Books allow him to travel to different places and times without leaving the couch. They can introduce him to people he will never meet but who have contributed greatly to the big conversation of humanity.
(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)
(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)
A well-read child can impact the world, especially for the Gospel, because he has a frame of reference for the world and all the people in it.
For these and other reasons, diversity in children's literature is good. It's great.
But, SAME is good too. Sometimes, it's nice for a child to see himself in the books that he reads; to know that he is not alone; to know that there are others who get it...who understand his struggles and strengths, who has walked in his shoes.
But, SAME is good too. Sometimes, it's nice for a child to see himself in the books that he reads; to know that he is not alone; to know that there are others who get it...who understand his struggles and strengths, who has walked in his shoes.
That is why I have compiled a list of books for the homeschooler who needs a little solidarity, who needs to see that the different in homeschooling isn't so different after all.
The List
I've divided the list into the following three categories:
Please note that while I have read a few of these titles, I have not personally vetted all of them nor can I give all of them a glowing endorsement. When available, I've pulled book descriptions directly from Amazon. I'd encourage you to use your best judgement when selecting any of the books listed here.
- By Homeschoolers- These are books that have been written by formerly homeschooled authors and/or authors who currently homeschool their own kids.
- About Homeschoolers- These are books that feature main or supporting characters who homeschool, are self-taught, or who have had no formal eduction.
- By and About Homeschoolers- These are books written by authors who were or are homeschooling and who feature homeschoolers in their works.
Please note that while I have read a few of these titles, I have not personally vetted all of them nor can I give all of them a glowing endorsement. When available, I've pulled book descriptions directly from Amazon. I'd encourage you to use your best judgement when selecting any of the books listed here.
Check out the list and then be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to enter to win one of six complete sets of The Green Ember Series by homeschool dad, S.D. Smith.
Kids' Books By Homeschoolers
A Life of Faith: Kathleen McKenzie series
"In Kathleen's Shaken Dreams you will meet a spunky, gifted eleven-yearold girl who enjoys competition and strives for high achievement. Set in tumultuous 1929, the book recounts how Kathleen's opportunities for achievement are many until 'Black Tuesday' and the stock market crash force her prosperous family to move to her relatives' primitive farm. Will Kathleen's faith be shaken or will she trust God no matter what her circumstances?"
Alone Yet Not Alone
"Autumn of 1755 bestowed to the Leiningers’ world, not only its rich beauties, but also a rewarding harvest. On this particular day the whole valley seemed to rejoice in the fullness of the season—but suddenly Barbara and Regina’s peaceful frontier life is changed forever. General Braddock and his army had been defeated and soon the Pennsylvania settlers would suffer the bloody effects of the French and Indian War. On October 16, 1755, a band of Indians, led by Allegheny warriors, stormed through Buffalo Valley, burned the Leiningers’ log cabin, and captured the sisters. Few survived the Penn’s Creek Massacre and even fewer lived to tell the story. Regina makes a promise to her older sister just before they are unwillingly separated—each to endure different fates."
The Brothers at Arms
"Lawrence and Chester Stoning are twins, but like Jacob and Esau of old they have little else in common. Lawrence is a realist, fascinated by the study of science, mathematics, and history, while Chester longs for the knightly adventures of chivalrous times past -- hard-fought battles, gold-filled caves, damsels in distress.
When Chester's impetuosity engages the unlikely pair as bodyguards to a Spaniard and his beautiful ward Pacarina, the twins quickly realize that the 19th century calls for a chivalry of its own. Protecting Pacarina's secret leads all of them into the steaming jungles and dizzying mountains of Peru, a foreboding territory made all the more dangerous by Lawrence and Chester's strivings against each other. Can the twins learn to trust God and work together before it's too late? Or will they fall prey to the mysterious schemes of Pacarina's enemy -- an enemy they know nothing about?"
Circle C Beginnings series
"Written for reading levels 2.0–2.8, the Circle C Beginnings series combines fun illustrations and six-year-old Andi’s signature curiosity."
