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Free Period
This middle-grade Moxie centering period equity is Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret for the next generation! 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 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.
**this is a prose novel, not a graphic novel**
**this is a prose novel, not a graphic novel**
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
About the author
Ali Terese
1 book18 followersAli Terese writes funny and heartfelt middle grade and YA stories. Free Period is her debut novel, available from Scholastic on March 5, 2024. Visit Ali online for book bonuses like giveaways, recipes, craftivism projects, and more at aliterese.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 17, 2024
A super fun, super important read for middle schoolers and beyond. Helen and Gracie are goofy little gremlins who love to terrorize the halls of their middle school... until they land the punishment of working in the Community Action Club. This book tackles the problem of period equity so well, and I can already see it becoming a modern children's classic alongside Are You There God, It's Me Margaret.
Both girls were hilarious, chaotic, and full of heart. I did have trouble distinguishing between the two (their voices were so similar!), and while they had their own storylines and character arcs, I wish their personalities were a tad bit different. Gracie has no problem talking about periods; Helen is awkward saying the word "pad." I wish this contrast was worked with a little more! I also was expecting a little more from Madison, the antagonistic popular girl to give more of a motive for her passion (I wanted a story from her about why she cared about period equity--like an embarrassing first period origin!). Overall though, big fun.
This book toes the line between entertainment and education wonderfully and I think will make an impact on the creative little minds of the world.
thanks so much to netgalley for the arc!
Both girls were hilarious, chaotic, and full of heart. I did have trouble distinguishing between the two (their voices were so similar!), and while they had their own storylines and character arcs, I wish their personalities were a tad bit different. Gracie has no problem talking about periods; Helen is awkward saying the word "pad." I wish this contrast was worked with a little more! I also was expecting a little more from Madison, the antagonistic popular girl to give more of a motive for her passion (I wanted a story from her about why she cared about period equity--like an embarrassing first period origin!). Overall though, big fun.
This book toes the line between entertainment and education wonderfully and I think will make an impact on the creative little minds of the world.
thanks so much to netgalley for the arc!
March 20, 2024
I wish books that spoke positively about periods were around when I was younger. This book also led me down a rabbit hole to see what kind of things are available to those in need in my state and where I can donate items. I love how much the students cared about this issue in the book
March 15, 2024
A whipsmart overflowing tampon of female friendship energy
February 11, 2024
What an absolutely FABULOUS middle grade debut!! I loved Gracie and Helen and their big-hearted yet misguided antics trying to spearhead a period equity campaign at their school only to come up against obstacle after obstacle. Two more quirky, close-knit best friends I haven't read before and I really hope we get to see them again in another book.
This should be required reading in schools - particularly in for its important message that period products should be a basic right, supplied in all bathrooms so that students don't have to worry about accidents or not being able to afford menstral products. HIGHLY, highly recommend this book. I would give it all the stars if I could. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This should be required reading in schools - particularly in for its important message that period products should be a basic right, supplied in all bathrooms so that students don't have to worry about accidents or not being able to afford menstral products. HIGHLY, highly recommend this book. I would give it all the stars if I could. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
November 15, 2023
A masterpiece 🥹
February 5, 2024
I loved this book! I loved so many great quotes, mainly because they were true, and they brought me back to my middle school and high school days of needing to use the bathroom for my period issues. ("Putting a small mattress between my legs"... Something like that. I need to find the quotes).
I loved so many things about this book that I don't know where to begin. It's a perfect book for all students, regardless of gender. I liked how the author included boys' points of view. Including one boy who keeps period products in his backpack in case a friend of his may need it. That just shows that it is okay for anyone and everyone to talk about periods and period products.
I also liked how the characters said period equity is a human right and not necessarily a girl's right. I would have liked for them to maybe mention transgendered people who would also need period products. It was mentioned that products would be placed in boys' bathrooms too, but not specifically mentioned for transgendered people or nonbinary people either.
There are so many great ideas and social issues for class discussions within these awesome pages. I also have tried to get period products into the bathrooms at work to no avail. Maybe this book can help. At work students sometimes ask for a "blueberry", meaning they need a pad (it comes in a blue box). They shouldn't need to use code words to ask for basic daily/monthly needs.
