Recommended Children's Books

Critical and Independent Thinking for Children

 Critical Thinking Resources for Parents and Children

Recommended Readings

Books that help children learn to think for themselves, be skeptical, and ask questions

PRE-SCHOOL AND “KID BASICS”

(Ages 3-5) Pb. 94 pp.

A guide that will help all children come to school ready to learn—to thrive as well as survive in kindergarten. The Checklist helps parents assess children’s readiness; the Guide offers simple, inexpensive and enjoyable ways that parents or caretakers can teach children the things they need to know. Written by an educational psychologist and parent training consultant who was the founding director of California’s Home Start program. Also available in Spanish (El Manual de Vomo Sobrevivir el Jardin de Ninos)

Why Can’t I Be the Leader?
by Bailey & Pam Griscom
Illustrated by Scot Halpin
Share Publishing

(3-7) Pb. 19pp.

 A book for pre-school and early elementary age children that encourages them to be critical of leaders and to understand that leaders can make mistakes.

Who Would Want These Apples Anyway?
by Laura & Pam Griscom
Illustrated by Scot Halpin
Share Publishing

(Ages 3-6) Pb. 19pp.

A real life story about a child's reasons for choosing organic produce. Charming illustrations and basic language make this book an excellent way for parents to introduce the hidden consequences of food production.

Just Pretend: A Freethought Book for Children
by Dan Barker
Freedom From Religion Foundation

(3-8) Pb. 71pp. Illus.

Encourages children to think things out for themselves by emphasizing the importance of evidence and posing questions that stimulate critical thinking. Compares the concept of God to Santa Claus, examines contradictions in the bible, and looks at cross-cultural religious ideas.

They’re Never Too Young For Books:
A Guide To Children’s Books For Ages 1 To 8
by Edythe M. McGovern and Helen D. Muller
Prometheus Books

(Ages 1-8) Pb. 383 pp.

A knowledgeable, succinct and practical guide to selecting and using hundreds of books for the developing needs and interests of pre-schoolers prepared by a professor of child development and a children’s librarian. Provides easy access to different types of books, techniques for reading along and for involving children in creative dramatics.

Bringing Out The Best:
A Resource Guide For Parents Of Young Gifted Children
By Jacqulyn Saunders with Pamela Espeland
B&W photos & Illustrated by Caroline Price
Free Spirit Publishing

(Parents of ages 2-7) Pb. 240 pp.

Hundreds of ways to promote creativity and intellectual development without pushing. This popular sourcebook explains how to tell if a child is gifted, how to choose the right school, how to deal with teachers, and more. Includes activities to do together and tips for avoiding parent burnout.

Raising Peaceful Children In A Violent World
by Nancy Lee Cecil with Patricia L. Roberts
Free Spirit Publishing

(All ages) Pb. 256 pp.

 If you want to end violence and create safe, peaceful environments for children in the home, classroom, and community, this book can be your guide. Strategies for conflict resolution; defusing potentially violent situations. Promotes positive racial, cultural, and gender attitudes. Special sections with suggestions for peaceful books, toys, and games.

Teach Your Child Math: Making Math Fun For The Both Of You
by Arthur Benjamin, Ph.D. & Michael Brant Shermer, Ph.D.
Lowell House

(Ages 3 and up) Pb. 177 pp.

This book will teach your child how to solve problems, a skill that will help him or her get ahead in all situations. The earlier games in this book will introduce your preschooler to concepts using entertaining visuals. As the book progresses, so do the ideas learned, allowing your fourth or fifth grader to enjoy the games in later chapters.

Co-author Shermer is editor of The Skeptic magazine.

ELEMENTARY and YOUNG TEENS

The Tree Of Life: The Wonders Of Evolution
by Ellen Jackson
Illustrated by Judeanne Winter
Prometheus Books

(Ages 9-15) Pb. 201 pp.

A beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the theory of evolution so that young children can begin to appreciate its significance. Shares the joy and excitement of evolution in an easy-to-read, fun manner.

