Media Kit including Book and Author Photos
Contact at alitereseauthor [at] gmail [dot] com
High Resolution Author Photo Link
Author Photo Credit:
Copyright Ali Terese 2023-25
ALT text: Author Ali Terese, a white woman with brown and gray hair and gray eyes wearing a long-sleeve black shirt, smiles in front of a bookcase.
Name: Ali Terese
Pronouns: she / her / hers
Contact: alitereseauthor [at] gmail.com
Rights Inquiries: Molly Ker Hawn at David Higham Associates - mollykerhawn [at] davidhigham.co.uk
Event booking: How Now Booking https://www.hownowbooking.com/speakers/terese/
Website: www.aliterese.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alitereseauthor/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ – click expand all) - https://aliterese.com/about/
Discussion guide, actions, recipes, crafts, mayhem - https://aliterese.com/resources/
Author bio:
Ali Terese is a middle grade and YA author who writes funny and heartfelt stories including FREE PERIOD (Scholastic - 2024) and VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. (Aladdin / Simon & Schuster - 2025). Her work has been longlisted for the National Book Award, received starred reviews in School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, an Audiofile Magazine Earphones Award, a Kids’ Indie Next selection, and spots on the American Library Association’s RISE list, the Chicago Public Schools Battle of the Books, Texas Lone Star Reading List, Garden State Teen Book Award List, and DC Three Stars Book Award List. Ali has presented the book at bookseller, teacher, and librarian events across the nation. Visit Ali online for book bonuses, giveaways, and resources like discussion guides, recipes, and craftivism projects at aliterese.com.
High Resolution Cover Photo Link
Cover Photo Credits:
Cover illustration by Steffi Walthall
Cover design by Maeve Norton
Cover Copyright Scholastic 2024
ALT Text: The cover of FREE PERIOD by Ali Terese showing two purple stalls across which the title has been painted in blue. There are blue paint footprints leading up to the two stall doors. Under one door, a girl’s booted feet also have paint on them. Behind the second door, a girl’s sneakered feet have paint on them next to a paint can. The front cover blurb says, “This book is a MUST READ.” Lisa Greenwald, author of the TBH series.
Book details:
FREE PERIOD
By Ali Terese
Scholastic Press (March 5, 2024)
272 pages in hardcover
Also available in ebook and audiobook
Ages 8-12, grades 3-7 from the publisher
ISBN-10: 1338835831
ISBN-13: 9781338835830
Middle Grade Contemporary
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Activism & Social Justice
Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Adolescence & Coming of Age
Edelweiss Listing
https://www.edelweiss.plus/?sku=1338835831&g=4400
Spring 2024 1-Minute FREE PERIOD Preview:
https://youtu.be/EkMEHam_oug?feature=shared
Audiobook sample on SoundCloud narrated by Josephine Huang and Cassandra Morris:
https://soundcloud.com/scholastic-audiobooks/freeperiod-by-ali-terese-audiobook-clip
FREE PERIOD Description from Scholastic:
This middle-grade Moxie centering period equity is Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret for the next generation! Helen and Gracie are pranking their way through middle school when a stinky stunt lands them in the front office -- again. Because nothing else has curbed their chaos, the principal orders the best friends to do the unthinkable: care about something. So they join the school’s Community Action Club with plans to do as little as humanly possible. But when Helen is caught unprepared by an early period and bleeds through her pants -- they were gold lamé! -- the girls take over the club’s campaign for maxi pads in bathrooms for all students who menstruate. In the name of period equity, the two friends use everything from over-the-top baked goods to glitter gluing for change. But nothing can prepare them for a clueless school board (ew), an annoying little sister (ugh), and crushes (oh my!). As Helen and Gracie find themselves closer to change and in deeper trouble than ever before, they must decide if they care enough to keep going . . . even if it costs them their friendship.
