If you’ve recently browsed your local library or big-name bookstore for children’s books, you might have noticed that the classics are hard to find and that many titles, whether subtly or overtly, seem to be themed around the political issues of the day. Family-centric and traditional stories are buried on out-of-the-way shelves, if at all present.
Luckily, there are many online sources that can guide you back to the very best in children’s literature and allow you to easily curate a lovely library for the young readers in your life.
The Read-Aloud Revival
Founder Sarah Mackenzie has developed a wonderful resource for parents through her website, membership program, and podcast. Her enthusiasm for books and homeschooling is contagious and inspiring. Head to
ReadAloudRevival.com for a series of curated book lists.
The Good and the Beautiful Book List
The Good and the Beautiful has become a beloved homeschool curriculum resource for parents who wish to give their children inspiring and beautiful content through which to learn. Founder Jenny Phillips has taken on the issue parents are facing when it comes to the literary quality and moral character depicted in many books being offered to children. Her company offers a free and extensive book list to take the guesswork out of building a home library, which can be found at
GoodAndBeautifulBookList.com.
Sonlight Book List
Sonlight is another curriculum company offering a wide range of books that you can be pleased to offer your children. The company’s website organizes books by theme, grade level, and more—making it easy to find what you’re looking for. Head to
SonLight.com to begin browsing.
Simply Charlotte Mason
The final homeschool curriculum company that features a plethora of book choices is Simply Charlotte Mason. Named for the turn-of-the-century British educator who advocated, among other things, the use of what she called “living books” in the teaching of children, this company’s website features a searchable bookstore that can be very helpful:
SimplyCharlotteMason.com.
The Unlikely Homeschool
The Unlikely Homeschool is the blog of Jamie Erickson and features many book lists and recommendations that continuously update. Head to
TheUnlikelyHomeschool.com to get started and stay connected to this book-centric resource.
‘Honey for a Child’s Heart’
“
Honey for a Child’s Heart: The Imaginative Use of Books in Family Life” by Gladys Hunt is a book that speaks to the degrading quality of children’s literature and points parents in the right direction. Originally published in 1969, the book has been updated a number of times and offers a plethora of suggestions for children up to age 12.