What Do You Think?
A Kid’s Guide to Dealing with Daily Dilemmas
by Linda Swartz
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 7-12) Pb. 184 pp. Illust.

Helps kids develop the skills they need to resolve conflicts and make good decisions at school, home, and within themselves. This inviting book encourages young people to consider issues from more than one perspective and to clarify their thinking before real-life conflicts arise. Over 70 dilemmas cover topics as diverse as hairstyles, drug use, cheating, privacy, and more. Kids learn that they are responsible for their own lives and that they can make choices.

Maybe Yes, Maybe No:
A Guide For Young Skeptics
by Dan Barker
Illustrated by Brian Strassburg
Prometheus Books

(Ages 8 and up) Pb. 80 pp.

Teaches the essentials of skepticism in plain yet engaging language: “Check it out,” “Try to prove it wrong,” “It has to make sense.” Barker assures young readers that they are fully capable of figuring out what to believe, and of knowing when there is not enough information to decide.

Maybe Right, Maybe Wrong:
A Guide For Young Readers
by Dan Barker
Illustrated by Brian Strassburg
Prometheus Books

(Ages 7-12) Pb. 72 pp.

Affirming a child’s ability to think, to seek information, and to question “why?”, this book offers tools for critical thought while teaching situation ethics.

What About Gods?
by Chris Brockman
Illustrated by Anna Cammisotto
Prometheus Books

(Ages 5 & up) Pb. 32 pp.

“Mythical characters, that’s what gods are. They’re not real. People made them up. You can unmake them just by thinking.” A skeptical treatment of religion in a book designed to be read by or to children. Emphasizes using evidence and the scientific method to understand things, examines biblical contradictions, cross-cultural religions.

Playing Smart
A Practical Guide To Enriching, Offbeat Learning Activities For Ages 4-14
by Susan K. Perry
Illustrated by L.T. Anderson
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 4-14) Pb. 224 pp.

Hundreds of fun, unconventional activities turn spare time into quality time with your child. You’ll explore photography, cooking, journal-keeping, gardening, psychology, and the mental side of physical fitness. Most activities require little or no preparation and can be done at home or close to home.

Building Self Esteem Through The Museum Of “I”
25 Original Projects That Explore And Celebrate The Self
by Linda R. Zack, M. Ed.
Edited by Pamela Espeland
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 9-13) Pb. 144 pp.

Walk through a museum where the exhibit is you. This book gives children the opportunity to explore, interpret, reveal, and ultimately celebrate themselves. The activities encourage divergent, original thinking and allow creative expression in varied media and forms. They are child-centered, child-directed, open-ended, with 26 reproducible handout masters.

Old Tales For A New Day
by Sophia Lyon Fahs and Alice Cobb
Illustrated by Gobin Stair
Prometheus Books

(Ages 9-15) Pb. 201 pp.

The myths and legends of this collection will appeal to children and stimulate critical thinking. The stories highlight such modern topics as resolving conflict; men and women sharing responsibilities; choosing lifegoals; and more. Each story is introduced with a question designed to give direction to the reading.

Stick Up For Yourself:
Every Kid’s Guide To Personal Power And Positive Self-Esteem
by Gershen Kaufman, Ph.D. and Rav Raphael , Ph.D.
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 8-12) Pb. 96 pp.

This book tells kids how to stick up for themselves against other kids, big sisters and brothers, even parents and teachers. It illustrates real things kids can do and say without putting people down or getting into trouble. After reading this book kids will feel stronger and more in charge of their lives. Recommended also for teachers, counselors, and parents committed to helping children develop solid lifeskills and positive self-esteem.

Teach Your Child Science:
Making Science Fun For The Both Of You
by Michael Brant Shermer, Ph.D.
Lowell House

(Ages 3 and up) Pb. 177 pp.

This book will guide you in teaching your child how to think, not what to think. First, you learn the concepts quickly and easily. Then you help your child to understand the game of science and its rules. Then, both of you apply these rules to experiments in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, earth science, and psychology. Appendices are a resource book in themselves. The author is founder of the Skeptic Society and editor of The Skeptic.