Circle C Adventures series
"Twelve-year-old Andrea Carter has several frightening encounters after taking her horse, Taffy, and running away from her home at the Circle C Ranch. She begins to realize that there really is no place like home."
The Coming Crown series
"There is trouble in Byriad. Istus is the descendent of a lineage of kings, but as he trains to take his father’s throne, a rebel king is rising. The northbound lands have fallen to rebel reign, and mercenaries sail the wintertide sea. Swept from the comfort and safety of his castle, Istus is thrust into a world of suffering and suspicion, to find light only as a star rises to the heavens and a Grey Falcon dashes the sky. The rebel king is rising. But in order for others to rise… …some must fall."
The Diaries of the Woodsmall Sisters series
"Finding Faith is the diary of a 13-year-old girl, Carolyn Woodsmall. Carolyn is the eldest daughter and leads a normal life for a girl growing up in the 1850’s, until tragedy strikes and Carolyn’s world is turned upside-down. She struggles with blaming God for what has happened and feels like he has abandoned her. Will Carolyn find her faith and realize that God has never left her?"
The Green Ember series
"Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures. They discover that their own story is bound up in the tumult threatening to overwhelm the wider world. Kings fall and kingdoms totter. Tyrants ascend and terrors threaten. Betrayal beckons, and loyalty is a broken road with peril around every bend. Where will Heather and Picket land? How will they make their stand?"
"Treating others with respect, especially if they are different from you, is a big virtue. This is what Honor, a boot-wearing, bonnet-loving little chick learns when she is faced with a difficult decision. As Honor attends a flower festival with her Mother, she meets someone who is a little bit different.It Took a War
In this lovely tale, you'll discover what can be gained from living your life using God's word to navigate life’s hard situations."
"1861 - Sixteen year old Joe Roberts leads a mundane life as far as he’s concerned. His world spins in the same circle each day: working at his family’s store, taking his sisters on boyish escapades and bickering with his rogue of a cousin, Lucas. Joe can’t understand why his mother allows Lucas to live and work with them after all the pain he caused their family. When war is declared, Joe is quick to join up and become a soldier with the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers, but war is nothing like he imagined. To make matters worse, he must endure having Lucas in the same regiment. Can Joe put the pain of the past behind him? Forgiveness is easier said than done."
Jonathan Park Adventure Fiction series
"When Jonathan Park and his dad, Dr. Kendall Park, discover a dinosaur skull in a cave, they think they may have found an important proof for creation and a way to keep the cave's owners from losing their land. But someone wants the Brenans' land -- and he'll do anything to get it! Join Jonathan Park, Jessie Brenan, and their families and their friends from the 'Eagle's Nest Gang' on a wild ride braving floods, searching underwater archeology, experiencing rare artifact robberies, and a memorable 'bad guy' trio."
The Kingdom series
"A Riveting Medieval Parallel to the Bible Good and evil clash. Leinad and Cedric are determined to not only survive, but claim hope and victory! In Kingdom's Dawn , Leinad and Tess, along with all the king's people, must escape slavery by the powerful Lord Fairos. Kingdom's Hope finds them free and arriving in the Chessington Valley. But when they forget the king, will Kergon and the Kessons capture them for good? After many years, Kingdom's Edge finds Cedric living a hopeless life until a stranger appears with powerful words of a new kingdom and a grand army. Finally, Kingdom's Reign marches you through the danger of earth's last days as the evil dark knight threatens to defeat the prince once and for all. Swords, knights, and battles define these captivating tales that parallel biblical events from Genesis to Revelation!"
The Knights of Arrethtrae series
"A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized."
The Rainbow Promise
"Megan finds it hard to believe Vanessa's treasure claim, but how can she make Vanessa understand that the treasure is just a childish dream when she is so intent on finding it? Will they be able to find the treasure without any concrete clues? Is the treasure just a story or something existent? As they search for answers, 16-year-old Megan and 15-year-old Vanessa learn how to bring everything to God in prayer and rely on His promises. They learn the value of faith, forgiveness and teamwork."
