Don’t Be Mean to 13: A Triskaidekaphobia Story by Douglas Harris playfully introduces young readers to the misunderstood number thirteen. The book explores why it and Friday the 13th, as well as other superstitions, evoke fear in people, and delves into how they form and why they persist. The term "triskaidekaphobia" is defined as being scared of the number 13. It illustrates how what we’re afraid of, along with others, shapes our habits, using examples from history, myths, and everyday life, such as avoiding the 13th floor or worrying about breaking a mirror. There are fun facts throughout, such as how twelve was once viewed as perfect, and how in some places, this so-called unlucky number actually means good luck. Ultimately, this story encourages curiosity and thinking things through while making it clear that thirteen is remarkable and has a special place.

After finishing Don’t Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris, I found myself thinking about the silly folklore I believed in as a child, like “step on a crack you’ll break your mother’s back,” and trying to avoid the cracks on the sidewalk because of it. It also made me think of my aunt and uncle, who got engaged on one of those notorious Fridays many years ago, and how they consider that day to be a symbol of good luck. As an educator, I thought it was a clever way to introduce students to the infamous number. I also thought it encourages empathy, understanding, and acceptance. The numeral assumes a person’s role in this tale, showing readers how it might feel to be viewed as different. I also think this book could be used to start discussions on asking for proof of something before they believe it. Children often believe what they’re told, and for the most part, that’s okay, but it also doesn’t hurt to respectfully question things that seem unreal or inauthentic.

Don’t Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris is a well-written children’s book that aims to dispel the misconceptions and superstitions most people have about the number thirteen, which is considered the most feared number from zero to googolplex. In this book, Douglas presents number thirteen as a character with emotions and is associated with negativity because of the fears people have of it. He also introduces Thirteen’s best friend, Friday, along with the superstition surrounding Friday the Thirteenth. Other superstitions include the belief that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck or that a black cat crossing someone’s path brings bad luck and more. Using historical and mythological information, the author provides insights into how these superstitions begin. This story proves thirteen to be a unique and special number.

The time I spent on this book was worth it, as I learned many new things. While most of the superstitions seemed hilarious to me, I got a deeper understanding of what superstition means. I also learned two new words that describe the fear of the number thirteen and the fear of Friday the Thirteenth. In this children’s book, the story included only a few characters to keep it simple for kids, which I loved. The writing is concise, straightforward, well-paced, and easy to comprehend. I was impressed by the illustrations and colorful pages, which made the story more engaging. This story features themes of fear, myth, superstition, and more. I found this book to be entertaining and educational. I recommend Don’t Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris to all readers.

Don't Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris is a children's book that uses humor and historical insights to debunk superstitions, particularly focusing on the fear of the number thirteen and Friday the 13th. The story follows a young boy who introduces readers to his friends, 13, the most feared number, and his best friend, Friday. Due to superstitions, many people seem to dislike the number 13 and Friday, believing they bring bad luck. Young readers will learn about various superstitions, the phobias associated with the number 13 and Friday the 13th, and why it is wrong to be unkind to others based on these unfounded beliefs. The boy discusses the mythology and history behind the negative perception of his friends. He reminds readers that everyone is unique and should not be feared due to beliefs that lack real evidence.

Don't Be Mean to 13 is a unique book that is both informative and offers profound lessons about kindness and compassion. The book helps children understand that superstitions are beliefs without evidence, often rooted in ancient myths, cultural traditions, or misunderstandings. It promotes self-esteem and understanding, emphasizing that everyone is special, much like the number thirteen, which is a unique prime number with its own good qualities. Douglas Harris's narrative has a cheerful tone that will capture children's attention. He blends humor and educational elements in his storytelling, making it entertaining and engaging. The vibrant illustrations by the author bring the characters to life. I truly enjoyed reading it and feel more informed. I hope it teaches young readers to show empathy toward others, to question rumors, and to remember that they are unique and special.

Don’t Be Mean to 13 by Douglas Harris is a children's picture book about common superstitions and the fear of the number thirteen, known as triskaidekaphobia. The book describes how people often develop fears based on the unknown, incomplete information, or beliefs without evidence, such as thinking black cats bring bad luck, mirrors cause seven years of misfortune when broken, or star signs affect personality. Harris traces the origin of Friday the Thirteenth fears to Norse mythology, Greek words for “thirteen” and “fear,” and ancient calendar systems that emphasized the number twelve. The text introduces Thirteen as a character who is considered frightening due to superstition, but is in fact a normal number. Through examples, the book demonstrates how these beliefs persist culturally despite lacking a factual basis and encourages readers to reconsider their assumptions about the number thirteen.

Douglas Harris’s Don’t Be Mean to 13 is a delightful, really well-written picture book that turns superstition on its head in a kid-friendly format. We are quickly introduced to Thirteen and Friday, showing that what seems scary at first can actually be extraordinary and fun. Harris is also the illustrator, and his illustrations are whimsical, really original, and rendered in a beautiful, vibrant palette that brings every page to life. Instead of employing a traditional story with a plot, Harris instead creatively educates and explains superstitions in a simple, accessible way, reminding children that numbers, like people, have unique qualities that deserve respect and appreciation. From Thirteen’s proud personality to the playful depictions of ancient myths and quirky beliefs, the book radiates positivity, curiosity, and good old-fashioned fun, making it a perfect read for children who enjoy learning with laughter and color.