This is a good middle-school story about mean girls, friendships, and school tropes.
My students in sixth grade really liked this one.

A great new body positive version for kids who read "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Tahlia Wilkins is a girl in transition, hoping to impress her classmates at the end of school pool party when that "uninvited guest" shows up. A journey of mishaps with Tahlia and her friend trying to figure out how to discreeetly obtain tampons, by buying, begging, and "borrowing" from an older neighbor. Tahlia's insecurities is very authentic for kids transitioning in middle school, and the nuanced friendships makes for a wonderful dynamism. Highly recommend for kids who are interested in books about body image, social standing, and have a healthy bracing for second-hand embarrassment.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This was a great contemporary MG novel! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying the book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Warning: you will cringe while reading this story—but rest assured, you will also laugh out loud and enthusiastically root for Tahlia as she navigates getting her first period just as her mother takes off for a business trip, leaving her at home with her father and annoying twin brothers on the very same weekend her crush is having a pool party. Luckily, Tahlia has a loyal best friend, and that’s really what this story is about: friendship and how it changes during those middle school years. The fifth grade readers I know will snatch this book up the minute I tell them, “This is about a girl who gets her period for the first time,” but it’s the hilarious slapstick, the tween anguish, and the huge heart of this story that will keep them reading.

Here are 5 reasons you should read this middle grade book:

✨ Deals with growing up and having to encounter new challenges in life.

✨As a girl, being introduced to Mother Nature and all its glory.

✨ Figuring out the rollercoaster of puberty

✨ Deals with friendships

✨ Teaches us that we don’t have to always face things alone

Thank you to @tbrbeyondtours and @karinaevanswrites for this beautiful copy!

Tahlia is a twelve-year-old girl who is going into the eighth grade in the fall but all she is focused on is having the best summer and making everyone forget about the mishap of last summer of showing up to the most popular boy’s pool party in a one-piece bathing suit with board shorts and goggles in hand. She has waited all year for this and she is prepared. Or is she?

We all know the best-laid plans will most likely go wrong and this is the case for Tahlia because just 24 hours before this pool party, Tahlia gets a huge pimple on her chin then gets her first period, and to make matters worse her mother is out of town on a work retreat. She doesn’t know what to do and doesn’t want her dad involved. So who else can she call but her best friend Lily.

The only thing that really bothered me was Tahlia’s mother didn’t prepare her or have items on hand for her or even explain the products. Although I could relate because all my mother did was give me a book on puberty to read and when the time came bought me a box of these god-awful pads. But then again if she did have this talk with Tahlia would we even have this book?

I couldn’t help but want to read to see what hijinks the girls would get into, what would happen at the pool party, and would Tahlia understand the changes that will happen. Will she see things differently now?

Tahlia is every girl in the world and we have all been there and can relate to her. Everything Tahlia was trying to do was relatable. It’s hard to figure out what pads or tampons to use. What’s even scary is the warning on the box of tampons. It’s a tough decision to make especially if you have to do it on your own.

As parents, we just need to keep reassuring our daughters that nothing about our bodies is embarrassing as Tahlia’s dad told her.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins

Author: Karina Evans

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Recommended For...: middle grade readers, contemporary, puberty, periods

Publication Date: April 19, 2022

Genre: MG Contemporary

Age Relevance: 8+ (puberty)

Explanation of Above: The book deals with a character who is going through puberty including her first period.

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 304

Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Tahlia Wilkins is ready to kick off the perfect summer at the popular kid's pool party. But when the Red Goddess of Panties, aka her first period, arrives 24 hours before the pool party, it messes up all her plans. To make matters worse, her mom is out of town, and there’s no way she’s going to ask her dad for help! Tahlia always feared that growing up would be tough, but this is just not fair.

