Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors by Aida Salazar, Christina Soontornvat, Elise McMullen-Ciotti, Emma Otheguy, Erin Entrada Kelly, Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Hilda Eunice Burgos, Ibi Zoboi, Leah Henderson, Mason J., Nikki Grimes, Padma Venkatraman, Saadia Faruqi, Susan Muaddi Darraj, Veeda Bybee, Yamile Saied Méndez
Published by Candlewick Press on March 28, 2023
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Calling the Moon is an expansive collection of coming of age short stories written by BIPOC authors all focusing on girls getting their first period. The authors effectively capture the anxiety/excitement/embarrassment that girls often experience at this time in their lives, as well as the physical pain and mood swings. These short stories also explore the various complex relationships between mothers and daughters and include one story where the mother had died and the father is now the one to buy pads at the grocery store. Many of these stories focus on the cultural or religious traditions surrounding a girl getting her first period- from shame and secrecy to beautiful celebrations and ceremonies and are written by authors readers might already be familiar with. This book would be perfect for middle grade girls going through puberty or who are preparing to. The openness of the authors in writing authentically and directly about these experiences and the sheer number of stories in this collection (16) will help break down barriers that prevent this topic from being discussed and/or written about. Young readers will undoubtedly connect with these characters in profound ways as they see their questions and experiences reflected in girls from cultures all around the world.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library