Welcome to Your Period

​‘Highly Recommended. Girls and women of any age will finish this book feeling empowered. This is a must-have for any library serving young women on the verge of puberty.’ – Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, School Library Connection‘Stynes and Kang’s definitive guide on menstruation is perfect for middle-grade readers who want to know what to expect with their period.’ – Heather Christensen, Voice of Youth Advocates magazine‘Latham’s illustrations are colorful and fun and reflect girls from all different cultural backgrounds, body shapes and sizes, skin colors, and ages.’ – Heather Christensen, Voice of Youth Advocates magazine  ‘Their candid writing style normalizes the menstrual cycle.’ – Heather Christensen, Voice of Youth Advocates magazine​‘Confident and upbeat narrative.’ – Heather Christensen, Voice of Youth Advocates magazine​‘This is the book that I needed as a young girl! This title answers questions about the menstrual cycle that I did not even know to ask and presents answers in a fun, casual, and informative style. In the beginning, the authors invite readers to either read the book straight through or dip into the sections that answer specific questions by following the detailed table of contents. When answering questions about when periods usually start, the frequency and color of the flow, or how to use different types of products, the authors put the reader at ease by emphasizing that there is no single ‘normal’ answer. Different experiences are profiled by the authors sharing their stories, as well as Q&A style breakouts that are answered by women of various ages. Colorful borders along with fun, uninhibited illustrations help educate and engage the reader and are inclusive of race, body size, and differently-abled bodies. The authors provide advice about how to tackle period poverty issues, suggestions for period conversation starters with family and friends, how to make a period pack, and even ideas on how to celebrate your first period. An illustrated glossary and list of resources including podcasts and Twitter handles are provided.’ – Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, School Library Connection

‘Casual and engaging, this seeks to demystify, reassure, and arm readers with information about menstruation and other aspects of puberty. With the book’s focus on managing periods and how to prepare, topics range from menstrual products — both the use and the environmental impact of each kind — to how to advocate for your needs to parents, caregivers, coaches, teachers, and friends. Personal stories and quotes from both other teens and adults are peppered throughout, and cross-references with page numbers are often provided so readers can jump to other sections for further reading on specific topics. Energetic and accessible, this guide serves as a cheerleader in your corner.’ – Kirkus Reviews

Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes are the best-selling, award-winning authors of four books together: Welcome to Your Period, *Welcome to Your Boobs, Welcome to Consent and Welcome to Sex.

Most people know Dr Melissa Kang as the longest-serving expert behind the iconic Dolly Doctor column, but she’s also a practising medical doctor for marginalised young people and has academic roles at the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney. She is fifth-generation Malaysian-Chinese Anglo-Australian, which makes specialising in adolescent sexuality and sexual health all the more interesting. She continues to speak about these topics in the mainstream media.

Yumi Stynes is a second-gen Japanese-Australian TV and radio presenter who, like a lot of us, had to ‘unlearn’ period shame. She’s currently the host of Ladies, We Need to Talk, an award-winning podcast that explores all the trickiest topics and taboos about women’s health, including periods, discharge, difficult motherhood, and whether or not your vagina is weird.