The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Karen Gravelle – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Karen Gravelle

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2017

85%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

The period book that doesn't make you cringe—practical, funny, and actually written with input from a real teenager.

The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Karen Gravelle

book

2017

85%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

The period book that doesn't make you cringe—practical, funny, and actually written with input from a real teenager.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the puberty book you actually want to give your daughter—not outdated, not preachy, not weirdly clinical. Karen Gravelle and her teenage niece Jennifer nailed the tone: practical, reassuring, and real.

It covers everything from 'what is a period?' to 'how do I talk to my parents about this?' to 'why is my face breaking out?' The cartoons keep it light without being condescending, and the co-author approach means it doesn't feel like an adult talking down to kids.

Parent reviews are glowing, and kid reviews confirm it's actually helpful. If your daughter is approaching puberty or already in the thick of it, this is a solid, no-drama resource that treats her like a capable human who deserves clear answers. Not flashy, not revolutionary—just exactly what it needs to be.

Age Fit

Best for girls ages 8-13, right before or during early puberty. Younger kids can handle it if they're curious or early developers; older teens likely already know this stuff. This is the book you hand over when the questions start coming.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Written in collaboration with a 15-year-old niece, this book takes a supportive, age-appropriate approach to puberty. Parent reviews on Common Sense Media confirm it covers necessary topics (periods, bras, body changes) with sensitivity and without shame. The tone is practical and reassuring, helping girls feel confident rather than anxious about physical changes. Debbie Palen's cartoons add humor that eases embarrassment.

Imaginative

This is a straightforward educational guide, not a creative narrative. While it answers real questions from real girls and uses cartoons to make the material accessible, it's fundamentally informational rather than imaginative. It doesn't invite creative expression or exploration beyond understanding one's own body. That's perfectly fine for its purpose, but imagination isn't the point here.

Safe

Extremely safe for its intended audience. The content is medically accurate, age-appropriate, and written specifically to reduce anxiety about puberty. No triggering content, no graphic imagery beyond educational diagrams. Parent and kid reviews confirm it's helpful and non-alarming. The collaborative approach with a teen co-author ensures the information feels accessible rather than clinical or scary.

Enriching

Highly educational for girls approaching or experiencing puberty. Covers physical changes, emotional shifts, practical advice (choosing pads/tampons, talking to parents), and social expectations. The 4.7 Amazon rating and positive parent reviews indicate it successfully demystifies menstruation and helps girls navigate this developmental milestone with confidence. Addresses mood swings, acne, and changing relationships—real-world skills for this life stage.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Co-authored with a 15-year-old, so it speaks in language that feels peer-to-peer rather than lecture-y
Covers the full puberty spectrum: periods, bras, mood swings, acne, changing friendships, and how to talk to adults about it all
Debbie Palen's cartoons inject humor into potentially awkward topics, making the book approachable and less intimidating
Strong parent and kid reviews confirm it answers the questions girls actually have without being preachy or scary
Medically accurate and reassuring—helps girls feel prepared and confident rather than anxious

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What to Watch For

This is straightforward sex ed—make sure you're ready for your kid to have frank information about menstruation, body changes, and hygiene
Some parents may want to read it first or read it together, depending on your family's communication style around puberty
The 2017 edition is current, but product recommendations (pad/tampon brands) may feel slightly dated

Conversation Starters

"What surprised you most about what you read? Anything you want to talk about?"
"Do you have questions about periods that the book didn't answer?"
"How do you feel about the changes your body is going through—or will go through?"
"If you got your period at school, what would you do? Let's make a plan together."
"The book talks about mood swings—have you noticed feeling more emotional lately? That's totally normal."

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