I loved how the author had the characters talking about how they need to be in a safe school environment to be able to learn and that included having period products available WHERE they were needed - IN THE BATHROOMS, all of them! Including the staff bathrooms! I have had coworkers asking if I had anything they could use because they too were caught off guard with their periods showing up unexpectedly. School staff don't have time to run home or to the store during the day and it should be made available.
I can go on and on and on. Just read it for yourself or with your classroom.
A must-have for all libraries and a must-read for everyone!
@alitereseauthor #FreePeriod #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #GoodReads
#ReadABook #Books #Read #MGReads MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads
I loved so many things about this book that I don't know where to begin. It's a perfect book for all students, regardless of gender. I liked how the author included boys' points of view. Including one boy who keeps period products in his backpack in case a friend of his may need it. That just shows that it is okay for anyone and everyone to talk about periods and period products.
I also liked how the characters said period equity is a human right and not necessarily a girl's right. I would have liked for them to maybe mention transgendered people who would also need period products. It was mentioned that products would be placed in boys' bathrooms too, but not specifically mentioned for transgendered people or nonbinary people either.
There are so many great ideas and social issues for class discussions within these awesome pages. I also have tried to get period products into the bathrooms at work to no avail. Maybe this book can help. At work students sometimes ask for a "blueberry", meaning they need a pad (it comes in a blue box). They shouldn't need to use code words to ask for basic daily/monthly needs.
I loved how the author had the characters talking about how they need to be in a safe school environment to be able to learn and that included having period products available WHERE they were needed - IN THE BATHROOMS, all of them! Including the staff bathrooms! I have had coworkers asking if I had anything they could use because they too were caught off guard with their periods showing up unexpectedly. School staff don't have time to run home or to the store during the day and it should be made available.
I can go on and on and on. Just read it for yourself or with your classroom.
A must-have for all libraries and a must-read for everyone!
@alitereseauthor #FreePeriod #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #GoodReads
#ReadABook #Books #Read #MGReads MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads
April 6, 2024
Helen and Gracie have followed through on almost every prank that they could devise, but now they may have gone too far. Helen's moms are threatening to send her to a private school and Gracie doesn't know if she can survive without her. As a compromise, Principal Varone tells Helen and Gracie that they must find some after school activity. When they join the Community Action Club and Helen overflows in her pants, they decide to get behind Period Equity as a community service project with hilarious results.
Free Period is a fun coming of age story about two girls who are finding their place in the world with varying results. Some of their pranks are over the top and funny, but when their pranks are about something that they care about, the dynamics of the story change, making it easy for the reader to root for them. The personalities of the protagonists as well as some of the supporting characters are well developed and recognizable. Also each chapter begins with a fun title and subtitle a long with the POV represented in that chapter. Overall, Free Period is an entertaining coming of age novel filled with heart.
Free Period is a fun coming of age story about two girls who are finding their place in the world with varying results. Some of their pranks are over the top and funny, but when their pranks are about something that they care about, the dynamics of the story change, making it easy for the reader to root for them. The personalities of the protagonists as well as some of the supporting characters are well developed and recognizable. Also each chapter begins with a fun title and subtitle a long with the POV represented in that chapter. Overall, Free Period is an entertaining coming of age novel filled with heart.
February 13, 2024
Got as an ARC at work (with a Cuterus pin!) This is a much-needed book. I would say the target audience should be about 10-15 yr olds, but based on how much I enjoyed it, anyone can read it. It’s so refreshing to see social progress in period equity. Even if it is not a reality yet, it’s amazing that there are books and websites and organizations behind this cause, and now a great book that will encourage young people to try their hand at activism. The book is about so much more, too. It’s about the challenge of navigating peer social groups in grade school, and the challenge of relating to adults who have expectations of you but who don’t take you seriously. The story shows positive examples of supportive relationships between girls, and how girls at odds with one another can become friends through understanding the other. There are even examples of young men responding positively to period equity activism and supporting their menstruating friends. Overall, this book is fun, full of heart and positivity. I hope to have the opportunity to hand sell several copies to young readers.
March 2, 2024
Ali Terese packs “Free Period” with humor and heart. You’ll route for Helen and Gracie as these best friends move from pranksters to craftivists with a cause. Readers will laugh out loud, be brought to tears, and open their hearts to the challenges of middle school and more. This is a “just can’t put it down” story with hysterical banter and empowering voices. Writers of all ages looking for mentor text on voice and plot? This is how the masters do it!
