What does it mean to be a humanist? Is humanism a new idea? How do people live their lives without religious beliefs? The first of its kind aimed at the new curriculum for upper primary and lower secondary school children, this book examines how humanists respond to fundamental questions about morals and ethics, the origins of life, religion and the state. It looks at how humanists mark the milestones of birth, marriage and death. How do people without belief in God live moral and fulfilled lives, with respect for humankind and the universe? This thought-provoking approach encourages readers to think about the big questions for themselves.

The book includes contributions from a number of prominent humanists, such as Stephen Fry, Camila Batmanghelidjh, Philip Pullman, Jim Al-Khalili, Natalie Haynes and Shappi Khorsandi, who explain their own philosophy and tell us what is important to them.

Part of the groundbreaking and important 'And Other Big Questions' series, which offers balanced and considered views on the big issues we face in the world we live in today.

Other titles in the series include:
What is Feminism? Why do we need It?
Who are Refugees and Migrants? What Makes People Leave their Homes?

Michael Rosen (Author)
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 (Author)
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.

• 1: Introducing humanism
• 2: What is a humanist?
• 3: My humanism: Michael Rosen
• 4: My humanism: Annemarie Young
• 5: What is the purpose of life?
• 6: My humanism: Stephen Fry
• 7: Can you be good without gods or religion? Where do moral values come from?
• 8: Values and laws
• 9: My humanism: Camila Batmanghelidj
• 10: A statement of values
• 11: My humanism: Philip Pullman
• 12: Life - How did it all begin?
• 13: My humanism: Jim Al-Khalili
• 14: Humanism through history
• 15: My humanism: Natalie Haynes
• 16: How do humanists mark life's big events?
• 17: A wedding
• 18: A naming ceremony
• 19: A funeral
• 20: My humanism: Shappi Khorsandi
• 21: What next? What do you think?
• 22: Festivals
• 23: Your personal charter
• 24: Glossary
• 25: Useful information
• 26: Index