SCHOOL CHILDREN in east London are being given books about Humanism for free.

After a national crowdfunding campaign by the British Humanist Association (BHA), every pupil in east London is eligible for a free copy of a new book called What is Humanism.

The book, written by poet Michael Rosen and author Anne Marie Young, aims to encourage children and their teachers to explore non-religious approaches to questions about society and the natural world.

The first book of its kind aimed specifically at children also includes contributions from famous Humanist faces like Stephen Fry, Philip Pullman and Shappi Khorsandi.

Chairman of the East London Humanists Paul Kaufman said: “We live in an increasingly diverse as well increasingly non-religious society, and this means it’s right that more schools teach about mainstream non-religious values and ethics - and that means teaching about Humanism alongside the wide variety of religious traditions.

“Michael and Annemarie’s new book is brilliant and we’re sure teachers will find it useful when discussing how non-religious people go about leading happy, ethical lives.”

In a joint statement Mr Rosen and Ms Young said: “Millions of people in this country and all over the world work out their philosophy of life, and how to live, without referring to religion.

“Schools quite rightly spend a good deal of time and effort exploring the ideas and philosophies of the world's great religions, but the ideas of humanism, secularism, and atheism are largely ignored.

“Our book aims at opening up a discussion about what humanism is, and how people live their lives as humanists.

“Throughout the book, readers are encouraged to ask questions, in order to help them think for themselves and thus to counter prejudice.”

Schools can order copies of What is Humanism through the BHA website.