Want to read
September 25, 2023Thanks to Scholastic Press and NetGalley for this ARC! Free Period by Ali Terese comes out on March 5, 2024!
March 5, 2024
Didn’t work for me. The reading is a bit tedious for a middle grade book and the two characters sound so similar.
November 3, 2023
Helen and Grace are more than best friends, they're practically sisters. They are also the reigning queens of pranks, much to their principal's chagrin. When their latest prank lands them in the office once again, the principal gives them an unusual punishment that drives them into a project fighting for period equity.
Terese's middle grade debut is full of sparkling humor that will make even those most cynical pre-teen belly laugh. The book is full of fart jokes an witty pre-teen snipes. But even though humor is laced throughout the pages, the heart of the book lies in the changing dynamics of Helen and Grace's friendship. Terese perfectly captures the beauty and complexity of relationships, which is evidenced in the different relationships she portrays throughout the novel.
Five out of five stars for this important middle grade read. This should be in school libraries everywhere.
Terese's middle grade debut is full of sparkling humor that will make even those most cynical pre-teen belly laugh. The book is full of fart jokes an witty pre-teen snipes. But even though humor is laced throughout the pages, the heart of the book lies in the changing dynamics of Helen and Grace's friendship. Terese perfectly captures the beauty and complexity of relationships, which is evidenced in the different relationships she portrays throughout the novel.
Five out of five stars for this important middle grade read. This should be in school libraries everywhere.
April 1, 2024
Period equity, friendship, reconciliation and negotiation are all covered in this timely novel for middle grade and younger YA readers. Gracie and Helen are the prankster queens at school and tighter than tight best friends, but when they go a bit too far, the principal decides that detention isn’t teaching them anything and forces them to join the Community Action Club in the hope that they will find a purpose beyond chaos. Currently the tyrannical leader of the group is striving to make menstrual products available in all school bathrooms and to develop teachers’ understanding of the needs of menstruating students which would include easier access to the bathroom when necessary. Due to some personal experiences with lack of available supplies, the duo does latch onto the project but their methods are far less mainstream than president Madison would like. In the end, the three girls and many student and adult supporters work to press the school board to provide for students’ menstrual needs. The focus of FREE PERIOD is important but I found the antics of Gracie and Helen off-putting and entirely unrealistic given their ages. Their constant and blatant disregard for rules and classmates plus the subsequent destruction of property is extreme and administration and parents would likely have taken more punitive measures long before those in the book. Speaking as an adult, I struggled to get the pranking parts and skimmed to the more purposeful passages. I am not sure how students in grades 5-9 will react and will leave that decision to librarians who know their library patrons. Text is free of profanity and sexual content is limited to one very small kiss. Representation: Characters’ physical traits are not a factor and race is difficult to determine leaving that up to the readers’ imagination; vocabulary indicates recognition that trans students may present as male but are still in the menstruating category thus making period products necessary in all restrooms and not just the girls’ room.
Another title covering period poverty: Code Red by Joy McCullough
Thanks for the print arc, Edelweiss.
Another title covering period poverty: Code Red by Joy McCullough
Thanks for the print arc, Edelweiss.
January 13, 2024
A pair of devoted pals pushes the envelope on period equity in this hilarious middle grade novel. Helen, a brilliant scholar (whose family doesn’t even like to say the word ‘period’) and her best friend Gracie, whose two moms support their wildly creative daughter, are sentenced to ‘Community Action Club’ after one too many disruptive pranks. When archnemesis Madison proposes period equity as a club project, Helen and Gracie take it on in their inimitable style. But, their exploding blood cupcakes with a fondant maxi pad on top are not Madison’s idea of calmly convincing the school board to fund period products for the school. Along with friend drama, family interventions, the principal’s impatience with the two pranksters, and a few budding romances, this story is a non-stop, rollicking look at how to harness creativity for social change.
Chapters alternate between Helen’s and Gracie’s voices, and take us into the minds of friends whose first loyalties are to each other. I loved this close, loving relationship, as well as getting to know their families and friends through their funny, creative banter together. This wonderful novel is driven by their bigger than life personalities, and also makes a convincing, well researched plug for period equity.
