Saturday, May 15, 2010

That Age Old Problem: What to Read Next?

Finding a good book is always a challenge. At our house, we find an author or series we like and read every available book, only to feel stumped by the eternal question: What to read next? Perusing the library shelves sometimes feels like a directionless waste of time and effort. Much to our disappointment, the old adage "you can't judge a book by its cover" proves to be all too true.

Author Rachelle Rogers Knight comes to the rescue with Read, Remember, Recommend for Teens: A Reading Journal for Book Lovers" (and I would add home schoolers). With over 185 pages of reading lists, the Journal will help voracious and reluctant readers find a good book. Lists include award winning fiction, literature, mysteries, thrillers, crime, Westerns, folklore, graphic novels, poetry, biographies and autobiographies, college-bound, nonfiction, science, social studies, and books from other countries and cultures. The lists are inclusive from date of origin to 2009 (with space to write in 2010 and 2011 publications) and suggest the lowest age at which each book should be read. Space is provided to make notations about each book. The rest of the book consists of pages for journaling with sections for noting books to read, writing about books read, and recording recommendations.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Announcing The School and Home Library!

Here it is at long last! The School and Home Library, (http://www.theschoolandhomelibrary.com/)
a virtual library for home schoolers, complete with
  • a reference section,
  • databases,
  • places to download free books, newspapers and magazines,
  • search tools,
  • resources to supplement the curriculum,
  • suggested reading lists,
  • information for parents,
  • online museums,
  • information literacy, and
  • Web 2.0
I am currently working on a new page for the site: About Home Schooling. This page will contain information and links about some of the major (and not-so-major) approaches to home schooling.

Please visit the web site, bookmark it, share it with friends. I am eager to receive feedback about what you find helpful, not so helpful, links and resources I should include, and other suggestions.