Little Red Robin Hood
"Twelve-year old Robin Hood is the head of the Underthieves-- a small thieving guild-- and he's good at what he does. As he likes to put it, "The Best." But nothing pricks down The Best quite like... a lacy red cloak that smells like lavender. All because 'Grandma' wants an extra-special basket of Robin's stolen goods hand-delivered to her, and a Red Riding Hood is the best disguise available. It's not long until everything goes horribly--and laughably--wrong."
The Sehret Chronicles series
"Three hundred years ago, the Rhenor nation split into two, the Reshan and the Khanor. One dwells in the Outerlands, the other in the mountains - and although the nations have made peace, their people have not.
One fateful day, two small patrols meet in an outer cave in Khanor territory. The youths, spurred by mutual distrust, brawl, and the ensuing cave-in cuts off their main routes back to both the Reshan and the Khanor civilizations. Their only choice is to join forces and follow the one remaining tunnel - one that runs through an area known simply as the Forbidden Regions - to find their way back to their homes. Along the way, the beliefs of every traveler are put to the test, and the secrets of a few may threaten the safety of all.
For as they go, Lusefar, lord of the Saethen, sends his agents against them, licking his lips as a ravenous dragon."
The Sword of the Dragon series
"In ancient times a band of warriors escorted a young prince homeward. Only one warrior remained true. He watched helplessly as the others slew their young charge. Death seemed to claim him as well. But he awoke one thousand years later, brought back by the prophets of God to serve them once again as an invisible guardian."
Waiting for Unicorns
"When twelve-year-old Talia—still reeling from the recent death of her mother—is forced to travel with her emotionally and physically distant whale-researcher father to the Arctic for the summer, she begins to wonder if the broken pieces inside of her will ever begin to heal. Like her jar of wishes, Talia feels bottled up and torn. Everything about life in Churchill feels foreign, including Sura, the traditional Inuit woman whom Talia must live with. But when Sura exposes her to the tradition of storytelling, she unlocks something within Talia that has long since been buried: her ability to hope, to believe again in making wishes come true."
Kids' Books About Homeschoolers
Ballet Shoes
"In the tradition of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Little Princess come Noel Streatfeild’s tales of triumph. In this story, three orphan girls vow to make a name for themselves and find their own special talents. With hard work, fame just may be in the stars! Originally published in 1937."
The Borrowers
"Homily, Pod, and their fourteen-year-old daughter, Arrietty, to be precise are tiny people who live underneath the kitchen floor of an old English country manor. All their minuscule home furnishings, from postage stamp paintings to champagne cork chairs, are from the human beings who tromp around loudly above them. All is well until Pod is spotted upstairs by a human boy! Can the Clocks stay nested safely in their beloved hidden home, or will they be forced to flee?"
The Candymakers
"In the town of Spring Haven, four children have been selected to compete in the national candymaking contest of a lifetime. Who will make a candy more delicious than the Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Yellow Lightning Chew? Logan, the candymaker's son, who can detect the color of chocolate by feel alone? Miles, the boy allergic to rowboats and the color pink? Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy as if it were a feather? Philip, the suit-and-tie-wearing boy who's always scribbling in a secret notebook?
This sweet, charming, and cleverly crafted story, told from each contestant's perspective, is filled with mystery, friendship, and juicy revelations."
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
"Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor world, Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn't promise to have the makings of a sailor; he was too physically small. Nat may have been slight of build, but no one guessed that he had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by log, lead, and lookout. Nat's long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work, The American Practical Navigator (also known as the Sailor's Bible), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero."
Dear Pirate, the Buried Treasure Mystery
"Ahoy Matey! A postcard from pen pal pirate? Peter Post can't believe his eyes! When the pirate writes back and invites Peter and his sister Piper down to Key West, the kids jump at the chance! Everywhere they turn- pirates! Gold Teeth! Eyepatches! Sword fights! But where is their pirate pen pal? Join the search and join the fun! Arrrrr!"