It took me a while to be able to differentiate the two girls. It was also hard to believe that two kids would spend such a huge amount of time on school pranks, but younger readers may be able to suspend disbelief.
Chapters alternate between Helen’s and Gracie’s voices, and take us into the minds of friends whose first loyalties are to each other. I loved this close, loving relationship, as well as getting to know their families and friends through their funny, creative banter together. This wonderful novel is driven by their bigger than life personalities, and also makes a convincing, well researched plug for period equity.
It took me a while to be able to differentiate the two girls. It was also hard to believe that two kids would spend such a huge amount of time on school pranks, but younger readers may be able to suspend disbelief.
December 28, 2023
Ali Terese has written a book that students in grades 5-8+ will devour! Free Period has themes such as friendship, social justice, and student advocacy embedded in the delightful story of middle school students who are passionate about making change in their school. Helen and Gracie are relatable protagonists, and readers will develop strong connections to them as they continue on their journey to realizing what it is important and how to get away with it. This book shows our middle grade readers how to get their voice heard by their local school board and encourages students to get involved with issues that impact them. Students need to see they have a voice, and this book does just that! I was empowered by the young students in this book and was cheering them on as I read. Terese also normalizes conversations about female menstruation among friends, educators, and families. I think educators who teach 5th grade+ should read this book to better understand our student's perspective and needs. We also have to remember not all students have access to things like maxi pads and tampons, and schools might be the safe place for them to get those items. Thank you Ali Terese for putting this book into the universe! I am proud to live in a state that is already doing work on this. http://www.massnow.org/iam
December 30, 2023
Perfect contemporary upper MG read for the readers stuck in that age between MG and YA. Yes, period equity is the important issue explored in this book, but there's so much more than that. Here are a few things I loved that make this a 5-star read:
Friendship: Gracie and Helen are the perfect best friend duo.
They're quirky each in their own way and are on point with their witty responses to everything. They complement one another perfectly. The dialogue is laugh-out-loud and so well written that I can picture this being a TV show everyone will want to binge just to be entertained by the banter between the two friends. Their bond is unwavering and they always consider one another's feelings and needs. Bonus: they love cheese.
Side characters: unique and with character development that supports the overall plot
Everyone has their own goals and quirks, but they are all so supportive of each other. Other than the jock who tries to show off to his buddies (which is realistic), the kids don't backstab or make fun of each other. They accept one another and build upon each other's strengths.
Inclusivity: in so many ways
Love that Gracie has two moms, and it's just accepted as the norm by all.
A million points for including all kids, not just girls, in the period equity battle!
My review is based on an eARC from NetGalley.
Friendship: Gracie and Helen are the perfect best friend duo.
They're quirky each in their own way and are on point with their witty responses to everything. They complement one another perfectly. The dialogue is laugh-out-loud and so well written that I can picture this being a TV show everyone will want to binge just to be entertained by the banter between the two friends. Their bond is unwavering and they always consider one another's feelings and needs. Bonus: they love cheese.
Side characters: unique and with character development that supports the overall plot
Everyone has their own goals and quirks, but they are all so supportive of each other. Other than the jock who tries to show off to his buddies (which is realistic), the kids don't backstab or make fun of each other. They accept one another and build upon each other's strengths.
Inclusivity: in so many ways
Love that Gracie has two moms, and it's just accepted as the norm by all.
A million points for including all kids, not just girls, in the period equity battle!
My review is based on an eARC from NetGalley.
March 12, 2024
Helen and Gracie are best friends - vastly different from one another, the middle-grade practical joker queens, and both quirky and corny. When their end of year practical joke, one that Helen wants to aim at enemy, rich, do-gooder Madison, goes awry, the principal punishes them to do some good by joining the Community Action Club - helmed by no other than Madison. At first, they just want to get in and get out to enjoy their summer together as friends, but the clubs push for period equity, getting menstrual pads into every bathroom, they get on board but not in a positive way a first. Gracie's baking skills go wrong and Helen's prank ideas don't sit well with the board, other students, or the principal. Together, and with the club, they grow out of their co-dependency with one another and fight in proper ways to take on the school board, parents, and the principal. Their antics and corny jokes get repetitive and can blend the vastly different characters - Helen being super smart and math whiz with Gracie who is all baking, glitter, and costumes. These issues fell flat for me, but the growth they show and highlighting the issues with period equity are to be commended. I gave it a four for the growth and social commentary.
