Literature Lists
A word about reading lists: Not every book on these lists fits our family; and not every book on these lists will fit yours. We can also wonder why several of our favorite books were thoughtlessly omitted! Lists of recommended literature do give us a place to start; a smorgasbord to sample, choose the best, and leave the rest.
- 100 Great Books
"The fact that most of us did not read these in our own educations presents a dilemma. They are considered too hard for regular folks to read without a university professor or some other great mind as a guide, explaining what is meant by it all. But I disagree. I think that anyone that can read and understand the Bible for himself can read and understand any of these books for himself. These books were originally written, for the most part, to be understood by the intelligent layperson of the day, after all. In reading them without a university professor or a guide, you might come to a different conclusion of what you’ve read than the 'experts' might have you draw. That is no loss. Take from them what speaks to your own heart, your own mind. Cherish what rings true, discard what doesn’t. Savor the beauty and poetry of the language, the elegance of thought. Enjoy meeting the minds that have contributed to Western Civilization. Have fun! You can’t ruin it because you aren’t an expert." A 1000 Good Books follow-up reading list from Classical-Homeschooling.org.
- 1000 Good Books List
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The criteria we used to judge inclusion are: Does the book have literary value? Does the book re-emphasize a Biblical worldview or the Judeo-Christian heritage in some way? Does the book teach, through whatever means, what is moral or just or true? Does the book encourage to love and good works? Does the book exemplify warmth, tenderness, courage, humor, and other values and characteristics that we desire our children to be exposed to? Does the book nourish the intellect and fire the imagination? Does the book cross age barriers to be enjoyed by all?" A reading list from Classical-Homeschooling.org.
- Alphabetized Booklist for All Years
Charlotte Mason reading list for all years from AmblesideOnline.org
- Best Online Classic Children's Books
Classic books in the public domain made available online. "We seek to accomplish in the online arena at the beginning of this century what James Baldwin achieved in the world of print at the beginning of the last century: bringing yesterday's classics to today's children."
- Bookfinder
Easily find living books for any area of study using this free tool from Simply Charlotte Mason.
- Great Books
High School reading list recommended by the authors of The Well-Trained Mind.
- The Great Books
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This site provides Christians with a free, detailed recommended reading list for high school students, as well as more than 70 discussion guides to help you teach the Humanities in accord with the Christian worldview." The Great Books site provided by Jeff Baldwin and J. Mark Bertrand.
- Literature to Supplement History
Great literature listed by time period complied by Paula of Paula's Archives.
- Miss Maggie's Old Fashioned Education Book List (.pdf)
A graded list of recommended literature, primarily available free online.
