Do you have a dog lover in your home? These heart-warming dog books offer stories of deep friendship, loyalty, and affection. Your teen will “woof” down these adventurous tales, which celebrate the lasting bond between man and dog.

Our family is currently fostering an adorable golden retriever for some friends of ours who are out of town for a few months. We have enjoyed this special time even more than we expected. Kona’s (the dog’s name) loyalty and affection have reminded me why dogs, from ages past, have always been called a man’s best friend.

Wonderful Dog Books for Teens

Reader beware! These moving stories might bring tears to your eyes. Grab your tissues and read next to your favorite furry friend.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Billy Colman and his family live in Oklahoma’s Ozark Mountains. He longs for a pair of hunting dogs and works for years to earn enough money to buy them. Billy becomes best friends with these dogs as they bound into the woods hunting night after night. These deeply moving, humorous, and adventurous dog stories of his unique friendship with his dogs are truly unforgettable.

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Where the Red Fern Grows

• We search for any book you like In Chinese, Russian and Spanish Service for Businesses, Individuals, Governments, Universities Any medium you choose, that is available Read, Learn, Research and Enjoy
• Wilson Rawls (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 304 Pages – 09/01/1996 (Publication Date) – Yearling (Publisher)

$6.83

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Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune

Lad, a collie dog living in Sunny Bank, Virginia, lives with his mate Lady and his owners. Through his heroic actions, Lad earns the respect of his owners and the other dogs living there. Throughout the story, Lad’s courage and noble deeds are present in every adventure he undertakes. Terhune writes these tales based vaguely on true stories and adventures he had with his own collie named Lad.

Lad: A Dog

• Albert Payson Terhune (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 288 Pages – 07/01/1993 (Publication Date) – Puffin Books (Publisher)

$8.99

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Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Animal lovers will adore this classic story about man’s best friend. Marty Preston immediately bonds with an abused dog named Shiloh. He takes him in, hiding him from his previous owner and his family. When he finds that Shiloh was attacked by another dog, Marty brings him home. Consequently, his family discovers his secret. His perseverance to have Shiloh as his own keeps Marty and the dog together. Grab your tissues for this story! You’re going to need them!

Shiloh (The Shiloh Quartet) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (1991-09-30)

• Hardcover Book
• Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Author)
• 01/01/1823 (Publication Date) – Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$12.58

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Call of the Wild by Jack London

Buck is a tame, spoiled dog living luxuriously in California. Suddenly, he is stolen from his owner and becomes a sled dog. Buck learns to embrace the wild environment, relying on his survival instincts. He befriends a man named John Thornton, but when his friend dies, Buck eventually yields to the call of the wild.

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The Call of the Wild (Reader’s Library Classics)

• London, Jack (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 106 Pages – 02/18/2021 (Publication Date) – Reader’s Library Classics (Publisher)

$6.25

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Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate De Camillo

A young girl named Opal Buloni and her father move to Florida after her mother abandoned their family. In a local store there, Opal meets a scraggly stray dog, whom she names after the store: Winn-Dixie. Winn-Dixie’s reckless spirit helps Opal make new friends and form a new life.

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Because of Winn-Dixie: (A Beloved Middle-Grade Classic About Friendship, Family, and a Dog That Changes Everything – For Kids Ages 9-12 in Grades 4-7)

• DiCamillo, Kate (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 192 Pages – 01/26/2021 (Publication Date) – Candlewick (Publisher)

$8.36

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The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

In this classic dog story, two dogs and a Siamese cat endeavor to find their way back home after being dropped off with friends while their owners go away for a camping trip. They experience many difficulties in this daring venture, including some near-death encounters. Don’t worry, though, this story has a good ending! Our kids loved reading this book and watching the movie!

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The Incredible Journey

• Burnford, Sheila (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 160 Pages – 01/22/1997 (Publication Date) – Yearling (Publisher)

$7.15

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White Fang by Jack London

White Fang is born into a harsh environment in the Yukon territory. As he learns the ways of the wild, he meets a man who trains him to be a sled dog. After getting into a violent fight with another dog, he is rescued by a man named Weedson Scott. Scott takes White Fang to his home, where he is loved and becomes the family’s new pet.

White Fang

• London, Jack (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 126 Pages – 02/09/2020 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

$7.99

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Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

This classic historical fiction is about the famous and beloved dog, Old Yeller. Arliss and Travis stumble upon a stray dog while their father is gone. They take him in, naming him Old Yeller. Travis’s perspective of a dog changes when he bonds deeply with Old Yeller. His loyalty is shown in his brave exploits to protect the family. However, the story’s end takes a tragic turn, as Travis is forced to make a difficult decision.

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Old Yeller (HarperClassics)

• Gipson, Fred (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 192 Pages – 12/23/2003 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

$6.99

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Togo by Robert J. Blake

Togo is a real-life story about a dog who is seemingly too spirited and feisty to be a sled dog. But when his master gives him a chance, he shows not only to be a good sled dog, but also a good leader. He plays an important role when the diphtheria disease breaks out. He and the team of dogs carry the critical serum, which will save many lives.

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Togo

• Hardcover Book
• Blake, Robert J. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 48 Pages – 10/14/2002 (Publication Date) – Philomel Books (Publisher)

$13.48

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Shelby’s Story by W. Bruce Cameron

One of W. Bruce Cameron’s many amazing dog adventures, Shelby’s Story is a heart-warming story that is told from a dog’s perspective. Shelby begins her life at a low point as a stray but grows into a loved and renowned dog.A wonderful book for young readers!

Shelby’s Story: A Puppy Tale

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Cameron, W. Bruce (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 200 Pages – 11/06/2018 (Publication Date) – Odd Dot (Publisher)

$9.99

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Dogsong by Gary Paulsen

Russell embarks on a journey of determination and strength. Guided by a man named Oogruk, he finds a connection to the heritage and culture of his home. Finally, he finds his own song: “dogsong”. It commemorates his bond with the dogs and their journey together.

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Dogsong

• Paulsen, Gary (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 192 Pages – 05/08/2007 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$8.36

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Seaman by Gail Wanger Porwaski

In this true classic story, Lewis and Clark explore the Louisiana Purchase with their dog, Seaman. Lewis and Clark’s crew loves the new dog, and he protects them on their adventurous journey westward. The details in this story are drawn from Lewis’s diary and are a realistic view of their experience.

SeaMan: The Dog Who Explored The West With Lewis & Clark (Peachtree Junior Publication)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Karwoski, Gail Langer (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 200 Pages – 05/17/2011 (Publication Date) – Peachtree Publishing (Publisher)

$7.57

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Leave a Comment!

I hope your teens enjoy these fantastic dog books as much as mine have! What books would you add to this list?

Do you have a child who is a fan of King Arthur? The legend of King Arthur, his sword Excalibur, and the knights of the round table is a favorite among my kids This list of king Arthur books will help you find the perfect book for kids and teens alike. 

I have put these books in order according to level of difficulty, starting with picture books for younger readers and ending with the most challenging classics. Hopefully this will help you decide which book is the right choice for your child. 

King Arthur Books

**This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwander and Wayne Geehan

This cute math adventure story is a fun way to introduce Arthur to young children. The book uses the story of Arthur and the round table to explain the math concept of circumference. Sir Cumference, Lady Diamter, and their son, Radius, solve the problems occurring at court from using a rectangle table. 

