Period: A Girl’s Guide by JoAnn Loulan and Bonnie Worthen

Book Review

A short overview of this book

Period: A Girl’s Guide by JoAnn Loulan and Bonnie Worthen is a book that tells girls everything they need to know about having periods.

This is a lovely little book that is filled with illustrations and provides lots of information about managing your period. There is a pullout guide at the back for parents, on how to talk to their daughters too.

Sexual intercourse is NOT talked about in this book.

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 10 to 14 years.

Buy this book

Buy a copy of Period: A Girl’s Guide from Amazon.

Video Transcription

A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener

Hey there! Let’s chat about this awesome book called Period: A Girl’s Guide by JoAnne Loulan and Bonnie Worthen. Now, this book has been around for quite a while, first published in 1979, but the version we’re talking about today is from 2001. So, it might not have all the latest updates, but hey, when it comes to periods, not a whole lot has changed, except for a few cool things like menstrual cups and cloth pads.

You know what’s cool? Tampons have evolved too! They now come with plastic applicators instead of cardboard, and they even have smaller ones designed specifically for young girls. How awesome is that?

So, what’s this book all about? Well, it’s got a handy index at the front, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. And don’t worry, it’s not just a bunch of words. There are plenty of images too. Plus, at the back, there’s a tear-out book for parents with tips on how to start the conversation about periods. Pretty neat, right?

Inside the book, it covers everything you need to know about having a period. It talks about the changes that happen during puberty, from growing from a little girl to a woman. And don’t worry, it breaks down all the reproductive organ parts in simple language, so it’s easy to understand.

Of course, it dives into menstruation itself, explaining why it happens and how it happens. It even discusses pads and tampons, their different names, how they used to be held, and how they work. Oh, and those tampons in the pictures? They’re actually a lot smaller now. The plastic applicators have been around for a bit longer than you might think.

The book also answers some common questions like when you’ll get your period, how much blood you’ll lose, and what to do when it happens. It even talks about cramps and addresses any concerns you might have. And hey, douching? Not really recommended these days, especially in Australia, because our bodies have their own natural bacteria that help keep things healthy down there.

But wait, there’s more! The book also touches on the emotional side of periods, addressing any feelings of shame or confusion you might have. It’s important to know that you’re not alone in experiencing these emotions.

And guess what? It even talks about pelvic examinations. Now, keep in mind that some of the information might change over time, especially with the advancements in medical technology. For example, the book mentions the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer caused by the HPV virus. This means fewer Pap smears in the future, which is pretty amazing!

So, whether you’re looking for a book solely focused on periods or one that covers puberty as a whole, Period: A Girl’s Guide is a great resource. It’s informative, easy to understand, and covers all the important stuff. Trust me, you’ll find it helpful.

Alright, I better wrap this up before the dog starts barking. Cheers!

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