Periods are universal—yet the stories we tell about them often feel limited, clinical, or shrouded in silence. Calling the Moon changes all that. This powerful anthology collects sixteen short stories and poems by celebrated Black, Indigenous, and other authors of color, offering middle‑grade readers an honest, heartfelt, and diverse exploration of the many ways young people experience their first—and subsequent—menstrual cycles.
Why Calling the Moon Matters
Menstruation is a rite of passage, but it’s not a uniform experience. For some, it arrives with a sense of pride or relief; for others, it brings confusion, embarrassment, or even grief. The BIPOC authors featured in Calling the Moon embrace this complexity, weaving narratives that range from laugh‑out‑loud moments to poignant reflections.
By centering voices of color, this anthology dismantles the one‑size‑fits‑all approach to period stories. These pieces allow readers to see their own cultural backgrounds—whether it’s navigating Ramadan, playing sports with boys, or dealing with a family’s traditional beliefs—reflected in the characters’ journeys. In doing so, Calling the Moon does more than normalize periods: it celebrates them as catalysts for growth, community, and self‑discovery.
Coming‑of‑Age Under Every Phase of the Moon
The collection’s title nods to the moon’s monthly cycle, a natural mirror to menstruation. Each story and poem corresponds to a different emotional “phase”—from the bright burst of excitement to the quiet moments of introspection.
- Angela’s Court Drama: Imagine the shock of a first period during a high‑stakes basketball game on a boys’ team. The story captures the tug‑of‑war between teenage pride and bodily surprise, all set against the squeak of sneakers on hardwood.
- Penny’s Field Trip Fiasco: A lakeside adventure takes an awkward turn when Penny realizes she’s unprepared—leading to both cringe‑worthy humor and genuine friendship as she learns to navigate an unexpected moment.
- Layla’s Ramadan Dilemma: Layla’s excitement for her first fasting month is interrupted when her period arrives at dawn, forcing her to reckon with tradition, faith, and the complexity of womanhood.
From the sentimental to the uproariously funny, every contribution offers a unique vantage point. Whether readers are already menstruating or just curious, these pieces build empathy and encourage open conversations.
Voices You’ll Remember
Featuring an impressive roster of authors—such as Nikki Grimes, Christina Soontornvat, Saadia Faruqi, and Ibi Zoboi—Calling the Moon brings together some of today’s most respected writers in middle‑grade fiction. Each brings her own cultural lens:
- Hilda Eunice Burgos speaks to the rhythmic pulse of mother‑daughter traditions.
- Erin Entrada Kelly captures the blend of fear and wonder that accompanies bodily change.
- Guadalupe Garcia McCall infuses poetic lyricism into the moment of revelation.
This diversity of styles—spanning grounded realism, lyrical poetry, and vivid humor—makes the anthology feel like a conversation among friends rather than a lecture.
Starred Praise from the Critics
Critics have lauded Calling the Moon as “uplifting,” “essential,” and “much‑needed.”
- Publishers Weekly praised its “warm, funny, and empowering” tone, calling it “a love letter to all who menstruate.”
- Kirkus Reviews celebrated the anthology’s “uniformly strong entries” and “powerful, vibrant” impact.
- Booklist highlighted how these “culturally rich narratives” encourage readers to “think beyond the social stigma attached to menstruation.”
Across starred reviews, readers and educators alike have noted the anthology’s potential to spark meaningful dialogue in classrooms and homes, helping young people feel seen and supported.
Beyond the Pages: A Catalyst for Conversation
Calling the Moon isn’t just a book—it’s a resource. Teachers can use it to introduce frank discussions about puberty, health, and cultural traditions. Librarians can recommend it to patrons seeking representation in literature. Parents can gift it to preteens approaching their first period, providing comfort and validation in one beautifully bound volume.
At a time when open conversations about menstruation are more vital than ever, Calling the Moon offers a bridge—linking cultural tradition with modern honesty, humor with heartbreak, and individuality with collective experience.
Embracing the Next Phase
If you’ve ever felt isolated by your period, or if you simply want to broaden your literary horizons, Calling the Moon is essential reading. It reminds us that menstruation, like the moon, is cyclical—sometimes shadowed, sometimes illuminated, but always a powerful force of renewal.
Pick up Calling the Moon and join the conversation. Celebrate your cycle, honor others’, and discover the universal threads that connect us through the ancient, ever‑lasting magic of the moon.
