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| Robie Harris | |
Robie Harris, a prolific author "who specialized in nonfiction books for children that explored their inner lives, guided their awakening to topics from emotions and sexuality to health and relationships, and exposed them to wide-ranging topics," died January 6, PEN America reported. She was 83. A former elementary school teacher, Harris served for many years on the organization's children's and young adult books committee.
Author of more than 30 books for children, she faced the rising threat of book banning in public schools, including her own titles, by inspiring "many through her unflinching defense of the right to read for all ages and rallied authors to the cause of standing against this censorship," PEN America noted.
"Robie was utterly fearless," said PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel. "She believed very strongly that children had the right to know about their own bodies, sexuality and puberty and as a former teacher of young children took it upon herself to make that happen. Her books were totally matter-of-fact in educating kids on these subjects and she was undaunted by the frequent challenges and bans against her well-praised books. Robie was indefatigable, going on at full steam well into her 80s and we will deeply miss her engagement and dedicated contribution to our work."
Harris's subject interests included books that exposed children to engineering, architecture, nutrition, math, death, and genetics. Her best known work, It's Perfectly Normal, illustrated by Michael Emberley, guided preadolescent children on puberty, their changing bodies, sexuality, and sexual health. It was translated into 27 languages and sold one million copies. Published in 1994, it was updated numerous times, including a 25th anniversary edition.
"While the title won praise from physicians, child development specialists, and educators for its accuracy, reliability and for offering children clear guidance on the topic, the book was frequently banned and removed from school and public libraries in the United States with critics citing its unvarnished accuracy and visual representation of the subject and questioning its age-appropriateness," PEN America noted.
Harris's other books include It's So Amazing!, Hello Benny!, It's Not the Stork!, and Mail Harry to the Moon!, all illustrated by Emberley.
In a tribute, the National Coalition Against Censorship board said Robie left behind "a legacy of unwavering commitment to free expression and intellectual freedom. Robie Harris was a tireless champion for the principles that lie at the core of the NCAC's mission. As a board member for over 20 years, she played a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of artistic and intellectual endeavors from censorship. Her passion for promoting open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the right to free speech resonated throughout her tenure with the NCAC....
"As we mourn the loss of Robie Harris, let us remember her as a beacon of courage, resilience, and passion. Her legacy will continue to inspire us in the ongoing fight against censorship, reminding us of the importance of upholding the principles she held dear."