What Do You Believe?

by Margaret Parrish, Fleur Star

What do you believe? Do you know why you believe what you do?
What Do You Believe? introduces readers to the many religions of the world and its equally numerous philosophies, from global religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, to lesser-known faiths, and from ancient philosophers such as Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato, to modern thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Kant, and Sartre.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, Childrens, Parenting, Picture Books, Middle Grade

96 pages, Hardcover

First published March 21, 2011

Reviews

[Hillary Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pages of this book are jammed packed with colorful pictures and basic information on a broad range of religions. I thought it was organized well, and even as an adult I enjoyed looking through it. Should be a great reference point for educating my kids on world religions. But I doubt either of them will want to be reading it solo till 10+.

The only thing I felt it was lacking was information on Earth based religions or Paganism. Probably could've spent a bit more time with secular humanism as well.

[Ala Abdallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more of a reference book that discusses all the religions of the world as well as the traditions and customs that go along with them. It goes into detail about the religion's first appearance, it's holy book, where it is practiced and why, and the different holidays that are used to celebrate different things. It has many photographs that are used to help explain different ways that religions are practiced. It is a great book to have in a classroom where teachers can assign projects and papers that discuss different religions of the world. It enables children to learn many religions that they may have never heard of and also teaches them to respect one another's beliefs.

[Brandielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference book. A lot of good information but a couple places it felt skewed toward western/Christianity. Also not much on African-based or South American-based religions. I realize they’re going by the numbers of current believers/membership but it felt incomplete.

[Kjersti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent starter book for my kids to learn about different religions and what are the components of spirituality. I learned some things myself. May purchase this to have as a reference at home. We loaned it from the library.

[Kaylee Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The genre characterization for this book is informational. What Do You Believe? is a book that gives information on numerous religions across the globe.

The illustrations in the book are spectacular! There are captions, timelines, photographs, and cartoons! This books focuses on the main religions of the world: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism (which I never heard of before). This book also gives information on atheism, agnosticism and indigenous beliefs. It talks about morality and philosophy while known philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle, and Plate. This book has GREAT information many world religions.

This would be a great book to have when talking about the different religions of the world and being able to compare and contrast them.

The writing trait I pick for this book is organization. This book is strictly information, I did not find any bias or persuasion which would be extremely hard to write for the topic at hand. I also picked this because of the illustrations. Although it is a book about religion, it can keep children's attention because of the different types of illustrations used!

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I found this book in the children's section, it was informative and captivating enough for me to enjoy it. I think that anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, would benefit from just skimming the pages. This novel includes a description of the world's major religions, the history of religion, religion vs. science, different approaches to hair and diet in religion, and much more.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very concise and simplistic breakdown of the worlds religions… A great overview for those who are curious. Well done

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well done book on world religions, religion in general, and why people believe what they believe. As a Christian, I studied the parts that referred to Christianity more closely. With rare exception, I think the authors of this book presented what I believe accurately. Thus, I assume the same is true for the other religions discussed in the book. This would be a helpful tool to use to discuss world religions with upper elementary and middle school kids.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliant. It is such a great way to teach kids the basis of different religions, without any indoctrination or negativity. It's very important to me that my kids are well informed when it comes to religion. I love the layout of this book, because it allows kids to see and understand where each of these different religions come from and how they were started. Awesome book!

[Gail Bolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who either has a pre-teen or early teen child with questions about religion, or adults who want just a brief primer on world religions. I bought this for my 10 year old niece who is struggling with a lot of religious questions right now. I read it first to see if it was appropriate and am thrilled with the book.

[Ryanessl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent, introductory reference book that is packed with information. It allows children to easily compare and contrast numerous aspects of the major world religions in an organized, accessible format.

[Arctic · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent introductory overview of religion for young inquisitive children. nice layout, good graphics, and a balanced approach. my 5 year recently started asking who God is and if Jesus is God. This book helped a lot.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is a fantastic introduction to world religion for older elementary students (grades 3+). It's true to the visually appealing, informative, and engaging DK style, and presents all religions, along with atheism, with a refreshing lack of bias.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is excellent at summarizing the major religions and faiths in the world today. Even though it is classified as a children's book, I believe everyone could benefit from reading this book. Extremely informative in an easy-to-read format.

[Marci - · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book for children who are beginning to ask questions about different faiths in the world. I will have to get my son's thoughts on it as well.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kind of non-fiction--bright, easy to read charts and graphics, lots of compare and contrast. This should prove to be a great resource.

[Literary Ames]

Looks like this isn't just for children, and so pretty inside.
ISBN: 978-1405362856

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful enough for some basic facts.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers what seems to be every religion in the world. Fair coverage with a great layout. Also discusses if religion is necessary, philosophy and many other deeper ideas.

[Tommy Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introductory book on some of the more common world religions. It is probably best suited for a preteen audience.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unbiased look at religion and belief. I REALLY wish I'd had access to a book like this when I was a kid.