Living Books

Many of us want to cultivate a love for reading in our children, especially because the Word of God is integral to our lives. But at the same time, "of making many books, there is no end" (Ecclesiastes 12:12). How do we find good books? How do we discern if something is good for our families? This page is where we share our members' approach to these questions.

HEART has also run virtual and in-person book clubs in the past - our selections are below.  

• Love Your Neighbor: Reading and serving others
• Across Centuries and Continents: Read across history and geography
• A Cultural Feast: Learn about cultures which shaped the Bay Area, especially San Mateo county.

Introduction

• Simply Charlotte Mason: What is a Living Book? Also, "What does a Living Book Sound Like?" (video below):
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• Nourishing Goodness - Teaching History with Living Books: Good ideas for dividing books into stacks (e.g. read-togethers, independent reading) 
• How to Choose Books for Your Family: From Reshelving Alexandria, which has excellent and updated lists.

Discernment

• Book Lists: Handle With Care

Book Lists

• Ambleside Online
• Books Children Love: An early book by Elizabeth Wilson (before internet searches were common place). Lists by subject, author. Includes some gems.
• Elizabeth Cotrill's Top Picks: Lists worthwhile books by subject, often updated
• Hand that Rocks the Cradle: Book by Christian classical homeschooler Nathaniel Bluedorn, lists both classics and lesser known gems 
• Honey for a Child's Heart: Classic book by Gladys Hunt, some titles are harder to find now but her philosophy for using living books is timeless. There is also a follow-up book of booklists for teenagers. 
• Reshelving Alexandria: Updated, comprehensive catalogue of living books. Membership. 
• Sabbath Mood Homeschool's Living Science: books by field of science, good for middle and high school  (range of worldviews included)
• Simply Charlotte Mason's Book Finder: Book Recommendations by Subject or Grade
• Valerie Jacobsen's Living Library: Huge lists by a homeschool mom who has collected for decades. The website is no longer up, but can be accessed on Internet Archive.

Buying/Finding Books

• Bethlehem Books: Good for finding books by historical period or event
• Yesterday's Classics: Their eBook packages have huge collections of vintage books

  Discussion

• Center for Excellence in Literature: Podcasts discuss classic books, with a Socratic focus so homeschoolers can lead their students into enjoying great books. 

Reviews

• Redeemed Reader: Reviews both classics and newer titles for various age groups.