Code Red

A girl finds purpose in fighting period poverty, challenging societal norms and her own family.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 324 ratings

240 pages· 57,852 words· Est. 8 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Eden, a former gymnast, feels adrift after an injury ends her career. Her world shifts when she discovers period poverty through new friends at a food bank. As she becomes an advocate for menstrual equity, Eden faces resistance from her own mother, whose company produces period products. Can Eden balance her newfound passion with family expectations and make a real impact? Her journey of activism and self-discovery challenges societal norms and her own beliefs, leading her to question what truly matters. Will she stand firm in her convictions and inspire change?

From the publisher

In the spirit of Judy Blume, this “character-driven, thought-provoking, often funny, and, above all, timely” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) middle grade novel celebrates finding yourself, making new friends, and standing up for what’s right as a girl becomes involved in menstrual activism. Ever since a career-ending injury, former elite gymnast Eden has been feeling lost. To add insult to actual injury, her mom has been invited to present at her middle school’s career day, which would be fine except Mom’s company produces period products like pads and tampons. Having the whole school hear about it is total humiliation. And when Eden gets into a fight with a boy who won’t stop mocking her for it, she and her classmate Maribel both end up getting suspended. Mom’s corporate executive job means she doesn’t have time to look after Eden while she’s suspended, so Eden is sent to volunteer at the food bank Maribel’s mom runs. There, she meets new friends who open her eyes to period poverty, the struggle that low-income people with periods have trying to afford menstrual products. Eden even meets a boy who gets periods. Witnessing how people fight for fair treatment inspires Eden to join the advocacy work. But sewing pads to donate and pushing for free access to period products puts Eden at odds with her mom. Even so, Eden’s determined to hold onto the one thing that’s ignited her passion and drive since gymnastics. Can she stand her ground and make a real difference?

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