Atheist Literature Collection
You're Not Going to Hell: Growing Up Without God & Living Without Fear
Author: Sara Scott
Illustrator: Sara Scott
Audience: Lower Elementary
Justification: This independently published title fills an underrepresented need in youth literature by offering a secular, non-religious perspective for children. Because books addressing atheism for young readers are extremely limited, this work provides valuable representation despite the lack of traditional professional reviews.
Classification: A gentle introduction to atheism for young readers, helping children understand secular beliefs without fear.
Cover image © Sara Scott. Source: Amazon product listing. Used under fair use for educational and review purposes.
Atheism for Children: An Introduction to the Concept and Ideas of Atheism for Young Minds
Author: Liza Kapa
Illustrator: Liza Kapa
Audience: Lower Elementary
Justification: Although this title lacks traditional professional reviews and the author has a limited public presence, it addresses a significant gap in children’s literature by introducing secular and humanist perspectives in an age-appropriate way. Its inclusion supports viewpoint diversity and provides representation for non-religious families.
Classification: A simple, age-appropriate introduction to atheism for young children, focusing on curiosity, knowledge, and humanist values
Cover image © Liza Kapa. Source: Amazon product listing. Used under fair use for educational and review purposes.
Disbelief 101: A Young Person's Guide to Atheism
Author: S.C. Hitchcock
Illustrator: Leslie White
Audience: Middle/High School
Justification: Reviewed by Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and School Library Journal in 2009, all of which noted the book’s confrontational tone and uneven analysis. Although the reviews were largely negative, they also highlight that the title attempts to introduce atheism to questioning teens, which is still an area with very limited published material.
Classification: A straightforward guide introducing atheism to young readers through simple explanations and reflective questions.
Cover image © Sharp Press. Source: AbeBooks product listing. Used under fair use for educational and review purposes.
Annabell & Aiden: What Happens When We Die?
Author: J.R. Becker
Illustrator: Max Rambaldi
Audience: Lower Elementary
Justification: Although not traditionally reviewed in sources like Kirkus or School Library Journal, this book is highly regarded by educators, secular homeschoolers, and science-minded parenting communities. It provides an accessible, evidence-based approach to a topic that remains underrepresented in children’s literature.
Classification: A pro-science picture book series that introduces big philosophical questions through evidence-based explanations, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and wonder in young readers.
Cover image © J. R. Becker and Max Rambaldi. Source: official Annabelle & Aiden website. Used under fair use for educational and review purposes.
Heretics Anonymous
Author: Katie Henry
Audience: High School
Justification: Reviewed by Booklist, Horn Book Guide, Horn Book Magazine, Kirkus Review, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal
Classification: Written by an author who states that she has a “complicated religious identity” about an atheist main character navigating Catholic school
