Name: Thrive! NCHE Homeschool Conference
Start: 2025-05-22T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-05-24T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Winston-Salem, NC

This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 11 months ago by amandajhilburn.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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March 2, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Tia
Participant
I read some of these to my oldest when she was younger, but became uncomfortable with them. I have gone back and forth internally since then. I can see the benefits, especially since she could read them on her own now. But I’m uncomfortable with the chanting, magic librarian component, etc. Any redeeming thoughts for this series?
March 3, 2011 at 3:14 am
Wings2fly
Participant
It is interesting that I was thinking the same thing earlier today. I came to the conclusion that if I was so uneasy about them, I should not read them to my kids. I know there is a lot of historical value to them, but I think we can find other books with more of a Christian perspective that still teach history (from Christian Liberty Press, Christian Hero series and Heroes of History at YWAM, and Vision Forum, to name a few). I know there are more choices out there. After all, we should be reading for God’s glory. We should consider Philippians 4:8 when making reading choices. I have just pulled Magic Treehouse from our bookshelf and into the sale pile. Your post confirmed what God placed on my heart earlier today. But everyone has to make their own decision. 🙂
March 3, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Jennifer
Participant
Thank you for posting about these. A friend of mine told me about them and I wanted to look into them but not now. Thanks again!
Jen
March 7, 2011 at 5:42 pm
sigkapoli
Participant
My kids have loved them. We have discussed the magic element and they know that it is part of the story. When a topic comes up, like the Civil War, they have learned the most interesting facts by reading these books. Again, it’s up to each person to decide what’s appropriate. Perhaps look into the research guides that go along with the books, those are non-fiction and packed with extra info.
The Dear America series from the American Girl publishers has some good diaries. I read some of them when I managed a book store, but it’s been over 10 years ago. My kids are just getting interested in them.

Olivia
May 17, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Wings2fly
Participant
I just found a new series of early readers from the creators of Adventures in Odyssey called The Imagination Station. Titles are: Revenge of the Red Knight, Peril in the Palace, Voyage with the Vikings, and Attack at the Arena. They are supposed to be like Magic Tree House, but with a Christian Worldview. They are available at http://www.christianbook.com
May 17, 2011 at 5:37 pm
LDIMom
Participant
SarahCPA, THANK YOU for the link. I am torn about the MTH books only b/c my son, almost 9, loves reading them. I would love to find an alternative and these might just be it. I know just b/c he loves reading them is NOT a reason to keep them, but he is very strong-willed and I am really trying to pick my battles. There is much more to it, but anyway he is a voracious reader and likes the adventure … these may work. His birthday is coming in a couple of months. Our parents are more than glad to give our children books, so I am going to check these our further.
The research guides are good, but interestingly my son doesn’t care much for them!
May 25, 2011 at 6:15 pm
amandajhilburn
Participant
I have let my son read some of the Magic Tree House books, but have had to put a stop to them because of the lying going on in them.
He will bring them to me and read the parts he has questions about. The last 3 he checked out from the library had the main characters telling flat out lies…with no remorse or lessons learned in the end.
Just FYI.
Amanda