Recommended books
and homeschooling resources.
COVERS MORE THAN ONE SUBJECT
AWESOME AMERICAN HISTORY FOR KIDS
Undoubtedly our favorite Thanksgiving story. (For more Thanksgiving resources, go here.)
We are major G.W. fans! And we really enjoy this book, however there are some things in it that bother me greatly, and so in my copy I have modified these things.
Be midful of the de-emphasis of God's protection over G.W. on the pages following the crossing of the Delaware, and the hint of feminism on the back page note.
On these pages discussing his "luck" during Braddock's defeat and his immunity to smallpox, it seems to be written as an attempt to belittle the procidential hand of God in his life. Don't you think God allowed him to get smallpox as a child so he could be immune when it mattered most (during the Revolutionary War)?
Really, Washington was 6'3": an easy target in battle, yet was never wounded. This is not "luck" or coincidence. In Braddock's defeat, G.W. had 2 horse shot out from under him, and later found a bullet hole in his hat and 4 in his coat. Please...let's give credit where credit is due. (For more G.W. resources, click here.)
Written by a 14-year-old. Amazing. Just goes to show that all teenagers are not mindless lemmings...most are, though. I was so pleased with this story. A stunning picture of the reality of slavery.
Almost To Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
The story of slavery and a stop on the underground railroad as told by a slave girl's rag doll.
Letters From Rifka by Karen Hesse
Chapter book about a Russian immigrant's struggle in coming to America.
An unexpected perspective of Rosa Parks' historical moment that started a movement and changed the world.
I love this one. A nice introduction to how the Constitution came to be. It is informative and interesting.
Adventures in Odyssey: For God & Country by Focus on the Family
What a fantastic audio series! The Star Spangled Banner, Nathan Hale, the Underground Railroad, Abraham Lincoln (including the surrender of Robert E. Lee and the assassination of Lincoln), Pearl Harbor... Our all-time favorite history resource. Enjoy!
Drive Thru History by Coldwater Media
Dave Stotts hosts this fun and fascinating dvd history series. He has several episodes about American history and even has a world history series (Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, Turkey). Dave is goofy and adds a whole lot of silliness and Biblical references to true history.
The Truth Chronicles is the AIO audio version of The Truth Project for children. Just as The Truth Project addresses the Mayflower Compact and our current educational system's omission of the complete wording, so this episode addresses the same but adds an in-depth story about the Pilgrims from the time of their persecution in England, their incredible journey to America, and the miraculous help of Squanto.
Constituting America. Teach your children (and yourself) the Constitution. Now's the time!
AMERICAN HISTORY FOR ADULTS
SCIENCE
Some may find this series dated, afterall it was filmed as early as the 1950's, but my kids don't care a bit. These are truly classic videos that captivate my children and cause them to ask for them over and over again.
Jonathan Park is a creation-science audio adventure series that disputes the creation/evolution arguments. This is great because it sites scripture at every turn and brings to light real evolution theories and the creation explanation of the evolution shortcomings. Also, the importance of family unity is a main theme. Character lessons abound as well. Brandon will listen to an entire series (6 hours) in one sitting. And then will give a report on what he learned. This audio series also comes with study guides, and the website offers ideas on how to expound on the subjects that come up on various episodes.
CHILDREN'S STORIES
We just finished this Bible and loved it. A very thorough Bible that tells stories well and adds nice commentary.
This one is just a whole lot of fun. The comedy in it is great for mom & dad, too.
A miraculously true story within a lost era.
This one is dear to my heart since it is set in a location so similar to where we live. It inspires kids to get outdoors and create their own Roxaboxen.
Just makes you feel good and inspires the simplicity of family.
FOR MOMMIES
This is a must-read for all moms. I was one depressed mom when my children were tiny. In a life where everyday was "Groundhog Day," I was existing and not really living. Then, I was introduced to Sally Clarkson's mom's conferences and books. This book absolutely changed my life and perspective as a mom. I now love every moment with my precious children and realize I have the most important responsibility in th world: influencing the next generation of world-changers. All of Sally's books are excellent. This is my favorite.
BIOGRAPHY
Yeah, I'm only halfway through this book and it's on my list. You think you've got it rough? Think again. Or just read 2 pages from this book. You will soon see things aren't so bad. You will also be inspired to accept nothing less than holiness.
FICTION
Clearly inspired by the Biblical book of Hosea.
I just can't decide which of these two Francine Rivers books I like best. This one is amazing...and the movie is wonderful too.
HOME SCHOOLING
I use this all the time as a reference, for ideas, and for encouragement. Sally & Clay Clarkson have a gift for encouraging moms. This is the best homeschooling handbook out there. (Of course I haven't read any others, but when you find something so utterly fantastic, you want everyone to know about it.)
POLITICS/WORLD EVENTS/WORLDVIEW
I think the title really says it all. This is a fascinating book and true so far. Be enlightened and read this one.
