Robie Harris was a children’s author whose books were often the target of challenges and bans.
- Died: January 6, 2024 (Who else died on January 6?)
- Details of death: Died at a New York City hospital at the age of 83.
- We invite you to share condolences for Robie Harris in our Guest Book.
Robie Harris’s legacy
Harris was best known for her 1994 book “It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health.” Written for children aged 10 and up, the book introduces them to topics such as consent, puberty, and safe sex. Because of its frank discussion of human sexuality and its clear illustrations, the book has become one of the most frequently challenged and banned books in schools and libraries. Its supporters call it an invaluable resource, especially for children who might feel shy or awkward about discussing such topics with adults in their life. However, its detractors consider it not age-appropriate, call its illustrations unnecessarily graphic, and compare it to pornography.
Harris fielded the criticism gracefully, recognizing that not all parents would choose to provide their children with information about sexuality but noting that in the internet age, children are generally finding such information on their own already. She also continued writing, publishing more than 30 books for children – most of which were not as controversial as “It’s Perfectly Normal.” Her titles included “Who’s in My Family? All About Our Families,” “What’s so Yummy? All About Eating Well and Feeling Good,” “I’m so Mad,” and “Let’s Talk about Where Babies Come From.”
In 2019, Harris won the Mathical Book Prize for “Crash! Boom! A Math Tale,” a picture book for young children. She was also an elementary school teacher.
Notable quote
“I am often asked, ‘Do these continued challenges make you afraid? Do they make you feel intimidated?’ ‘No,’ is my answer, but not my complete answer. In some ways they do make me feel afraid—afraid that kids and teens may not have access to all of the ideas and information to which they have a right, and may need or seek, or come across by happenstance in a bookstore or library. This worries me greatly because of all of the misinformation in the media, on the Internet, and that our kids and teens glean from their peers.” —from a 2012 essay for PEN America
Tributes to Robie Harris
Full obituary: The New York Times