The Gawgon and the Boy
"After a life-threatening illness keeps him out of school for months, David is given a tutor to help him catch up-his elderly, tough Aunt Annie, who is as frightening to him as a monstrous, snake-haired Gorgon. He even secretly nicknames her "The Gawgon." But, to David's surprise, a bright heart lurks inside the old woman. She challenges him more than any schoolteacher ever could, opens all sorts of possibilities in his life, and the two of them-The Gawgon and The Boy-develop a very special friendship."
Greetings From Somewhere series
"Ethan and Ella search for lions on a safari in Kenya in the fifth book of Greetings from Somewhere, an exciting series about mystery, travel, and adventure.
Ethan, Ella, and their parents travel to the Maasai Mara in Kenya where they stay in a cabin and venture out on safaris every day in search of The Big Five game animals—the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the leopard, the rhinoceros, and, of course, the lion. The kids are so excited when they see four of the five animals within the first few days, but where are the lions? Both Ethan and Ella could swear they’ve seen a lion’s tail poking out from behind a tree, but they cannot seem to find the animal itself!
Then, the twins talk to a boy and girl who live in the Maasai Mara. The locals give Ethan and Ella some clues about spotting lions. With a little help and some good detective work, the twins discover a whole lion family on their last day in Kenya!"
Gunrunner Moon
"When homeschooled teenagers Matt and Stephanie Cosgrove rescue a stranded sailor, his hard-luck story launches them into a desperate race against an international crime ring for a Confederate sea captain's lost fortune…under a gunrunner moon."
Heidi
"At the age of five, little orphan Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in the Alps. Everyone in the village is afraid of him, but Heidi is fascinated by his long beard and bushy grey eyebrows. She loves her life in the mountains, playing in the sunshine and growing up amongst the goats and birds. But one terrible day, Heidi is collected by her aunt and is made to live with a new family in town. Heidi can't bear to be away from her grandfather; can she find a way back up the mountain, where she belongs?"
The Homeschool Detectives series
"Follow the fast-paced adventure of Billy, Rebecca, Josh, Emily and the rest, as the Home School Detectives overcome false leads and follow clues to the exciting conclusion in one of John Bibee's adventures for young readers."
"Homeschool Rocks My Socks celebrates the unique ways that kids learn at home. With engaging illustrations and catchy rhymes, this picture book will help homeschooled kids fully appreciate the unique experience of receiving an education at home.
Do your children wonder why their peers go to a schoolhouse while they learn at home? Have they ever considered the really cool ways in which they learn differently from some of their friends?
If you have kids asking questions about why their educational path is so different or if you want to get new homeschoolers excited about their education, share this book with them to help them truly appreciate and embrace the incredible homeschooling experience."
I Am a Homeschooler
Island Boy
Jess (American Girl Today)
"Realizing the need for more books about homeschoolers, Allison wrote this message for her daughter and decided to share it with the homeschool community.
There is nothing like having a character in a book that you can relate to. I Am a Homeschooler is a positive message for families and children that homeschool. This book showcases the many beautiful benefits of homeschooling.
This book is geared towards readers age 3-8, with a timeless message for all members of your family to enjoy. Great for all styles of homeschoolers including Unschoolers, Worldschoolers, Roadschoolers, & Wildschoolers. Written by Allison Ryver and Illustrated by Kimberlee Everhard."
Island Boy
"The youngest and quietest of 12 children, Matthias grew closest to Tibbets Island, learning its secrets through the years. And though in later years he sailed to faraway places, he always returned to the island he loved."
