Reading and being read to give warm fuzzies all around. A key part of our Homeschool life was reading. Both reading as a family, and independent reading time. I get asked over and over in my Homeschool Consulting business about book recommendations, so this page is just that, the Happy Hive’s Homeschool Book List.
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Books can be deeply personal. What works for one family, may not work for another. As an example, my children learned to read using a set of books about Clifford the Big Red Dog. He was very popular in the early 2000s. Not so much any longer. Other books we used are considered timeless classics. I have shared them all, regardless of popularity.
May the Homeschool Book List be a blessing to you and help give you a STARTING POINT.
Reading is one of the MAIN elements of the Decompression Phase of homeschooling. Decompressing before homeschooling involves 7 key steps so both kids and parents can have a clear mind and focus before beginning to homeschool. If you think your family needs a decompression phase, or you are looking to do a homeschool reset, Check out THIS POST. This homeschool book list can help you select books for your decompression phase as well as for your general homeschooling needs.
Exactly why wasn’t schoolwork finished????
One of my favorite stories as a working homeschool mom occurred when I came home from work one day… I asked each of my three bugs how school had gone (they had independent work to do while I was teaching at a private school). All three looked at me like a deer in the headlights…. sorry mom, we didn’t finish school today.
I was about to lose my mind, this had never happened. How on earth could all three of them have gotten into so much mischief that they didn’t finish school and how on earth didn’t Mr. McNutty (their Uncle that lives with us) discover they were so far off task????
I took a deep breath and told them to explain what had gone wrong…
“We were reading,” they said in unison.
SERIOUSLY???
Yes, all three had spent the ENTIRE day in their pajamas, reading books….
That’s when I realized my *mistake*. The day before I had brought home the “Scholastic book order” items they each ordered from my classroom fliers!
How could I get upset with that!?!
Using the Happy Hive Homeschool Book List
Remember, this homeschool book list is compiled from 20 years of homeschooling. I have listed the books in general age/grade level – but many are appropriate across ages, especially as family read-aloud books! Children should never be pressured to read at any certain age, those are labels and conditions I’ll leave to society. In the Happy Hive, we simply enjoy reading and let it come naturally when children are ready.
If you feel you have a struggling reader, you can read EASY THINGS TO DO FOR STRUGGLING READERS
Each homeschool family has their take on the “Perfect” homeschool book list. I’d love to give you some other viewpoints as well:
- How do I Homeschool: HOMESCHOOL BOOKLIST
- Adventures in a Messy Life: BOOKS MADE INTO A MOVIE, HOMESCHOOL BOOKLISTS
- Peanut Butter Fish Lessons: READ ALOUDS
PreSchool/ Kindergarten Homeschool Book List
At this age, picture books with repetition are important. Readers emerge as they memorize the story, and that’s ok. You don’t have to point out that they are not “reading”. To a young child, using the pictures and what they remember from hearing the same story each week IS reading!
When you feel your little one is READY for more formal lessons, go ahead and purchase a program. It does not have to be complicated or expensive. We used Clifford’s Phonics Fun. There are 5 boxes in the set. Unfortunately, these are out of print or very expensive!
A wonderful solution is the side-by-side readers in the READING BETTER TOGETHER Program. Everything you need to teach your child to read using a proven system that’s backed by science, so your kids read easier and faster- with less work for you, and more fun for them.
You can also take advantage of the tips, free webinars, encouragement, and support for homeschooling a child who is learning to read that take place in Reading Better Together’s FREE facebook Group: HOMESCHOOL READING COMMUNITY
Pre-reader book recommendations
picture books appropriate for Pre-readers are:
GOODNIGHT MOON= Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is more than just a children’s book; it’s a gentle lullaby that soothes both child and parent. With its rhythmic prose and comforting illustrations, the book creates a serene atmosphere, preparing young minds for slumber. Its simple yet profound exploration of familiar objects in a child’s room fosters a sense of security and belonging, making it a beloved bedtime ritual for generations.
CORDUROY = Corduroy, the endearing little bear with a missing button, captures hearts with his simple yet profound journey to find a home. Don Freeman’s timeless tale teaches children the power of hope, perseverance, and the unconditional love that can blossom unexpectedly.
BROWN BEAR-BROWN BEAR = a timeless classic that introduces young readers to a world of color and wonder. With its simple, repetitive text and vibrant illustrations, this beloved book has captivated generations of children.
