Building Your Own Curriculum With Books (And Songs) For Children And Youth 1.0
Secular Humanism
Humanism, What’s That? A Book for Curious Kids by Helen Bennett, Prometheus Books, Amherst, NY, 2005.
Although the cover of Humanism, What’s That? A Book for Curious Kids indicates that the book is intended for “Ages 10 and up,” I’m not waiting two years until my 8-year-old grandson comes of age. I’m buying it for him now. We’ll read it and discuss it together. Certainly that is the least I can do for someone who shares my last name and, hopefully, has inherited some of my skepticism.
I wish I had enough cash on hand to buy Helen Bennett’s book for every child 10 and above -- or even younger. In the May 25, 2005 issue of the Humanist Network News, the author said that she wrote it “because I wanted to help Humanist children understand and be able to defend their worldview and to show children who have been raised in traditional religions that there is another way of thinking, another means to derive ethics, spiritual enrichment and a guide to life.”
Humanism, What’s That? A Book for Curious Kids is in the form of a conversation between Mrs. Green, a science teacher (grade level not specified) and her students. When a fellow student is injured on her way to school, the students wondered why they aren’t allowed to pray for her in class. So starting with the concept of the separation of church and state, the dialogue leads to many philosophic and cultural issues and many questions. Why do some people believe in God while others do not? What gives live meaning? In classroom and after-school discussions (with parental approval), Mrs. Green offers a humanist perspective and emphasizes scientific explanations of life and freedom of thought. Other topics as well as the separation of church and state are discussed, for example, the origins of religious belief in God, the meaning of metaphor, myth and symbols. The book touches on such subjects as abortion and the death penalty and young readers can begin to understand the nuances of these controversial issues. The book also focuses on the affirmations of humanism by emphasizing the essential worth and dignity of all people and some of the important humanist philosophers who have helped advance the causes of reason, compassion, and skepticism.
A number of poems also are included (e.g., “Thank You, Life” and “What Humanism Means to Me”) as well as the useful instructional activities and discussion questions (e.g., “Humanism is a positive philosophy that asserts the potential for goodness in every human being. How does this contrast with the religious doctrine of ‘original sin’ …that we are all born bad.”) I wish we had a Mrs. Green in every public school classroom. I’d even settle for a copy of Helen Bennett’s book in each classroom and school library.
--Reviewed by Bob Bhaerman, Coordinator, Kochhar Humanist Education Center
Just Pretend: A Freethought Book for Children by Dan Barker, illustrated by Alma Cuebas. Madison, WI: Freedom From Religion Foundation. 1988.
This has been described as “a fun book which allows children ... to explore myths like Santa Claus and compare them with ideas like the existence of God. Entertaining, respectful of children's intelligence, Just Pretend encourages kids to apply the tests of reason to any idea, fairy tale, myth or religion.” Ages 6-12 recommended (but appropriate for children of "all ages")
What About Gods? By Chris Brockman. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. 1994.
In this book the creation of god by man is explained simply and clearly for a child. As one reviewer wrote, “I wish I had been exposed to this book when I was about eight years old. It could have saved me much self doubt and turmoil resulting from early indoctrination
Affirmations of Humanism for Kids Coloring Book.
A coloring book for kids “created by the folks that brought us HumanLight.” Available for $2.00. Check here: www.EvolveFISH.com/fish/colorbook.html and look under the “Kids Books” section.
Humanism for Kids is an illustrated booklet developed to teach and discuss Humanism for young children. It is a result of efforts by several children, youth and adults that grows with each new contribution. Topics range from descriptions of Humanism, science and evolution, and how to live a humanist life. Sample section one can read are: the golden rule and the scientific method. For further information, visit www.familyofhumanists.org/whatIsHumanism.html
| Prometheus Books Readers of this bibliography will note that a prominent publisher of books dealing with Humanist issues (for all age groups) is Prometheus Books. Here is how to contact them: 59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, New York, 14228-2197. Toll Free Number: (800) 421-0351.Email: marketing@prometheusbooks.com or check their catalog on-line: www.prometheusbooks.com/cat.html. The following is a partial listing of their publication categories. (Each includes numerous titles.) The categories include: Atheism, Biblical Criticism, Church & State, Creationism vs Evolution, Critical Thinking, Education, Freethought, Gay & Lesbian, Great Books in Philosophy Series, Great Minds Series - Freethought, Humanism, Moral Issues, Religion & Politics, Science & The Paranormal, Women's Issues, and Young Readers. |