Blood Moon

Blood Moon follows the story of Frankie, a sixteen-year-old girl who has a close-knit set of friends, supportive parents, and an appreciation with space and physics. Her best friend, Harriet, is outgoing and loves flirting with boys; Frankie, however, doesn't find many of them that interesting, until she starts hanging out with Benjamin more often. After getting to know one another a little, Frankie and Benjamin hook up and Frankie ends up getting her period. Although a little awkward at first, Frankie and Benjamin both agree it's just blood, and there's no need to be embarrassed. Then, a rumor about their experience turns into a viral meme of Frankie, and her life begins to spiral. Frankie wonders if she's as dirty and disgusting as the online comments say she is, and if she can truly trust anyone she cares about.

Cuthew's first novel is told in verse and it is a harrowing tale of bullying (both online and real-life), friendship, feminism, and sexuality. One thing I truly appreciated was that all of the characters were flawed: Harriet is mean and makes mistakes, but she also makes valid points; Frankie is right to call Harriet out on certain behaviors, but she also contributes to some slut-shaming, etc. Their friendship, with all its ups and downs, is a very central part of this story, and it struck me as a bond between two teenagers who are adjusting to looming adulthood and all that entails.

I felt that the ending was a little too tidy and optimistic to strike me as completely real, but that's okay: we need stories of positivity concerning these subjects. Definitely will keep an eye on books from her in the future! 4/5 #NoShames