Endorsements
“Humanism has inspired plenty of complex philosophy and discourse, but at its core is a way of living that's beautifully simple and effective. Elle the Humanist captures the heart of humanism in language so clear and appealing that other kids will easily recognize the humanist in themselves.”
- Dale McGowan, author of Parenting Beyond Belief and Raising Freethinkers
“Humanism is our planet’s best hope for increasing justice, fairness, and ethical living. Elle’s clear, accessible introduction to humanism is perfect for budding freethinkers or any young person who wants to understand how to live well beyond the confines of religious dogma.”
- Phil Zuckerman, Ph.D., author of What It Means to be Moral, Living the Secular Life, and Society without God
"Elle the Humanist is probably my favorite humanist book of the year, regardless of the author's age. Because in times like these, what could be better than children (and their loving families) teaching other children to be kind, to be ethical — to be human, together? This kind of project is the future of the humanist movement; I hope you and your family will enjoy it along with me and mine.”
- Greg M. Epstein, Humanist Chaplain at Harvard and MIT and author of Good Without God
“Elle is for Lovely. This book is lovely!”
- Dan Barker, author of Mere Morality
"In these beautifully illustrated pages, Elle Harris unlocks atheist ethics for young readers with heart and warmth. The philosophy of life presented here is positive, affirming, and pluralistic—exactly the sort of book every child should have on their nightstand.”
- Nick Fish, President of American Atheists
"Elle brings, as only a child can, refreshing honesty and curiosity to an age-old conversation. Perfect for families looking to elevate empathy over theology and compassion over dogma."
- Andrew L. Seidel, author of The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism is Un-American.
“It is wonderful to see children that are being reared to think carefully about their one and only life. This little book about common sense humanism should be available to every questioning youngster.”
- Margaret Downey, Founder and President at the Freethought Society
“Sometimes humanists have trouble explaining what it is we do believe in, and feel defined by the god we don’t believe in. Leave it to the wisdom of a nine-year old, enlightened beyond her years, to remind us. For young readers, Elle the Humanist is a delightful introduction to humanist values celebrating the virtue of kindness. For grownups, Elle invites us to reflect on this simple recipe for making the world a better place—and how universal humanist ideals have been borrowed by so many religious faiths.”
- Robyn E. Blumner, President and CEO, Center for Inquiry, Executive Director, Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science
“For anyone who's ever wondered how non-religious children can have morals, Elle is here to present the simple, inviting philosophy of humanism. This is a perfect primer for kids of all ages, helping young humanists navigate the inevitable questions from religious friends.”
- Hemant Mehta, editor of Friendly Atheist, co-host of “Friendly Atheist Podcast,” author of The Young Atheist’s Survival Guide
“This clearly written, concise story offers children being raised without theism a way to share with their friends (of any or no religion) the idea that ethical values of all traditions are ultimately about how people treat one another—a great equalizing message.”
- Paul Golin, Executive Director at the Society for Humanistic Judaism
“With tens of thousands of religions in the world claiming to be ‘the true one religion,’ this book is a refreshing view of the basics of ethical thinking through the beauty and simplicity of secular humanism. Without appealing to the supernatural, this book serves as a great foundation for happy living drawing on a young person’s sense of reason, making it relevant even across various cultural backgrounds.”
-David Tamayo, Founder and President, Hispanic American Freethinkers
“A sorely needed, important book! The real beauty of this book is how it celebrates the diversity of belief (and nonbelief) among all humans, drawing the best from each worldview, and never taunting nor praising any one position over the other. Whether you believe in Krishna, Muhammad, Thor, or none of them, you will enjoy this book!”
- J.R. Becker, author of the Annabelle & Aiden children's book series
“This book will be a great help to families with young children who want to share what humanism is but aren't sure they have the right words!”
- Rev. Amanda Poppei, Senior Leader and Clergy Member at the Washington Ethical Society, President of Unitarian Universalist Humanists
“Elle has a message that all kids can use in their daily lives: Treat others how they would like to be treated. This humanist twist on the Golden Rule will help children understand that differences are positive and should be celebrated! I can't wait to read this book with my daughter and know that it will help her navigate the world as she explores her own beliefs."
- Kim Newton, Executive Director of Camp Quest
“Elle shares an important message for everyone, especially children, on the importance of what makes each of us different and treating each other how we want to be treated. Considering the divisive political and social issues we face today, Elle's story about humanism emphasizes the values of understanding, kindness, and inclusion.”
- Kevin Bolling, Executive Director of Secular Student Alliance
“With this book Elle lets children know that they are free to follow their natural curiosity and question the world around them. The very root of science is the freedom to ask, to wonder, to explore and to look for other ways to think about things people assume to be true, even if that means deeply held belief systems. Take that freedom away and we enter a dark age.”
- Richard Saunders, Host and Producer, “The Skeptic Zone Podcast”
“As Elle so perceptively shows us, the true source of ethical values is our connection and interdependence as human beings. Her book promotes compassion and respect for all, highlighting a common thread of ethical treatment across religious belief and non-belief alike. Her ‘platinum rule’ fosters the community connections that are vital to our happiness and well-being.”
- Angie Johnson, President, Oasis National Network of Secular Communities, Executive Director, Salt Lake Oasis
"Elle the Humanist is a wonderful addition to a growing number of children's books on humanism. It delightfully focuses on a fundamental value for humanity and humanists, empathy. The Platinum Rule is a new twist on the Golden Rule that will teach children tolerance and understanding of each other's differences, something greatly needed in today's society."
