17 Best Books About Homeschooling for Parents to Read Now
Books about homeschooling have been my lifeline, especially in those early days when I felt overwhelmed by choices and second-guessed every decision.
I remember spending hours searching for the best advice—scouring homeschool blogs, joining Facebook groups, and reading everything I could get my hands on.
But nothing compared to the clarity and confidence I found in a well-written book.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking for fresh ideas after years of homeschooling, the right book can make all the difference.
Some of these books helped me structure our homeschool days, while others reassured me that flexibility and fun are just as important as lesson plans.
Over time, I’ve built a small library of must-reads that I come back to again and again, and I’m excited to share them with you.
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Best Homeschooling Books for Parents
Finding the right homeschooling book can be a game-changer, offering not just advice but real encouragement from those who have walked this journey.
Whether you’re looking for practical strategies, curriculum guidance, or just reassurance that you’re on the right track, these books provide insights from experienced homeschoolers who share what truly works.
From setting up your homeschool to navigating high school and everything in between, these must-read books will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Also worth exploring: Check out our favorite picture books about homeschooling for the kids!
Everything You Need to Know about Homeschooling
This is the book I wish I had when I first started homeschooling. Lea Ann Garfias leaves nothing out—curriculum, teaching methods, handling special needs, preparing for high school, even dealing with burnout. Every time I second-guessed myself, this book was my go-to. It’s packed with practical, no-nonsense advice that helps you feel confident and prepared, no matter what stage of homeschooling you’re in.
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TEACH: Creating Independently Responsible Learners
I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure how well this book would work for us, but within one week, I saw a huge shift in my son’s independence. Written by Mr. D (yes, the same one behind Mr. D Math), this book focuses on helping kids take ownership of their learning. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing too much hand-holding in your homeschool, this book gives practical ways to encourage independent learning—without the power struggles.Read our more detailed review of Teach by Dennis Dinoia here.
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Homeschool Bravely
Homeschooling can be overwhelming, and if you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough (I know I have!), this book is for you. Jamie Erickson speaks right to that nagging self-doubt and helps you homeschool with confidence. It’s faith-based, encouraging, and full of real-life stories that remind you why you started homeschooling in the first place.
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The Call of the Wild and Free
Ainsley Arment completely changed the way I viewed homeschooling with this book. I used to think a structured, workbook-driven approach was the only way to do things, but this book gave me the confidence to loosen up and let curiosity take the lead.It encourages parents to embrace adventure, play, and a love for nature in learning. If you’ve ever felt like traditional homeschooling methods aren’t quite working for your family, this book will remind you that learning can—and should—be joyful.
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The Brave Learner
Julie Bogart has a way of making you feel like you're sitting across from a wise homeschooling friend who just gets it. She doesn’t just talk about how to teach kids—she shows you how to create an environment where learning happens naturally. After reading this, I felt encouraged to loosen up and lean into my child’s interests instead of forcing rigid schedules. There’s a perfect balance of practical advice and inspiration here, making it a book I come back to often.
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The Montessori Toddler
Even though we didn’t fully adopt the Montessori method, I found so much value in this book when my son was younger. It helped me create a home environment that encouraged independence and curiosity instead of just feeling like I needed to entertain him constantly. If you have a toddler and want to introduce them to a more hands-on, self-directed way of learning, this book is a great resource.
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Home Learning Year by Year
This book is my go-to whenever I need to check if we’re covering enough in our homeschool. Rebecca Rupp breaks down what kids typically learn at each grade level, but without making it feel like you have to follow a rigid system. It’s a fantastic reference guide for those moments when you’re wondering, “Are we doing enough?” I’ve used this book for years, and it always reassures me that we’re on the right track.
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How Children Learn
John Holt completely transformed the way I think about education. Before reading this book, I felt pressure to recreate a traditional school structure at home, but Holt made me realize that kids learn all the time—through conversation, play, exploration, and curiosity. Even if you’re not homeschooling, this book is worth reading just to understand how children naturally absorb information.
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Teaching from Rest
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when you start comparing yourself to others or trying to do everything. This book helped me step back and focus on what really matters. Sarah Mackenzie reminds us that peace and joy in homeschooling come from trusting the process and letting go of perfectionism. I come back to this book whenever I feel burned out or unsure of our homeschool direction.
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Unschooled
We’re not full unschoolers, but this book still had a huge impact on how we approach learning—especially in the summer months when we take a more relaxed approach. It made me realize that kids don’t need constant structure to thrive and that some of the best learning happens outside of formal lessons. Even if you don’t plan to unschool completely, this book offers a fresh perspective on what education can look like outside of the traditional system.
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The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas
I used to think I had plenty of homeschool activities up my sleeve—until I read this book. Linda Dobson includes over 500 hands-on learning ideas for kids ages 3-12, many of which I never would have thought of on my own. If you’re ever stuck in a rut and need fresh, fun ways to keep learning engaging, this book is a lifesaver.
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Teach and Celebrate the Year: A Fascinating Homeschool Celebration of Holidays & Seasons
One of the things I love most about homeschooling is the freedom to make learning meaningful and connected to real-life events. That’s why I wrote this book—to help families bring seasonal and holiday-based learning into their homeschool in a fun and engaging way.This book is filled with creative ideas to celebrate holidays, explore different cultures, and add hands-on activities to your homeschool year. Whether it’s STEM projects, history lessons, writing prompts, or crafts, each celebration is designed to make learning exciting and memorable. If you enjoy weaving seasonal themes into your homeschool but want a simple, organized way to do it, this book will be a perfect resource.
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The Homeschooling Starter Guide
I always recommend this book to parents who are just starting out and feel overwhelmed. It covers everything you need to know—from legal requirements to choosing a curriculum—without making homeschooling seem intimidating. Gina, the author, homeschooled her own child from K-12 and shares practical, real-world advice that makes getting started feel doable.
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The Well-Trained Mind
If you’re looking for a structured, classical approach to homeschooling, this book is the gold standard. Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise lay out a rigorous, subject-by-subject framework that guides you through teaching everything from history to literature to math. Even though we don’t follow a strictly classical approach, I found the organization and depth in this book incredibly helpful when planning our homeschool.
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Homeschool Planning Guide for the Unorganized Mom
If lesson planning and organization don’t come naturally to you, this book will make your life so much easier. It provides a step-by-step roadmap for planning a successful homeschool year without feeling overwhelmed.I love that it keeps things simple and doesn’t assume that you have everything figured out already—it’s truly written for moms who need a little help getting organized.
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Educating the Wholehearted Child
This book is a mix of homeschooling advice and parenting wisdom, with a focus on raising children with strong character alongside their academics. Clay and Sally Clarkson emphasize a heart-centered, faith-based approach that encourages parents to nurture their child’s love for learning. It’s a beautiful reminder that homeschooling is about so much more than just academics.
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The Core
If you’re interested in classical education but don’t know where to start, this book breaks it down in a clear, approachable way. Leigh Bortins explains why a strong foundation in core subjects—like reading, writing, and math—is so important, and how to teach them effectively at home. Even if you don’t fully embrace classical homeschooling, the structured approach in this book is useful for any homeschooler looking to strengthen their child’s education.
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Let me know in the comments which homeschool workbooks you love! I have over 20 on my shelf, but there’s always room for more favorites.
Last Updated on 10 April 2025 by Clare Brown