Free Period - by Ali Terese (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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 lamâe!--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!)"--

Book Synopsis

This middle-grade Moxie centering period equity is Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret for the next generation!

Longlisted for the National Book Award

"Absolute fire." -- Book Riot

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.

Review Quotes

Praise for Free Period:

An Earphones Award Winner

*"Smartly crafted, this is a modern Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret told with verve and humor, and can be shared with all students." SLJ, starred review

"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

"Absolute fire...I was really blown away by how such a fun story managed to pack so much punch, imparting lessons not only about menstrual equity but also about friendship and the various ways there are to engage in activism." - Book Riot

"An absolutely fantastic read about period equity, friendship, direct action, and good trouble." - Teen Librarian Toolbox

About the Author

Ali Terese writes funny and heartfelt middle grade stories. Free Period is her debut novel. Visit Ali online for book bonuses like giveaways, recipes, craftivism projects, and more at aliterese.com.