FREE PERIOD Honors:
National Book Award for Young People’s Literature - Longlist
Starred Review - School Library Review
Best Audiobooks of 2024 - Audiofile Magazine
Earphones Award Winner - Audiofile Magazine
2025 Amazing Audiobooks - Young Adult Library Services Association
Best Books of 2024 - bookshop.org
Judy Lopez Memorial Award - Honor Book
2025 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List - American Library Association
Favorite Reads of 2024 - Teen Librarian Toolbox
A Kids’ Indies Next Pick – American Booksellers Association
Texas Lone Star Reading List - Texas Library Association
Garden State Book Award List - New Jersey Library Association
Three Stars Award List - District of Columbia Library Association
Best of the Best Books 2024 - Chicago Public Library
Battle of the Books - Grades 7-8 - Chicago Public Schools
Amazing Audiobook Nominee - Young Adult Library Services Association
A Powell’s Pick of the Month - Powell’s Books
Amazon Editors Pick for Ages 9-12
Amazon Best Books of the Year So Far 2024
A Kobo Best of Children’s Literature Pick - Rakuten Kobo
A Rad Reads Pick - Girls’ Life Magazine
A Fiercely Fictional Pick - YAYOMG! Magazine
A Children’s Book Council Pick for March 2024
A Children’s Indie Favorite - American Booksellers Association
Goodreads Summer Book Recs Pick
Library Staff Pick - Chicago Public Library, Brooklyn, Cobb County, Harris County, Richland, Arapahoe, Marin, Fraser Valley, Halifax, Oxford County, Huron County, Pasadena, Denver, Happy Valley, Pima County, Westerfield, Manlius, Mount Prospect, Santa Clara County, Kent
FREE PERIOD Reviews and Advance Praise:
“Smartly crafted, this is a modern Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret told with verve and humor, and can be shared with all students.“ Starred Review - School Library Journal
“Punchy, electric, and smart social commentary.” – Kirkus Reviews
“It was absolute fire.” – Book Riot
“A vivacious comedy.” – Ron Charles in Washington Post Book Club
“An absolutely fantastic read about period equity, friendship, direct action, and good trouble.” – Teen Librarian Toolbox
“Along with friend drama, family interventions, the principal’s impatience with the two pranksters, and a few budding romances, this story is a non-stop, rollicking look at how to harness creativity for social change.” – Youth Services Book Review
“Josephine Huang and Cassandra Morris join forces to deliver the captivating story of best friends in this exceptional middle-grade audiobook. Helen, voiced by Huang, and Gracie, portrayed by Morris, are known for their mischievous antics. Their latest escapade leads them to join the Community Action Club, currently dedicated to promoting period equity. Morris's dynamic narration and vibrant dialogue capture Gracie's wholehearted embrace of the cause. While Helen is initially hesitant about participating in the project, her perspective shifts when an unexpected period lands her in the school nurse's office. Huang portrays Helen's skepticism with nuanced pacing and just the right inflection. Together, the narrators' skillful delivery will immerse listeners in this compelling story. S.K.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award” – AudioFile Magazine
“This contemporary fiction novel will inspire listeners, no matter their gender identity, to seek equality and work for the changes in their world. Free Period shows that even class clowns and pranksters can redirect their chaos for good. These characters get wildly hilarious while continuing to keep the heart of the story ever-present. The audiobook expertly matches the story’s tone and elevates Helen and Gracie as characters. Huang and Morris keep each character’s voice unique and also warm listeners to see beyond Helen’s evil-genius exterior. This novel can be added to change-maker book lists alongside Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone and Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu. -Sarah Carpenter” –YALSA Amazing Audiobooks Featured Review
“The author of this funny and important novel is not from Minnesota. But that doesn’t matter because this heartfelt and inventive debut about “period equity” will help middle-schoolers learn about menstruation and adults’ disinterest in the topic, even though girls this age might need pads during the school day that are locked away in the nurse’s office — if there even is a nurse on site.” – Pioneer Press