PAT THE BUNNY = Pat the Bunny is a tactile masterpiece that invites babies and toddlers into a world of sensory exploration. With its simple text and interactive elements, this classic book fosters a bond between parent and child as they share the joy of touch and discovery.
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR = The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a timeless classic that encapsulates the wonder of transformation. Eric Carle’s vibrant illustrations and engaging storyline invite young readers to follow the caterpillar’s journey from tiny egg to beautiful butterfly, inspiring curiosity and a love of nature.
IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE = a captivating collection of children’s books that spark imagination and anticipation. These stories follow a delightful chain of events, inviting young readers to predict the next unexpected turn. Laura Numeroff’s simple yet engaging text, paired with Felicia Bond’s charming illustrations, creates a world of endless possibilities, making these books beloved classics for generations.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE = Where the Wild Things Are is a groundbreaking children’s book that captures the power of imagination and the importance of emotional expression. Maurice Sendak’s bold illustrations and poignant story about Max’s wild adventure and triumphant return home have resonated with readers of all ages, making it a timeless classic.
THE GIVING TREE = a poignant exploration of unconditional love and sacrifice. This timeless tale follows the enduring bond between a tree and a boy, offering a profound meditation on the nature of giving and receiving. Its simplicity and depth have made it a beloved classic for generations.
CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG = Clifford the Big Red Dog is more than just a children’s book character; he’s a beloved companion who teaches children about friendship, loyalty, and overcoming challenges. Norman Bridwell’s heartwarming stories capture the magic of childhood and the enduring power of imagination, making Clifford a cherished friend for generations.
The Berenstain Bears have become synonymous with childhood, offering heartwarming tales of family, friendship, and growing up. Stan and Jan Berenstain’s charming characters and relatable storylines have captured the hearts of generations, making the Berenstain Bears a beloved staple on countless bookshelves. Bernstein Bears were always a great choice for teaching life lessons. These books make the old-school values that I want my children to know “cool”. They address everything from a Messy Room to the Golden Rule.
Want a list of free curriculum you can use with your preschooler? Check out this list of free preschool curriculum for homeschool.
First – Second Grade Homeschool Book List
As your children become emergent readers, books with repeating patterns they can read to you are always a hit. Some of our favorites were:
Put Me in the Zoo = Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire is a whimsical tale of self-discovery and acceptance. A charmingly spotted animal yearns for a place to belong, only to find his unique qualities celebrated in an unexpected way. This playful story encourages children to embrace their individuality and discover their own special talents.
Harry the Dirty Dog = a classic tale of canine rebellion and the enduring power of unconditional love. Through Harry’s muddy escapades, children learn about hygiene, problem-solving, and the importance of family.
Danny and the Dinosaur = a heartwarming story of friendship and imagination. This beloved picture book follows the adventures of a young boy and his prehistoric companion, sparking creativity and wonder in young readers.
Sammy the Seal = a charming underwater adventure that introduces children to the world of marine life. With its simple text and engaging illustrations, this book captivates young minds and fosters a love for nature and exploration.
Amelia Bedelia = The Amelia Bedelia series is a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of language and misunderstandings. With her literal interpretations of everyday phrases, Amelia Bedelia creates chaotic and comical situations that both children and adults find endlessly entertaining. This beloved character has become a symbol of playful optimism and the joy of learning through laughter.
Mrs. Nelson is Missing = a classic children’s mystery that ignites young minds with curiosity and problem-solving skills. As students embark on a search for their beloved teacher, they develop critical thinking abilities while enjoying a playful and suspenseful story.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day = a timeless tale that captures the universal experience of a truly awful day. Judith Viorst’s humorous and relatable narrative offers young readers comfort and reassurance, knowing they’re not alone in their moments of frustration.
Ferdinand = Ferdinand the Bull is a gentle giant who defies societal expectations and chooses peace over conflict. This beloved character teaches children the importance of individuality and the power of kindness, inspiring readers to embrace their unique qualities.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs = a whimsical and imaginative tale that sparks wonder and curiosity about the world around us. With its humorous plot and colorful illustrations, this book encourages children to think creatively and embrace the unexpected.
Third – Fifth Grade Homeschool Book List
These “chapter books” can be used as Family reading anytime. Even kindergarten-age children can enjoy and comprehend the stories. You are homeschooling a family, not individuals. Don’t let age be a boundary in your book choices. Certainly, as your children become more independent with their reading, chapter books are the answer. However, you do not have to wait for that time to expose them to the classics.
Reading, listening, and re-reading are all part of a good homeschool book list!