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By Cindy Neuschwander – Sir Cumference and the Knights of the First Round Table (A Math Adventure) (3.1.1999)

• Cindy Neuschwander (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S. (Publisher)

$12.86

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King Arthur and His Knights by Jim Weiss

Weiss is an excellent storytellerr! This Arthurian retelling is wonderful to use with young readers or kids who are averse to reading books, but who might rather choose to listen as they are fidgeting with something else. 

The narrator named Sir Bedivere (the first to be knighted by King Arthur) introduces this splendidly arranged audiobook, followed by the well-read story retold by Jim Weiss. Arthur is originally trained by Merlin, the renowned wizard, and grows to become a great king as Merlin guides him. Each character’s story is splendidly woven into the King Arthur legend, explaining how they earn their way to knighthood.

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King Arthur and His Knights: Companion Reader Series

• Audible Audiobook
• Jim Weiss (Author) – Jim Weiss (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 11/05/2021 (Publication Date) – Well-Trained Mind Press (Publisher)

$8.84

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Kid Classics King Arthur, The Illustrated Just-For-Kids Edition

The traditional tale and legends of King Arthur begin when young Arthur Pendragon pulls the sword out from a great rock, which has mysteriously been impossible to remove, a feat only possible for the future king of Great Britain. Embark on the adventure with King Arthur and his valiant knights, where this retold book and its fun illustrations show loyalty to their country and king. This is a great one for young readers, with a brief narrative and lively artwork on about every page. 

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King Arthur – Kid Classics: The Illustrated Just-for-Kids Edition

• Is an abridged child-friendly version of the original Arthurian folklore|Has just the right amount of magic and daring deeds|Features beautiful illustrated hardcover with illustrations in each chapter|Is perfect for homeschooling school reading challenges and beginning readers
• Hardcover Book
• Malory, Sir Thomas (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 112 Pages – 03/05/2024 (Publication Date) – Applesauce Press (Publisher)

$15.97

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Of Swords and Sorcerers: the adventure of King Arthur and his Knights by Margaret Hodges and Margery Evernden

One of our kids’s favorite books is Hodge’s book St. George and the Dragon. In Of Swords and Sorcerers, the legend of King Arthur and his knights are vividly displayed as their tales of chivalry fly off the pages of Margaret Hodges’ Aurthurian retelling. Younger children will especially love this shorter version of King Arthur’s classic.

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Of Swords and Sorcerers

• Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping. Shipped from Amazon
• Hardcover Book
• Evernden (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 96 Pages – 04/30/1993 (Publication Date) – Atheneum (Publisher)

$8.18

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King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green

Our personal favorite! The enchanting tales of King Arthur are written in an extraordinary, engaging way that is great for middle school and high school age kids. It has been read and loved by many of my kids! It is a great selection for medieval literature, presenting a great description of all of King Arthur’s adventures. Beginning when he finds the sword excalibur, and the lady of the lake, to the quest of the Holy Grail, all while gaining the brave knights Sir Gawain, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Galahad, and the entire assembly of the knights of the round table. 

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Green, Roger Lancelyn (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 420 Pages – 08/07/2008 (Publication Date) – Puffin (Publisher)

$8.99

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The Sword and the Circle Series by Rosemary Sutcliff

This is probably the most descriptive of British history and King Arthur’s reign. It is great for a wide range of ages because of its bright and intricate sketches that describe the story on every page. The stories unfold as Merlin guides Arthur, the king of Britain, through all of the many threats to him and his kingdom, including Arthur’s sister Morgana Le Fay who is an evil sorceress. We have read only the first book in this trilogy, but following The Sword and the Circle are The Light Beyond the Forest, and The Road to Camlann.

The King Arthur Trilogy: “Sword and the Circle”, “Light Beyond the Forest”, “Road to Camlann” by Rosemary Sutcliff (7-Oct-1999) Paperback

• Red Fox (7 Oct. 1999) (Publisher)

$28.46

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The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle

In this classic book, Pyle uses some liberties in his tales which are not seen in earlier versions of Arthurian legends by others like Sidney Lanier and Sir Thomas Malory.  The tale of King Arthur and his reign is split up in this book into several sections, each one giving a very detailed account of all of the adventures in the realm of Logres, following Arthur’s knights and Merlin’s magic as they and their king fight for justice and chivalrously strive to protect peace.

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The Story of King Arthur and His Knights (Barnes & Noble Children’s Leatherbound Classics) (Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Children’s Classics)

• Bonded Leather Decorative Edition
• Hardcover Book
• Howard Pyle (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 06/11/2025 (Publication Date) – Sterling (Publisher)

$10.81

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Once and Future King by T. H. White

Best for an older reader, Once and Future King is more loosely based around the tales of King Arthur, describing the growth of Arthur in both strength and wisdom, and the turmoil between Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot, one of the great knights of the Round Table. 

Resources that have the King Arthur Story In Them

Our Island Story by H. E. Marshall

Our Island Story is a book I have read many times to my kids. They love it when I read the stories from this book, especially the ones about Arthur!

Arthur’s story begins in Chapter 8 with Vortigern and a young boy named Constans. It also tells about Uther Pendragon, Arthur’s father. Chapter 12 tells of Arthur’s beginning, magnificently pulling the famous sword from the rock, and eventually becoming king. Chapter 13 concludes the section about King Arthur. It tells of the building of Arthur’s kingdom, and the founding of the Round Table and the honorable knights that sat before it. 

An Island Story (Illustrated)

• Marshall, H. E. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 468 Pages – 08/19/2017 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

$13.75

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Idylls of the King by Alfred Lord Tennyson (poem)

Our kids enjoy reciting Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poems Crossing the Bar nd Charge of the Light Brigade. We often recite these aloud in morning time. In this Tennyson poem, the story of King Arthur is written with a flow of heroism and sorrow that is unveiled in the entirety of King Arthur’s reign. This is a long poem, so I would recommend it for an older child or possibly a child who is already familiar with Arthur’s stories and would benefit from more details. 

Read or listen to the full poem on Project Gutenburg

These are some of the best books about Arthur that our kids have loved over the years. Do you have a favorite that you would add to this list? 

You may enjoy reading these similar book lists!

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Must-Read Children’s Books About Courage

Are you looking for excellent book recommendations for your teenage son? Finding quality books that will challenge his mind without undermining his faith and values is difficult. These outstanding books will capture your son’s interest, strengthen his character, and inspire him to live above the status quo. 

When my kids were all young, I pre-read books before I gave them to my kids to read. I wanted to refine their taste so that they would be more inclined to choose quality books rather than twaddle. As our kids grew into the teen years, however, this became more difficult to do. 

I relied more on suggestions from friends to help me find the right book recommendations. Now that our sons are 20 and 17, I want to share some of the exceptional books that helped shape their character. 

My sons (and some of their friends) helped me compile this list. I looked specifically for books with themes like, courage, loyalty, self-sacrifice, perseverance l, friendship, and industry. 

While I cannot vouch for every minute detail in these books, they generally have little or no foul language, crude jokes, or gory scenes.

Books have the incredible power to shape our thoughts, so it’s important to choose the very best books for our young men!

Books for Teenage Boys 

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Here is a great read that your teen boys will love! The story follows Billy Colman and his family in the Ozark Mountains. He longs for a pair of hunting dogs and has worked for years for the money to buy them. Billy becomes best friends with these dogs as they bound into the woods hunting night after night. These deeply moving, humorous, and adventurous stories of his unique friendship with his dogs are truly unforgettable.

