what you believe in. A smart book!" - Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep it Together, Keiko Carter
"This book is a MUST READ. I absolutely adored it!" - Lisa Greenwald, author of the TBH series
"This spirited coming-of-age story brings menstruation and period equity to the fore… Punchy, electric, and smart social commentary." - Kirkus Reviews