* "Learning about period poverty (and poverty, period), Eden ponders ways to fund period products and gets a crash course in income inequality . . . Readers learn about these subjects alongside Eden in a well-integrated way and will root for the quirky, well-rounded characters who challenge outdated cultural taboos. Character-driven, thought-provoking, often funny, and, above all, timely."

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

* "In Code Red, a stirring and thought-provoking middle-grade novel by Joy McCullough, a privileged but lonely teen's eyes open to issues of social inequity and period poverty. . . With themes of social justice, classism, trans awareness, and family pressure, Code Red is likely to enlighten, delight, and maybe even inspire middle-grade readers, menstruators and non-menstruators alike."

– Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

"McCullough sheds light on issues of injustice, misogyny, and period poverty, as well as varying other challenges surrounding financial precarity, via Eden’s warmly rendered personal journey from laser-focused athlete to stalwart activist. Eden’s evolving relationship with her mother, and their opposing ideals, provide additional narrative heft."

– Publishers Weekly

"McCullough tackles period poverty with her usual feminist flair, yet the conversations bring along readers who may be less familiar with issues around menstrual equity. Changemakers eager to go against the flow will appreciate the paths Eden explores to increased self-awareness, advocacy, and social activism."

– Booklist