It's Perfectly Normal By Robie Harris Essay

Fifty Shades of Normal
Since its publication in 1996, Robie Harris’s book It’s Perfectly Normal has appeared on the American Library Association list of challenged books. It’s Perfectly Normal was the ALA’s #1 Most Challenged Book of 2005. The book is intended for ages 10 and up, and it explains the various physical and psychological changes that occur during puberty including information about sex and sexual health. The book’s text is paired with cartoonish illustrations by Michael Emberley. Many religious institutions are opposed to the information and the viewpoints discussed within because masturbation, abortion, homosexuality and other alternative sexual lifestyles are described as being "perfectly normal."
It’s Perfectly Normal has been criticized for mocking religious beliefs by stating "some religions call
She later commented that "I knew that illustrator Michael Emberley and I had created a book that provided kids and teens with honest and accurate information, which they have a right to and need in order to stay healthy as they enter and go through puberty and adolescence" (Crispin). Harris succeeded in this regard, and accordingly, the book has been highly recognized and honored by the ALA, Booklist, Child Magazine, The New York Times, Planned Parenthood, and Publishers’ Weekly (Baldassarro). While some religious groups assert that the book "goes too far and even boarders on child pornography" (American Life League), "removal of a book for political, social, or moral reasons is legally prohibited" (Foerstel 205). The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights states that "librarians and governing bodies should maintain that parents—and only parents—have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children—and only their children—to library resources"