Don’t Be Mean to 13

“Harris manages to introduce history, mythology, and critical thinking in a fun, approachable way…Younger readers will get a kick out of the superstitions, which seem silly in the context of this logical, charming story, and adults will welcome the lesson that unfamiliarity often breeds fear and animosity.” – BookLife, a division of Publishers Weekly, Editor’s Choice

"A wonderful introduction to the origins and effects of one of the world's most popular and irrational phobias, the fear of the number thirteen, delightfully told by a young boy and his friends 13 and Friday. This lively story will help children avoid unnecessary fears and teach them about the long history of Triskaidekaphobia. Highly recommended."   —Stuart Vyse, author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition 

"There are more than 13 reasons why children should have this book! I won’t list them all, but the number one reason is that Don’t be Mean to 13 provides an opportunity for conversations that will promote the use of critical thinking skills. Superstitions can be harmful at worse and irrational at best. Fear of the number 13 leads to additional superstitious thinking, so I’m getting this book for every child I know!" —Margaret Downey, the only Friggatriskaidekaphobia Treatment Nurse in the entire world, President of the Freethought Society

“We are happy to award deserving books like Don't Be Mean to 13. Our panel of judges really felt this book merited a place on our list of the best in family-friendly products that parents and educators can feel confident in using.” —Dawn Matheson, CEO, Mom’s Choice Awards

“What an absolutely delightful story about a bizarre belief that millions of people hold—that there’s something unlucky about the number 13. Of course, there isn’t, and we know this through reason and science, and the earlier children learn how to think about such superstitions the better society will be. My little boy loved the story and so will you!" —Michael Shermer, Publisher Skeptic magazine, author of Why People Believe Weird Things

“Children are our future! Great to see the author tackle the myth of the number 13 in a light-hearted fun way with terrific illustrations! It’s just a number that falls between 12 and 14 there is nothing weird about it. This book is a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf or library.” —Susan Gerbic, Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, AboutTimeProject.org

“Don’t be Mean to Thirteen is an elegant, yet simple breakdown of two popular superstitions: the number thirteen and Friday the 13th. Using an easy-to-understand approach, Harris applies critical thinking while taking the reader on an exploration of the origins of these superstitious beliefs, which many people still embrace today. Harris effectively removes the fear and “spookiness” of the number thirteen and his buddy, Friday, through knowledge, beautiful illustrations, and providing a positive spin at the close of your journey. This is a must-have book for children at the beginning of their critical thinking development.”—Kenny Biddle, Chief Investigator, Committee for Skeptical Inquiry

"A fun, friendly approach to learning about superstition: a topic that is all too relevant to our times."—Greg M. Epstein, Humanist Chaplain at Harvard and MIT