Third grade and above will enjoy:
Charlotte’s Web: In this heartwarming tale by E.B. White, a young pig named Wilbur is saved from the slaughterhouse by a clever spider named Charlotte, who weaves words into her web to make Wilbur seem extraordinary. The story explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life on the farm.
The Tales (or Adventures) of Winnie the Pooh: A.A. Milne’s beloved collection of stories follows the whimsical adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a lovable bear with a fondness for honey, and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. These gentle tales highlight the importance of friendship, kindness, and the joys of imagination.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: L. Frank Baum’s classic fantasy novel tells the story of Dorothy, a young girl swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Along with her newfound friends—the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion—Dorothy embarks on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, hoping to find a way back home.
Black Beauty: Written by Anna Sewell, this novel is told from the perspective of a horse named Black Beauty. The story chronicles his life from his early days in a loving home to the hardships he endures under various owners, offering a powerful commentary on kindness, empathy, and animal welfare.
Aesop’s Fables: This timeless collection of short stories, attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, features animals as the main characters who teach moral lessons. Each fable conveys a simple yet profound truth, such as “slow and steady wins the race” or “honesty is the best policy.”
The Narnia Series: C.S. Lewis’s epic fantasy series transports readers to the magical land of Narnia, where talking animals, mythical creatures, and brave children fight to protect their world from evil. Themes of courage, faith, and redemption are woven throughout the seven books, with “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” being the most famous. (boys too!)
Another wonderful read for this age range is a book published by iCare Press in 2021 (after both my homeschool years and my time in the classroom)
HACKING THE CODE = I had the pleasure of reading: Hacking the Code: the Ziggety Zaggety Road of a D- Kid. (The D is short for Dyslexic.) by Gea Meijering. The e-book and audio version were #gifted to me in exchange for my honest review. You can see the full review in THIS POST.
I feel the Thorton Burgess Collection deserves a recommendation of its own. These stories are TREASURES beyond measure. The Thornton Burgess Collection features charming stories that introduce readers to the adventures of woodland animals, such as Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox, and Sammy Jay. Each tale is filled with lessons on nature, friendship, and moral values, conveyed through the animals’ interactions and challenges.
Burgess’s engaging storytelling and love for the natural world make these stories timeless classics for children. I can not recommend a book higher than these. We were blessed to receive many of them in the mail from a dear friend, then hunted used bookstores for as many as we could find to help add to our collection.
It was not long before every squirrel we came across was affectionately named “Chatterer” and Blacky the Crow was chased away from the yard.
If you make one purchase based on my recommendations in this post, FAVORITE STORIES THORTON BURGESS should be it!
Sixth – Eight Grade Homeschool Book List
Character development is key in the chapter books at this level. How characters treat each other, their studies, their role in a family, etc. There is so much to LEARN from literature in a way a school textbook cannot teach in a short excerpt. I recommend avoiding the “children’s” version or abridged classics if you can. Trust your reader, and purchase audiobooks so they can listen and read to some of the more advanced stories, or those written with higher-level or old English vocabulary.
Treasure Island: Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure novel follows young Jim Hawkins as he embarks on a perilous sea voyage in search of buried treasure. Along the way, he encounters the cunning pirate Long John Silver, and the story explores themes of loyalty, greed, and courage.
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch: This historical novel by Jean Lee Latham tells the inspiring true story of Nathaniel Bowditch, a self-taught mathematician and navigator who revolutionized maritime navigation in the 18th century. The book highlights themes of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of education.
Johnny Tremain: Esther Forbes’s novel tells the story of Johnny Tremain, a young silversmith apprentice in Boston who becomes involved in the American Revolution. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the events leading up to the Revolution, emphasizing themes of freedom, bravery, and personal growth.
Where the Red Fern Grows: Wilson Rawls’s novel follows the story of a boy named Billy and his two loyal hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. Set in the Ozarks, the book is a poignant tale of love, loyalty, and the bond between a boy and his dogs, exploring themes of determination and loss.
Bridge to Terabithia: Katherine Paterson’s novel tells the story of Jess and Leslie, two friends who create a magical imaginary kingdom called Terabithia. This moving tale explores friendship, creativity, and loss, but parents should note that it includes a Santa Claus spoiler, so use caution if reading with children who still believe.
The Anne of Green Gables Series: L.M. Montgomery’s beloved series follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who is adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the rural town of Avonlea. The series explores Anne’s adventures and misadventures as she grows up, emphasizing themes of resilience, love, and the importance of finding one’s place in the world.