February 15, 2024
At the end of the uncorrected proof of Free Period by Ali Terese (the physical end of the book, not the story itself), the author notes, “I hope you had fun!” My answer is a loud and resounding “YES!” I had so much fun with the lovable troublemaking duo, Gracie and Helen, as they took me on a wild ride of hilarious antics, ridiculous (and intriguing) baked goods, and non-stop humor. But it’s also so much more than fun. It’s relatable for all those who menstruate, across all ages, and it’s such a relief to have a book that starts this very necessary conversation about an issue that impacts all of us. Because even those who don’t menstruate have a friend or loved one who does or did or will. In that same way, Free Period is a book for everyone looking for a great story with friendship changes (got it in spades), parent-child dynamics (present and nuanced), empowered kids (YESSSS), first crushes (it’s adorable), humor (overflows with it), hijinx (hi dose) and period equity (so informative without being lesson-y)! Really, what more could you want? Besides your very own cuterus uterus, that is.
December 12, 2023
This book tackles a timely and important topic--period equity--with fun and humor. Helen and Gracie are pranksters who never take anything very seriously, until they get an opportunity to make a real difference in their school. After they get in huge trouble for a prank gone wrong, they have to join a club and support a cause. That's when they realize that they actually can make a real difference, and they put their energy into fighting to get maxi pads in restrooms throughout their school to provide access to all of the students who need them. This story takes a topic that can be uncomfortable to talk about and makes it appealing and enjoyable, as it is filled with jokes, friendship complications, witty banter, and characters young readers will surely be able to relate to and care about. And it also has a positive and empowering message about young people working together to create needed change.
January 1, 2024
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Ali Terese, and Scholastics for the eARC!
FREE PERIOD was a funny, feminist middle grade debut about period equity, friendship, and taking a stand. After one too many pranks leads BFFs Gracie and Helen to be forced into joining their school's community action club, the two girls learn what it means to make a difference when they tackle the issue of period equity in their middle school.
I've quite literally been anticipating this book for YEARS, and it was every bit as delightful as I expected it to be! Gracie and Helen were hilarious protagonists, and the dual POV narration let us see their fabulous best-friendship from both girls' points of view. I also loved how the story approach periods with such openness — a story like this definitely would have helped me when I was in middle school. And now I can't wait to make a crochet uterus of my own!
FREE PERIOD was an absolute delight, and I can't wait to see what's next from Ali Terese!
FREE PERIOD was a funny, feminist middle grade debut about period equity, friendship, and taking a stand. After one too many pranks leads BFFs Gracie and Helen to be forced into joining their school's community action club, the two girls learn what it means to make a difference when they tackle the issue of period equity in their middle school.
I've quite literally been anticipating this book for YEARS, and it was every bit as delightful as I expected it to be! Gracie and Helen were hilarious protagonists, and the dual POV narration let us see their fabulous best-friendship from both girls' points of view. I also loved how the story approach periods with such openness — a story like this definitely would have helped me when I was in middle school. And now I can't wait to make a crochet uterus of my own!
FREE PERIOD was an absolute delight, and I can't wait to see what's next from Ali Terese!
February 18, 2024
FREE PERIOD is a hysterical tale about friendship, chaos, and the power of giving a hoot about something. Ali Terese expertly crafts the type of story I wish I had when I was in middle school.
Gracie and Helen are best-friends and pranksters who get caught! Their punishment is they have to care about something. So, they join the school’s Community Action Club and campaign for maxi pads in bathrooms. But getting what they need in the restroom (and in their own lives) isn’t as easy as it sounds, leading them deeper into trouble and putting their friendship on the line.
Normalizing menstruation is simply one of the many gems in this story with both great male and female characters. Understanding that anyone can create change is a gift that is sure to make this book a treasure for kids and adults!
Thank you netgalley for the arc.
Gracie and Helen are best-friends and pranksters who get caught! Their punishment is they have to care about something. So, they join the school’s Community Action Club and campaign for maxi pads in bathrooms. But getting what they need in the restroom (and in their own lives) isn’t as easy as it sounds, leading them deeper into trouble and putting their friendship on the line.
