I’ve read my fair share of homeschooling books, but there are a few that were game-changers and that I could read over and over again. Most I these I’ve lent out over and over to friends, or just given them away, because that’s what you do when a book changes your life. These are in no particular order, but I do believe every single one will leave you awe-struck, encouraged and filled with inspiration for your journey.

1. Homegrown: Guidance and Inspiration for Navigating Your Homeschool Journey by Amber O’Neal Johnston

This book is a recent release that I read this Summer. Oh, how I wish I could’ve read this book at the start of my homeschool journey! While reading, I felt encouraged to keep going in some of the brave, unique decisions I’ve made for our homeschool. I also felt inspired to make a few changes, and open myself to the possibility of starting my own coop of sorts very soon (more on that later). The author of this book, Amber O’Neal Johnston, is one of the women I have learned from the most on this journey, and I would basically read anything she wrote. But actually, she is not the only author of this book. Homegrown is written by 30 homeschool moms, dads and grandmas all giving unique perspectives on their homeschools and sharing the most significant things they’ve learned on their journeys. Because of this, it is such a well-rounded book, offering all kinds of perspectives, not allowing you to compare yourself to the author, but rather charging you to think about what YOU want your story to be. There are homeschools in the book that focus on STEM, nature study and wildlife, supporting neurodiverse children, literature, travel- you name it! There are un-schoolers, Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, traditional homeschoolers- all different styles. As I was reading, I was able to be a fly on the wall in this woman(or man’s) homeschool, and see the beauty of what he or she laid out for their children. I was also able to say, “that’s beautiful, but not for me,” or “wow, that would truly bless my children. I’m going to pray about incorporating this.” This would be a phenomenal first read for anyone considering homeschooling, or a huge encouragement for homeschool mom who is a few years in and in need of fresh inspiration.

2. Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie

I remember devouring this book the first time I read it. Instead of a book being “just another thing on the list,” this book felt like a cold glass of water for a weary soul. I believe Sarah Mackenzie, at the time of writing this, had a newborn, twin toddler boys, and then stair steppers all the way up. She was herself learning to embody the book she was writing in real time, teaching from a spiritual place of rest no matter how chaotic her atmosphere seemed. I believe she wrote this first for herself, then shared it with others. You can absolutely feel the compassion, kindness and grace of the Father as you read. She gives very simple, concrete, DOABLE advice about how to run your days with excellence and from a place peace. She provides examples of daily schedules, teaches the concept of looping subjects instead of doing subjects every day, and introduces how to incorporate a beautiful Morning Time. The book itself is extremely short- it could be read in one night if desired or slowly digested over a few weeks, whatever blesses you more.

3. For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

This is one that I lend out constantly. In fact, I cannot remember which friend currently has it. If the Charlotte Mason world was Narnia, this book would be the wardrobe. The majority of women I know who follow Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education got their first introduction to it through this book. It’s not a long book, but it’s dense and thought-provoking. It’s one of those books that take a while to read, because you keep stopping to think after every few paragraphs. If you’ve heard about the Charlotte Mason philosophy and wanted to learn more, this is the book for you to determine if her method is something you feel led to implement.

4. When Children Love to Learn by Elaine Cooper

When Children Love to Learn, while able to stand alone, would be perfect to read after reading For the Children’s Sake. It is rich, deep and wide. It’s all that’s needed, in my opinion, to jump in full-force into implementing a Charlotte Mason education. Yes, reading Charlotte Mason’s words from her volumes (The Home Education series by Charlotte Mason) are best, but those take time to get through and are really studied more than read. If your world has been rocked by reading For the Children’s Sake and you want immediate insight into applying Charlotte’s principles into your homeschool, When Children Love to Learn is ideal. It deep dives into the four pillars of education and details each subject and how to put them into practice. I cannot recommend this book enough, truly. You’re likely to find my copy full of highlights and my notes in the margins. This will be one I return to again and again.

5. Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment

Can you even have a “best homeschool books” list without this book? Not in my opinion. This was the very first homeschooling book I read, and I remember it being exactly what I needed and more. Everyone who has read any of Ainsley’s words knows that she has a way of filling you with wonder and inspiring you to bring wonder into your home. Her book beckons you as the mother to trust your instincts and to create a childhood for your babies that isn’t rushed by anyone else’s timeline. She introduces all the different homeschool philosophies, allowing you to see which one you align with most. She invites you to not see homeschooling as a ball and chain, but as a wild adventure, an opportunity to experience complete freedom from any system. This book is mentioned constantly in this generation of homeschool mamas, and for good reason. It’s totally a must-read. I recommend the audiobook if possible, narrated by Ainsley herself.

6. Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto

Gatto, Gatto, Gatto. I don’t think I could ever forget this book. Not only does it inspire you to home educate, but it unveils the realities behind the public school education many of us mamas grew up with. This book would be FABULOUS to give to your husband if he’s feeling skeptical about the whole homeschooling thing. It’s a very stern, powerful book, written by a retired high school teacher from a public school system in New York. He taught for 30 years, and after retiring, realized some very disturbing truths about the “education” he gave his students. This is also an absolute must-read; but be warned. It will absolutely ruffle feathers and bring about friction to everything you thought you knew about what “school” is.

7. The Whole and Healthy Family by Jodi Mockabee

I just adore Jodi Mockabee, and everything that woman creates. When she came out with a book, I knew it would be gold and I wasn’t wrong. This book is not just about homeschooling, but about the wellness of your home spiritually, physically and mentally. It’s just so rich and feels like the incredible advice of a big sister. She hits on holistic medicine and wellness, how to minimize clutter/toys/clothing, how to discern the spiritual gifts and talents of your children, how to balance extra curricular activities, and more. It just really encourages you to be an intentional keeper of your home, and helps you plan out the main pillars that will make up your home.

Concluding Thoughts

Just writing this makes me want to start an online book club and go back through each of these! Perhaps that’s something I can do one day. If you are thinking about homeschooling, all I can say is- get ready for the most beautiful adventure of your life. After giving my life to Jesus and choosing my husband to marry, this is the best decision I’ve ever made. It has redeemed by own very poor, yet “collegiate” education. It has brought connection between my children and I, and between siblings that is beyond my wildest dreams. You will be challenged, stretched, and sanctified by this decision- no doubt. But you will also be enamored, healed, inspired, and struck with wonder. You too will get lost in the beauty of a butterfly on a hike, make connections in history, read incredible books that you can’t believed you lived this long without reading, and watercolor under shaded trees. All of it is wonderful, albeit hard. I pray that whether you read all, one, or none of these books, that the Holy Spirit would meet you as you embark on this journey, filling you with His courage, His Truth and His power to take on the task of making disciples at home. Here’s to you, sister! Through Christ, you can absolutely do this.