Best Homeschool Books:
My Top Ten Recommendations
Teaching your child at home is a BIG step. Here are my picks of the best homeschool books, children's textbooks and recommended reading to add to your book list.
Even though I was taught at home myself, it is very comforting to learn and listen to others!
These books will help you whether you are:
- starting out
- need some fresh ideas
- want help with homeschooling teens or teaching children with special needs
- feel in need of reminding yourself why you decided to homeschool in the first place!
N.B. Please note
these are affiliate links. You will pay exactly the same as you would normally but Amazon will give me enough to buy a cookie.
Starting Homeschooling
Number One
John Holt
You'll find many John Holt quotes in here - because he is my homeschooling icon!
When you look at his words of wisdom on my John Holt page you'll get a good idea of where he is coming from and a link to where you can download free articles written by him.
John Holt speaks to all homeschoolers, whatever teaching method you follow.
He is the best person around to help re-enforce your reasons for homeschooling, especially when it comes to the public school addiction to testing children from such a young age.
Number Two
Ken Robinson
Ken Robinson is the most inspiring person I know if you want convincing that school is NOT the best place to send your child.
Here is one of the most wonderful talks I've ever seen:
His new book You, Your Child and School about discovering allowing your child to follow their true passions and steer their own path.
"Before becoming a parent, I never imagined I would even consider not putting my own child in the public school down the street. But, my daughter is only one and I’m already worrying. Even worse, I hate to admit that I would even question sending her to the school where I teach."
~ Amazon 5 star review
Number Three
Ross Mountney
Ross Mountney is well-known in UK home education circles and deservedly takes her place in the top ten best homeschool books.
She writes in a way which is relaxed and inspiring and will definitely make you feel that homeschooling is extremely well worth doing.
I borrowed the picture from Steph in my Courageous Homeschooling Facebook Group - thank you!
"One of my favorite writers Ross Mountney talks about her children who are now adults who were home educated.
An inspirational read."
~ Sheila, Courageous Homeschooling Facebook support group
Four
John Taylor Gatto
John Taylor Gatto's insights into the faults of the education system carry great weight, especially as he was a winner of the New York Teacher of the Year Award himself.
You can see more about him here in the history of homeschooling.
Dumbing Us Down easily makes it onto the list of my best homeschool books. A great read to convince you that there is something seriously wrong with the way kids are taught in the public education system.
Five
L R Knost
LR Knost is number one on my top ten list of favorite inspirational quotes; you'll find a free poster download on that page.
She is comes recommended by my friend Lisa. She is more of a parenting guide, but since homeschooling is really all about being a good parent that fits perfectly!
"I would highly recommend 2000 Kisses a Day. The relational parenting style that Knost shares is what every child craves and every parent needs. The practical way she explains how to put yourself in their shoes and how to treat them as you yourself would want to be treated while still setting boundaries that your children will want to keep, because you have established a close relationship, is so powerful.
I honestly think that no matter what book you buy from L.R. Knost, you can’t go wrong!"
~ Lisa, Courageous Homeschooling Facebook Group
Six
The Education Revolution
Will Stanton comes recommended by my Facebook fan Laura.
She explains why this is one of her best homeschool books:
"Hi all really wanted to share my latest read, hope its ok, anyone who has children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, should definitely read this book!
Amazingly brilliant well written and so on point with what children really need, but are currently lacking!
We
have both read it now and it has has taught me so much and and has
helped us to push forward and know how to teach and lead our children
into a more positive future!" ~ Laura
Seven
Rebecca Rupp
There are as many different ways to homeschool as there are homeschoolers!
You will work out the best way to home school for your family.
This book helps you if you want to make sure you have a structure in place so you cover what your child is meant to know grade by grade.
It is based on the traditional pre-K through 12th-grade system and recommends relevant textbooks.
"(I loved the way) the book broke down each subject by year. By the end of kindergarten, your child should know (this). To do so, you start by teaching (this), progress to (that), etc. It provided a mountain of resources that I could find inexpensively.
It kept me moving in a forward direction."
~ Julie, Courageous Homeschooling Facebook support group
Eight
Linda Dobson
A book for those starting homeschooling together with a book giving 500+ fun and creative learning ideas.
"This book was so amazing I am lending it out to people who aren't even thinking of homeschooling... it was just so wonderful to read!
I was
about to start homeschooling my oldest and didn't have any idea where to
start. Lisa Dobson addressed each of my fears and questions... and I
don't even know her!" ~ Amazon review
Nine
Lise Pyles and Trish Kuffner
Two for the price of one enter my list of the best homeschool books at number nine!
One is to help you homeschool a teenager.
The other talks about homeschooling a child with Asperger Syndrome.
Ten
Sonya Chappell (me!!!)
Okay this is a bit naughty as these are my books!
But as one of the few families taught at home myself and with my homeschool son going to Oxford University, these three books are unique.
Please note that the book links on this page are affiliate links so if you buy I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Homeschool Secrets of Success will show you how to avoid battles with the kids so that you create a happy and enthusiastic home where learning stays fun.
- The Courageous Homeschooling Handbook tackles the scariest thing you'll ever do: starting homeschool! You will see how to overcome your fears and get proof that homeschooling is the best decision you've ever made.
- The Homeschooling Quotes gift book is to give to a friend to show you really care - or treat yourself! These beautiful, inspiring quotes will give you the strength to keep going.
Please note that the book links on this page are affiliate links so if you buy I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- If you feel overwhelmed by all the things you have to do as a homeschool Mom - join the crowd! This homeschooling ideas book is a life saver because it contains the best activities for all ages which have been specially picked for you with the help of over 2,000 families in my Courageous Homeschooling Facebook support group.
- You will prove that you are good enough to teach your child, you can do this and no one can do it better. Not all classrooms have four walls!
Do let me know if you have a favorite I can add to the best homeschool books!
Sonya
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