Sunday, September 8, 2024

Book Review - Free Period by Ali Terese

 



Free Period by Ali Terese is about two middle school students who are advocating for period equity. Helen and Gracie are best friends, and they enjoy spending their time pranking their fellow students. After a rather stinky stunt involving a stink bomb, the principal orders the best friends to join a Community Action Club so, they can use their time productively to care for something instead of causing chaos.

The duo was planning on blowing off their punishment and not participating in the club. However, when Helen is caught unprepared by an early period, and it bleeds through her pants; the girls decide to take an interest in the group’s period equity goal. They wanted to make period products available for everyone who needs them. When progress is going slower than expected, the girls take matters into their own hands to bring attention to their cause.

I thought the book was an okay read. The book does cover an important topic that affects many young girls/young people who menstruate.  I had mixed feelings about the book, it was mostly due to the characters. Helen and Gracie were strong-minded and energetic characters. I liked them but sometimes, they were a bit out there with their plotting and scheming, and even the way they spoke. The writing felt choppy and a bit confusing with the way they spoke. I had a hard time connecting with them but, I am going to chalk it up to being significantly older than them.

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