Book Lists: Bane or Blessing

As a homeschool librarian I am often asked by prospective patrons if I have the books listed on various homeschool curricula book lists.  I remember as a new homeschooler 18 years ago trying to find a curriculum that utilized real, living books.  After we finished our time with Five in a Row, we definitely did not want to settle for dry facts common in the textbooks listed in most homeschool catalogs and marketed at homeschool conventions.  I found only one such curriculum at the time.  We plunged in, enjoying the books we could locate on that list, substituting books we could not find or...gasp...leaving them out altogether.  It really never occured to me that my child's education would somehow be ruined if I did not have the exact book recommended on a particular list.

I so appreciate the variety and sheer volume of book lists available today.  I collect these lists, mull over them, mark what I own, eagerly scour used book stores, library sales and internet websites to add to my collection.  But I don't own everything.  I never will own everything.  But I try to make every purchase count in my effort to put the best that the golden age of children's literature has to offer into the hands of eager young readers.  I have literally thousands and thousands of books, mostly out of print and written during a time when authors sought to edify their audience of young minds, on my shelves and add more almost weekly.

I can understand a new homeschool mom's panic when faced with the great responsibility of the education of her children and the outside pressure of doing everything "right."  She studies the homeschool catalogs, talks to veteran moms, goes to conferences, previews curriculum, and on it goes.  Mom brings the new, expensive curriculum to my library in anticipation of returning home with a tote full of the books she will need to fill her children's minds with all that is necessary for a well-rounded education...and I have only three of them. 

Let me explain.  By default, most producers of curriculum, even those that utilize living books, must use books that are in print.  Most public libraries have discarded the best books and are left with twaddle at best and poison at worst.  Unfortunately, although the homeschool library movement is growing, there are very few of us in the country.  So the vast majority of the moms will only be able to locate books that are in print.  Are these books the best that are written on the topic?  Maybe.  Probably not.  They are the best that the curriculum writer had available at the time of writing.  But I find so many moms distraught that they will somehow be shortchanging their children's education if the exact book is not found.  Also is the fact that there are often specific lesson plans that revolve around said book and mom has no idea how to deviate from those plans to make a substitution. 

Freedom is a wonderful thing.  I very much appreciate the admonition Michelle Miller gives to families who use her TruthQuest guides.  Use what you have!  If you are blessed to live near a homeschool lending library that specilizes in living books, become a patron and select the best of the best to lavish upon the minds of your children.  Read book lists, learn from them.  But don't be a slave to them.  Be willing to step outside the box of the curriculum to choose something better if it is available to you.  You will be amazed and blessed by the treasures you may find.

Book Sale Pages Updated

I have updated my Book Sale Page.  This is a massive list of wonderful living books. 

To help you add more books to your collection, if you buy 5-9 books, take 10% off.  If you purchase 10 books or more, take 25% off! 

There are some great titles here.  Email me at childrenslegacylibrary@gmail.com with your questions or purchases.  Thank you for your support.

So, What Are You Reading?

An innocent question from my husband to the boys.  A simple question you might think.  Let's see...

The Bible.  We are reading through the Bible and are now in II Kings with the reign of Hezekiah.

The Dry Divide by Ralph Moody.  We have been working our way through the Little Britches series for our nightly reading.  Not to be missed!

For geography we are loving The Book of Marvels by Richard Halliburton, who traveled around the world recording his adventures.  Charlotte Mason's Elementary Geography is fascinating. 

History always holds some wonderful treasures.  Right now we are enjoying mystery and intrigue in Web of Traitors by Geoffrey Trease set in Ancient Greece.

Our current poet is James Whitcomb Riley.  In addition to a book of his poems, we are learning about his life in this Childhood of Famous American gem. 

Picture study is one of our favorite subjects.  I've been wanting to study Millet for a long time so we decided now's the time.  Millet Tilled the Soil by Opal Wheeler and Sybil Deucher is so wonderful I'm not sure which I love most, the book or the art!

For science right now we are reading The Burgess Bird Book for Children.  We are huge Thornton Burgess fans.  We also have some books on snow that we've pulled out, found at this post.

We always have a "Sunday book" going that we reserve for the Lord's Day.  Right now we are immersed in the classic Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe.

In addition each boy is reading a book on his own.  My 10-year-old is almost finished with The Fellowship of the Ring.  My 9-year-old is finishing up Robin Hood Stories by Dolch. 

