In today's media-flooded world, there is no way to control all of the information, claims, and enticements that reach young people. The best thing to do is arm them with the sword of critical thinking.
Maybe Yes, Maybe No is a charming introduction to self-confidence and self-reliance. The book's ten-year-old heroine, Andrea, is always asking questions because she knows "you should prove the truth of a strange story before you believe it."
"Check it out. Repeat the experiment. Try to prove it wrong. It has to make sense." writes Barker, as he assures young readers that they are fully capable of figuring out what to believe, and of knowing when there just isn't enough information to decide. "You can do it your own way. If you are a good skeptic you will know how to think for yourself."
Another book is "Me & Dog" by Gene Weingarten.
For my 7y old, I've used the Marcia Williams series to learn about various mythologies. She also has a book on God and His Creations if you want a basic exposure to Christianity alongside.
I've also used a book called One World, Many Religions to teach more about the various religious practices active today.
Your kids deserve a great education. Don't force them into an environment where they get nothing but one-sided indoctrination. Teach your kids about religion (not just your own, although that's a great start.) Learning stories about different religions is great http://www.amazon.com/God-His-Creations-Tales-Testament/dp/0763622117/ is wonderful, so are similar books about Greek myths http://www.amazon.com/Greek-Myths-Marcia-Williams/dp/0763653845/ Indian gods, etc. It's an important part of our culture, current events, literature, world news and history, etc. to understand different faiths.
If your 12 year old is old enough to be into a book like http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Reality-Know-Whats-Really/dp/1451675046 that could be great, too... or tell him/her about cool stuff on reddit, related to any given interest. Internet access does wonders for broadening people's horizons.
>There are times when I wish my world was a bit larger
Your kids might wish this as well. Think about what you could do for them -- are there options for student exchange, travel, getting involved in anything, anywhere that broadens their circle of friends and acquaintances outside of a homogenous community? That should be a goal in raising your kids.
I think it’s out of print now, but this book introduced me to all the major myths in the most beautiful way. It’s a children’s book in comic book format
What about bringing them in with Ancient Greek Myth (there are children's versions though some are still a little mature). You could read them as bed time stories and talk about different myths being considered religion. Introduce them as stories.
I'm not a Father so I have no idea if this would be interesting. I know I was read Greek Myth as a little kid though.
Protection as she grows up.
Maybe Yes, Maybe No (LINK)
by Dan Barker
In today's media-flooded world, there is no way to control all of the information, claims, and enticements that reach young people. The best thing to do is arm them with the sword of critical thinking.
Maybe Yes, Maybe No is a charming introduction to self-confidence and self-reliance. The book's ten-year-old heroine, Andrea, is always asking questions because she knows "you should prove the truth of a strange story before you believe it."
"Check it out. Repeat the experiment. Try to prove it wrong. It has to make sense." writes Barker, as he assures young readers that they are fully capable of figuring out what to believe, and of knowing when there just isn't enough information to decide. "You can do it your own way. If you are a good skeptic you will know how to think for yourself."
Another book is "Me & Dog" by Gene Weingarten.
And Born With a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story : Books 1, 2, 3
Here Comes Science CD + DVD
The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins
Bang! How We Came to Be by Michael Rubino.
Grandmother Fish: A Child's First Book of Evolution
Also:
Greek Myths – by Marcia Williams
Ancient Egypt: Tales of Gods and Pharaohs – by Marcia Williams
God and His Creations – by Marcia Williams
"I Wonder" by Annaka Harris
"From Stardust to You: An Illustrated Guide to The Big Bang" by Luciano Reni
"Meet Bacteria!" by Rebecca Bielawski
See also Highlights for Children - this has materials for younger children.
Atheism books for children by Courtney Lynn
"It Is Ok To Be A Godless Me", "I'm An Atheist and That's Ok", "I'm a Freethinker", "Please Don't Bully Me" and "I'm a Little Thinker" etc.
Courtney Lynn has a couple more for grown ups as well.
Grandmother Fish, free in PDF form online
A child's first book of evolution.
15 Holiday Gift Ideas for Secular Families
Bedtime Bible Stories by Joey Lee Kirkman - for mature teens only
Coming up: TINY THINKERS is a series of books introducing popular scientists to children, by telling their stories as if the scientists themselves were kids!
For my 7y old, I've used the Marcia Williams series to learn about various mythologies. She also has a book on God and His Creations if you want a basic exposure to Christianity alongside.
I've also used a book called One World, Many Religions to teach more about the various religious practices active today.
It's all about the kids.
Your kids deserve a great education. Don't force them into an environment where they get nothing but one-sided indoctrination. Teach your kids about religion (not just your own, although that's a great start.) Learning stories about different religions is great http://www.amazon.com/God-His-Creations-Tales-Testament/dp/0763622117/ is wonderful, so are similar books about Greek myths http://www.amazon.com/Greek-Myths-Marcia-Williams/dp/0763653845/ Indian gods, etc. It's an important part of our culture, current events, literature, world news and history, etc. to understand different faiths.
If your 12 year old is old enough to be into a book like http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Reality-Know-Whats-Really/dp/1451675046 that could be great, too... or tell him/her about cool stuff on reddit, related to any given interest. Internet access does wonders for broadening people's horizons.
>There are times when I wish my world was a bit larger
Your kids might wish this as well. Think about what you could do for them -- are there options for student exchange, travel, getting involved in anything, anywhere that broadens their circle of friends and acquaintances outside of a homogenous community? That should be a goal in raising your kids.
I think it’s out of print now, but this book introduced me to all the major myths in the most beautiful way. It’s a children’s book in comic book format
Link: https://www.biblio.com/book/greek-myths-young-children-williams-marcia/d/1043236771?aid=frg&utm_source=google&utm_medium=product&utm_campaign=feed-details&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-dSBzc7H2gIVVrjACh27GwV9EAQYBSABEgLqC_D_BwE
EDIT: THANK ZEUS! It is STILL in print! Here’s the paperback on amazon Greek Myths https://www.amazon.com/dp/0763653845/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8Dt2AbM25K073
What about bringing them in with Ancient Greek Myth (there are children's versions though some are still a little mature). You could read them as bed time stories and talk about different myths being considered religion. Introduce them as stories.
I'm not a Father so I have no idea if this would be interesting. I know I was read Greek Myth as a little kid though.
You might want to talk to Grandma about this.