Jess (American Girl Today)
"With her first step off the airplane and into the sunny tropics, ten-year-old Jess McConnell begins an adventure. She and her parents are spending five months at an archeological dig of ancient Maya ruins in the Central American country of Belize. It's Jess's first time out of the United States. It's her first time being home-schooled. And it's her first trip without her older brother and sister to keep her company. Yet Jess is excited to explore a new place on her own. She's ready for adventure and anxious to discover just who she is. When Jess meets a new friend and is invited on an eco-adventure, she makes some real discoveries-about the wonders and the dangers of the Belizean jungle, about the people who have lived there since long ago, and about herself. The "True Story" section at the back of the book focuses on a girl from Florida who spends every summer in Belize with her archeologist parents."
"'Mama, why am I homeschooled?'
It’s a question that nearly every homeschooled child asks at some point. With its delightful, hand-painted illustrations and rhythmic structure, this charming book shows readers how they can learn scholastic skills through everyday life.
Sometimes, ditching the desk makes all the difference. In choosing to homeschool, your family gains the freedom to learn while snuggled up in a porch swing. Science lessons can take place in the garden. Math facts can be mastered in a grocery aisle. Days are spent in the company of loving family. The school bell doesn’t ring until tired eyes are amply rested. The homeschool life is a simpler life. Written in patterned poetic prose, this book showcases a few of the delights that come with the decision to homeschool."
Nim's Island
Nurse Matilda
The One and Only Miss Violet Remy
The Ruby Slippers School series
Schoolroom in the Parlor
The Sea Chest
The Secret Garden
The Secret of the Old Swing Bridge
Snowflake Bentley
Summer at Steller's Creek
Too Smart Jones series
The Wanderer
What to Do About Alice?
The Year I Didn't Go to School
"A girl. An iguana. An island. And e-mail. Meet Nim–a modern-day Robinson Crusoe! She can chop down bananas with a machete, climb tall palm trees, and start a fire with a piece of glass. So she’s not afraid when her scientist dad sails off to study plankton for three days, leaving her alone on their island. Besides, it’s not as if no one’s looking after her–she’s got a sea lion to mother her and an iguana for comic relief. She also has an interesting new e-mail pal. But when her father’s cell-phone calls stop coming and disaster seems near, Nim has to be stronger and braver than she’s ever been before."
Nurse Matilda
"Mr. and Mrs. Brown were forever having trouble with their numerous and incredibly naughty children . . . until the day Nurse Matilda entered their lives."
The One and Only Miss Violet Remy
"Nine-year-old Violet Remy and her group of homeschool friends discover a mysterious package while on a field trip to the wetlands."
The Ruby Slippers School series
"Eight-year-old Hope Brown and her little sister, Annie, love to travel, and because of their dad's job, the two home-schooled girls have lots of opportunities. Join the fun as they visit exciting countries and meet inspiring Christians from all over the world!"
Schoolroom in the Parlor
"School in the Kentucky hills goes from August to the last Friday before Christmas. After that the snows are too high, and later, the thawing rivers too full, for the Fairchild children, and their neighbors, the Wattersons, the Sawyers, and the Huffs to make it safely to the little school house in the woods. Now that Althy is fourteen, Mr. Fairchild has other plans for the long winter months. Learn, along with Bonnie, Debbie, Chris and Emmy, what it is like to have school at home in the early 1900 s. The fourth and final book in the Fairchild Family series."
The Sea Chest
"As they wait for the arrival of a new baby, Maita tells her great-grandniece the story of her remarkable childhood. Living sheltered on a lighthouse island with only her parents for company, Maita always longed for a sibling-longed not to be the only child the ragged island knew. And then one icy night, howling winds blew wave after wave against the shore, and from that fearsome storm came a sea chest-a gift that would change Maita's life forever."
The Secret Garden
"Mary Lennox is sent from an India as an orphan to live at Misselthwaite Manor. She arrives as a sour-faced, sickly and ill-tempered little madam but becomes friends with local lad Dickon and her poorly cousin Colin. In their restoration of a secret garden all their lives are changed for the better."