Girls And Young Women Inventing:
20 True Stories About Inventors And Their Inventions
by Frances A. Karnes Ph.D. and Suzanne M. Bean, Ph.D.
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 11 and up) Pb. 176 pp.

Part One presents personal stories of actual inventors and reveals how they got their ideas, who helped them, what problems they faced and how they solved them, and offers advice to other “would be” inventors. Part Two includes information and tips on creative problem-solving, making a prototype, applying for a patent, and developing a marketing plan. Part Three presents facts about female inventors, interesting quotations, information about helpful associations and organizations, and more.

The Kid’s Guide To Service Projects:
Over 300 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want To Make A Difference
by Barbara A. Lewis
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 10 and up) Pb. 184 pp

In this book kids can choose from a variety of topics including animals, crime fighting, the environment, friendship, hunger, literacy, politics and government, and transportation. A special section gives step-by-step instructions for creating fliers, petitions, press releases, and more.

The Kid’s Guide To Social Action:
How To Solve The Social-Problems You Choose And Turn Creative Thinking Into Positive Action
by Barbara A. Lewis
Edited by Pamels Espeland
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 10 and up) Pb. 208 pp.

Here’s everything kids need to make a difference in the world: step-by-step directions for letter-writing , interviewing, fundraising, speechmaking, media coverage, and more. This book includes actual petitions, media releases, phone numbers, etc. and offers inspiring true stories about real kids accomplishing great things.

Psychology For Kids I:
40 Fun Tests That Help You Learn About Yourself
by Jonni Kincher
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 10 and up) Pb. 152 pp. Illust.

“When you know yourself, you can be true to yourself.” Based on sound psychological concepts, these fascinating tests promote self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-esteem and empower young people to make good choices and find answers for themselves.

If You Had to Choose, What Would You Do?
by Sandra McLeod Humphrey
Prometheus Press

(Ages 8-12) Pb. 115pp. Illust.

Written by a psychologist , this book helps facilitate discussion of personal values and defining of a code of moral conduct. Includes 25 moral dilemma situations with thought-provoking questions that encourage critical thinking about moral issues. Illustrated.

How Do You Know It’s True?
Discovering The Difference Between Science And Superstition
by Hy Ruchlis
Prometheus Books

(Ages 11-15) Pb. 100 pp. Illust.

Provides an understanding of the basic nature of science as a way of thinking; describes the nature of superstition, warns of the dangers of magical thinking, and shows how astonishing events can be analyzed and explained.

Old Tales For A New Day
by Sophia Lyon Fahs and Alice Cobb
Illustrated by Gobin Stair
Prometheus Books

(Ages 9-15) Pb. 201 pp.

The myths and legends of this collection will appeal to children and stimulate critical thinking. The stories highlight such modern topics as resolving conflict; men and women sharing responsibilities; choosing lifegoals; and more. Each story is introduced with a question designed to give direction to the reading.

Stick Up For Yourself:
Every Kid’s Guide To Personal Power And Positive Self-Esteem
by Gershen Kaufman, Ph.D. and Rav Raphael , Ph.D.
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 8-12) Pb. 96 pp.

This book tells kids how to stick up for themselves against other kids, big sisters and brothers, even parents and teachers. It illustrates real things kids can do and say without putting people down or getting into trouble. After reading this book kids will feel stronger and more in charge of their lives. Recommended also for teachers, counselors, and parents committed to helping children develop solid lifeskills and positive self-esteem.

Teach Your Child Science:
Making Science Fun For The Both Of You
by Michael Brant Shermer, Ph.D.
Lowell House

(Ages 3 and up) Pb. 177 pp.

This book will guide you in teaching your child how to think, not what to think. First, you learn the concepts quickly and easily. Then you help your child to understand the game of science and its rules. Then, both of you apply these rules to experiments in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, earth science, and psychology. Appendices are a resource book in themselves. The author is founder of the Skeptic Society and editor of The Skeptic.

