Getting Your Period

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up-- Pre-adolescent girls will find answers to their questions and concerns about the onset of menses in this informative book. Marzollo's style is direct and reassuring. She relies on quotes from teenaged girls to demonstrate the wide range of feelings and experiences associated with the transition from girlhood to womanhood. These young voices add breadth to her discussions of such topics as the first period, bodily changes, choosing between tampons and pads, and being treated differently by male relatives and friends. The black-and-white illustrations, while technically adequate, do not provide additional content nor always support the text well (e.g., the illustration of body types does not show such a wide range). The physiological information is basic and can also be found in books such as Make the Most of a Good Thing: You! (Joy St, 1987) by Diana Shaw, which focuses more broadly on health and well-being for teens, and What's Happening to My Body? (Newmarket Pr, 1983; o.p.) by Lynda Madaras, which covers sex and sexual development in greater detail. Marzollo's book explores the emotional and personal aspects of menstruation and is full of practical advice. The writing style, while only competent, is positive, and pre-adolescents will appreciate Marzollo's reassuring answers. Her description of what to expect at a first gynecological examination alone is worth the price of the book. AIDS and pregnancy are also discussed. This book is the next best thing to a warm and knowledgeable older sister. --Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata, Calif.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.