Calling The Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors

What worked: Wow, I wished a book like this one had been around when I was ten years old. Powerful, relatable short stories/poetry/free verse that goes over the first time girls/teens have their menstrual period. This anthology shares tales of BIPOC girls and their experiences of this time. It brought back memories of when I was ten and mortified at the changes happening in my body. I was the youngest in my classroom and thankfully my mother, like some of the mothers in this anthology, went over what was happening without it being shameful.

Here's some of my favorites:

The Rules of the Lake by Christina Soontornvat where the first time happens during a class pool event. What I loved is how the protagonist's friends rally around her.

Ofrendas by Guadalupe Garcia McCall shows how sisters help each other during a difficult time

Sometimes You Just Need Your Prima by Emma Otheguy where reaching out to a cousin in Cuba helps the protagonist realize that her first experience with her period is normal.

Bloodline by Ibi Zoboi shows the family celebration of this event. I love the idea of girls putting in a family Bible their ages and photos when they had their first period.

There are other relatable experiences like the tampon comments. **I heard the same thing in my own family and didn't find out otherwise until college!

Heartfelt modern-day Are You There God, It's Margaret. This anthology shares the fears, uncertainties, and emotions of having a period. Powerful resource. Totally recommend.