In order to save herself from total embarrassment, it will take all of Tahlia and her best friend Lily’s scheming to keep her reputation—and her favorite jeans—from being ruined. Sneak off to the grocery store only to have the clerk price check your "goods" over the loudspeaker? Check. Trick your mature teenage neighbor into letting you use her bathroom to ‘rehome’ some tampons? Check. Take a dip into a fountain to ‘borrow’ some quarters for a bathroom period product dispenser? Check, check, check!

With the hilarious and heartwarming tone of Dork Diaries and the critically-acclaimed movie Eighth Grade, Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins! is a coming-of-age middle-grade novel about growing up, in all of its awkward glory.

Review: I really liked this book! It was so sweet and talked about puberty and periods in a way that I think everyone would be able to relate to. It has major Turning Red vibes and the struggles of Tahlia in dealing with her first period will be especially relatable to those who have had to deal with a period or an embarrassing moment that keeps getting worse and worse (trust me, I’ve had my own period horror days). The book is also a great example as to why every member of the family should be educated and brought up to speed on a child’s incoming puberty and/or period concerns. It’s also a great example for why a child needs to know that their parent and/or guardian will have their back and be able to help them in any way during those puberty/period moments. This would be an excellent book for parents and/or guardians to read with their young children as it would serve as a springboard for discussions on planning for those moments. It’s also a great book for young children to read on their own!

The only issue I had with the book is that I felt like it was a bit too fast paced for me, but for a young child it is perfectly paced I think.

Verdict: I love it! Highly recommend!

This book was a delight to read, especially because I remember feeling this way as a teenager. We worry about zits, not looking cool in middle school, and the embarrassing “P” word. There were quite a few moments where I laughed, where I teared up, and when the book was entirely relatable as a whole.

“When I said, ‘new and improved,’ this is NOT what I meant.”

Middle school is a time to reinvent yourself, make yourself “cooler” before you head off to high school and have to deal with that nightmare. Hormones are raging, bodies are developing, people are falling out of friendships and creating new ones. Add getting your period for the first time on top of that….whew!

“What’s worse than having your brothers know you’re bleeding?”

I totally feel Tahlia's pain/embarrassment in this situation. When you are 12, all these new experiences are happening and while you are excited to become “a new woman” it's still embarrassing and ultimately potential ammo for an older sibling to use against you.

“It's because you're going to miss me, so you wanted to lash out and hurt me.”

Teenage friendships are hard, messy, but sometimes the best thing in the entire world. You go through the gambit when you are a teenager. You are trying to find your place in the world (or school at this point), you are getting crushes left and right, and sometimes it feels like the world is out to get you as the world revolves around you too. Being open and honest with yourself and others always seems to make the path a little easier.

First off I like to thank TBR Tours & Beyond and the Publishers for giving me a spot and sending me a Netgalley Arc of Grow Up Tahlia Wilkins by Karina Evans. At first I was really excited to read as the main subject matter is about an important change in a girl's life but instead I got a very obnoxious main character who only could think about what has happened to her and the pool party. Some of the escapades were to me a little bit far fetched and actually not what a main character should be doing. I admit I found this very hard going and I found myself getting fed up with Tahlia and did think about DNFing but changed my mind as Tahlia's friend Lily saved the day. So I carried on. Lily was an amazing friend to Tahlia and I think she took advantage of her and never checked in to see how Lily was and it was very clear that something was going on with Lily but whenever she tried to talk about it Tahlia trumped it and went on about herself again.

