— May 29, 2024

Whether you are considering bringing or keeping your children home, or are a seasoned homeschooling parent there is a book for you. These eighteen books are the best from the homeschooling community. The authors are passionate about encouraging other Mommas on their home learning journeys.

Many of the authors have additional books on topics that aren’t specifically homeschool but on subjects they are passionate about. I have enjoyed multiple books by several of these authors and I think you will too. If you are a busy mom, you can do what I did and listen to a lot of them on audio books while doing dishes, driving in the car, or folding laundry. Now I have added favorites to our physical library so that I can easily reference a chapter.

I share more about homeschooling, preschool activities, and resources on the blog.

Without further ado, let me give you a brief abstract of each book. If it piques your interest I hope you feel inspired to read it so that it can challenge and encourage you on your homeschooling journey. Your local library should have many of these books.

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18 Must Read Books in the Homeschooling Community

Better Together by Pam Barnhill

Barnhill explores the meaning of Morning Time and how to incorporate it into your homeschool. You’ll learn why it can benefit the relationships in your family, including resources and tips for making it possible.

The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart

The encouragement you need as a parent who cares passionately about your child’s education to ditch the workbooks. Find more purposeful learning moments in your child’s natural environment and learn how to create those opportunities as well. So many specific tips and resources, every homeschooling family will find multiple activities that are a must use in their homeschool.

The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment

If you’re looking for a book that blends Unschooling with Charlotte Mason philosophies this is the one for you. I encourage you to read this book as one of your first if you are considering homeschooling or have decided to. Arment will brush away any doubts and inspire you to cherish your child’s childhood.

Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson

Learn how to nurture your child’s heart, mind, and soul in this biblical approach to home learning. Jam packed with information for the Christian parent, the Clarkson’s lead you through discipling your children in the home, in your lifestyle, and in home education. Be empowered to seek God in your family’s homeschool journey.

The Everything Homeschooling Book by Sherri Linsenbach

From getting started to rekindling the fire after burnout, this book covers it all. Practical tips, schedules, organization, and resources set you up for a successful homeschool or help you navigate the legal side of homeschool. An essential read no matter where you are on your homeschool journey.

For The Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

A beautiful nod to Charlotte Mason, Macaulay shares a how-to guide on creating a joy-filled learning experience that embraces life in every way God intended it. Any educator can benefit from this read but it is a must read in the homeschooling community.

Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp

Create your own homeschool curriculum for your child. From preschool through twelfth grade learn what your child should know in this comprehensive guide. Rupp provides a breakdown of each subject for every grade and includes resources. When I’m gearing up for choosing our next year’s curriculum this is a must-read.

Homeschooling Methods by Paul & Gena Suarez

Teaching methods abound in the homeschooling community. Understanding the methodologies behind them can help you structure and plan your home learning environment. Homeschooling Methods is a must-read for new and seasoned homeschoolers looking to level up their family’s homeschool game-plan. 

Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

A child requires a helping hand from a parent when it comes to selecting rich and living-books. And parents do not always know which books to recommend. A full list of favorites, classics, new, and audio books are recommended based on age. Include the best books in your child’s education.

How Children Learn by John Holt

A wonderful read for those considering homeschooling. Holt provides all the evidence for allowing children to learn naturally based on interests. We learn all the basics when we are little because we observe others doing them and naturally wish to mimic. A child will learn to read when they have a desire and do not need to be forced. Holt explores this idea with research and alacrity. Everyone can benefit from reading this book, especially those leaning towards unschooling.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

I love the sub-heading to this book, Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. That is exactly what this book explores – that children in today’s society do not have enough time and exposure to nature. Their mental health and physical development depend on spending unstructured time outdoors. Read this book for inspiration to include time in nature in your child’s schedule.

The Life Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson

Sally Clarkson is a staple name in the Christian, homemaker’s world and in the homeschooling movement. This book isn’t just for homeschoolers but for homemakers as well. Clarkson dives into practical tips on how to cultivate a warm, restful, and inviting home. One where your family wants to be every season of the year. Seeking an inspirational book for the Hygge aesthetic? This is the one. If you are not sure what the Hygge Method is be sure to check out the post, Methods of Home Learning.

The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies

Do you know that you will homeschool but your child isn’t quite old enough? My husband and I were attending homeschooling conventions when I was pregnant with our first child, so we definitely knew. Since we couldn’t begin formal lessons at age two, and I was very excited, this book encouraged me to set up a beautiful learning environment for my toddler.

The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie

Create a beautiful family tradition and more importantly strong relationships of reading aloud together. This book offers practical advice and books to get you and your family started. But it’s so much more than that too, inspiration and wisdom abundantly overflow from this book. It’s a must read and a cannot put down type of book.

So You’re Thinking about Homeschooling by Lisa Whelchel

Not sure if homeschooling could work for your family? Time, commitments, and other reasons holding you back? This book brings together fifteen individual family’s stories and how they make it work for them. An amazing read for the family who thinks homeschooling is idyllic but can’t picture it working for them in their unique situation.

Teaching from Rest by Sarah MacKenzie

For beginners and veterans alike this book is a must-read. Short and to the point, I enjoy this book very much as a quick read during our extended break between school years. MacKenzie gently reminds you what in life is important and ultimately, what is important in your homeschool.

The Unhurried Homeschooler by Durenda Wilson

How can so much wisdom be packed into such a short book? Wilson delivers practical advice on how to remove unnecessary burdens. You’ll be encouraged to let your children lead, over checking off the boxes. 

The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer

Have you decided to homeschool? If you have, this is one of the first books I recommend reading. Bauer explains step by step what to expect and how to plan every subject, for each grade. The book is based on the Classical Method of homeschooling, you can read about the different styles here.

A similar approach is taken as the book Home Learning Year-by-Year. Both books provide specific subjects and resources based on grade. Bauer’s offering is more heavily focused on Classical mindset.

Choose one or two to read before the next school year.

Whether you are looking for wisdom as a new homeschooling parent, dealing with burnout after several years of teaching, or everything is flowing smoothly there is a great book waiting to be read. Find wisdom, advice, and ideas that will inspire and shape your homeschool by choosing books from this list.

 Let me know what book you will be reading in the comments and if there are any I have missed that have been fundamental in your homeschool journey.

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