Sale

Where the Red Fern Grows

• We search for any book you like In Chinese, Russian and Spanish Service for Businesses, Individuals, Governments, Universities Any medium you choose, that is available Read, Learn, Research and Enjoy
• Wilson Rawls (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 304 Pages – 09/01/1996 (Publication Date) – Yearling (Publisher)

$6.83

Buy on Amazon

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

12-year-old Matt is left alone in the forest and befriends an Indian boy named Attean. They survive together and learn the value of respect and the danger of the wilderness.

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The Sign of the Beaver: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

• Speare, Elizabeth George (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 144 Pages – 08/02/2011 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.99

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The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

The first in a series of fantasy novels, Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit in the land of Bag End of Hobbiton, is pulled from his quaint life by a mysterious wizard named Gandalf and his dwarven fellows. They go on an epic journey to kill an evil dragon hiding a hoard of treasure named Smaug. Worth reading time and time again!

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The Hobbit

• Author: J. R. R. Tolkien.
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Pages: 300
• Publication Date: 2012-09-18
• Edition: 1

$10.69

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The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien

This fantasy series follows The Hobbit, as Bilbo’s nephew, Frodo Baggins is given a ring by his uncle Bilbo before Bilbo goes far away. His friend, Gandalf, warns him of the dangers the ring holds, and Frodo becomes the bearer of the ring as he and his three friends embark on a journey to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom before it’s too late.

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The Lord of the Rings 3-Book Paperback Box Set

• Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 1536 Pages – 11/03/2020 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$25.78

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Cloak of the Light from Wars of the Realms Series by Chuck Black

This Christian fantasy novel (and the following sequels) is a good book for high school boys. It follows Drew, a young man who falls into the spiritual world where a battle is taking place between light and darkness. After a situation where he comes close to facing death, he can look into the unseen world, where angels and demons fight for control.

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Cloak of the Light: Wars of the Realm, Book 1

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Black, Chuck (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 320 Pages – 03/18/2014 (Publication Date) – Multnomah (Publisher)

$11.67

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Little Britches by Ralph Moody

This great American novel and coming of age story tells of Ralph Moody growing from a little boy to a real cowboy. He and his family face hardships for the first couple of years on their ranch as many windstorms destroy  their property and tragedy strikes between his father and other ranchers when fights over crop irrigation break out.

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Father and I Were Ranchers: Little Britches # 1

• Audible Audiobook
• Ralph Moody (Author) – Cameron Beierle (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 10/27/2008 (Publication Date) – Books in Motion (Publisher)

$17.50

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Iron Scouts of the Confederacy by Henry M. Whittmore

My oldest son’s favorite book! This historical fiction story is of a boy who seems not to follow his older brother and be able to achieve the standards necessary for fighting in the Civil War. Finally, though, recognized by his skill, he can join them and go through the adventures and devastation that war holds.

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Iron Scouts of the Confederacy

• Lee McGiffin (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 176 Pages – 06/11/2025 (Publication Date) – Christian Liberty Press (Publisher)

$7.17

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Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

In this classic novel, the mischievous, skillful arrow shooter, Robin Hood becomes an outlaw in Sherwood Forest. He and the other main characters go through many hilarious adventures. They begin robbing the rich to give to the poor, while the sheriff of Nottingham is always at his tail trying to catch him. (We listened to the audio version from our local library and our kids loved it!)

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The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (Dover Children’s Classics)

• Pyle, Howard (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 320 Pages – 06/01/1968 (Publication Date) – Dover Publications (Publisher)

$15.76

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Men of Iron by Howard Pyle

Myles Grimstone is training for knighthood in the castle of the Earl of Mackworth. He is so skilled that even his accidental incidents that could cause him to be sent away from his training are deterred so that he can further train. This coming-of-age novel twists and turns as Myles works to redeem his father’s honor, even if he has to face the king himself.

Men Of Iron: With original illustrations

• Pyle, Howard (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 209 Pages – 09/30/2021 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

$5.69

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The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

In the first book of Jennifer A. Nielsen’s collection of fantasy books, Jaron, a resourceful and clever boy finds himself in a dangerous power struggle. He is thrown into a competition to impersonate a missing prince so that he may become one, stating to the council of regents a story explaining his absence. The book is filled with twists and suspense as Jaron navigates this high-stakes situation, using his wit and determination to survive and protect his kingdom.

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The False Prince (The Ascendance Series, Book 1)

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Nielsen, Jennifer A. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages – 02/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$8.16

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Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

The Boston Revolution is only beginning, and 14-Johnny Tremain lives as an apprentice to Mr. Lapham as a silversmith. In an accident, Johnny permanently damages his hand and is prevented from further training under his former apprentice. He enters the real world, finds new friends, and plays a role in the great Boston Tea Party.

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Johnny Tremain: A Newbery Award Winner

• Forbes, Esther Hoskins (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 320 Pages – 05/02/2011 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.11

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Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

This is one of our family’s favorite books! It is a classic tale of how Robinson Crusoe is shipwrecked, and strives to survive on the island, fighting against the casualties of the wilderness, and savage cannibals, learning to creatively build necessities needed for his survival.

ROBINSON CRUSOE: UNABRIDGED

• DEFOE, DANIEL (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 371 Pages – 03/18/2021 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

$19.49

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The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart is a clever novel about a boy named Reuben, who finds an invisible watch that holds danger and secrets that are being pursued by a villain.

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The Secret Keepers

• Stewart, Trenton Lee (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 512 Pages – 09/05/2017 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$7.03

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My Side of the Mountain Trilogy by Jean Craighead George

Sam Gribley runs away from his home in New York into the Catskill Mountains, where he builds a life of survival and solitude, discovering the most creative ways to live in the mountains.

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My Side of the Mountain Trilogy (My Side of the Mountain / On the Far Side of the Mountain / Frightful’s Mountain)

• Hardcover Book
• Jean Craighead George (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 628 Pages – 10/23/2000 (Publication Date) – Dutton Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$15.09

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The Giver by Lois Lowry

This is a great quick-read novel, with a following book series. The Giver is set in a strange land — a dystopian society, where a boy named Jonas is separated from the rest, and given a job that is not easy. This job opens up questions, and as he starts to ask the Elders questions, he is increasingly faced as an enemy.

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The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner (Giver Quartet, 1)

• paperback
• Lowry, Lois (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 240 Pages – 07/01/1993 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.00

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Carry on, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham

In this classic American novel, Nathaniel Bowditchitch, an 18th-century American mathematician and navigator, who overcame personal and societal obstacles in order to make way for significant change in maritime navigation.

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Carry On, Mr. Bowditch: A Newbery Award Winner

• Latham, Jean Lee (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages – 05/19/2003 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$8.79

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Rush Revere Series by Rush Limbaugh

These audiobooks are perfect for young boys or reluctant readers! This series by Rush Limbaugh is about a history teacher named Rush Revere who takes students on time travel adventures with his horse Liberty back to any time and place in United States history. 

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Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans

• Audible Audiobook
• Rush Limbaugh (Author) – Rush Limbaugh (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 10/29/2013 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher)

$11.80

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Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge

This wonderful novel is set in the 19th century, focusing on a Dutch boy named Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel, and it centers on their struggles with poverty and their dreams of winning a skating race. The story is about family, perseverance, and personal growth, set in the peaceful, pre-modern Netherlands. 