- Kristin Wintermute, Director of Education at American Humanist Association
“This is a book of good thinking about important things. One of the important features of this book is that it tries to speak to everyone, no matter what they believe.”
- Daniel Dennett, University Professor of Philosophy Tufts University, author of Breaking the Spell
“I really like it, and think it's a great, easy way for kids to understand humanism—and that we need it! So many kids coming to the Washington Ethical Society need the language for themselves and to explain to their friends. I'll be glad to share this book with the kids and families I serve.”
- Amanda Poppei, Senior Leader and Clergy Member at the Washington Ethical Society
“How should we treat one another? What constitutes good behavior? How should we teach children to be moral? These are questions all of us care about, and in all my reading on the subject, Elle the Humanist is the single best short answer, not only for raising moral children but for reminding adults how to be good. Apply the Platinum Rule and give this book to everyone you know, young and old.”
- Michael Shermer, Publisher Skeptic magazine, Presidential Fellow Chapman University, author of The Moral Arc
“In simple text and beautiful illustrations, My Name is Stardust elegantly captures what Neil DeGrasse Tyson called ‘the most astounding fact’ — that we are literally stardust, and that this connects us to everything that ever was and ever will be. A captivating addition to the literature of science and wonder for the youngest minds.”
Dale McGowan, Author of Parenting beyond Belief and Raising Freethinkers
“There is no fact in science that is more awe-inspiring and deeply meaningful than that we are made of stardust, the remnants of exploded stars billions of years ago that through the process of evolution have turned into conscious creatures called humans. My Name Is Stardust is the best children’s book that captures the beauty of this fact of nature and one that should be read by every child on the planet to put into perspective our place in the cosmos.”
Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine, columnist at Scientific American, author of The Moral Arc
“Curiosity about a few universal questions lies at the base of the uniquely human exploration of the cosmos which we call science. Who am I? Where did I come from? My Name Is Stardust captures the excitement of its young author’s exploration of her world and its origins.”
Eric Meikle, Former Education Project Director at the National Center for Science Education
“My Name is Stardust begins with a question, 'what are we made of?’ and proceeds to investigate — creatively, humorously, and sincerely — the awesome answer. In fact, Bailey and Douglas have captured the most compelling part of science: we scientists get to use creativity to convert curiosity into knowledge that feeds both wonder and appreciation for our universe. I know this unique book will nourish the next generation of scientists and science-appreciators.”
Ariel Marcy, Evolutionary biologist, educational game designer of Go Extinct! and founder of STEAM Galaxy Studios
“We are happy to award deserving books, like My Name is Stardust. Our panel of judges really felt this book merited a place on our list of the best in family-friendly products that parents and educators can feel confident in using.”
Dawn Matheson, CEO, Mom’s Choice Awards
“Children's books about science often fail to simplify the language for young learners. My Name is Stardust is one of those very special children's books on science which is written for children to understand. To love science, we must possess a good mix of wonder and skepticism. This book provides our kids with both. It's so beautiful to see your child's eyes fill with awe as they read. I am grateful that Bailey is inspiring the next generation of science lovers."
Bertha Vazquez, Director of the Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science and 30-year science teacher
“My Name is Stardust is a delightful book for curious children. Describing the universe without talking down to readers is no easy task, and Bailey Harris lives up to the challenge. This is a science book that will have your children wanting to learn more. What a wonderful introduction to (literally) the biggest concept we will ever encounter.”
Hemant Mehta, Editor of FriendlyAtheist.com
“My stardust heart is filled with pride when I give Bailey Harris’s book, My name is Stardust, to friends and family. This book should be shelved in every home library for the enjoyment of the residents as well as visitors.”
Margaret Downey, Founder and President, Freethought Society
“As a curious nine-year-old, Bailey shares the journey of stardust—through the universe to the Earth, from one-celled organisms to dinosaurs, and eventually to you and me—in a delightful story to inspire scientific curiosity in children and show the interconnectedness of everything in our universe.”
Kevin Bolling, Executive Director, Secular Student Alliance
“When Bailey Harris' main character says, ‘Hello, everyone! My name is Stardust. It's nice to meet you.’ She had us at ‘Hello.’ Who better to introduce young, curious minds to the astonishing realities of the universe and our home planet than nine-year-old Stardust, our delightful narrator and tour guide?
Harris' book walks young readers through how everything we see (and everything too microscopic to see) is made up of Stardust's namesake. With clear, instructive prose and beautiful, ethereal illustrations, My Name is Stardust will introduce children to how the universe formed and how species on Earth evolved, igniting their first spark of insight into the world they inhabit. For parents who want to expose their children to the wonders of science, this is your book.”
Robyn E. Blumner, President and CEO, Center for Inquiry; Executive Director, Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science
"Whimsical, clever, and surprisingly profound, Bailey Harris writes with the wisdom of a scholar yet never betrays her wide-eyed wonder. My Name is Stardust offers depth and beauty to curious kids and grown-ups alike who dare to ask brave questions about our place in the cosmos."
Cara Santa Maria, Creator and Host of Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria, co-host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
"My Name is Stardust is a historical adventure that takes the reader from the start of the universe all the way to present day. Nine-year-old Stardust is our narrator throughout this factual journey and reminds us that everything – including ourselves – is made of stardust! This children’s book is educational and eye-catching and would definitely get any elementary school student interested in STEM."
Rachel Weeks, Co-CMO, Reinvented Magazine