I, Humanity

As read from the International Space Station for Story Time From Space!

What is our place in the universe, and how do we know? Written in the first person from the viewpoint of a narrator who represents the human race throughout history, I, Humanity answers these question in a simple, clear, and visual way. No matter your age or where you live, you are sure to be inspired by the story of how we went from ancient conceptions of a small, flat Earth to the modern understanding that we live on one planet, orbiting one star, in a vast and amazing universe.

I, Humanity was successfully launched to the International Space Station on Dec. 6, 2015, as part of the second set of books for Story Time From Space. This also makes it author Jeffrey Bennett’s seventh book sent into space.

Also available in Spanish (links below) and Japanese.

Praise for I, Humanity

WINNER – Nautilus Book Award Gold Medal
WINNER – Foreward Reviews INDIES Book of the Year, Juvenile Nonfiction
SELECTION — Story Time From Space, launched to International Space Station in 2016
SELECTION — Outstanding Science Trade Books 2017

“I love this book. I, Humanity masterfully describes human exploration of the heavens in an easy, flowing narrative. Elegantly presented scientific and historical information will have readers returning to its pages again and again.”
— Andrea Beaty, author of New York Times best seller Rosie Revere, Engineer

“It is clear from just spending time looking at the cover of I, Humanity that Jeffrey Bennett has the idea that all people are part of a larger universe and can reach out and engage with each other as part of one race—the human race. And once the reader delves into the book, it is also clear that it has been contributions from the entire human race that has helped us arrive at the point we are now in our understanding of the universe…. This book would engage any reader, young or old alike, through both the textual telling of the story and the beauty of our universe through the visual presentation. Each read through could allow for more information to be discovered, new conversations to be generated, and new questions considered.”
— NSTA Recommends, reviewed by Christine Royce

“[I, Humanity] brilliantly condenses scientific discoveries throughout the ages into a brief history and presents the information in a manner that is clear, informative, and visually appealing. Written for children ages 7 and up, the book includes a helpful glossary, as well as suggested activities for further learning in specific age groups. It is a must read for those interested in the science of the universe.” — Catherine Reed-Thureson, Foreward Reviews

“A wonderful historical and scientific adventure, following humankind’s ever-growing conception of the universe. Entices curiosity and propels imagination.”
— Alan J. McCormack, Past President, National Science Teachers Association

“Using a first person narrative, the story is told in a way that will make every child of every culture feel that they are a part of this fantastic journey of discovery through history. In this sense, the book summarizes what the United Nations initiative has sought to achieve over a quarter century.”
— Hans J. Haubold and Werner R. Balogh, Published Review in COSPAR’s Space Research Today (Volume 194, pp. 33-34); the initiative referred to is the Programme on Space Applications of the Office of Outer Space Affairs of the United Nations

“Sometimes you come across a book that is innovative and truly different, providing inspiration by taking a completely different perspective. I, Humanity is just such as book… The concept of writing the story in the first person gives a striking view of our achievements and our place in the universe. That approach makes the whole story so inspirational, and, to cap it all, although this book is written with children in mind, anyone can read it and be inspired by it.”
— Richard Harrison, Editor, COSPAR’s Space Research Today (published in Volume 194, pp. 33-34)

“With beautiful images, imaginative storytelling, and an inspirational message, I, Humanity will educate both children and adults about how we as individuals fit into the grand scheme of the universe.”
— Larry Bock, Founder, USA Science & Engineering Festival

“A compelling and thought-provoking book! It gave me a new perspective, as if I had lived through all of human history gaining knowledge of the universe along the way. My students loved the book, too, saying that they were inspired to learn more about the universe. Well done!
— Kristi Fehr, Kentucky Science Teacher of the Year

“[This book] should be ON your child’s bookshelf today! … Dr. Jeffrey Bennett is helping our children learn their place in the future of this world, this universe and, ultimately, with each other.”
— The Baby Spot

“Brilliantly conveys our shared human passion for understanding the universe, and how we have learned so much through the collective efforts of all races and cultures across the ages.”
— Tomita Akihiko, Wakayama University, Japan