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Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates

• Dodge, Mary Mapes (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 175 Pages – 02/27/2018 (Publication Date) – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)

$8.27

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Holes by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats is accused of having stolen a famous athlete’s possessions, and although he is innocent, he is sent to a camp called Camp Green Lake. There he and other boys are forced into heat-exhausting labor, and he and the reader discover a trailing backstory and find out why they have to spend all their time in the camp digging holes.

Holes by Sachar, Louis (2001) Mass Market Paperback

• Louis Sachar (Author)
• Laurel Leaf (Publisher)

$9.75

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Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

This is an interesting story with many different perspectives on a murder, and how they try to discover the murderer. Many surprises and twists turn the tables, as the supposed murder seems to turn into a different story.

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The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)

• Raskin, Ellen (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 192 Pages – 04/12/2004 (Publication Date) – Penguin Young Readers Group (Publisher)

$7.61

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Ivanhoe by Walter Scott

Ivanhoe is a story of a Saxon knight who serves the Norman king, King Richard the Lionhearted. He fights to overthrow and stop King Richard’s brother, Prince John, and his knights. (My boys read these from the Children’s Illustrated abridged versions.)

Ivanhoe (Great Illustrated Classics)

• Sir Walter Scott (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 240 Pages – 01/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Waldman Publishing Corp. (Publisher)

$7.95

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Shiloh – Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Marty Preston comes across a young beagle who immediately becomes his best friend. He finds out though that the dog, which Marty names Shiloh, belongs to a drunk man who has a gun, and abuses his dog. (Mild language.)

Shiloh (Shiloh Series Book 1)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 141 Pages – 06/26/2012 (Publication Date) – Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$8.99

Buy on Amazon

Call of the Wild -by Jack London

This is a short adventure story about a dog named Buck who goes from being a spoiled pet to a dog surviving in the harsh weather conditions of the north.

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The Call of the Wild (Reader’s Library Classics)

• London, Jack (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 106 Pages – 02/18/2021 (Publication Date) – Reader’s Library Classics (Publisher)

$6.25

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Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

The tale of “Treasure Island” follows Jim Hawkins, a twelve-year-old boy who discovers a treasure map once owned by the pirate, Captain Flint. Traveling to a distant island, Jim and his friends meet ex-crew members of Captain Flint who were also after the treasure and end up seizing Jim as a hostage.

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Treasure Island

• Stevenson, Robert Louis (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 240 Pages – 05/03/2016 (Publication Date) – Signet (Publisher)

$3.25

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This Present Darkness (and the sequel Piercing the Darkness) by Frank Peretti

In the small town of Ashton, Hanke Bushche, Marshall Hogan, and a few other men and women are caught in the struggles of a war between angels and demons. 

This Present Darkness: A Novel

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Peretti, Frank (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 388 Pages – 02/14/2012 (Publication Date) – Howard Books (Publisher)

$7.99

Buy on Amazon

Guns of Thunder by Douglas Bond 

The M’Kethe clan is in pre-Revolutionary War Connecticut, facing religious and political turmoil. Up against major challenges, Ian M’Kethe is compelled to choose as tensions rise between the colonists and the French and their Indian allies. Ian takes a chance by developing an improbable friendship with Watookoog, an Indian, and in return, he regains something he thought was lost forever.

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Guns of Thunder: Faith & Freedom, Book 1 (Faith and Freedom)

• Bond, Douglas (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 272 Pages – 01/30/2007 (Publication Date) – P&R Publishing (Publisher)

$13.57

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The Door from Within Series by Wayne Thomas Batson

While Aiden is in a new home in Colorado, he keeps having strange dreams about knights battling in distant worlds. He finds several ancient scrolls, and following his grandfather’s advice, and the scroll’s promptings, he “believes and enters”, falling into a world of struggle between good and evil.

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The Door Within (Door Within Trilogy, 1)

• Batson, Wayne Thomas (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 349 Pages – 05/06/2013 (Publication Date) – Tommy Nelson (Publisher)

$8.24

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The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Daniel Bar Jamin and his friend Rosh are after the hated Romans, pursuing to conquer them. He is torn between helping his demon-possessed sister Leah, whose caretaker is dying, and going with Rosh after the Romans. But when Daniel meets a carpenter named Jesus, all of his motives are completely changed.

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The Bronze Bow: A Newbery Award Winner

• Great product!
• Speare, Elizabeth George (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages – 09/01/1997 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.09

Buy on Amazon

Honorable Mentions

When I compiled this list with our sons and their friends, they gave me too many books to list in one blog post, but I wanted to share some of their other suggestions. These would be great to save for a summer reading list!

Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson

Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff (and The Wanderings of Odysseus) 

The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel Rosenberg

The Errant King by Wayne Thomas Batson

The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Watership Down by Richard Adams

I would suggest the following books for older teens or a young adult age group because they have some questionable themes that some parents may prefer to preread. 

Young Adult Fiction 

Nick of Time  by Ted Bell

Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan

The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne 

If you want your son(s) to read good books, I recommend having these books in hand. We have slowly built our home library over time, but you can also find them at your public library. A few books are also public domain. 

As your young boy enters his teenage years, I hope this list of books will inspire him to live a life of integrity. What books would you add to this list? 

Other Book Lists for Teens and Young Children

Wholesome Book List for Teen Girls

Inspiring Horse Books for Tweens

Creepy Crawly Bug Book List for Kids

Books and Resources to Teach Kids About Honesty

Must-Read Children’s Books About Courage

Are you looking for clean books to give your high school girl to read? Finding quality books that will challenge her mind without corrupting her morals can be tricky in the teenage years. These excellent books will capture your teen’s interest and inspire her to live a life of integrity. 

In compiling this list of the best books for teenage girls, I specifically looked for books that emphasize themes like loyalty, perseverance, truth, friendship, courage, honesty, prudence, and industry. 

While I cannot vouch for every minute detail, these books generally have little or no foul language, crude jokes, or indecent scenes. I like that the characters model wholesome romance that lends to marriage and family rather than passionate love stories. 

Since we become very much like the books we read, choosing good books for teen girls is so important!

Clean Book List for Teen Girls

My teenage girls helped me come up with this book list, so these are mother-and-daughter approved!

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

In this classic children’s novel, young readers are introduced to a little girl named Heidi. Young Heidi is taken care of by Dete until her mistress takes her up the mountainside to live with her uncle, who has not been seen by anyone for ages. Her uncle seems harsh, but Heidi finds that he is only lonely, and her good spirit makes the uncle warm up to her. But soon Dete returns, and immediately withdraws Heidi from her grandfather, taking her to a rich house in town where she is to live. Despite having all the food she could eat, and making a friend named Clara, she is unhappy and misses her lonely old uncle. 

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Heidi (Puffin in Bloom)

• Hardcover Book
• Spyri, Johanna (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 336 Pages – 08/28/2014 (Publication Date) – Puffin Books (Publisher)

$10.89

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Kidnapped By River Rats by Dave and Neta Jackson

A brother and sister are alone in London, searching for their uncle. They have to survive somehow, and Jack takes up a job he knows is not right, but it pays him enough to buy bread for himself and his sister. But upon returning one day, he finds that she has been kidnapped. A good book for young readers!

