Her glow silvering the world.
Joy sings out
Within every good soul."
"Flower Song for Maidens Coming of Age." From songs of Dzitbalché 7
translated by David Bowles
Recently, several books about menstruation have been published for young readers. Most are collections of information presented in an engaging manner. The Moon Within takes a refreshing approach. Salazar weaves poetry, astronomy, and mythology together with Mexican and Caribbean culture in this intimate view of a young girl anticipating and experiencing her first menses. The book is divided into sections mirroring the lunar cycle: New Moon, First Quarter Moon, Full Moon, and Last Quarter Moon. This journey from childhood to maidenhood is like the moon: at times dark, at other times shimmering with reflected light. Twelve-year-old Celestina Rivera lives in East Oakland with her father of Puerto Rican heritage, mother of Mexican ancestry, and younger brother Juju. Magda, a drummer in her bomba class is "better than my best friend," and "my best echo." The two are inseparable. |
is a time for magic
for healing
for rituals.
Join in the Dance | Meet the Author |
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Culture, Identity, and Menstruation
The film explores the stigma attached to menstruation in a rural village in India where girls are prevented from staying in school, worshipping in temples, and having access to basic sanitary products. Follow the remarkable story of village women who learn to use a sewing machine, creating biodegradable and affordable sanitary pads for women in the surrounding villages. Their sewing machine was contributed by The Pad Project, a program created by high school girls in a California. | |