The Secret of the Old Swing Bridge
"When 12-year-old Angus Wolfe discovers a cache of documents near the site of an old swing bridge in Washago, Ontario, he becomes entangled in a mystery dating back to World War II. Are the papers connected to an escape of Nazi prisoners-of-war from a nearby camp in 1943? With help from his friend, Amanda, and some colourful local characters, Angus draws on his considerable resourcefulness and intellect to unearth answers to questions that have remained buried for generations. However, the deeper Angus digs, the closer he may come to destroying a precious family relationship."
Snowflake Bentley
"From the time he was a small boy in Vermont, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as small miracles. And he determined that one day his camera would capture for others the wonder of the tiny crystal. Bentley's enthusiasm for photographing snowflakes was often misunderstood in his time, but his patience and determination revealed two important truths: no two snowflakes are alike; and each one is startlingly beautiful. His story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist's vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature."
Summer at Steller's Creek
"Penny, I said uneasily, Its getting dark.She looked around at the darkening water and deepening shadows. Then we stared at each other with wide eyes. Lets go! she quavered.We reeled in the fishing line, grabbed our bait can, and started back through the trees. In a few moments, we reached the trail and paused to catch our breath. Then we heard it.Deep in the willow thicket, as if something heavy had stepped on it, a branch cracked. We stood paralyzed for a second.Dont move! I whispered, just as Penny screamed and started running up the trail toward the cabin.A spunky twelve-year-old homeschooler. A remote cabin in the Rocky Mountains. An older brothers secret. A lively wolf-dog pup and dogsled dreams. A dangerous visitor, and a hostile neighbor with unsettling questions. Is Jessica ready for her summer at Stellers Creek?"
"Following a wild and raging storm, the Swiss family Robinson are stranded at sea. But the thundering waves have swept them off to a tropical island, where a new life awaits them. Their ship is laden with supplies and the island is packed with treasures, so they soon adapt and discover new dangers and delights every day ."
Too Smart Jones series
"Juliet and her friends are planting flowers in the city park when they hit upon something that doesn't belong. It's an old, rotted box full of jewels. Where did it come from? And where does it belong? When 'Too Smart' Jones tries to solve the mystery of the buried jewels, she realizes how important it is to do the right thing."
The Wanderer
"Thirteen-year-old Sophie hears the sea calling, promising adventure and a chance for discovery as she sets sail for England with her three uncles and two cousins. Sophie's cousin Cody isn't sure he has the strength to prove himself to the crew and to his father. Through Sophie's and Cody's travel logs, we hear stories of the past and the daily challenges of surviving at sea as The Wanderer sails toward its destination—and its passengers search for their places in the world."
What to Do About Alice?
"Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem. Her name was Alice. Alice Lee Roosevelt was hungry to go places, meet people, do things! Father called it running riot. Alice called it eating up the world. Whether she was entertaining important White House visitors with her pet snake or traveling the globe, Alice bucked convention and turned every new experience into an adventure! "
The Year I Didn't Go to School
"These are the best things that happened to me the year I didn't go to school:
Traveled around Italy with my family's theatre troupe.
Performed in a theatre outside. (I was a monkey, a panda, and a lion!)
Ate spaghetti with fried egg on top.
Slept in a truck.
Wove cowboy boots.
Ciao! (I spoke Italian.)
Kept a journal to remember everything that happened."
Kids' Books By and About Homeschoolers
And Then Mama Said...It Takes Time to Learn to Read
"This endearing book introduces Splish, who longs to read―all by himself. Mama tells Splish to be patient and keep trying, and one day it will happen. Splish wants to believe Mama, but he still sulks and gets frustrated. In the end, perseverance and patience (everyone's) are rewarded! Activity pages & answers, too."
Are We There Yet?
"Let's face it: everyone knows that car rides can be boring. And when things get boring, time slows down. In this book, a boy feels time slowing down so much that it starts going backward--into the time of pirates! Of princesses! Of dinosaurs! The boy was just trying to get to his grandmother's birthday party, but instead he's traveling through Ancient Egypt and rubbing shoulders with Ben Franklin. When time flies, who knows where--or when--he'll end up."