Later on there was a change in Tahlia but for me as the reader it was a little too late. This book could of been a very important which young girls who needed something to help them through their periods but instead there were too many comedic events. Also asking your Dad for help when your Mum isn't there is not as embarrassing as you think. For all these reasons I am giving it 3 stars

Many many thanks to @tbrbeyondtours, Netgalley & @karinaevanswrites for providing me with a review copy! The cover is gorgeous 😍

🌼Title : Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins
🌸Author : Karina Evans.
🌼Genre : Middle Grade Fiction.
🌸Personal Rating: 4.5 / 5

🌻My thoughts🌻:
I started the book with high expectations and I wasn't disappointed at all. It has all the makings of a great book. It precisely captures the overwhelming process of growing up, the complexities and sudden changes that take place during puberty. I remember going through the changing period during middle school and having my share of embarrassing moments. While reading 'Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins', I could relate to all of Tahlia's struggles: the awkwardness after first period, absolute horror at acnes showing up right before an important event, overthinking every single matter and assuming the worst in every situation. It was like going back in time! Tahlia and Lily are super fun and adorable. Their friendship is such a precious one. The writing was beautiful, humorous and full of warmth, the story well-developed and provided enough information. As a debut author, Karina Evans nailed her first book. I loved the characters. Highly recommended for readers of all ages because everyone has something to gain from the story🌞.

✨Here are my favourite quotes :

1) I wonder If I look any different to them. Can they all tell just by looking at me that I've crossed into the land of Menstruation Nation?

2) If lightning were to strike down and zap me into millions of charred little pieces, I'd accept my fate with open arms if it meant I didn't have to deal with pimples or periods ever again.

3) Nothing about your body is embarrassing, Tahlia.

4) "I can figure you out," I whisper to it. It doesn't say anything back because, well, it's a tampon.

I had so much fun reading this book and I know I would have been OBSESSED with it as a 10-12-year-old. I appreciated how Tahlia and Lily really went through every possible (if often improbable) way of getting the supplies you need for your period—I think that young readers who are anticipating their period will be able to use this as sort of a guidebook, but it never came across as didactic or preachy. The pages where Lily reads out loud the instructions for inserting a tampon are particularly valuable, as well as when Tahlia’s mom explains that toxic shock syndrome really isn’t as prevalent as tampon boxes can make it seem.

I found Tahlia’s character development through the book very realistic and compelling—she started out by being terrified of telling anyone besides her mom and Lily about her period, and then she grows a bit by telling the woman at the restaurant that she was on her period, and then later on she was able to tell her father, who had a perfect reaction. The way she processed what Lily told her about how she doesn’t pull her weight in their friendship and how she’s a “coward” for not telling her dad about her period felt realistic and age-appropriate. The scene where she paused her conversation with Noah to go welcome the new girl was a beautifully written moment of empathy (one that Tahlia probably wouldn’t have exhibited earlier in the book). The dramatic irony of Lily clearly needing to tell Tahlia something important while Tahlia is too wrapped up in her own drama to care was an excellent way to subtly develop Lily’s character as well as the friendship between Lily and Tahlia.

This book had so many funny and clever moments, such as when Lily spills the *virgin* margarita on Tahlia to hide that she's bled through her jeans, or when Tahlia is so distraught at the pool party but she still tries (and fails) to use her "perfect line" on Noah.

Side note—I also appreciated the moment where the woman at the restaurant referred to “anyone who’s ever had a period” instead of language that would imply that only women or girls get periods.

This is an excellent modern alternative to the Judy Blume books I grew up with and I look forward to recommending it to fans of Lauren Myracle!

This was such a cute, funny read, I loved it! I literally read it in like 24 hours!

I feel like this is the perfect, must-read read for any middle school girl, because it has that entire growing-up aspect. The first quarter of the book is very first period focussed, but the rest of the book does explore sibling relationships, boy-girl parties and friendships.

Let's get into an in-depth review!

Plot:
The plot had me intrigued from the start. I love me an occasional middle-grade read, and this was perfect! This had me reminiscing to when I got my first period, and the struggles of Tahlia, were very real, and nice to read about!
I loved the plot development as well, it really takes a great arc over the book.

Characters:
I loved the characters! Like all of them were unique and relatable in their own way, and I loved reading them.
My only problem was that except Noah, I couldn't really picture any of the characters in my head, but I did love reading them!

Writing style:
This was actually refreshing since a lot of authors fail to write in the voice of the age group they're writing, but Karina Evans didn't! The character portrayal was just a little lacking, but overall I loved it!

