60 Second Review:
The Thinking Toolbox

The Book: The Thinking Toolbox: Thirty-five Lessons That Will Build Your Reasoning Skills by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn

:10 -- The Gist: Provides a basic introduction to practical thinking skills. Lessons cover such topics as : When it is dumb to argue, How to defeat your own argument, Using the scientific method, Brainstorming, Who has a reason to lie? How to analyze opposing viewpoints, How to analyze evidence and sources, How to list reasons why you believe something, et al.

:20 -- The Quote: "A source is any place we get information about something. Books, newspapers, movies, the person next to you on the bus, and the label on your mattress can all be sources of information. When looking at sources, you will quickly realize that while some sources can be trusted, others cannot." (p. 76)

:30 -- The Good: Each chapter is brief, self-contained, and provides a list of exercises that help reinforce the lesson. (View a sample chapter (PDF))

:40 -- The Bad: Although it claims to be "written for ages 13 through adult", most teens will find it too simplistic to keep their attention.

:50 -- The Verdict: This short textbook, along with its companion, The Fallacy Detective, provide enjoyable, easy-to-understand lessons on reasoning. Homeschooling parents will find it a useful supplementary resource; parents whose children attend public school will find it an essential remedial tool.

:60 -- The Recommendation: Inquisitive students, ages 9-13, should enjoy this introductory course on thinking.