Baby Kong
"Mom is determined to have a productive day homeschooling the kids but in her way stands Baby Kong! Set on destroying everything in his path, including Mom's sanity, Baby Kong rampages through the house. Thankfully, Mom has a few tricks up her sleeve."
I Am Learning All the Time
"This is the story of "5 1/2 year-old Hugh as he begins the discovery process of what it means to not go to school. He reflects on life at home and life of his neighborhood friends, who go to school."
Kandoo Kangaroo Hops Into Homeschool
"When a young kangaroo asks a lot of questions, her parents know it's time to homeschool. The little 'roo thinks there's too much to learn, but her doubt turns into delight when she uses her driveway for a blackboard and learns she "Kandoo" all things through Christ who gives her strength."
My Mommy, My Teacher
There is no current Amazon description of this book.
This is My Home, This is My School
"Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Jonathan Bean takes the autobiographically inspired family he introduced in Building Our House through the special rhythms and routines of a homeschooling day. For young Jonathan and his sisters, Mom is the teacher and a whole lot more, and Dad is the best substitute any kid could want. From math, science, and field trips to recess, show-and-tell, and art, a school day with this intrepid, inventive family will seem both completely familiar and totally unique. Includes a selection of family snapshots and a note from the author."
The First Day of Homeschool
" 'Twas the first day of homeschool,' begins the poetic tale of a young child's return to schooling. The story weaves through the exciting first day as the family enjoys a special time of learning, helping, and sharing together - interrupted only by a mischievous visit from Homeschool Elf who hides the children's school supplies and sends them on a hunt to find the missing books, pencils, and more! In addition to the story text, younger children will enjoy trying to find the hidden Homeschool Elf peeking out from the book illustrations while older children are encouraged to interact with the story by answering questions related to the text and their own homeschool experiences."
Ippie Unschooled
"Ippie’s a barefooted, band-aid covered, free-spirited eight-year old. She’s a lot like all the other kids in her neighborhood, except for one thing...Ippie doesn’t go to school. She has no teacher and follows no curriculum. So just what is Ippie doing all day? And how can she possibly be learning? Come spend some time with Ippie and find out. Written by former educator and current unschooling mom of four Nicole Olson, this ground-breaking story gives us a sneak peek into the world of unschooling through a child’s eyes."
Katy
"Katy Porter likes to climb trees, play with her sister, and ride bikes with her brother. The Porters are a close family. They are brought even closer through a family vacation, a surprise in the middle of the night, and an important decision that will affect them all.
Katy is enjoying her summer break from school when her parents tell her that they are thinking about homeschooling in the fall. Katy likes being an average girl and is afraid that being homeschooled will make her too different from everyone else. "
Little House in the Big Woods
"This beloved story of a pioneer girl and her family begins in 1871 in a log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Laura lives in the little house with her pa, her ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their dog, Jack. Pioneer life is sometimes hard for the family, but it is also exciting as they make their own homemade toys and treats, do the spring planting, bring in the harvest, and visit town. And every night Laura and her family are safe and warm in their little house, with the happy sound of Pa’s fiddle to send them off to sleep."
Moody Family series
"The Moody Family series celebrate the adventures of everyday life in a Christian family. The books are filled with godly role models and Christian values."
"The Wrights travel the USA in an RV. Each month brings them to a new state with a new educational theme to explore and play with. They prove that learning can happen all the time, anywhere, and that being with family is fun!"
Looking for more lists like this?
Once a month I email a book list to the members of the Biblio-files community. Every title on the list has been personally read and vetted by me and has been compiled by age range in order to help you navigate the library with your kids. In addition, I also include a few books that you should be aware of--books that contain explicit language, sexual agenda, graphic violence, etc. so that you can make an educated decision when/if your kids should ever be interested in reading any of them. What's more, members are invited to join me in a private Facebook group where we help each other find just the right books for our kids. We'd love to have you join us!
