📖 Overview
Robie Harris (1940-2024) was a prominent American children's book author who wrote more than 30 books, focusing particularly on health, science, and sexuality education for young readers. Her most notable works include the groundbreaking books "It's Perfectly Normal" (1994) and "It's So Amazing" (1999), which addressed puberty and sexual health for different age groups.
Harris began her career as an elementary school teacher at the Bank Street School for Children after obtaining her master's in teaching from Bank Street College of Education. Her background in education significantly influenced her approach to writing children's books that addressed complex topics with clarity and age-appropriate language.
Her books, while widely acclaimed in educational circles, frequently appeared on challenged books lists due to their frank discussion of human sexuality and development. Harris's work was distinguished by its commitment to providing accurate, scientific information to children, often incorporating detailed illustrations and expert consultations in her writing process.
Born in Buffalo, New York to parents in scientific fields - her mother a biology laboratory worker and her father a radiologist - Harris developed an early interest in writing that began in kindergarten. This combination of scientific background and writing passion eventually shaped her career as an author of educational children's literature.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Harris's direct, honest approach to explaining complex topics about bodies and sexuality to children. Parents and educators highlight her age-appropriate language and scientific accuracy in "It's Perfectly Normal" and "It's So Amazing."
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations of difficult subjects
- Scientifically accurate information
- Helpful illustrations that support the text
- Inclusive representation of different families
- Non-judgmental tone
What readers disliked:
- Some found the anatomical illustrations too explicit
- Conservative parents objected to LGBTQ+ content
- A few felt certain topics were introduced too early
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: "It's Perfectly Normal" - 4.5/5 from 1,200+ reviews
Goodreads: Average 4.2/5 across her works
Common Sense Media: 4/5 parent rating, 4/5 child rating
Sample reader comment: "This book answered my child's questions honestly without making anyone uncomfortable. The illustrations are informative without being graphic." - Amazon reviewer
Another notes: "Perfect for opening discussions about puberty and development with pre-teens."
📚 Books by Robie Harris
It's Perfectly Normal
A comprehensive guide for teens about puberty, sexual health, and relationships that addresses physical and emotional changes during adolescence.
It's So Amazing! An illustrated book for younger children that explains reproduction, birth, and the human body using scientific terminology and age-appropriate explanations.
Happy Birth Day! A detailed account of a baby's first twenty-four hours of life, describing the newborn's initial experiences and physical characteristics.
Who Has What? An educational book that teaches young children about basic body differences between boys and girls using accurate anatomical terms.
What's So Yummy? An exploration of healthy eating habits and nutrition basics for young children, featuring information about different food groups and making good food choices.
Who's In My Family? A book that introduces children to various types of family structures and compositions found in modern society.
Maybe A Bear Ate It! A bedtime story about a young creature who can't find his favorite book and imagines various scenarios about its disappearance.
Mail Harry To The Moon! A story about an older sibling's adjustment to a new baby brother and the eventual acceptance of the changes in family dynamics.
When Lions Roar A picture book that addresses common childhood fears and ways to cope with scary situations.
The Day Leo Said I Hate You! A story that explores the complex emotions between parent and child during moments of anger and frustration.
It's So Amazing! An illustrated book for younger children that explains reproduction, birth, and the human body using scientific terminology and age-appropriate explanations.
Happy Birth Day! A detailed account of a baby's first twenty-four hours of life, describing the newborn's initial experiences and physical characteristics.
Who Has What? An educational book that teaches young children about basic body differences between boys and girls using accurate anatomical terms.
What's So Yummy? An exploration of healthy eating habits and nutrition basics for young children, featuring information about different food groups and making good food choices.
Who's In My Family? A book that introduces children to various types of family structures and compositions found in modern society.
Maybe A Bear Ate It! A bedtime story about a young creature who can't find his favorite book and imagines various scenarios about its disappearance.
Mail Harry To The Moon! A story about an older sibling's adjustment to a new baby brother and the eventual acceptance of the changes in family dynamics.
When Lions Roar A picture book that addresses common childhood fears and ways to cope with scary situations.
The Day Leo Said I Hate You! A story that explores the complex emotions between parent and child during moments of anger and frustration.
👥 Similar authors
Judy Blume writes about growing up, puberty, and family relationships through realistic characters and situations. Her books like "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" address similar coming-of-age topics that Harris covered.
Michael J. Benton produces science-focused children's books with an emphasis on accuracy and educational value. His work combines scientific expertise with clear explanations for young readers, particularly in paleontology and natural history.
Laurie Krasny Brown creates books about social and emotional topics for children, including family dynamics and life changes. She collaborates with illustrators to present complex information through accessible text and supporting visuals.
Gail Saltz writes books that help children understand their bodies and emotional development. Her background as a psychiatrist informs her approach to explaining psychological and physical changes to young readers.
Peter Mayle developed books that address growing up and body changes for children in straightforward, factual ways. His "Where Did I Come From?" takes a similar approach to Harris in explaining reproduction and development to young readers.
Michael J. Benton produces science-focused children's books with an emphasis on accuracy and educational value. His work combines scientific expertise with clear explanations for young readers, particularly in paleontology and natural history.
Laurie Krasny Brown creates books about social and emotional topics for children, including family dynamics and life changes. She collaborates with illustrators to present complex information through accessible text and supporting visuals.
Gail Saltz writes books that help children understand their bodies and emotional development. Her background as a psychiatrist informs her approach to explaining psychological and physical changes to young readers.
Peter Mayle developed books that address growing up and body changes for children in straightforward, factual ways. His "Where Did I Come From?" takes a similar approach to Harris in explaining reproduction and development to young readers.