Living Books, Living Minds: Transforming Homeschool with Engaging Reads

When I was in grade school, if you had asked me about my least favorite subject, I would have immediately said "history." No matter which school I attended, the approach to history—or social studies—was always the same: textbooks. And let me tell you, those textbooks were dry. The photographs were outdated, and occasionally a teacher would proclaim, "This information is outdated!" But I still had to memorize all the names, dates, and events.

Fast forward a few years, and history has become my favorite genre to read about. So, what changed? I no longer slog through textbooks, reading dry excerpts chosen by curriculum publishers. Instead, I dive into books that bring history to life.

Arguably, good literature is one of the best ways to experience history. These books are often written by authors who are either original sources or deeply passionate about their subject matter. And the beauty of this method? You don’t have to be a homeschooler to use it. Good books invite readers into the lives of real people. We get to walk alongside them, share their triumphs and failures, and learn from their choices. We connect with heroes and villains alike. And this applies to all subjects, not just history.

Below, I’ve compiled a list of curricula that I personally have experience with and that are rich in living books. Many of these titles are classic works, but there are also some newer worth exploring. If these programs are outside your budget, don’t worry! You can still benefit by borrowing the recommended books from your local library, or purchasing them one at a time from Amazon, or used bookstores. I always find that thrift stores have an abundance of classics and recommended reads.

I also want to highlight that listening to books is just as valuable as reading them. One of my children was a late reader and still struggles with reading for long periods. However, he can listen to great books for hours and remembers everything. It’s a wonderful way to engage with literature—whether you're reading or listening!

Beautiful Feet Books (my favorite) is a literature heavy, and it is Charlotte Mason-inspired with a touch of Classical as well. You can easily get an idea of the recommended reads by clicking through each unit or level.

Alveary is an online program made for homeschooling families. It was created by the Charlotte Mason Institute and follows the Charlotte Mason approach to learning, which focuses on great books, nature study, hands-on activities, and a well-rounded education. The curriculum covers subjects like math, reading, history, science, art, music, and foreign languages.

Sonlight is a popular, literature-based homeschooling program that uses high-quality books to teach a wide range of subjects. It focuses on providing an engaging, well-rounded education through stories, historical fiction, biographies, and classic works of literature. This one has been around for quite some time.

The CMEC stands for the Charlotte Mason Educational Center. Similar to Alveary, it is an online program that provides resources to homeschool parents centered around the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education.

Beyond the Page is a secular hands-on literature-based curriculum. Free catalogs are available through their website.

Two things to remember:

While some books are recommended for specific age groups, there's no rule saying you can't enjoy them at any time! Feel free to dive into a book whenever it interests you, regardless of the suggested age range.

Audiobooks offer the same educational value as traditional reading