Girls And Young Women Inventing:
20 True Stories About Inventors And Their Inventions
by Frances A. Karnes Ph.D. and Suzanne M. Bean, Ph.D.
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 11 and up) Pb. 176 pp.

Part One presents personal stories of actual inventors and reveals how they got their ideas, who helped them, what problems they faced and how they solved them, and offers advice to other “would be” inventors. Part Two includes information and tips on creative problem-solving, making a prototype, applying for a patent, and developing a marketing plan. Part Three presents facts about female inventors, interesting quotations, information about helpful associations and organizations, and more.

The Kid’s Guide To Service Projects:
Over 300 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want To Make A Difference
by Barbara A. Lewis
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 10 and up) Pb. 184 pp.

In this book kids can choose from a variety of topics including animals, crime fighting, the environment, friendship, hunger, literacy, politics and government, and transportation. A special section gives step-by-step instructions for creating fliers, petitions, press releases, and more.

The Kid’s Guide To Social Action:
How To Solve The Social-Problems You Choose And Turn Creative Thinking Into Positive Action
by Barbara A. Lewis
Edited by Pamels Espeland
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 10 and up) Pb. 208 pp.

Here’s everything kids need to make a difference in the world: step-by-step directions for letter-writing , interviewing, fundraising, speechmaking, media coverage, and more. This book includes actual petitions, media releases, phone numbers, etc. and offers inspiring true stories about real kids accomplishing great things.

Psychology For Kids I:
40 Fun Tests That Help You Learn About Yourself
by Jonni Kincher
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 10 and up) Pb. 152 pp. Illust.

“When you know yourself, you can be true to yourself.” Based on sound psychological concepts, these fascinating tests promote self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-esteem and empower young people to make good choices and find answers for themselves.

If You Had to Choose, What Would You Do?
by Sandra McLeod Humphrey
Prometheus Press

(Ages 8-12) Pb. 115pp. Illust.

Written by a psychologist , this book helps facilitate discussion of personal values and defining of a code of moral conduct. Includes 25 moral dilemma situations with thought-provoking questions that encourage critical thinking about moral issues. Illustrated.

How Do You Know It’s True?
Discovering The Difference Between Science And Superstition
by Hy Ruchlis
Prometheus Books

(Ages 11-15) Pb. 100 pp. Illust.  

Provides an understanding of the basic nature of science as a way of thinking; describes the nature of superstition, warns of the dangers of magical thinking, and shows how astonishing events can be analyzed and explained.

TEENS

Kids With Courage:
True Stories About Young People Making A Difference
by Barbara A. Lewis
B&W photos
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 11 and up) Pb. 184 pp.  

18 remarkable stories of kids fighting back, coming to the rescue, and standing up for their beliefs. These stories prove that anyone of any age can make a real difference in the world.

Respecting Our Differences:
A Guide to Getting Along in a Changing World
by Lynn Duvall
B&W photos and Illustrations
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 13 and up) Pb. 208 pp.

This timely book encourages young people to become more tolerant of others and savor the rich diversity of America’s changing culture. Real-life examples profile students from across the country who are working to promote tolerance in their schools and communities. Activities encourage readers to examine their attitudes and question their beliefs.

Psychology For Kids II:
40 Fun Experiments That Help You Learn About Others
By Jonni Kincher
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 12 and up) Pb. 168 pp. Illust.

Based on sound social psychology concepts, these experiments make it fun and interesting for kids to learn about their families, friends, and classmates as they sharpen their observation skills, gain experience in collecting and evaluating data, and learn about the experimental method. Encourages critical thinking about behavioral and cultural diversity. Includes 29 reproducible handout masters.

A Young Person’s Guide To Becoming A Writer
by Janet E. Grant
Free Spirit Publishing

(Ages 12 and up) Pb. 184 pp.

This comprehensive, practical, inspiring guide to starting and maintaining a writing career was created especially for writers ages 12 and up. It encourages young readers to uncover their own writing ability, discover their writing style, explore new types of writing, experiment with genres, evaluate their own work, produce exceptional pieces, enter contests, win awards, get published, and have fun. Contains examples from other young writers.