“Terese spins a rollicking and timely tale of period equity in which eighth graders on the cusp of big change learn how to collaborate with others and how to use their creative, intellectual, and mayhem-causing talents to enact meaningful change.” – Publishers Weekly
“"If you’re asking us, Free Period is a must-read. It’s a heartfelt and inspiring story led by two prank queens with an affinity for fart jokes with a supremely important message every kid should care about – period equity. It’ll leave you longing to be a part of their friend group and fired up to make waves at your own school." - YAYOMG! Magazine
“Ali Terese’s debut novel had me laughing, smiling and groaning at the relatability. By striking a balance between entertaining and educational, Free Period will encourage everyone to want to make a difference in their world.” – Geek Girl Authority
"This book is the period equity anthem we've been waiting generations to read. It glitters with humor and shows us the power that comes from staring down injustice. Free Period is about to start something BIG." - Carrie Firestone, author of Dress Coded (https://www.carriefirestonebooks.com/)
"A funny and fast-paced story about two steadfast best friends who refuse to go with the flow. It has everything I love: friendship, family drama, and first crushes, plus period equity, loyalty, and standing up for what you believe in. A smart book!" - Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep it Together, Keiko Carter (https://debbimichikoflorence.com/)
"This book is a MUST READ. I absolutely adored it!" - Lisa Greenwald, author of the TBH series (https://www.lisagreenwald.com/)
Free Period Press Mentions
Television Interview for Women’s History Month with Desiree Shepard for ABC10 in Sacramento
The New Yorker - The 2024 National Book Awards Longlist - September 2024
Judy Lopez Memorial Award 2025 Ceremony
Judy Lopez Memorial Award 2025 Authors in Conversation Panel
Washington Post Book Club with Ron Charles - September 2024
Radio Interview with Kat Martin for WTVR-FM
Radio Interview with Arroe Collins for I Heart Radio
Women’s History Month Interview on Scholastic’s On Our Minds Blog
Idaho Press - Rediscovered Books Hosts Period Party
Podcast Interview on Middle Grade Matters
Podcast Interview on Of the Publishing Persuasion
Podcast Interview on My Creative Life
Great Middle Grade Reads Panel at Books of Wonder
Interview with Children’s Book World
Interview with Jeff Sammut on Canada Now at Sirius XM
NOLA Public Library - Period Poverty Awareness Week Q&A with Ali Terese by Rachel Marsh - May 2024
Pink Chair Storytellers 2024 Advocacy Issues - Whatcha Reading Column
The Children’s Book Review - 5 Extraordinary Middle-Grade Audiobooks to Ignite the Imagination
The Van Show with the Austin Public Library
Scholastic Parents - Books About Middle School To Ease The Transition
Imagination Soup - Wiring About Tough Issues for Middle Grade Readers
High Resolution Cover Photo Link
Cover Photo Credits:
Cover illustration by Laura Catrinella
Cover design by Tiara Iandiorio
Cover Copyright Aladdin / Simon & Schuster 2025
ALT Text: The cover of VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. by Ali Terese showing two girls and a teensy goat holding a large purple fabric sign bearing the book’s title in the middle of an athletic field with bleachers and lights in the near background and a school on a hill further away. The sun is shining, and the sky is blue with white clouds. The goat is dark brown with red undertones, has tiny horns, and is eating through the purple sign underneath the title. One of the girls is dressed in a red t-shirt, blue shorts, and white sneakers and socks. She is white and has long brond hair in a high ponytail with a tiny headband. The other girl is wearing a dark blue sweater, light blue skirt, black boots, and a silver necklace. She is white with spiky blue hair and red glasses. She holds a forearm crutch in one hand.
Book details:
VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T.