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Kidnapped by River rats: Introducing William and Catherine Booth (Trailblazer Books)

• Jackson, Dave (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 112 Pages – 06/18/2016 (Publication Date) – Castle Rock Creative, Incorporated (Publisher)

$8.24

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Little House on the Prairie Book Series by Laura Ingles Wilder

These stories are my favorite books of all time! They are an easy read for young children as well. Based on Laura Ingles Wilder’s account of growing up across the prairie, the big woods, and Plum Creek, they narrate the memories her family created as they lived a happy life off of their hard-working endeavors.

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The Little House

• A good set of books for a reader. Not for collector. Therefore the price is less than the rest, and has the box cover.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 2784 Pages – 05/30/1994 (Publication Date) – Harper Trophy (Publisher)

$40.79

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Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter

(My girls like the Great Illustrated Classics abridged version.) A girl named Pollyanna, who has a vivid imagination is adopted by her rich aunt and traverses through many adventures including meeting a strange and melancholy man who Pollyanna soon befriends, along with her rich aunt.

Pollyanna (Great Illustrated Classics)

• H. Porter, Eleanor (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 240 Pages – 01/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Waldman Publishing Corp. (Publisher)

$7.95

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Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare

This historical fiction novel is about a young lady named Miriam Willard, who was captured by Indians in the 1750s and sold to a rich French lady. Her mistress has Miriam fulfill her love of sewing by making beautiful dresses for her lady. She is torn between her true love and a new man of wealth and prosperity, who could hold a wonderful future for her.

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Calico Captive

• Speare, Elizabeth George (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 288 Pages – 10/29/2001 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.99

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The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

This is an incredible story of a young woman whose big life suddenly caves in when her father dies and she is moved from the Philippines to Connecticut. She is different from the well-formed Puritans, and when she befriends a supposed “witch”, trouble begins for her from the community she has been trying to fit into.

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The Witch of Blackbird Pond: A Newbery Award Winner

• Speare, Elizabeth George (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 272 Pages – 01/10/2011 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.99

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True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

A  proper young girl named Charlotte, just out of the rigor of finishing school, boards a ship for home alone and finds that the captain of the vessel she is boarding is well-known and well-feared. As the voyage goes on, mysterious things happen among the sailors, including a stowaway starting a mutiny against the captain, avenging himself for what the captain brutally did to him in the past. The main character ends up helping the sailors and finds herself involved in their fight to overthrow the evil captain.

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The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (Scholastic Gold)

• Avi (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 240 Pages – 09/01/2012 (Publication Date) – Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$9.29

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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This is one of my daughter’s favorite books! It is a timeless classic story of a family of young women. At first meeting Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet thinks him to be conceited but as time goes on, she finds that he is beginning to grow fond of her. Meanwhile, her kind older sister, Jane is in love with Mr. Darcy’s close friend, Mr. Bingley. However, Mr. Bingley moves away and does not return for a while. Once Elizabeth learns to love Mr. Darcy, her other sister’s affairs prevent anything from beginning them.

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Pride and Prejudice (Penguin Classics)

• Great product!
• Austen, Jane (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 448 Pages – 12/31/2002 (Publication Date) – Penguin Books (Publisher)

$5.29

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A Night Divided by Jenifer A Nielsen

Jennifer A. Nielsen portrays the perfect idea of bravery during wartime, which is especially hard for Gerta Lowe, a victim of those trapped in East Berlin, Germany, as the Berlin Wall is built to keep East Berliners from leaving for the West. Right before the wall goes up, Gerta’s father and brother scout the West to see if it’s fit for their family. They are separated, and Gerta can only think of one way to get her family safely back together again before her brother has to join the Russian Stasi.

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A Night Divided (Scholastic Gold)

• Item #:NTS568244
• ISBN13:9780545682442
• Format:Paperback Book
• Pages:352
• Genre:Historical Fiction

$7.59

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Other amazing books by Jennifer A. Nielsen:

Rescue

Iceberg

The False Prince

Words On Fire

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

A classic novel of an imaginative young girl who is sent from her former orphanage to live with Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew. Her imagination and fiery temper are always surprising the Cuthberts as they watch her grow into a young lady. This is the first book in the Anne of Green Gables book series, but you simply should not miss reading them all!

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Anne of Green Gables

• 8 complete oooks in boxset.
• Montgomery, L. M. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 336 Pages – 05/01/1982 (Publication Date) – Bantam Books (Classics) (Publisher)

$7.43

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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This novel by Charlotte Brontë is an incredible story of a Jane Eyre who strives to go into the world, and becomes a governess to the daughter of a rich man named Mr. Rochester. She stands faithfully by his side, watching as he falls in love with a beautiful lady. But for some unknown reason, the lady leaves him. He soon falls in love with Jane, and as she finds herself in love with him as well, more of Mr. Rochester’s dark past is revealed.

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Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics)

• Charlotte Brontë (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 624 Pages – 08/15/2006 (Publication Date) – Penguin Classics (Publisher)

$7.29

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A Lantern In Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich

This coming-of-age story tells of a young lady’s life, first by choosing the man who might have a lesser life for her, but who truly loves her. Together they move out into the wide prairie, and face many joys as well as hardships. You will laugh and cry with Abbie Mackenzie as she watches her children grow up and find their own lives.

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A Lantern in Her Hand (Puffin Classics)

• Aldrich, Bess Streeter (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages – 04/01/1997 (Publication Date) – Viking Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$7.99

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The Giver by Lois Lowry

(And the sequels in the Giver series: Gathering Blue, Messenger, Son)

One of Lois Lowry’s best and the 1994 Newbery Medal winner, The Giver is set in a dystopian society, where a boy named Jonas is separated from the rest, and given a job that is not easy. This job opens up questions, and as he starts to ask the Elders questions, he is increasingly faced as an enemy.

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The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner (Giver Quartet, 1)

• paperback
• Lowry, Lois (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 240 Pages – 07/01/1993 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.00

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Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Kristiana Gregory

(A Dear America Book)

Hattie Campbell writes in her diary as she follows her family and friends as they embark on a long journey across the prairie to Oregon. In this diary of a young girl, Hattie faces many horrifying and deadly incidents which strengthen her character. 

Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell, 1847 (Dear America Series)

• Gregory, Kristiana (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 168 Pages – 03/01/1997 (Publication Date) – Scholastic Inc. (Publisher)

$14.64

Buy on Amazon

Other Incredible Dear America Books that my girls love:

A Picture of Freedom

The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow

Standing in the Light

The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig

Esther is living her normal life in Lithuania, when suddenly Russian soldiers push her and her family out of their home, and they are shipped on a packed train to Siberia. They are forced to labor out on the Siberian Steppe, and once they are freed, have to face the trial of surviving in such a harsh country.

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The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia

• Hautzig, Esther (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages – 06/12/2018 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

$7.65

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The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

This is an interesting story with many different perspectives on a murder, and how they try to figure out who was the murderer. Many surprises and twists turn the tables, as the supposed murder seems to turn into a different story.

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The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)

• Raskin, Ellen (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 192 Pages – 04/12/2004 (Publication Date) – Penguin Young Readers Group (Publisher)

$7.61

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

The Logan family lived by selling the bountiful cotton that grew on their large property. But the richest man in their town, who originally owned the land but sold it to their family, is continuously trying to steal it back. Cassie Logan and her siblings face many racial injustices of the 1930s and have to save their friend TJ from many qualms he often gets himself into.