Little Women: Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of growing up during the Civil War. The story highlights themes of family, love, and the pursuit of one’s dreams, offering a timeless exploration of sisterhood and personal growth.
Little Men: In this sequel to Little Women, Louisa May Alcott continues the story of Jo March, now Jo Bhaer, as she runs a school for boys at Plumfield with her husband. The novel focuses on the joys and challenges of educating and caring for a diverse group of boys, exploring themes of kindness, discipline, and the importance of moral guidance.
To Kill a Mockingbird: Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in the racially segregated South and tells the story of Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father, Atticus, a lawyer who defends an innocent Black man accused of rape. The book is a powerful exploration of racial injustice, moral courage, and the loss of innocence.
The Inheritance Cycle Series: Christopher Paolini’s fantasy series, beginning with Eragon, follows the journey of a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg that hatches into Saphira, his dragon companion. The series explores Eragon’s growth as he battles the evil King Galbatorix, with themes of destiny, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil woven throughout.
I believe the Harry Potter Series also deserves its own highlight. All of my children have read the books multiple times. Megan, my middle child and the *latest* reader in the group, read them 5 times. In fact, she began reading because her older sister finally refused to read them TO HER at night any longer. A well-written series can turn a non-reader into a reader overnight.
High School Homeschool Book List
When you are choosing curriculum, do not forget that books play an important part in supplementing every subject! They can be the basis for your curriculum in a topic-based curriculum, or they can be the backbone to the literature component in a subject-by-subject curriculum.
Read how to choose the perfect homeschool curriculum HERE
High School aged readers are ready to take book analysis to a whole new level digging deep into the classics.
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Series: J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy saga begins with The Hobbit, where the reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins embarks on an adventure to reclaim a lost treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug. The story continues in The Lord of the Rings series, where Bilbo’s nephew, Frodo, undertakes a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the dark lord Sauron, exploring themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil.
Pride and Prejudice: Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates issues of class, family expectations, and romance in 19th-century England. The book offers a sharp critique of social norms and explores themes of love, marriage, and the importance of self-awareness and personal growth.
Jane Eyre: Charlotte Brontë’s gothic novel tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl who overcomes a harsh upbringing to become a governess at Thornfield Hall. As Jane falls in love with her enigmatic employer, Mr. Rochester, she must navigate complex emotions and moral dilemmas, exploring themes of independence, integrity, and the search for identity.
Ender’s Game: Orson Scott Card’s science fiction novel follows the story of Ender Wiggin, a young boy who is recruited into a futuristic military academy to prepare for an impending alien invasion. The book explores themes of leadership, morality, and the psychological impact of war, raising questions about the ethics of training children for combat.
Lord of the Flies: William Golding’s novel depicts a group of boys stranded on a deserted island who gradually descend into savagery as they attempt to govern themselves. The story is a powerful exploration of human nature, the loss of innocence, and the thin veneer of civilization.
The Diary of Anne Frank: This poignant memoir, written by Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager hiding from the Nazis during World War II, chronicles her thoughts, fears, and hopes while living in hiding. The diary offers a deeply personal perspective on the horrors of war and the enduring human spirit.
Romeo and Juliet: William Shakespeare’s tragic play tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families in Verona, whose passionate romance ultimately leads to their untimely deaths. The play explores themes of love, fate, and the destructive power of hatred and family conflict.
Hamlet: Shakespeare’s classic tragedy follows Prince Hamlet of Denmark as he seeks to avenge his father’s murder at the hands of his uncle, now king. The play delves into themes of revenge, madness, mortality, and the complexities of human nature.
Macbeth: In this dark tragedy by William Shakespeare, the ambitious Scottish nobleman Macbeth is driven to murder King Duncan by a prophecy and the urging of his wife, Lady Macbeth. The play explores themes of ambition, guilt, and the corrupting influence of power.
Frankenstein: Mary Shelley’s gothic novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a living being from dead matter, only to be horrified by his own creation. The novel explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of defying natural order.
The Picture of Dorian Gray: Oscar Wilde’s novel follows Dorian Gray, a young man who wishes that his portrait would age instead of him, allowing him to live a life of hedonism and moral decay without visible consequences. The story is a chilling exploration of vanity, corruption, and the duality of human nature.
I really could go on and on about books, and reading… but this list of books is tried and true, read over and over, classified as our FAVORITES. I hope they become favorites for your happy hive as well.
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