5 Books to Read if You’re Thinking About Homeschooling

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Five years ago, the pandemic erupted and millions became reluctant homeschoolers overnight. But then something strange happened: some never stopped.

As a homeschool graduate who is also married to one and has always planned to homeschool our children, I watched with interest. Fellow mommy friends who had never before considered the educational paradigm in which I grew up suddenly peppered me (who had never homeschooled as the teacher before!) with questions.

Now this fall my oldest is “starting” kindergarten (although does homeschooling have a first day, really?). In preparation of becoming a second-generation homeschooler, I did what I do best: I read a dozen good books on the subject. The result? I both re-familiarized myself with the life I knew as a child – and explored the brand new resources available to homeschoolers. Whether you also have always wanted to homeschool, or you find yourself quite surprised to be considering it, pull up a chair – and a book!

1. Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It by Ginny Yurich

The subtitle says it all! For months, I looked forward to reading this book, and then I finished it one day! Ginny’s writing style is just that engaging (and funny!). Her background in education, poignant stories of her own homeschooling journey, and practical encouragement drew me in right away. Other homeschooling books have me adding titles to my booklists for my children; Ginny’s books inspire me to add the titles that have inspired her to my own to-read list. 

Nervous about homeschooling and curious about how we could possibly take on something as big and intimidating as our children’s education? Look no further than the research-based truths and encouragement in this book. I will loan out my underlined copy of this book for years to come and recommend it to all homeschooling parents.

Also Read: I also dearly loved and heartily recommend Ginny’s Until the Streetlights Come On. Yes, Ginny is the creator behind the 1,000 Hours Outside movement. Although I don’t count our hours, we now treasure sunshine more than ever by looking for local activities to enjoy the outdoors and going for almost-daily walks as a family. Ginny’s podcast is a fun follow, too!

2. Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden

Even if you don’t consider yourself a Charlotte Mason homeschooler (or you don’t yet know what the various homeschooling labels even are!), read this one! This book earned many a highlight and underline from me and is one of the first I recommend to all my newbie homeschooling friends. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the vision-casting of what education can look like in all of its glory, with good books and sunshine galore. If you’re trying to figure out if homeschooling is really for you, let this book inspire you with its vision of what your children’s childhood (and therefore, your motherhood!) can be if you choose home learning and all the possibility it entails.

Also Read: The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child’s Education by Ainsley Arment. The first third of this book is aimed at parents trying to decide if homeschooling is for them. Then she launches a defense of childhood, play, and family life, and she includes a good summary of the different homeschool approaches!

3. The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie

This book surprised me by just how relevant and encouraging it felt despite my already being a read-aloud mom–and inspired me to keep reading to my children even long after they will be able to read for themselves. I especially appreciated Sarah’s encouragement that no education is ever complete after just 12 years of schooling; everyone graduates with gaps and so the point is to become a lifelong learner by being a lifelong reader. 

I already host a book club for my friends in my home, and this book inspired me to nurture a family book club of sorts! 

Also Read: Wild and Free Book Club: 28 Activities to Make Books Come Alive by Ainsley Arment. This companion title has great ideas here for how to foster a book club style love of reading in our children as they grow!

4. Give Your Child the World by Jami C. Martin

After thoroughly enjoying Jami C. Martin’s Introverted Mom, I eagerly looked forward to reading her book on homeschooling. As an adoptive mom with children born in multiple countries, Jami has a unique perspective. Much to my surprise and delight, I found this book is not another book on home education philosophy. Instead, it is a rich introduction to how we can educate at home while giving our children the gift of a global perspective. 

The majority of this book is composed of book lists organized by continent and age group. I took copious notes and found almost 140 titles available tucked right within my local library’s online catalog. There are several great book lists in The Read-Aloud Family, too! I look forward to placing holds for years to come!

Also Read: Picture Books for Homeschool Kids, a list compiled by Gretchen. When my daughter started asking when she could ride the “cool bus” (school bus) that stops right at our corner, these are the books I requested from the library!

5. Better Together by Pam Barnhill

What would a homeschooling booklist be without at least one title from Pam Barnhill? A homeschooling veteran and a wealth of encouragement, Pam is also a popular podcast host. Her expertise is varied, but one of her favorite subjects is Morning Time, and that’s what this book is all about. What even is Morning Time? An anchor to your homeschool, the time when all of your children, regardless of age and grade differences, can learn together as you go through whatever subjects you want and the ones you might otherwise forget!

I heartily enjoyed this practical book. I gleaned lots of recommendations for resources as we expand our own Morning Time (sadly, some links in the Appendix are now broken, but you can do a quick Internet search to find similar resources). 

Also Read: Encouraging Books for Homeschool Moms, a list compiled by Jeannie. Looking for more practical and encouraging reads on the subject of home education? This list contains even more titles you may love!

I’d love to hear in the comments section below what you think of these five titles. What books would you add?

Photography: JenniMarie Photography