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

• Audible Audiobook
• Mildred D. Taylor (Author) – Lynne Thigpen, Jacqueline Woodson (Narrators)
• English (Publication Language)
• 12/26/2004 (Publication Date) – Listening Library (Publisher)

$13.39

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Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

The story begins with the happy love of a newlyweds, and how they move out into the beautiful countryside. But soon tragedy occurs when Marty Dandridge’s husband gets killed in a riding accident. The people in that area try to help her deal with the grief and come up with a solution to where she will live. Clark Davis, a local farmer wants to take her, since his wife died, and left him with a little girl to care for. Marty agrees unwillingly, and takes up the responsibility of caring for the little girl, and soon finds that she loves Clark as well.

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Love Comes Softly

• Oke, Janette (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 237 Pages – 04/01/2003 (Publication Date) – Bethany House Pub (Publisher)

$9.99

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Emily Starr Series by L. M. Montgomery

(Emily of New Moon, Emily’s Climb, and Emily’s Quest)

With a similar plot to Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery forms a beautiful story of an imaginative young girl, whose mother has been long dead, and who is living with her dear father. Soon, though, he dies so suddenly, and she is devastatingly left alone. Her proud relatives, the Murray’s from her mother’s side come, and two of her aunts who live together decide to take the poor child in. After getting used to the limitations that her new home holds, she makes a few wonderful friends who imagine and create alongside her.

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The Emily Starr Series; All Three Novels: Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs and Emily’s Quest

• Montgomery, L. M. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 732 Pages – 08/24/2017 (Publication Date) – Read & Co. Children’s (Publisher)

$24.49

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Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

As Rebecca’s family struggles to stay together financially, Rebecca is sent to her aunt’s house, who teaches her to sew and cook. Her imagination turns her aunt’s place into a livid place that she names Sunnybrook.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

• Wiggin, Kate Douglas (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 280 Pages – 01/09/2019 (Publication Date) – Fingerprint! Publishing (Publisher)

$5.99

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The Secret Garden by Francess Hodgson Burnett

When both her parents are afflicted and killed by the cholera epidemic, the orphaned Mary Lennox is sent to live with her distant uncle, Archibald Craven, who is rarely home. She discovers many wonders, like a boy who is confined to his bedroom because of a disability, and a beautiful garden behind thick walls that she brings back to life.

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The Secret Garden (HarperClassics)

• Burnett, Frances Hodgson (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 384 Pages – 12/21/2010 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

$7.99

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Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott’s famous book Little Women is a story of four loving sisters who go through poverty and loss but continue to live cheerfully despite life’s difficulties. It is about the journey of the March’s maturing daughters, who face marriage, and the adventures of young womanhood that lie on the road ahead. 

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Little Women (Masterpiece Library Edition)

• Hardcover Book
• Louis May Alcott (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 554 Pages – 09/21/2023 (Publication Date) – Peter Pauper Press (Publisher)

$18.41

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Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie Bober

(older teens)

The book of Abigail Adams is a story of a faithful wife and loving mother, who stands by her husband as wars rage in their country. A real life story of politics and death, love and the sadness of watching her children grow older and move away to a new life.

Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution

• Bober, Natalie S. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 272 Pages – 02/01/1998 (Publication Date) – Simon Pulse (Publisher)

$15.04

Buy on Amazon

Hope’s Crossing by Joan Elizabeth Goodman

Hope is taken from her family, a captive of the Tories, and is forced to work for the Thomas family. 

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Hope’s Crossing

• Goodman, Joan Elizabeth (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 224 Pages – 11/01/1999 (Publication Date) – Puffin (Publisher)

$2.66

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Journey to America by Sonia Levitin

The adventure of Jewish sisters as they traverse to the free country of America, where they will no longer be prejudiced for their religion.

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Library Book: Journey to America

• Levitin, Sonia (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 160 Pages – 03/19/2012 (Publication Date) – National Geographic School Pub (Publisher)

$7.99

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Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

When Ella was first born, a fairy named Lucinda blessed her with the gift of obedience. This turns out to be more of a curse, for whenever someone commands Ella to do anything, she has to do it. Soon her beloved mother dies, and her cruel father sends her to finishing school, where she is forced to improve. She runs into a young man several times, who happens to be the prince. Soon the two fall in love, but she cannot marry him because of the burdening curse upon her that won’t allow her to tell anyone of it.

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Ella Enchanted: A Newbery Honor Award Winner (Trophy Newbery)

• Levine, Gail Carson (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 240 Pages – 06/21/2022 (Publication Date) – Quill Tree Books (Publisher)

$6.99

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Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

In this coming of age tale, Winnie Foster is the daughter of a rich widow who is much too protective of her. Her allowance to do anything is very limited until she ventures outside of her boundaries and wanders into the forest. There she meets Jesse Tuck, a charming young man who becomes her best friend. Jesse and his family, however, have a deadly secret they desperately want to keep from Winnie.

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Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit (2007) Paperback

• NatalieBabbitt (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 08/31/2007 (Publication Date) – SquareFish (Publisher)

$12.49

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Tuesdays At the Castle by Jessica Day George

Princess Celie and her siblings begin their adventure when bandits ambush both the Queen and the King. Royal princes and ambassadors come from other countries, trying to get a hold of the throne while it is weak. But Celie and her siblings aren’t going to let them so easily take control of their beloved magic castle.

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Tuesdays at the Castle

• George, Jessica Day (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages – 02/21/2017 (Publication Date) – Bloomsbury USA Childrens (Publisher)

$7.04

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To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

This novel about a family in Alabama describes Jem and Scout’s creative childhood as their father risks everything to defend a falsely accused black man. 

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To Kill a Mockingbird

• BRAND NEW TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD PAPERBACK BOOK
• Lee, Harper (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 336 Pages – 03/01/2002 (Publication Date) – Harper Perennial Modern Classics (Publisher)

$10.00

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Animal Farm by George Orwell

When a farm of mistreated animals begins an uprising against the farmer, they begin their free life on the farm. Soon some of the animals step up into leadership positions, and start a totalitarian way of life for all the animals under them, slowly taking away the other animal’s power and violating their own rules until they have gained complete power over the hardworking animals.

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Animal Farm: 75th Anniversary Edition

• Author: George Orwell.
• Publisher: Signet
• Pages: 140
• Publication Date: 1996
• Edition: 50th Anniversary

$6.49

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The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

This wonderful story tells about the real lives of Corrie TenBoom and her family, who risk everything to hide Jews in their home. They have one of the most amazing ways of hiding the Jews, but soon they are caught, and forced to face the consequences of disobeying the German Nazi authority. Corrie, her sister, and her father are all sent to a concentration camp where they go through the hardships of working there. 

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The Hiding Place

• Special Econo-Clad Hardcover
• Corrie Ten Boom (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 272 Pages – 06/11/2025 (Publication Date) – Chosen Books (Publisher)

$13.18

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Letters From Rifka by Karen Hesse

Rifka writes letters to her beloved cousin Tovah who she and her family left behind in their escape from Russia’s cruel treatment of Jews in World War ii. She bravely faces the privation and poverty they face as they experience the change of a new country.

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Letters from Rifka

• Hesse, Karen (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 176 Pages – 01/06/2009 (Publication Date) – Square Fish (Publisher)

$6.50

Buy on Amazon

As your young girl enters her teen years, I hope these excellent young adult books inspire her imagination with stories of truth, goodness, and beauty! What books would you add to this list?

Every so often on the blog, I love to give you a sneak peek into “our life” collectively as homeschoolers by sharing interviews with everyday homeschool moms just like you!