This is a great list! I've heard good things about Ember Falls so I'm excited for the chance to win on Instagram.
ReplyDeleteAnother series by a homeschooler is the Circle C Adventures books by Susan K. Marlow. http://www.circlecadventures.com/
Yes! How could I forget both of Marlow's series. My daughter enjoyed them when she was a new reader! Thanks. I'll add them to the list.
DeleteI would love to win.... I don't have Instagram though. Thanks for this wonderful list of books!!
ReplyDeleteGreeting From Somewhere is a series that features homeschooled twins traveling with their parents.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this list.
Thanks! Those look like fun ones. I'll get them added.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe King Will Make A Way by Lee Giles. Lee is the writer and editor of EasyPeasy homeschool curriculum. Definitely worth checking out.
DeleteBeyond that tiny thought, let me raise a huge THANK YOU for this list. <3
You're welcome. I'm not familiar with that one. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!
DeleteDid you know there's a whole WEBSITE dedicated to books by and about homeschoolers? It's called HomeschoolLiterature.com.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that. Thanks for sharing. It looks like a fun site.
DeleteThis is a great list! thanks. Can I be bold and say I was homeschooled and am a published author of the Chronicles of Exmoor. https://www.facebook.com/The-Chronicles-of-Exmoor-221612011182853/
ReplyDeleteTravels by Gannon & Wyatt is missing from your list. My son loves that series.
ReplyDeleteThis creative writing series is also by a homeschool family. https://www.amazon.com/Story-Frames-Creative-Quickies-Vocabulary/dp/0742402401
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun list!
ReplyDeleteI love “The Mud Bird” by Taft McConkie (homeschooled) for little ones. It is imaginative and has lovely illustrations.
We are a homeschool family and my husband is an author. His books are about a homeschooling family who encounter Champ, the plesiosaur of Lake Champlain. It's an action adventure that brings in Creationism and a salvation message. He just had a huge book giveaway including "The Green Ember" so I thought you might be interested. His books, "Noah Drake and the Dragon Killer" and "Noah Drake and the Return of the Dragon Hunters" are both on Amazon. Thanks for your awesome homeschool book list! We love finding new books to read!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this list! I think it will help our kids transition to homeschooling to read about homeschooled people. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome! It's always encouraging for both mom and kids to see other homeschoolers doing great things--like writing books. It helps to curb feelings of isolation.
DeleteGreat list! A must-add is Heather LL FitzGerald's award-winning The Tethered World series. By a homeschool mom, about a homeschool family - it is SO good!
ReplyDeleteHannah, Homeschooler by Suki Wessling is another good book. Great list! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHeroes Next Door: Hornet 24 is a great one featuring a homeschool family and written by a homeschool dad. The Green Ember series is also a family favorite here!
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice book review! I like the way you describe everything. However, if you want to publish your book then you can contact Grace Point Publishing. They are one of the best publishing houses that can help you to publish your book easily. Human design publish
ReplyDeleteAdd one more book by and for homeschoolers. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBXQ7VQ9
ReplyDelete★★ Nina Batina loves to homeschool. ★★ And it shows. ★★
Every morning, Nina leaps from bed and waves as the yellow bus drives by!
Every night, Nina hears STEM stories to help reinforce her daytime learning.
And every day, Nina learns, learn, learns.
On Monday, Nina is taught Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion. ♥
⚠ for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction ⚠
But, unlike most kids, Nina gets to test out Newton’s Laws with her muck boots on.
She’s puddle jumping, skipping rocks.
It’s Newton’s law with dirty socks!
When boots crash down and mud erupts,
The splatter gets a big thumbs-up.
Homeschool PJ Time allows parents to weave science concepts into bedtime, story time or anytime.
The book touches on physics, astronomy, and fine art concepts for children in the grammar phase of learning, much like is suggested by Dorothy Sayers in "Lost Tools of Learning".
Mama, why am I homeschooled is our favourite. It should definitely be on this list.
ReplyDelete