Author Rasheidra Harmon: Letting Children Know They Are Perfect the Way They Are

Society has a way of influencing children. Through social media, children are constantly bombarded with messages about what they should look like, how they should behave, and what they should be interested in. While some of these messages can be positive, others can be pretty damaging, causing children to doubt their worth and question their abilities. And this is what author Rasheidra Harmon is working to change in her books.

In her 2021 released children’s book, You Are Perfect the Way You Are, Harmon wants to help children understand that they are perfect just the way they are. The book’s message is simple but powerful. It is about teaching children to celebrate themselves and accept themself for who they are with all of their features and their quirks.

I chatted with Harmon, and she shared a little about her inspiration for becoming an author and constructing her book. Harmon is exceptionally passionate about writing, and I’m sure her readers will appreciate the care and attention she puts into her work.

Tell me a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer.

I am originally from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, a mother of four children, and I have one fur baby. I have worked in the education field in various roles; however, I am now a school counselor.

While attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, I decided I wanted to do something different, which, for me at the time, was to write a book. So, I did my research and talked to my parents about my thoughts, and with their support, I started the process.

Can you share something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

Society has a way of influencing both children and adults. You Are Perfect the Way You Are is a book for any age group. Sometimes, we all need to be reminded of just how perfect we are. It reiterates that we can be big, bold, and beautiful. It is okay to have what kids would call “for eyes.” It is okay to be a “metal mouth.” No matter what, you are still perfect.

What is the significance of the title?

The title reminds the reader that they are perfect before they even begin to read the book. It tells the reader that they are perfect the way they are. One of the components of this book’s creation is to help build self-esteem.

Tell us about the process for coming up with the cover.

I did not come up with the illustrations; I left that entirely to my illustrator Paul Jerry.

Paul’s thoughts- When I came up with the cover, I thought of a way to show that it takes all types to make things. At first, I was going to draw multiple girls of different shades and multiple boys, but it took up too much. Then the thought came into my head about Two-Face from batman and the movie cover of Takers. So, I drew one girl and one boy but split each sketch into four parts. Next, I thought of 4 different hairstyles for the boy and four for the girls. I talked to my friends and family to see what hairstyles were in style to ensure the kids would recognize them when they saw the cover. After finding the hairstyles, I had to come up with a color scheme for their clothing that would match their skin tone and their hair. I knew the book would be for young kids worldwide, so I drew them around the globe. At first, I was going to draw space with stars in the background, but it was too dark, so I decided to go with the light blue sky to give it a welcoming feel to attract the kids’ reading it.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere. For example, for this book, I gained inspiration from sitting with my children and having a conversation. My book titled The Picnic was inspired by an observation of a classroom during SOL testing; I was contemplating what I would have for lunch when I saw a pen and sticky notes on a stand next to me and picked up the pen.

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your books?

I have surprisingly discovered that I may be coming up with a {Perfect Collection} though it was not intentional. I now think that the [Perfect Collection] will be a collection of about four to five books that describe or reassure that it’s okay to be different, like something different, and do things differently.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing, I enjoy playing and spending time with my children, spending time with my family, traveling, and trying new food locations. In addition, I also like attending my home church and singing with the other members of our youth and young adult choir. A couple of the other things that I enjoy doing are playing spades and cooking. I am always ready and looking forward to laughing, eating, and having a good time.

How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?

As of right now, I have written five other books, but only one of them has been typed and is ready for publication. The book that is ready for publication is titled ‘The Picnic,’ which starts on a bright sunny spring day. On that particular day, Mary wakes up with an idea: to ask her parents about having a picnic.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

 A tip to an aspiring writer would be not to be scared to walk away, collect your thoughts, and come back to your writing. It is okay to put the pen and pencil down. Do not feel like you will not remember and that all will be lost. Truth be told, you may forget and lose your train of thought but know that if you do, it’s only because the thought that is developing is better than the previous one.

How can people connect with you, find your books, etc.?

I am currently working on my web page. However, I can still be contacted via email at and via link tree at https://linktr.ee/racharmon. The book itself can be found online on Amazon, Walmart.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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