Do I recommend it to all ages, even though it's a middle grade? HELL YES. I wanted more- the 300 pages felt less😭😭

4.5 stars/5

Tahlia gets her first period on the day before the big summer kick-off party. Her mother also left on a work retreat and Tahlia is left to navigate her entrance into womanhood with her best friend Lily. This is a very detailed look at the transition from girlhood to teenager-hood. The ups and downs and everything in-between. The author writes Tahlia realistically. The pacing was off. The story takes place over the course of two days. A lot of detail in some areas.

Tahlia does make the transition, not only physically, but through recognizing the places she needs to mature emotionally. Evans captures the emotions of this age well. This would make a good addition to middle grade fiction collections.

Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins is a hilarious, relatable tale of growing up, getting your first period and figuring out the rollercoaster of puberty. Filled with enough hijinks to exhaust anyone in 48 hours, this book also tugs at readers' hearts as the protagonist realizes that you don't have to face changes without support. It's also a kind reminder that as huge as our challenges may feel, often those we love (and who are supporting us) also have their challenges and need our love too.

Grow up, Tahlia Wilkins is a fantastic middle grade novel! Karina Evans does a terrific job describing Tahlia's thoughts and emotions when she starts her period. The story that unfolds is both hilarious and heartwarming. It has just the right amount of being best friends, becoming popular, annoying big brothers, loving parents, supportive new friends, and growing up. I laughed out loud so many times while reading this debut novel!! The language and dialogue is so truthful , and I found myself thinking of all the students who will be impacted by this novel. I can't wait to share this one with my colleagues and students! 4 1/2 stars!!
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this advanced copy that I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tahlia has such a great sense of humor while she’s dealing with a zit before an end-of-the-year pool party. To make matters worse, she starts her first period, and mom is gone overnight on business. Where does mom keep her pads? All kinds of problems ensue so she calls her best friend Lilly who comes over. When they realize they need tampons for a pool party, and there are none at home, so many things happen. Later, Tahlia learns Lily has been keeping a big secret from her. Will it affect their friendship? This a great book for someone getting their first period showing some of the problems, good and bad, that can happen.

Finally! What's a Nana to do when she wants to help her grandchild understand puberty but they don't want to hear about it or read some instructional book on puberty? Well, a frank and fun novel all about puberty is the perfect solution. Before, there was only one book that filled that need and while it's a classic, it's also 52 years old. While the non existent cell phones and internet weren't too noticable in the late nineties and very early aughts, I think it's really noticable now. Thank you so much to Karina Evans for writing Grow up, Tahlia Wilkins! I believe that it will really fill the need for the modern tween. It's informative while being fun, sensitive and relatable.
Tahlia Wilkins is 12 yo and looking forward to a great summer. Unfortunately, the Red Goddess of Panties, has made a surprise appearance only one day before a very important pool party. Not only that but her mom has just left for a work trip
to somewhere where the cell service is non-existent.
Luckily, Tahlia has her best friend Lily to help her save the day. There will be a few misadventures first, though.

It's the first day of summer before eighth grade, and Tahlia Wilkins is determined to make an impression at the upcoming pool party hosted by Noah Campos, one of the most well-liked kids in the grade. But with the party only a day away, Tahlia gets her first period, and with her mom away on a work trip with no cell service and being too embarrassed to let her dad or older brothers find out, she tries to come up with a plan for showing up at the party anyway without letting anyone know.
Tahlia finds some pads in her mom's bathroom, but after realizing she needs a tampon for swimming, she teams up with her best friend, Lily, to secretly find tampons, whether it be simply walking to the nearest general store or finding an excuse to use her neighbor's bathroom to look for them. But inserting them doesn't work right away. And when her family and Lily go out to dinner that night, they end up sharing a table with none other than Noah Campos and his parents-- all while Tahlia forgot to wear a pad, and a search for money to use in the bathroom dispenser ensues.
The next day at the party, after finally figuring out how to use a tampon, Tahlia thinks everything's worked out in her favor. But then Lily reveals a secret of her own, leaving Tahlia wondering how they're going to hold on to their friendship when school starts again.

