The Real Body Manual - by Nancy Redd (Paperback)

About the Book

"A revolutionary resource for young adults of all genders to understand and appreciate their bodies, with color photos throughout"--

Book Synopsis

A revolutionary health resource for young adults of all genders to understand, appreciate, and take care of their bodies, with color photos throughout

How can the savviest and most connected generation in history have no photographic guide to puberty? Until now! The Real Body Manual is a comprehensive health and wellness guidebook for all genders--from the author of the ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller Body Drama. Inspired by her own kids entering the tween and teen years, Nancy Redd has crafted a uniquely inclusive book that offers a factual and candid approach to the complex and often confusing body issues that all young people face. This go-to resource or all types of developing bodies contains medically vetted, relatable advice alongside full-color photographic references.

The Real Body Manual is for curious readers from puberty and beyond and is a conversation starter for parents, caregivers, uncles and aunts, older siblings, counselors, teachers, and health professionals--essentially anyone who would like to more fully understand and effectively relate to the body-image and self-discovery challenges faced by the young people in their life.

Created with today's open-minded and diverse kids in mind, this book tackles acne, body odor, constipation and diarrhea, chests and breasts, dandruff, sleep hygiene, sexual health, self-care, and so much more in a judgement-free and gender-neutral way. The Real Body Manual is the encouraging book that modern young adults are waiting for--and an eye-opening book their parents are likely to learn from, too!

Review Quotes

"A must-have for pre-teens, teens, and adults." -Brit & Co

"A treasure trove of detailed, reader-friendly information provided with humor and down-to-earth openness - very much in the tradition of Our Bodies, Ourselves. Redd's style and realistic photos invite readers to engage in conversation and remove the shame that so often keeps us from acquiring a better understanding of our bodies, relationships, and health needs." -Judy Norsigian (she/her), co-founder and board member of Our Bodies Ourselves along with Diana Namumbejja Abwoye (she/her), FNP-BC and board chair of Our Bodies
Ourselves

"As a urologist I have spent my career demystifying the penis. In this one remarkable book, Nancy Redd has demystified the entire adolescent body. Using plain language but based on extensive medical research, she provides a user manual not only for teens, but for all humans to understand themselves and each other. Artful photographs and practical explanations provide revelation, reassurance, and even remedy." -Aaron Spitz, MD (he/him), author of The Penis Book

"If you want to get real about bodies, look no further than this book. With everything you've always wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask, Nancy Redd goes 'there, ' opening up conversations that we need to have about health, wellness, and all the amazing parts that make up who we are."--Robyn Silverman, PhD (she/her), bestselling author of How to Talk to Kids about Anything

"Having a health guidebook with accompanying photographs is essential in helping young people recognize and celebrate their bodies exactly as they are. Sometimes a picture really is worth one thousand words.."--Paria Hassouri, MD (she/her), pediatrician, mother of three, and author of Found in Transition

"This is the book I wish I had when I was growing up! Nancy Redd has written a comprehensive, medically accurate, and easily readable guide addressing all the most common questions -- and worries -- about changing bodies, complete with photos. There's nothing else like it."--Cara Natterson, MD (she/her), bestselling author of The Care and Keeping of You series and This is So Awkward

"As a pediatric & adolescent gynecologist, I can't quantify exactly how much I would have benefited from having a book like this when I was growing up, but I know it would have encouraged my curiosity, clarified my self-identity, and enriched my compassion for others. This book belongs in every home, school, medical office, and library. A modern manual for a better tomorrow."--Charis Chambers, MD (she/her), @ThePeriodDoctor

"A phenomenal, one-of-a-kind resource. Nancy Redd writes like the big sister everyone needs: no judgment, lots of respect, and all the tea."--Katharine B. Dalke, MD (she/her, they/them), Psychiatrist, Penn Medicine

"As someone who came from a family where the less said about bodies, the better, I was initially nervous to even open this book. But Nancy Redd's tone is so easy, assured and informative, and she makes the material feel super approachable. Photographs of real bodies, and how similar and different they all are from each other, help a lot, too."--Marisa LaScala (she/her), Senior Parenting and Relationships Editor at Good Housekeeping

"A modern, inclusive user's manual for your body. In today's world of misinformation and bad science, this book is a treasure trove of well-researched and medically sound advice about how to manage every bodily feature and function. I wish I had this book when I was 14!-- Chandra Turner (she/her), former Executive Editor at Parents magazines and CosmoGIRL! and mother of two teenagers

"Nancy Redd has given us an incredible resource for all body types, genders and ages. Inclusive, clear and fun! This book is now part of my family's library." -Jodie Patterson (she/her), author of Born Ready & The Bold World

About the Author

Nancy Redd is a New York Times bestselling author, health journalist, and on-air host. Called "the perfect combination of style and substance" by Essence magazine, Redd, a mother of two, has dedicated her publishing career to body positivity and inclusive representation.