Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#1

Post by aetilley » Wed, Feb 17, 2021, 12:35 AM UTC

I'd like to get my 8 y.o. nephew an introduction to critical thinking.

My coworker just pointed out this (which, despite its appearance, might actually be geared towards adults).

https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Book-Bad-Arguments/dp/1615192255

Would love to hear any other suggestions folks have. Books geared towards kids are best, but I'd also be interested in those aimed at preteens or young teens.

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#2

Post by lucasgonze » Wed, Feb 17, 2021, 12:42 AM UTC

Great question. If something good comes up here I'll jump on it.

I agree that "An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments" isn't a fit for kids. The pictures are good but the language wouldn't make sense.

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#3

Post by zzedd » Wed, Feb 17, 2021, 12:47 AM UTC

not just targeted at 'critical thinking' (so includes maths and Logo programming) is Barry Newell's book Turtle Confusion. long ago i used this book with kids aged 12. you can read about it here: http://constructingmodernknowledge.com/?p=1451

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#4

Post by eimrine » Wed, Feb 17, 2021, 1:05 AM UTC

Why We Make Mistakes: How We Look Without Seeing, Forget Things in Seconds, and Are All Pretty Sure We Are Way Above Average

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#5

Post by breck » Wed, Feb 17, 2021, 1:13 AM UTC

How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler is one of my faves and teaches you how to read at higher levels of thought.

Also, it's a kids book but current book with the 2yo that I really enjoy is "My favorite book in the whole wide world" by Malcom Mitchell.

Thanks for the tip to Illustrated Book Bad Arguments. Looks interesting, just ordered.

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#6

Post by notoriousarun » Wed, Feb 17, 2021, 8:27 AM UTC

I have recently bought this book for my niece... https://www.amazon.com/Fallacy-Detective-Thirty-Eight-Recogn...

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#7

Post by Jtsummers » Wed, Feb 17, 2021, 5:38 PM UTC

I'm not sure about critical thinking, overall, but a major component of critical thinking is logical thinking. You could look into books like Smullyan's which teach logical reasoning through puzzles and stories.

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#8

Post by logicslave » Thu, Feb 18, 2021, 2:42 AM UTC

chess

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#9

Post by kleer001 » Thu, Feb 18, 2021, 4:16 AM UTC

logicslave wrote: post #8

chess

Please be more specific.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_(disambiguation)

You obviously don't mean the board game chess. That's not a book.

Re: Ask HN: Critical Thinking Books for Kids

#10

Post by ElectricMind » Thu, Feb 18, 2021, 1:19 PM UTC

I suggest this book

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1038863.Smart_Thinking

I am strong believer is if you can write well then you can think well. Both are interelated. Also you must play interactive role with nephew to make progress on critical thinking. Reading a books or 100 even is not useful if there is no dialogue, questions , challenges , debate or even summary. Critical mind don't accept anything without breaking it apart and tasting through fire. I hope this helps :)