Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Amanda Redd

Book Review

A short overview of this book

Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Redd is a body image book for teenage girls that will help them to accept and appreciate the body that they have instead of wanting what they see in the media.

This is one of those books that every teen girl needs to have by her bedside. It provides real information (and photos) about the female body, which means that they can find out about what’s normal versus what we see in magazines, on tv and through social media. It is very in-depth and covers a wide range of topics. Some of the photos are very graphic (ie vulvas, sexually transmitted infections, breasts etc) but they are educational and not placed there to arouse or shock you.

This is also a book that teen boys need to see, as it might re-educate them into thinking that porn bodies are not real everyday bodies.

This is an older book (and you may have to look around to get a copy) but it is still very good. I don’t know of a modern-day alternative (yet) but I am looking!

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 14 to 18 years.

Buy this book

Buy a copy of Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Redd from Amazon.

Video Transcription

A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener

Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, your go-to channel for all things related to sex education and puberty. Today, I want to talk about a book called Body Drama that I recently came across. Now, normally I review books that are easily available on platforms like Amazon or Book Depository, but this one was a bit harder to find. I had to order it from eBay and Abe Books, which are online second-hand bookstores. It took a little effort, but trust me, it was totally worth it!

Body Drama is a fantastic book that many American sex educators have been raving about. It’s a bit on the older side, published in 2008, but it’s still incredibly relevant. You see, growing up can be tough, especially when kids start noticing changes in their bodies and comparing themselves to others. This book does an amazing job of helping teens understand what’s normal and healthy, and it answers all those burning questions they may have about their bodies.

Now, I have to warn you, this book doesn’t shy away from explicit topics. It includes pictures of things like vulvas and different types of breasts. But hey, that’s what makes it so informative and helpful! It even talks about cultural differences, like having a third nipple. I’ve been working in women’s health for over 25 years, and I’ve never seen one, but it’s interesting to learn about these things.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from skin issues to boobs and everything in between. It’s beautifully organized with headings that make it easy to find the information you’re looking for. Whether it’s about breast size, pain, or even having one breast bigger than the other, this book normalizes it all and provides reassuring answers.

I absolutely love the way this book is designed. It’s filled with lots of different pictures that help illustrate the topics being discussed. It’s truly a gorgeous book that I think every tween girl should have. And you know what? Even boys could benefit from reading it too. Unfortunately, I don’t know of a similar book specifically for boys, but I would definitely recommend this one for them as well.

I do wish they would update and republish this book so it’s more easily accessible. Right now, you might have to do a little digging on sites like Abe Books or eBay to find a copy. Amazon could be an option too, but keep in mind that shipping costs can be high, especially if you’re in Australia like me.

All in all, Body Drama is a must-have book for teens. It’s filled with fantastic information that will help them navigate the changes happening in their bodies. So, go ahead and grab a copy for your daughter or any teen in your life. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it!

Need a better plan for the sex talk?
Sign up for my parent newsletter and I'll show you an easier way to talk to your kids about sex!
Featured Image

About The Author

Scroll to Top