The Thinking Toolbox

1 • Sarah (age 11) • April 24, 2008 • 6:01 PM

Well, I think the best part of The Thinking Toolbox would be the examples because they are hilarious. For instance, in Chapter one, “When is it dumb to argue,” the examples are just silly not-to-do answers (but true) like two people arguing over the stupidest things. I would highly recommend this book. It’s useful and great comedy at the same time.

2 • Sean • April 24, 2008 • 6:01 PM

The thinking tools for science were my favorite part of The Thinking Toolbox. Understanding what makes a good experiment and how to analyze the data has helped me with my biology work this year. Identifying psudoscience (fake science) as well as psudoreligion are issues I’ve always found interesting. This book is a great foundation for anyone desiring the ability to defend their faith intelligently.

3 • Sally • April 24, 2008 • 6:02 PM

We are currently working through The Thinking Toolbox . . . I told my 8 year old daughter about the Hollywood star who said, “I don’t know how Bush won. I don’t know anyone who voted for him!” She told me, “You can tell that she is the kind of person who doesn’t read The Thinking Toolbox and books like that!” Thank you for these useful thinking tools.

4 • Carol Karkazis • April 24, 2008 • 6:03 PM

I have been using your book “The Fallacy Detective” with my 13 year-old son. I just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying it (and so is my son). Although he is reluctant to admit that he is enjoying it, I hear him sharing bits and pieces of it to his Father and brothers. Your vision to inspire others to study logic is so needed in today’s world. You’ve inspired me! That’s how I found this website. I was wondering what to do after we finish your book. Lo and behold, the answer is here on your website!

I am so excited to learn more and am eagerly anticipating your sequel. I often find in homeschooling circles a fear to listen to opposing views (as well as condemnation for those who hold opposing views). This is not influential on a culture that needs Christ. Your comments on child-rearing (freedom for children to disagree) are also so needed. I admire and thank you and your parents for a job well-done.

5 • Mrs. P • April 24, 2008 • 6:04 PM

I have a funny story about your books.  Our, then seven year old daughter, used to pick up your books and read them—for fun.  Once my husband and I were having a disagreement and our daughter told us that she didn’t like it when we argued.  We informed her that it was only a disagreement.  She then pulled one of your books off of the shelf and read your definition of an argument.  She was right.  We had to laugh and to this day can’t remember what the argument was about.

6 • Eric Johnson • April 24, 2008 • 6:07 PM

For those who think that ad hominem and tu quoque are popular meals served in Italian restaurants, think again. Brothers Nathaniel and Hans Bluedorn have written a pair of logic books that target Christians ages 12 and older. The twenty-something siblings, who proudly declare that they “were homeschooled all of their lives,” come from thinking parents Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn, who have given seminars in 44 states on how to teach Latin, Greek, and logic.

The Thinking Toolbox is the latest addition to the brothers’ creative arsenal and was written to complement the second edition of The Fallacy Detective. The two books take lofty logical concepts and place them on a layperson’s level. These works are a welcome introduction to critical thinking, especially since illogical reasoning seems to be the rule rather than the exception in many—even Christian—circles.

(Review from Hank Hanegraaff’s Christian Research Journal, Volume 28/Number 05, “Logic To Go”)

7 • Martha Robinson • April 24, 2008 • 6:08 PM

It is said that you cannot teach common sense, but Nathaniel and Hans Bluedorn are making great inroads towards that goal with their thinking skills volumes. Students get a large dose of sensible “tools” for solid thinking in this book. With the appealing characters and exercises, The Thinking Toolbox is bound to be a hit with teens. Its ability to move teens on to more mature thinking will make it highly popular with parents.

(Review at http://www.homeschoolchristian.com)

8 • Izzy Lyman • April 24, 2008 • 6:10 PM

The homeschooled Bluedorn Brothers, who reside in the middle of a corn field, have published a brand new “thinking skills” book. The Thinking Toolbox: Thirty-Five Lessons That Will Build Your Reasoning Skills is the full title.

These tools range from learning how to analyze evidence to discerning if a “witness” is trustworthy.

While it’s obvious the authors enjoy the task of teaching their audience to think like an amateur scientist, lawyer, or detective, one gets the impression they aren’t into “know-it-alls.” For them, there’s a time and place to hold your tongue and practice discretion, since one lesson offers advice about “When It Is Dumb to Argue.” In short, they are encouraging students to “Speak up. But be smart about it.”

The book contains many useful examples, an answer key, and droll cartoons. It is written in that breezy, clear style that has become Nathaniel and Hans’ trademark.

(Review “If You Write It, They Will Read It” at icky.blogspot.com)

9 • Jordan J. Ballor • April 24, 2008 • 6:16 PM

The Bluedorns have certainly achieved their goal of creating a logic textbook that is neither boring nor distant, but rather informative, approachable, enjoyable, and valuable. This little book could admirably play a large and important role in the education of any child.

(Review at the Acton Institute web site)

10 • Harold Paxton • April 24, 2008 • 6:19 PM

I am the director of our Church’s volunteer tutoring/mentoring program and plan to encourage a number of our tutors to use it. Our sessions with children are short and the chapters of this book would lend themselves very easily to our needs. Most of the kids we work with do not have confidence in their own ability to succeed and lack the skills they need in order to succeed. I believe that learning the skills in this book would definitely enhance their confidence and serve to help increase their motivation for learning.

(Review at The Great Separation)

11 • texlex • April 24, 2008 • 6:20 PM

According to the back cover the book is “self-teaching” for ages 13 through adult. Though my son is only 8, I wanted his input on it after I read the first page of “Lesson 1: A Thinking Tool”.  I wondered if it would grab his attention like it did mine. It did. He read through “Lesson 3: When It Is Dumb to Argue” for a total of 15 pages.

Not only did he read, he reacted. A few times he read things of interest out loud to me and a few times he laughed, so much that my 6 year old daughter asked if he was reading a joke book. I think this one will earn a “Must Buy” rating.

12 • therogueangel • April 24, 2008 • 6:22 PM

The book says that it is for children 13 through adult. Well, my children are 7, 10, and 12 (in August) and they loved it. We sat down for our first lesson and they didn’t want to stop even after our fourth! They really enjoyed the formatting and the “thinking” was fun to them. They couldn’t wait until we sat down the next day to start on lesson five.

13 • Lexical Light • April 24, 2008 • 6:35 PM

As my husband works through the book with our son, the initial impression of the book still stands. Not only do they both enjoy using the book, it’s not unusual to hear the thinking tools being used in their conversations away from the book. In time, the principles in this book will become part of our family’s vocabulary because I plan on using it with all four of my children.

14 • Susan • July 06, 2010 • 5:06 PM

My (almost 12yo) daughter finished the first lesson from The Thinking Toolbox today, and her comment was, “Hey, I really like logic.  I thought it would be boring like Spock.” 😊 Thank you for writing such a great tool for learning such a valuable and often neglected subject.

15 • Zeek S. • May 18, 2011 • 1:13 PM

Great book with lots of useful “Brain” tools!

16 • repairs • June 01, 2011 • 8:14 PM

conversations away from the book. In time, the principles in this book will become part of our family’s