Living Books

I would highly recommend Sonya’s Books and Things seminar available here.  She not only helps you identify living books but use them in your schooling.

Basically a living book is a book that “infuses life.”  It has wonderfully descriptive narrative that draws the child into the story so they remember.  Rather than a dull, dry textbook that gives short, irrelevant factoids, a living book makes the topic being studied come alive.  For example, you could read in a textbook that:

“Patrick Henry helped fuel the Revolutionary War with his stirring Give Me Liberty speech.”

Or you could read a wonderful biography of Henry and by all means read the entire speech with conviction!    Have your children narrate back to you as you read.  A good place to look for great books is the list here as well as literature based curricula such as TruthQuest History or Sonlight.  If you need specific suggestions, just ask.  There are many ladies here that will give you wonderful books to supplement what you’re studying.