Normalizing menstruation is simply one of the many gems in this story with both great male and female characters. Understanding that anyone can create change is a gift that is sure to make this book a treasure for kids and adults!
Thank you netgalley for the arc.
April 21, 2024
The audiobook got stronger as I got more invested in the characters and their missions because at the beginning whether it was the narrators acting extra annoying or the way the characters were written in the introduction, but I was almost too annoyed by them to continue. But I knew it was an important book and believed in what they wanted to do to make an impact, especially by culinary-loving character, and the sweet little crush, so that when I continued I was 100% invested.
A necessary story that adds humor and crass (yes, plenty of fart jokes that obviously as a middle aged adult are more obnoxious, however I'm not a stick in the mud, so I get it) but a focused effort (along with the ridiculous politics of school money and PTAs and schools allocating funds) to encourage thinking about equity.
A necessary story that adds humor and crass (yes, plenty of fart jokes that obviously as a middle aged adult are more obnoxious, however I'm not a stick in the mud, so I get it) but a focused effort (along with the ridiculous politics of school money and PTAs and schools allocating funds) to encourage thinking about equity.
December 6, 2023
Loved this book!
So inspiring, and I know it will inspire all kids, but specifically girls, to get involved in their community and make a difference for the right reasons. It also shows kids the power that they possess as a catalyst of change. It gives kids a better understanding of the way decisions are made and the layers of authority and skills required to effect change.
I loved Gracie and Helen’s energy. Their story of friendship was powerful and genuine. They each had such a unique and playful voice. I loved them.
Such an important message and done in such a fun way. Ali Terese is a master at dialogue, all her conversations are so witty and clever and heartfelt, I’m in awe.
Highly recommend!
So inspiring, and I know it will inspire all kids, but specifically girls, to get involved in their community and make a difference for the right reasons. It also shows kids the power that they possess as a catalyst of change. It gives kids a better understanding of the way decisions are made and the layers of authority and skills required to effect change.
I loved Gracie and Helen’s energy. Their story of friendship was powerful and genuine. They each had such a unique and playful voice. I loved them.
Such an important message and done in such a fun way. Ali Terese is a master at dialogue, all her conversations are so witty and clever and heartfelt, I’m in awe.
Highly recommend!
April 8, 2024
Brilliant! Such a fun and engaging read on period equity.
I loved the period positivity and push back on the shame society places on us for menstruating. Admittedly, I needed this book when I was in school. (Heck, I needed this even as an adult haha.)
I did occasionally have a little trouble distinguishing between the two main characters and who said what, but I still feel that this is a five star read. It pushes the issue on things we should be talking about, and I throughly enjoyed the inclusion of a male classmate as an ally throughout their equity journey.
The bottom line— Ali Terese has written a fun yet thought provoking book that allows a truthful glance into the life of menstruating individuals and pushes the issue on how we can improve as a society.
I loved the period positivity and push back on the shame society places on us for menstruating. Admittedly, I needed this book when I was in school. (Heck, I needed this even as an adult haha.)
I did occasionally have a little trouble distinguishing between the two main characters and who said what, but I still feel that this is a five star read. It pushes the issue on things we should be talking about, and I throughly enjoyed the inclusion of a male classmate as an ally throughout their equity journey.
The bottom line— Ali Terese has written a fun yet thought provoking book that allows a truthful glance into the life of menstruating individuals and pushes the issue on how we can improve as a society.
December 4, 2023
A hilarious book with some truly lovable, zany characters who will do almost anything, including bake, craft, and set off stink "blubs" (because the word "bomb" is too harsh), to get their point across. Gracie and Helen are on an epic quest to get the basic hygienic needs of everyone in their school who menstruates met. But their shenanigans and mayhem cause nothing but trouble with their peers, their principal, their parents, and the school board. Full of fun chaos and hilarious hijinks, this book will inspire readers to stand up for what's right, normalize menstruation, and bring awareness to period equity. A middle school must-read! Thanks to the publisher for the advance reader copy.