My husband and I have our own lists going.  I'm currently reading O Pioneers! by Willa Cather as a quick fiction story.  That, along with my Charlotte Mason assignments, and trying to keep books reshelved is keeping me busy.

So what are you reading?  Pull out a good book on a cold, wintry day.

The Human Equation ~ Sciences

Many homeschooling parents eagerly embrace living books when teaching their young children.  Snuggling on the couch, making memories around books is lovely.  Other parents use living books only for history.  Biographies and historical fiction truly make history come alive,  making us feel as if we are really there.  Some families, however, fail to recognize the value of living books for science and math, relying instead on textbooks and workbooks, especially in the later years.  While some of this may be preferred depending on the long-term goals of the student, living books add a unique dimension to the study of these subjects.  I particularly enjoy adding biographies of scientists and mathematicians.  Living with these great men and women helps us form a deeper understanding of  their challenges and questions.  Scientific discovery doesn't happen in a vacuum.  It relies on curiosity, experimentation and the study of those gone before.  Below are some of my favorite biographies and series to help add a human equation to your studies.

Mendeleyev and His Periodic Table by Robin McKown is a fascinating look at the life and work of the man who brought Chemistry into the modern world.  This true living book combines history and science in a way that foster curiosity to know more about this interesting subject.

Archimedes and the Door of Science.  In this book, Jeanne Bendick brings to life the ancient Greek mathematician and scientist, Archimedes.  She also authored Galen and the Gateway to Medicine. 

Archimedes was such an interesting man and his discoveries so significant that you may want to introduce your younger students to him.  May I suggest Archimedes Takes a Bath by Joan Lexau.

The Ancient Greeks were instrumental in laying the foundation for much of our scientific knowledge.  Eratosthenes accurately measured the circumference of the earth.   You can read his story in this wonderful picture book, The Librarian Who Measured the Earth by Kathryn Lasky.

Often difficult math concepts become clearer with a living book.  What's Your Angle, Pythagoras by Julie Ellis is an example of getting inside the head of the one who discovered the concept.

Scientific discoveries help us marvel at God's creation.  They can also solve problems...and lives.  The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba is a fascinating look at the author's dream of utilizing windmills to bring his small village electricity and water.  There is also a picture book of the same title. 

Uncle Tungsten:  Memories of a Chemical Boyhood by Oliver Sacks is another autobiography of a life surrounded by science.  What I loved about this book is how Oliver's parents nurtured their son's interest in metals and chemical reactions.  An example of what can happen when parents engage their children in real-life learning.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg of what is available for students young and old on their journey of scientific knowledge.  There are biographies for every branch of math and science.  I hope you will unearth some of these gems and ignite your own child's passion for the sciences.

Christmas Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

     And wild and sweet

     The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

 

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

     Had rolled along

     The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

 

Till, ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

     A voice, a chime

     A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

 

And in despair I bowed my head;

"There is no peace on earth," I said;

     "For hate is strong,

     And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

 

 

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!

     The Wrong shall fail,

     The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

 

 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

 

May the God Who doth not slumber nor sleep fill your hearts with his peace this Christmas season and in the New Year.

Snowflake Science

Tis the season...for snow!  Science for the seasons is one meaningful way to develop a relationship with the natural world.  These resources will cause your children to stand in awe of a Creator God who does all things for His glory and for our good.

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqeline Briggs Martin is a picture book biography of Wilson Bentley. All his life, he saw snowflakes as small miracles.  He determined to find a way to capture them on film.  Winner of the Caldecott medal, this is also a Five in a Row Vol. 4 title and a treasure. 

Snowflakes in Photographs by W.A. Bentley - This wonderful book includes Mr. Bentley's photographs of snowflakes taken during a 50 year period.  Remarkable considering these were made over 100 years ago!

I usually don't recommend modern books, but this is worthy of an exception.  The Secret Life of a Snowflake by Kenneth Libbrect also includes breathtaking photographs of snowflakes along with the science behind them.

After immersing yourselves in these books, your snowball fights will never be the same.

Book Sale List Updated

Living ideas through living books...a gift to treasure.

My book sale list has been updated with many such treasures for your gift-giving needs.  See the link at the top of the page.  If you have trouble, you may also click here.

Thank you for your support,.