Reddit reviews Existentialism: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides)

If you only cover ancient philosophy, you are going to teach these children a brief part of the history of philosophy, not a brief overview of philosophy itself. Many children will probably leave thinking philosophy is something that only pertains to silly Greek men.

This book was put together wonderfully by a professor, and spoke to me like nothing else had as a youth. You must read it, and teach the younglings. The second chapter which is on freedom will appeal to them immensely.

What you're doing is great, it's about time we brought philosophy back into school. Even if it is only for the first third of a class.

I think you're referring to Existentialism? A Beginners Guide

Just to play um..devil's advocate there was an existentialist theory that a utopian paradise free of violence couldn't exist, and God made the world this way because this is the best he can manage to minimize pain and suffering. It's just a theory that was later mostly discredited by the big existentialist boys.
source: http://www.amazon.com/Existentialism-Beginners-Guide-Guides/dp/1851685936
In Soviet Union at the time there were a lot of existentialists who also believed in God.