December 22, 2023
I just finished FREE PERIOD by Ali Terese and it is SUCH a cleverly written story promoting period equity. Funny, dynamic chaos monsters (Helen and Gracie) go from pranks to plans in this wonderful MG story that should be in every classroom!
In this story, Helen and Gracie are best friends who get into trouble one too many times for their hysterical pranks that they play around school. They are told that they have to find something to care about and achieve success in by the end of the year. Miracle of miracles, they DO end up caring, and it winds up causing all kinds of stress and trouble in their chaotic lives!
In this story, Helen and Gracie are best friends who get into trouble one too many times for their hysterical pranks that they play around school. They are told that they have to find something to care about and achieve success in by the end of the year. Miracle of miracles, they DO end up caring, and it winds up causing all kinds of stress and trouble in their chaotic lives!
February 2, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Free Period is a middle grade story about activism. About using our voice for fun, friendship, and for change. It's about dispelling the taboo of periods for kids, to address the shame, but also the period inequity in our society. Middle grade stories exist at this junction where we begin to realize and learn the 'shame' of our bodies - whether it be hair, smells, or blood. About this moment when we begin to see bodies are more than just bodies. That's part of why I love Free Period so much.
Free Period is a middle grade story about activism. About using our voice for fun, friendship, and for change. It's about dispelling the taboo of periods for kids, to address the shame, but also the period inequity in our society. Middle grade stories exist at this junction where we begin to realize and learn the 'shame' of our bodies - whether it be hair, smells, or blood. About this moment when we begin to see bodies are more than just bodies. That's part of why I love Free Period so much.
February 13, 2024
Thank you Ali for sending me this book! This is an adorable and hilarious middle grade book about the importance of equality and standing up for what you believe in.
Gracie and Helen were so funny and I loved seeing their shenanigans. I wished I had been that bold in middle school. Or ever really. The stuff they were able to talk about openly I still don’t think I can. And that’s the root of it, really. Sometimes we want to talk about things and are too embarrassed.
This was a refreshing and empowering book that people of all ages can read and get something out of. I loved all the funny puns and adventures these two went on. Hope to see more from this author!
Gracie and Helen were so funny and I loved seeing their shenanigans. I wished I had been that bold in middle school. Or ever really. The stuff they were able to talk about openly I still don’t think I can. And that’s the root of it, really. Sometimes we want to talk about things and are too embarrassed.
This was a refreshing and empowering book that people of all ages can read and get something out of. I loved all the funny puns and adventures these two went on. Hope to see more from this author!
March 4, 2024
Free Period is such a delight! The two main characters, Helen and Gracie, are so zany and fun. They're pranksters and troublemakers but their creative thinking comes in handy when they come across a community issue they actually care about: period equity. While the head of the Student Action Committee tries to persuade the school board to fund free period products in the schools' bathrooms, Helen and Gracie realize they need to think bigger and bolder.
I read this aloud with my 10yo, who always begged for more until my throat was sore! In addition to calling out an important issue, it's funny, smart, and puts friendship at the center. Read it!
I read this aloud with my 10yo, who always begged for more until my throat was sore! In addition to calling out an important issue, it's funny, smart, and puts friendship at the center. Read it!
January 15, 2024
“And I mean, really, is there anything better than rage crafting?”
This amazing book written by the fantastic Ali Terese has so much laughter and heart surrounding an important social topic. When Gracie and Helen (middle school pranksters) are tasked with a punishment of “caring”. They use their hijinks for good to create social awareness around period equity in their school. Let me tell you, when I read this book, I did not stop cackling with laughter at the banter of these girls! They are the perfect middle school besties and I kinda wish I knew them in middle school. There is something in this book for everyone to enjoy and kids will love every minute of it! Run to go get it, you will not regret it! Thank you so much to the publisher and author for the advanced copy!
This amazing book written by the fantastic Ali Terese has so much laughter and heart surrounding an important social topic. When Gracie and Helen (middle school pranksters) are tasked with a punishment of “caring”. They use their hijinks for good to create social awareness around period equity in their school. Let me tell you, when I read this book, I did not stop cackling with laughter at the banter of these girls! They are the perfect middle school besties and I kinda wish I knew them in middle school. There is something in this book for everyone to enjoy and kids will love every minute of it! Run to go get it, you will not regret it! Thank you so much to the publisher and author for the advanced copy!
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