You’ll likely find that you need all kinds of books for homeschooling, but there are a few books that I think should be a staple in every home. It’s important to build a good home library so that learning material is always available to your kids. It will also make it easier for you to follow rabbit trails when your kids get interested in particular things.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a commission. Disclosure policy
World Atlas
An atlas is a great introduction to the world from the land and climate to resources and animals. There are so many atlases to choose from!
Our favorite atlas is the Usborne Picture Atlas.
We love all the information in the Picture Atlas and that it has a visual of what you can find in and around all of the continents. I have quite a few atlases and my kids enjoy looking at this one the most.
These are other good choices for a kid’s atlas.
History Encyclopedia
When learning history, you will likely choose a curriculum to follow. Many of those curriculum use the Usborne Encyclopedia of World History as a supplement or additional reference. And it’s for good reason! This book is packed full of information and pictures. You and your kids will LOVE it and be able to use it for years!
You could even forgo a history curriculum and just use this encyclopedia. It goes from the beginning of the world to modern times!
Plus it has internet links! Every page has a link with a listing of corresponding websites, articles, and videos that go with the information on the page!
Get the paperback here or the hardback here!
I can’t even recommend any other history encyclopedia because none of them measure up.
Illustrated Science Dictionary
We love this Illustrated Science Dictionary! It’s the perfect way to introduce or further explain science concepts.
Books About the Human Body
It’s so important for kids to learn about their bodies! A basic encyclopedia about the human body would be good to have.
One of our favorite books to introduce the differences between males and females (and similarities!), the reproductive system, and consent to young kids is called It’s Not the Stork! It answers so many questions that young children have and it is inclusive. This is recommended for ages 4 and up.
The next book in this series is recommended for ages 7 and up and is called It’s So Amazing. This book goes into more detail than the previous one.
Then the third book in the series, It’s Perfectly Normal, covers the topics of puberty and sex in a healthy way while representing all kinds of body types. It’s recommended for ages 10 and up.
Nature Study
Get some field guides or activity books to use outside! There are so many options here. These are a few of our favorites:
Grammar and Punctuation Reference Book
When you’re teaching grammar and punctuation it can be great to have a quick reference guide to help explain things and that your kids can refer back to any time. We really like the Illustrated Grammar and Punctuation book for this.
Illustrated Story Book Collection
Everyone loves a good picture books, but it can also be great to have a nice collection of classic tales to read through. We especially love using these in morning basket or for bedtime stories.
Those are some of our favorites, but these are also great:
Another idea is to get books of familiar stories like these. My kids love the Star Wars one.
Illustrated Mythology
So many kids fall in love with mythology from a young age, and if you choose to do the 4 year history cycle, mythology goes along with it wonderfully!
Here are some other great options for Illustrated Mythology books.
Art History Book
A basic art history book is a must have for homeschoolers with elementary age kids! Introducing kids to history making artists from around the world and their most famous works is not only important, but also fun. It’s a plus if the book also includes projects for the kids to do related to the artist.
There are a few really good ones available! This one is our favorite:
Art Treasury
Start Building Your Home Library!
I know this list might feel overwhelming, but remember, you don’t have to do this all at once! Over time, gradually collect these high quality books and build a wonderful home library for your family to enjoy and to make your homeschooling life easier.
Read Next:
- Creating a Secular Morning Basket
- 5 Secrets to Creating a Magical Homeschool
- A Homeschool Schedule that Works
Pin It & Share!