I am especially excited to share this interview I had with Barbara from @livingfordusk, where she shares homeschooling inspiration and ideas for everyday moms just like you! Join us as we talk about dispelling the fears about homeschooling through high school.

Meet Barbara

Hi! I’m Barbara, a wife and mother to 3 kiddos. My husband and I have been married for 25 years and prior to homeschool, worked together in Interior Design. We are currently in our 5th year of homeschooling our elementary, middle school, and high schoolers.

What drew you to homeschooling?

When my oldest two were younger, I wanted to find fun activities to keep them occupied throughout the day. I searched Pinterest and other sites, but fell into homeschooling when I came across the blog ‘Confessions of a Homeschooler’. I loved her format and had bought her program.

We continued this for about two years, but when I had returned to working with my husband, I enrolled my kids into the sweetest Christian school. Fast forward to 2020, we realized that online school was not the best fit for our kids, and I had felt called towards homeschooling once more. We weren’t sure if it would be long-term at the time, but we found homeschooling to be a great opportunity for our family and are now homeschooling through high school!

What is it like homeschooling multiple grades?

I would say our first year was somewhat rocky, figuring out how to balance a new reader, an upper elementary student and a middle schooler was quite the challenge.

Fortunately, we found that keeping content-based subjects as group subjects (such as Bible, science, history, etc), and 1:1 learning when it came to skill-based subjects (starting from youngest to oldest) helped us stay organized.

What was the transition from middle to high school like?

The age old question –  “But you’re sending them back for high school, right?”

I feel as though the transition smoothed out once I had realized that homeschooling high schoolers is very similar to homeschooling younger grades (just with a little more record keeping).

Now, that’s not to say the transition didn’t come with a few lumps and bumps at first. I had originally thrown out everything I knew about homeschool once high school came into the picture, and I had found that we fell into the trap of “schooling at home” rather than “homeschooling”.

What does that mean exactly?

Well, we followed all the typical steps (checking our state graduation guidelines and looking into the “HSLDA” website), and once we had gained this information, our approach towards the first few months of freshman year became very systematic. Dotting I’s and Crossing T’s. I was so focused on transcripts and course descriptions that I had completely forgotten about all of the joy I could infuse into their high school days.

Thankfully, we realigned quickly and focused on what she thrives in and what career paths she may pursue. After that, we looked into college sites to find out what their requirements are for homeschool families looking to enroll. This was gold for us.

We changed everything we were doing and had gone back to our original format of keeping group subjects together and having 1:1 time with me for our core subjects. High school has been a wonderful opportunity for our teen to start finding more independence and her genuine passion for learning.

How to dispel the fear of homeschooling through high school?

The first thing that had helped us was realizing that I don’t have to teach everything for high school (Algebra, anyone?). Instead, we tailored our high schoolers course load towards her learning style and goal preferences, and had signed her up for multiple online classes. Therefore, she isn’t solely depending on me for her lessons and isn’t working completely independently.

We also have morning meetings to review assignments from the day before, alongside assessing that day’s goals. My high schooler has taken the reins on how her days are structured and in what order she completes her lessons. This life skill of time management is greatly benefiting her in all areas of life.

What resources are you using for high school?

I had found a free transcript online and used it to make a loose four-year plan. We are likely going to enroll into dual credit courses for 11th grade, so we are accounting for this. I was also able to find helpful blogs on how to write course descriptions, and in some cases, other moms have already done the work for specific curriculum and offer their course descriptions on their sites.

There are many resources if you want to have someone else take the helm for providing a graduation diploma. BJU Press’ “The Academy of Home Education” is a great way to start. We have decided to provide our daughter with her high school diploma from our homeschool. With some research and some record keeping, homeschooling through high school isn’t as scary as many may believe it is.

Barbara’s Favorite Resources

Free High School Transcript – https://www.flandersfamily.info/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/High-School-Transcript-Editable.pdf

High School Course Description examples – https://www.notthathardtohomeschool.com/course-descriptions-homeschool/

BJU Press “The Academy of Home Education” – https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/the-academy-of-home-education

MasterBooks Academy High School Art I – https://www.masterbooksacademy.com/course/artforhighschool

Glory to Glory Fitness F.O.R.M. – https://www.formcurriculum.com/a/2147527565/FWFMtse3

High School Spanish Flip Flop Spanish – https://www.flipflopspanish.com/collections/high-school-adult/products/senora-goses-spanish-geniuses

I didn’t mention this one, but this is her English class and it is amazing from Redefining School (they are reading through a lot of C.S. Lewis’ work) and they attend live classes once a week, for the kids to talk with Mrs. Mindy the teacher. – https://redefiningschool.com/high-school-offerings

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Has Barbara’s story encouraged you? Leave a comment to let her know!

As the weather turns colder this fall season, these fun literature-based November journal writing ideas will give your kids some creative ways to sharpen their writing skills. These picture books, famous poems, and historical documents, all centered around the month of November, can be a great way to add some pizzazz to your daily writing practice.

You may also enjoy reading these similar posts that are perfect to use in November.

7 Favorite Thanksgiving Homeschool Read-Aloud Books

The True Thanksgiving Story Book List for Kids

Traditional Thanksgiving  Poems and Songs for Kids

Fall Themed Copywork (Free Printable)

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small profit at no extra cost to you. 

These creative writing prompts are intended to give you some fun writing ideas to use with your kids in November. This collection of November journal prompts are arranged by different literature styles: picture books, poems, short stories, and historical documents. Sometimes kids can experience writer’s block when they look at a blank page, but these creative prompts, along with regular journaling practice, will inspire them with thought-provoking ideas. 

Kids may want to designate a notebook specifically for this November study. Have them design a colorful journal cover so they can enjoy this keepsake for years to come, pulling it out to read and review in future November months.

Picture Books

Sleep Tight  Farm by Eugene Doyle

Read the book Sleep Tight Farm to your kids. In this book, the family slowly puts the farm to bed for winter, the season of rest. Ask your kids to think about what your family does to prepare for winter. Do you have a garden or animals? What preparation do you do around your home to get ready for the colder dormant season? Maybe you don’t have a garden or homestead, so this may look a little different. Do you close your pool? Switch out your summer clothes? Do some fall cleaning? Shop for winter clothes or supplies?

Sale

Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter

• Hardcover Book
• Doyle, Eugenie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 36 Pages – 08/02/2016 (Publication Date) – Chronicle Books (Publisher)

$9.96

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Have your kids rewrite the book telling what you do in your family to prepare for the winter season. What does this look like in your everyday life in these fall months?

What’s the Big Deal About Elections by Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner

The Tuesday after the first Monday in November has been designated as Election Day. This picture book helps kids understand the election process, its history, and how to get involved. It answers questions like these. What are elections? Who gets to vote? Why do we vote? How do we elect our leaders? How do we vote? Read this book with your kids or have them read it themselves. Discuss the questions at the end of the book, “What do you think our government should spend its time on? What do you think our leaders should pay attention to?” 

What’s the Big Deal About Elections

• Shamir, Ruby (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 64 Pages – 08/25/2020 (Publication Date) – Philomel Books (Publisher)

$5.99

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Write a how-to-style narrative explaining the voting process to a new voter. Explain how they can register, where to find information on candidates, and different ways to get involved.