I'm in college, but I can still relate to some of Tahlia's struggles in this book-- mostly the worry that periods are embarrassing and should be kept secret. The book is a really good representation of the need to stop treating periods like a taboo subject. (I mean, when someone's going into a fountain to get money for pads instead of asking her dad for the money, that's a problem). Even when I was Tahlia's age, I wasn't exposed to anything like this book and fell into the same habit of being embarrassed as she did.

I wish I'd had this book when I was in middle school, and girls that age now should definitely read it.

A lot can happen in the space of a couple of days, and when Tahlia's mother goes out of town for a business conference, leaving Tahlia at home with her father and older twin brothers on the last day of school, things go badly wrong. Tahlia gets her period for the first time and is ill-prepared, especially since she has Noah's pool party to attend! With the help of her best friend, Lily, she manages to get to a local store to buy tampons, but has a lot of trouble using them and soon needs more, so she "borrows" some by sneaking into a teen neighbor's bathroom. She doesn't want her dad to know, so when she has a leak while out to dinner with both Lily and Noah's families, she is mortified, and again relies on her friend to help her out. Lily's mother is eight months pregnant and rather preoccupied, so the girls take it upon themselves to spill a virgin margarita down Tahlia's front to distract from the other stain, and end up in the fountain outside the restaurant trying to further obscure things. Feeling fairly confident at Noah's party, Tahlia runs into Jackie, who used to be friends with her and Lily, but started to act more mature and distanced herself from them. She is friendly at the party, but warns Tahlia that she should change her tampon every hour to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome. This panics Tahlia, but it's Lily's surprise announcement that crushes Tahlia's spirit and has her calling her father to pick her up from the party. Luckily, her dad comes through with a lot more support than she would have imagined, and when her mother returns, Tahlia is further assured that everything will work out for the best.

If you believe my fourth grade diary, topics revolving around puberty are really interesting to middle grade readers. Tahlia and her long suffering (and somewhat younger acting) friend Lily navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of first periods, boy-girl parties, and changes in friendship with humor and a positive attitude. They are going into eighth grade, which will make their adventures very appealing to a variety of readers who might be facing the same issues or looking forward to the day when they do.

It was interesting that while Tahlia was very sure at first that she would be mortified to tell her father, he eventually was a big help, and made her feel more comfortable telling him what she needed. This is a great message whose time has really come.

The fact that the main action of this book took place in just two days was interesting; we pick up the story again after the summer has passed and Tahlia is starting eighth grade, but most of what transpires is very localized. This heightens the emotions and allows for a deep dive into Tahlia's struggles with feminine protection. I especially loved the girls' encounter with an older woman who sympathizes with them but also opines that they are lucky they don't have to deal with sanitary belts! Hopefully, these details will help readers better prepare so that they never have to be in Tahlia's difficult circumstances.

Readers who found Harrington's Revenge of the Red Club and Williams' graphic novel Go With the Flow instructive will appreciate Tahlia's efforts in dealing with her period. This would make a great gift for a younger girl, perhaps accompanied by an informative fiction book such as Own Your Period: A Fact-filled Guide to Period Positivity by Chella Quint and Giovana Medeiros or at least a pamphlet and some menstrual hygiene products so they aren't caught in Tahlia's predicament.

It did seem odd that Tahlia's mother hadn't talked to her more about this or stocked supplies and left information on how to use them. It also seemed unlikely that a woman store clerk would get on the loud speaker to do a price check on tampons, or that Lily's mother couldn't have been consulted. Of course, if Tahlia had had this support, the story wouldn't have existed, so there's some artistic license at play.