“Wow… what a fabulous book!!! With fascinating science and magnificent illustrations, I, Humanity captures the excitement of space and where we fit in as humanity. Jeffrey Bennett has once again produced a wonderful book that is scientifically accurate and will quench any child’s thirst for knowledge.”
— Steve Sherman, Living Maths, South Africa

“Audacious – the entire cosmos in a thin book… A wonderful way to interest young people in a subject that is literally of universal appeal.”
— Seth Shostak, SETI Institute

“Brilliant book! I love the style, which offers an enormous wealth of information.”
— Rosa Doran, Núcleo Interactivo de Astronomia, Portugal

“A wonderful book! It is pouring love and inspiration!”
— Cecilia Scorza, Haus der Astronomie, Germany

“It was the author Antoine de Saint-Exupery who once penned, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” In his latest book I, Humanity, with its compelling narrative and gorgeous imagery, Jeffrey Bennett bestows us a longing for the endless immensity of the universe. All discovery begins with curiosity, and this book is a wonderful first step for young imaginations at the beginning of such journeys.”
— Alvin Drew, NASA astronaut

“Curiosity is one of the most remarkable attributes of human beings. This beautiful book is an excellent way to discover how our curiosity developed into science and knowledge, enabling us to find our place in this vast universe.”
— Itahisa González Álvarez, Spain

“Mesmerizing! We learn new things and even with the things we did know, we see them in a new perspective. The book will inspire both youngsters and adults to expand their thinking.”
— Mark Levy, St. Johns University

“I, Humanity speaks to all ages, all cultures, and all genders, unifying us as one people throughout the ages with the common curiosity of understanding how we all fit together in this vast space we call The Universe. Jeffrey Bennett has once again hit the mark in creating a visually expressive and engaging science story that is both scientifically accurate and easy to understand.”
— Susan Lederer, NASA Johnson Space Center

“This is one cool book that does an admiral job explaining a vast, abstract subject to young kids in an innovative way. It’s definitely worth checking out—maybe your child will be looking at the stars in a whole new away.”
— Washington Family Magazine (review by Kate Schwarz)

“Top Pick! I, Humanity is an amazing book in so many ways… [It] will definitely have your child looking to the stars. Yay for showing kids how to love science!”
— Night Owl Reviews

“Tells the story of what we know about the universe and how we learned it throughout history. . . . Kids will pick up history as well as science, and begin to see that they can play a role in better understanding the universe.”
— Colorado Parent

“[Helps] kids dream of how they can help make the world a better place!”
— Calgary’s Child

“I, Humanity is nothing short of spectacular! Thoughtful and enlightening.”
— Fayette Clark, Pioneer Elementary, Colorado Springs, Colorado

“What a wonderful book!!! It invites everyone’s imagination to join in the journey.”
— Gladys Salm, Hammer Montessori, San Jose, CA

“I, Humanity provides an excellent entry point for young people (and their parents) who want to begin exploring the view that science gives us of our Universe and our place within it.”
— Kevin McLin, Sonoma State University

“A wonderful book. What impresses me most is the author’s ability to explain non-intuitive subjects in ways that can be understood by children.”
— Jim McConnell, University of Texas, Dallas

“A great book, with a wonderfully interesting angle on the evolution of science and technology relating to space and human understanding of our place in the universe.”
— Edward Gomez, Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network

“A wonderful diversity of information, visuals, and approaches that allows every child, parent, and teacher to find something of interest within its pages… can serve as a starting point for engagement with astronomy and inspire deeper self-directed learning.”
— Carol Tang, Executive Director of Children’s Creativity Museum

Special Thanks

For reading the book in draft with students, we thank the following teachers/schools:

• Kristi Fehr, Cassidy Elementary, Lexington, KY
• Susan Kandyba, Casey Middle School, Boulder, CO
• Christa Lundberg, Discovery Canyon Campus, Colorado Springs, CO
• Tiffany Painter, Prospect Ridge Academy, Broomfield, CO