Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young will speak to an audience of humanists, writers, and education professionals about their latest book, What is Humanism? How do you live without a god? And other big questions for kids at a special book launch event hosted by the British Humanist Association (BHA).
What is Humanism? is a new book for upper primary and lower secondary pupils which explores humanist views of morality and ethics, the origins of life, and the relationship between religion and the state.
Contributors to the book include well-known humanists such as BHA President Jim Al-Khalili and BHA patrons Stephen Fry, Philip Pullman, Natalie Haynes, and Shappi Khorsandi. Each contributor discusses their personal philosophy of life, and why Humanism is important to them.
BHA Head of Education Lisa Rønsholt said, ‘Michael and Annemarie have produced a wonderful introduction to Humanism for adults as well as young people. What is Humanism? delves into big questions but is never short of heart, honesty, and humour, all the while capturing why it is that so many people find fulfilment in the humanist approach to life, living ethically and cooperatively on the basis of reason and humanity.’
The book launch will take place in central London on 11 June and tickets are available online. Free spaces at the event available to those who work in education who should email sierra@humanists.uk
Notes
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.
Michael Rosen started writing as a teenager, when his mother needed some poems for radio programmes she was making. After writing a play at university which was staged by the Royal Court Theatre in London, his first book of poems was published in 1974. Today, Michael is one of Britain’s leading children’s poet’s. Michael Rosen’s Book of Nonsense was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award.
Annemarie Young is a writer of fiction and non-fiction for children, and an editorial consultant for children’s books and primary education. She was a publisher for many years and has worked with hundreds of children’s authors and illustrators. She has lived and travelled all over the world, from Australia to Southeast Asia, Egypt and Europe, and she now lives in Cambridge.