Review By: Anonymous
Published: 2020
Genres: YA Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Fiction
Audience: Grades 6–10
Goodreads Link: Go With the Flow
Content Warnings: Puberty, Menstruation, Bullying
Publisher’s Summary
Sophomores Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are fed up. Hazelton High never has enough tampons. Or pads. Or adults who will listen. Sick of an administration that puts football before female health, the girls confront a world that shrugs—or worse, squirms—at the thought of a menstruation revolution.
They band together to make a change by starting a blog and speaking out against inequities. It’s no easy task, especially while grappling with everything from crushes to trig to JV track, but they have each other’s backs. That is, until one of the girls goes rogue, testing the limits of their friendship and pushing the friends to question the power of their own voices.
Review
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this graphic novel! As a Health teacher, I really appreciated the frank, open, and honest discussions around menstruation and advocating for equality with hygiene products. The story follows four high school girls—Sasha, Abby, Brit, and Christine—who navigate the trials of high school together. Their activism is sparked after Sasha has an embarrassing period accident at school and the group realizes the bathrooms are never stocked with basic necessities.
The authors provide factual information and use appropriate, current language surrounding menstruation and who is impacted by it. Beyond the medical facts, the book is a beautiful celebration of positive female friendships. Themes of romance, physical health concerns, and LGBTQ+ identity are woven throughout with humor and honesty.
Visually, the book is stunning. The illustrations use a specific color schematic—mostly shades of red, pink, and white—which perfectly matches the tone and subject matter. This is a perfect supplemental resource for middle school health classes or for any teen navigating the changes of puberty. I highly recommend it!
