Go with the Flow

Every young person (with or without a uterus) should read this graphic novel. Sasha makes three new friends when every woman's nightmare happens: she gets her period while wearing white pants. The story that follows is everything I wish all friendships had. I love all the diversity in this book and how it doesn't shy away from serious topics including endometriosis. I wish I had this book growing up. Recommended By Rose H., Powells.com

High school students embark on a crash course of friendship, female empowerment, and women's health issues in Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann's graphic novel Go With the Flow.

Good friends help you go with the flow.
Best friends help you start a revolution.

Sophomores Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are fed up. Hazelton High never has enough tampons. Or pads. Or adults who will listen.

Sick of an administration that puts football before female health, the girls confront a world that shrugs — or worse, squirms — at the thought of a menstruation revolution. They band together to make a change. It's no easy task, especially while grappling with everything from crushes to trig to JV track but they have each other's backs. That is, until one of the girls goes rogue, testing the limits of their friendship and pushing the friends to question the power of their own voices.

Now they must learn to work together to raise each other up. But how to you stand your ground while raising bloody hell?

"Shades of red aptly make up the book's palette, and the cartoony style and figures resemble the Lumberjanes comic books. Fans of that series will appreciate this mix of friendship power and activism." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This warm, candid friendship story isn't shy about the message it's trying to send — that periods need not be a dirty secret." School Library Journal

"...the story is firmly grounded in the realities faced by girls and women, and the timely messages of empowerment and political dialogue will resonate with socially minded youth." Booklist

Karen Schneemann grew up in Northern California. She received her first undergraduate degree in Engineering from UCLA and her second in Animation from California College of the Arts. In addition to being an engineer, artist and writer, Karen is also a mom to two adorable kids. She lives and works in foggy San Francisco, California.

Lily Williams is the author and illustrator of If Sharks Disappeared, If Polar Bears Disappeared, and If Elephants Disappeared. She grew up in Northern California where she received her B.F.A. from California College of the Arts. Lily seeks to inspire change, engage audiences, and educate people of all ages with her artwork. Her work can be seen in films, books and on her website.