GUEST WRITER MARIA LOESCHE RECOMMENDS FREE PERIOD BY ALI TERESE
Ali Terese’s Free Period is a funny, heartfelt middle-grade novel that perfectly captures how activism can grow from the most unexpected places. The story follows Helen and Gracie, eighth grade best friends who are better known for their elaborate pranks than. When their latest stunt gets them in trouble one too many times, their principal delivers an unusual punishment: they must join the Community Action Club.
What starts as reluctant participation becomes genuine passion when Helen experiences a period incident at school, bleeding through her beloved gold lamé pants. The girls throw themselves into the club’s campaign for free menstrual products in all school bathrooms. Their activism is anything but boring, bringing their trademark creativity to the cause through everything from exploding blood cupcakes with fondant maxi pads to strategic glitter-bombing.
Terese tells the story through alternating perspectives from Helen and Gracie, showing how their friendship becomes both their greatest strength and biggest challenge. Helen, the academic perfectionist from a family that avoids uncomfortable topics, contrasts nicely with Gracie, the spontaneous artist with two supportive moms who loves baking and isn’t afraid to talk about anything. Their voices occasionally blend together, but their loyalty to each other and willingness to push each other toward growth feel genuine.
The novel includes candid discussions and humor around menstruation and body awareness. These themes are handled in an age-appropriate, inclusive way ideal for young readers ready Terese strikes a balance between laugh-out-loud humour and social commentary on period equity and youth activism. While some of the pun-heavy dialogue can feel forced, Terese demonstrates how caring deeply about something can transform even the most self-centered troublemakers into effective changemakers.
Completing my final year of teacher training in Germany, I am driven by a deep love for literacy and the English language My personal passion for reading is a cornerstone I know that engaging with complex texts is key to building curiosity and diverse understanding. I am dedicated to creating a supportive, high-engagement classroom where students feel a genuine excitement for discovery, are empowered by language and can grow into confident, thriving thinkers.