Book Review
A short overview of this book
Red Moon Gang: An Inclusive Guide to Periods by Tara Costello is a shame-free and inclusive guide to menstruation (or periods) for teenagers.
A lot of period books have been written over the years, but this is one of the few books that are inclusive for gender-neutral, gender fluid or transgender people. Which means you won’t see the word ‘girl’ very often, if at all.
So this is one of those books that talks about absolutely everything to do with periods. Ffrom the biology and science behind why you bleed every month, to the latest findings on hormonal fluctuations (aka, why you’re PMSing so bad). It also takes a deep dive into the different types of menstrual products available, including their pros and cons, and covers various period conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Overall, it’s a nice little book that will empower people who have periods, and help to ease kids into managing their periods.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 12 to 18 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Red Moon Gang: An Inclusive Guide to Periods by Tara Costello from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Welcome to Sex Ed Rescue, I’m Cath Hak, and today I want to talk to you about a fantastic book for teens called Red Moon Gang: An Inclusive Guide to Periods. This book is a game-changer because it’s all about inclusivity. Instead of just focusing on girls, it recognizes that people with a uterus can have periods. This is so important because not all puberty books are inclusive, and it’s crucial for our trans and non-binary kids to feel seen and included.
Let me give you a quick sneak peek into what this book covers. It starts by explaining what a period is and why it’s important. It also dives into what to expect when you’re PMSing (pre-menstrual symptoms), different period products, and even touches on the topic of periods and sex. There’s a section on being period positive or neutral, which is super cool, and it explores cultural differences around the world when it comes to periods. Plus, there’s a handy period toolkit included.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely gorgeous! They’re diverse, vibrant, and really bring the information to life. I love that they showcase a range of colors because, let’s be real, period blood can come in different shades of red. It’s medically accurate, packed with useful information, and written in a way that’s easy to understand. This is definitely a book that older kids will appreciate.
Finding an inclusive period book can be quite a challenge, but luckily, I’ve got your back. On my website, Sex Ed Rescue, I’ve compiled a list of inclusive books that are perfect for non-binary and trans kids. You can also find other puberty books there, and who knows, I might even have a separate list specifically for inclusive puberty books by the time you check it out.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a book that covers periods and does it right, Red Moon Gang is a fantastic choice. It’s simple, factual, and inclusive. What more could you ask for? Oh, and did I mention how much I love the name and the beautiful colors inside? It’s just so refreshing!
I hope this review was helpful for you. If you want to learn more about having open and honest conversations about sex education, head over to Sex Ed Rescue. Cheers!