By Ali Terese
Aladdin / Simon & Schuster (August 26, 2025)
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook
Ages 9-13, grades 4-8 from the publisher
ISBN-10: 1665960485
ISBN-13: 9781665960489
Middle Grade Contemporary
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Edelweiss Listing
https://www.edelweiss.plus/#sku=1665960485&page=1
VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. Description from Aladdin:
From the author of National Book Award–longlisted Free Period comes a new hijinks-fueled comedy about finding your voice, perfect for fans of Carrie Firestone and Lisa Yee!
Sporty Meg and fashionista Jo don’t have much in common besides being seventh graders at Somerset Middle School, where everyone is obsessed with being voted the Greatest of All Time and celebrated at the Harvest Ball. But when their mascot Somerset Babette (a.k.a. the world’s cutest goat) is kidnapped, Jo and Meg are wrongfully accused of being the culprits.
The burned-out soccer star and chronically ill overachiever band together and assemble a rag-tag squad to steal the goat back. Banter, activism, self-care, double-crosses, big shenanigans, and even bigger feelings follow as the girls fight to change how animals are treated at their school and achieve true freedom for their four-legged, sweater-chewing friend in this laugh-out-loud middle-grade heist centering friendship and bodily autonomy.
VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. Honors
Starred Review - Publishers Weekly
Favorite Reads of 2025 - Teen Librarian Toolbox
2026 Commended Title - Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards
August 2025 Anticipated Reads - Chicago Public Library
August 2025 New and Noteworthy - Publishers Weekly
2025’s Best LGBTQ Middle Grade Books for Holiday Giving - Mombian
VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. Reviews and Advance Praise
“Terese (Free Period) expertly balances various intersecting plotlines that touch on parental pressure, first crushes, chronic illness, bodily autonomy, and animal rights advocacy. Centering an intersectionally diverse cast across Meg and Jo’s alternating first-person POVs, Terese delivers a joyful slice-of-life romp about finding oneself and uplifting others.” — Starred Review in Publishers Weekly
“It’s whip-smart read about taking care of yourself and others and standing up for your beliefs. The incredibly quick-witted dialogue, standout characters (aka my new fictional best friends), and whimsical-yet-deep plot will make readers unable to set this book down (and may have them looking at things at their own schools through new eyes).” — Amanda MacGregor in Teen Librarian Toolbox
“Funny, smart, and perhaps unexpectedly moving, it’s a highly recommended tale.” — Dana Rudolph in Mombian
“The plot’s twists and escalating chaos provide plenty of gasp-worthy moments, while the playful tone and clever humor keep the story buoyant and engaging. Beneath the hijinks, Terese thoughtfully explores friendship, self-advocacy, and the complexity of speaking up in systems that do not always listen. Characters grapple with identity, responsibility, and fairness in ways that feel authentic to middle school readers, making this a strong choice for classroom discussion.” — Melanie D. Koss and Kathleen A. Paciga in Illinois Reading Council Journal
“Hilarity, hijinks, and a heist that is goat-ally awesome! This wonderfully inclusive story—about using your voice to advocate for yourself and others—will energize you to stand up for what’s right.” — Lauren Magaziner, author of THE INCORRUPTIBLES
“A hilarious and heartfelt romp about an unlikely duo who set out to stand up for a goat and end up standing up for themselves. Friendship, family, heists, crushes, betrayal, bodily autonomy, and goat puns galore—this book has it all! Readers will have a blaaaast.” — Anna Staniszewski, author of CLIQUE HERE and THE WONDER OF WILDFLOWERS
“Vote for the G.O.A.T. is a hilarious, heartfelt, hijinx-filled story about standing up for yourself and what you believe in! Jo and Meg bring readers along on a laugh-out-loud heist and show them the strength of teamwork in making a difference both on and off the field. Full of fabulous friendships, middle-school mayhem, and all the first-crush feels, this empowering novel highlighting bodily autonomy is sure to be a game-changer.” — Emily Deibert, author of BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT
“There’s no debate here. It’s not Michael or LeBron—give the G.O.A.T. title to Ali Terese. Vote for the G.O.A.T. is a rollicking, kinetic story about two seventh graders, Jo and Meg, who team up in a dynamic duo that feels like Ocean’s 11 meets Bend It Like Beckham. It’s empowering, soul-nurturing, and guffaw-inducing. Ali’s prose is razor-sharp, her dialogue is Tarantino-for-tweens. Punchy, hilarious, and full of heart. This book is straight fire.” — Amar Shah, Emmy-award winning producer and author of WISH I WAS A BALLER and the PLAY THE GAME series.
VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. Press Mentions
Publishers Weekly - Fall 2025 Children’s Sneak Preview
Publishers Weekly - Texas Library Association 2025 in Photos
The Bookseller - Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025 Agents’ Hotlists
The Van Show - Austin Public Library
Most Anticipated Middle Grade selection - Pop Goes the Reader
All The Books I Can’t Wait To Read In Late 2025 - The Contented Reader
Write It Scared Podcast - October 2025
The Ventorship with Jason June - December 2025
Publishers Weekly In Brief - December 2025
From the Mixed Up Files - Author Spotlight - December 2025
Arapahoe Libraries - Navigating Friendship: Stories for Middle Grade and YA readers - December 2025
Nerd Daily - Eight Queer Sports Novels for Tween Readers - December 2025
Always in the Middle Review - January 2026
My Creative Life Podcast - March 2026
Ali’s past appearances: https://aliterese.com/events/
Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA)
California Independent Booksellers Alliance (CALIBA)
New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA)
Mountain & Plains Independent Booksellers Association (MPIBA)
American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE (ALAN)
ALA The Library Learning Experience (ALA LibLearnX)
New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA)
World Read Aloud Day 2024 - virtual
The Curious Reader Bookstore, Glen Rock NJ
Enoch Pratt Free Library (Baltimore) Writers LIVE
Children’s Book World, Los Angeles, CA
Books of Wonder, New York, New York
The Book & Nook, Warwick NY
Texas Library Association Annual Conference (San Antonio)
Hudson Children’s Book Festival
Possible Futures, New Haven, CT
Brooklyn Public Library - Brooklyn Heights Branch
free. Period Poverty Awareness Kickoff, Hingham, MA
Bronx Book Festival
Growing Minds Bookstore, Catonsville, MD
Columbus Book Festival
California Reading Association 57th Annual Conference
Glen Rock Book Festival
Period Action Day - Brooklyn Public Library
Miami Book Fair
World Read Aloud Day 2025 - virtual
Brooklyn Public Library Cycle Alliance Party
Texas Library Association Annual Conference (Dallas)
Maryland and Delaware Library Associations Annual Conference (Ocean City)
Authors in Bloom at Caprichos Books in Ocean Pines, MD
Rhode Island Library Association Conference (Kingston)
School Library Journal Day of Dialog (Virtual)
Charter Books, Newport, RI
Brooklyn Public Library, Saratoga Branch
American Library Association Annual Conference (Philadelphia)
Dear Reader Middle Grade Book Party
Middle Grade Authors in Conversation - Severna Park Library
Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival
Pennsylvania Library Association Conference (Erie)
Young People’s Book Festival (Villanova)
Virginia Association of School Libraries (Williamsburg)
NCTE 2025 (Denver)
World Read Aloud Day - February 4
AWP 2026 (Baltimore) - March 4-7
Ali’s scheduled appearances:
Hudson Children’s Book Festival - May 2
Free Period - Scholastic Gold Paperback Launch - May 5
Period Poverty Awareness Week - May 11-17
Bronx Book Festival - June 20
High Resolution Crochet Cuterus Uterus Reading Crew Link
Photo credit: Copyright Ali Terese 2023
ALT text: A dark pink crochet uterus sits in a blue armchair, a crochet red drop sits on a tall yellow stool chair, while a crochet blue maxipad and crochet white tampon lounge on the floor next to them. They are all reading teensy copies of FREE PERIOD.
Ali Terese Media Kit - Page