Summary
Best friends Helen and Gracie are pranksters. And their latest stunt at the end of 8th grade has pushed their principal – and their families – to the limit. For punishment, in addition to things like detention, the girls are sentenced to “care” – to find something they can accomplish for the benefit of the school.
The girls agree to join a student-run community action group at school, hoping they can skate by on their “punishment” by using things the club has already done. The leader’s next plan to crusade for period products doesn’t sound like their kind of thing. But when Helen has a bleed-through incident at school, the girls are 100% on board.
But their enthusiasm might not be enough. Both of the girls’ parents are questioning if they are a good influence on each other and if maybe the girls should go to different schools in the future. Is there any way their period project can also save their future as friends?
Review
These girls are a lot! I get why their parents question the wisdom of letting them stay friends. But once you move past their chaotic – and borderline criminal – choices, their friendship is glorious. They truly see and understand – and CELEBRATE – each other. It’s so beautiful.
The friendship between Helen and Grace isn’t the only excellent thing in this book. It’s laugh-out-loud funny. And I adored the boys who made an effort to understand the cause and be part of the campaign for period products. There are also tons of stories told by a variety of characters about the realities of being a person who menstruates.
I think there are so many ways kids will enjoy this book. There’s a lot to love for readers who like prank stories, girl-power stories, friendship stories, and campaigns for justice. Don’t miss this one!
Rating: ♥♥♥♥*
*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.
