“Pink Box Project & Menstruation Stations” receives AASL Roald Dahl's Miss Honey Social Justice Award

CHICAGO – The “Pink Box Project & Menstruation Stations” project from Chesterton High School in Chesterton, Indiana, is the recipient of the 2026 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Roald Dahl's Miss Honey Social Justice Award. Sponsored by Penguin Random House, this Award recognizes collaboration between school librarians and teachers in the instruction of social justice using school library resources.

The Girls Rising club’s Pink Box Project and Menstruation Stations initiative address menstrual equity by providing free period products in school bathrooms and raising awareness of issues such as the tampon tax and period poverty. Since its launch in 2019, the project has grown through student-led collaboration, including donation drives, partnerships with teachers and local businesses, construction of in-school product stations, and expansion to additional schools in the district. Students have also engaged in civic action, fundraising events, and community outreach to sustain the effort, even influencing peers and local stakeholders. Supported by school resources and guided research, the initiative not only improves access to essential hygiene products and reduces stigma but also empowers students to advocate for social justice and create lasting, community-based solutions.

“The committee agreed that the Pink Box Project stood out as a thoughtfully developed and exceptionally well-executed initiative that has grown in both scope and impact over time,” said committee chair, Lindsey Walters. “The project not only addresses an immediate need, but also engages students in deeper learning, empowering them to identify inequities, advocate for change, and take meaningful action. Its continued growth, from in-school support systems to outreach, fundraising, and civic engagement, reflects both the persistence of the students and the strength of the collaborative partnerships supporting them. The committee was especially struck by how this work embodies the spirit of Miss Honey, encouraging students to transform frustration into purposeful action, while maintaining a sense of creativity and humanity throughout. This is a powerful, ongoing example of how school libraries can serve as catalysts for inquiry, empathy, and real-world impact.”

Emily Wilt, school library media specialist, shared, “In Matilda, Matilda’s frustration with being unfairly treated reflects a broader sense of injustice, similar to the shame many girls experience around menstruation. While Matilda initially channels her anger into small acts of defiance, the Girls Rising club instead transforms frustration into purposeful action by identifying inequities, speaking out, and developing solutions to support menstrual equity.” Wilt adds, “the relationship between Matilda Wormwood and Miss Honey also mirrors the dynamic between the club members and school staff: just as Miss Honey inspires Matilda while also gaining confidence from her, the students’ passion motivates all of us to take action, creating a reciprocal cycle of empowerment, advocacy, and meaningful change within the school community.”

“The Pink Box Project is an outstanding example of student-driven social justice in action,” said the AASL President, Amanda Kordeliski. “This project exemplifies the spirit of the AASL Roald Dahl Miss Honey Social Justice Award by empowering students to move beyond awareness and channel their concerns into meaningful advocacy, service, and systemic change.” Kordeliski continues, “particularly inspiring is the way students identify inequities, confront them, and develop tangible solutions, demonstrating persistence, creativity, and compassion. The Pink Box Project is a powerful reminder that when students, educators, and communities work together, they can create lasting impact and truly help change the world.”

The AASL award winners will be recognized during the 2027 AASL National Conference taking place October 14-16 in Portland, Oregon.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.

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