The Wall by Eve Bunting 

On November 11th we remember our veterans. The Wall by Eve Bunting is a wonderful picture book to read on this special day of the month. This story will help kids remember and honor those who paid the ultimate price. The Wall is the story of a father and son who visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find the boy’s grandfather’s name. Read this book aloud to your students on Veterans Day. Discuss the book by asking the following questions. What is a veteran? Can they name veterans they know? How can we support our veterans?

Sale

The Wall (Reading Rainbow Books)

• Bunting, Eve (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 08/24/1992 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$7.67

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Write a letter to a veteran thanking him or her for their service to our country. This is a wonderful way to show them your appreciation for preserving our freedom.

Sarah Gives Thanks by Mike Allegra

In this inspiring true story, Sarah Josepha Hale, a widowed mother of five, we learn about a young woman who, despite many unfortunate circumstances, becomes a writer and editor in a popular woman’s magazine. During her lifetime thanksgiving was celebrated mostly in the New England colonies, but Sarah wanted to see that change. She petitioned several presidents, asking them to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, but to no avail. After many failed attempts, President Abraham Lincoln finally gave Sarah’s idea some consideration and declared Thanksgiving to be a national holiday in 1863.

This is a good book to read with your children because it gives some unknown insight into the history of Thanksgiving through the decades. Additionally, it inspires young writers to persevere and make their stories known. 

Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

• Hardcover Book
• Allegra, Mike (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 09/01/2012 (Publication Date) – Albert Whitman & Company (Publisher)

$30.06

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Have your kids write a letter to President Abraham Lincoln persuading him to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

In November by Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant gives a beautiful description of the changes we see in November in this book. What do the animals do? How does the landscape change? What new things do you see as the seasons change? In what ways is the food different? This book is meant to be read aloud to children. 

Sale

In November

• Rylant, Cynthia (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 26 Pages – 09/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

$6.99

Buy on Amazon

Writing Prompt: Have your kids make a list of all the changes they observe in November. What is your favorite thing to do this time of year? Using their five senses, create a word bank telling what they observe in their surroundings: acorns, leaves, pumpkins, wind, snow, coats, etc. Use this list as an outline to write a similar narrative describing November. Encourage them to use illustrations!

Poems

The New England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Day by Lydia Maria Child

What is Thanksgiving without this famous poem? Read the original poem with all twelve verses or listen to the song. Ask them to describe the poem. What do they see, hear, smell, taste? 

Writing Prompt: Starting with the same line, “Over the river and through the wood,” write a similar poem differently, using your own words. Try to use the same rhythm and meter. 

November Night by Adelaide Crapsey

In this short poem, Crapsey compares the falling leaves to the end of life.  This poem is a great way to introduce your kids to the Cinquain style of poetry. Review the rules for writing a cinquain. They are five lines long. Cinquains have two syllables in the first line, 4 in the second, 6 in the third, 8 in the fourth, and two in the last. A cinquain does not need to rhyme. 

Writing Prompt: Write a cinquain with “November” in the title. 

Psalm 100

Read the Psalm together. Make a “thankful list” together, remembering God’s many blessings from the past year.  

Writing Prompt: Write your own prayer to God expressing your gratitude for his provision. 

Short Stories

An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott

Thanksgiving may quickly become your favorite holiday after you read this endearing short story with your children. Louisa May Alcott beautifully tells how a 19th-century New England family prepares for Thanksgiving dinner.  

This story begins by introducing the Bassetts and their eight children as they prepare the farm and food for Thanksgiving Day. All the food preparation is coming along nicely when suddenly mother and father must leave to take care of Mrs. Bassett’s ailing mother. The children must manage the house and cook themselves for the upcoming feast. The day is full of old family stories, cooking blunders, and unexpected events, but Mr. and Mrs. Bassett return earlier than expected and the mother is pleased to see a beautiful meal all put together by her children.

An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

• Hardcover Book
• Alcott, Louisa May (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 24 Pages – 04/03/2018 (Publication Date) – SMK Books (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts: Describe the scene in your home if the same circumstances happened to you! Your mother and father are called away and the kids will need to make the Thanksgiving meal. What’s on the menu? Who does the cooking? Will your favorite Thanksgiving dish be on the table? How does it turn out? 

Historical Literature

These suggestions are great for high school or middle school students because of the rich language. It will also help them become familiar with historical texts. 

The Gettysburg Address 

Read this short historical speech to your children. Have them take a turn reading it aloud. The vocabulary in the text is a little challenging, but it will take very little time since it is only a few sentences. What important events were happening in the United States during this time?

Writing Prompt: Rewrite the president’s speech in your own words. (Think narration here, have kids retell the speech in their own words, as they understand it.)

President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1864

After reading this short speech, ask your kids when this speech was given. Was it before or after the Gettysburg Address? Before or after the Civil War? Why would these special events call for a national day of Thanksgiving? 

Writing Prompt: Imagine you are the president. Write your own Thanksgiving Proclamation. Make sure to include why we should have a national day of Thanksgiving.  

Mayflower Compact

What happened on Cape Cod on the 11th of November? What was the purpose of this voyage to the new world? 

Writing Prompt: For some daily practice, write a few journal entries of the pilgrims and their experience in the new world. How do they spend their time? Describe what they see. What is the first priority in building a new colony? What problems do they encounter? Describe their daily life.

The Pilgrim-Wampanoag Peace Treaty from Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford

Read this excerpt from Of Plymouth Plantation written by a great historical figure, William Bradford. What signs did both sides give to show their friendliness in making this treaty? What were the terms of the agreement? 

Writing Prompt: Write your own peace treaty between the native Americans and pilgrims. Include your terms of agreement.

I hope this list of November writing prompts has given you some inspiration for your writing lessons during the special days in this holiday season. You can use these as daily writing prompts or insert them into your regular lesson plans to switch things up a bit. 

This post is for those of you who have a child in middle school. High school is looming on the horizon and you want to look ahead to to know how to prepare for homeschooling high school. When our oldest child was in 6th grade, our co-op had a few moms of homeschool graduates come share with us how to homeschool high school. The information they shared was so valuable to me. I saved all their notes and still refer to them as needed.

In this post I will share many of the tips I learned from those moms as well as some things I have learned about homeschooling our own kids through high school. In our family, we have ten children. Seven are school age. We had two in high school this year, one of them is our first graduate.

Video: How to Prepare for Homeschooling High School

In this video I share a little more personally about what homeschooling high school looks like in our home as well as some of the mistakes I have made and what I will be doing differently with our other kids in the future.

#1 Become familiar with the law in your state

The first place to start is to become familiar with the law in your state, specifically regarding homeschooling high school. HSLDA has a wealth of information on this topic. You can find the details on this listed by state.

Here are questions you want to ask.

• Does my state require certain subjects be taught? (HSLDA answers this here.)
• What makes up a credit?
• What courses are required for graduation? (For example, 4 English, 3 Math, 3 Social Studies, 3 Science, etc.)
• How does my state handle diplomas?

One of the best things I think you can do is to find a homeschool parent who lives in your area who has graduated children. Ask specific questions about how to handle diplomas, credits, transcripts, etc.

• Here are some questions to ask.
• What curriculums did you use?
• What co-ops are available in this area?
• What did you outsource?

#2 Choosing Areas of Study

Think outside the box. Other than the specific subjects that may be required in your state, discuss with your spouse what is important to both of you for your child to learn or do in high school. Some examples might be these.

• Money management
• Christian Worldview
• Trades
• Theology
• Business Skills
• Service/ Missions Trip
• Home Economics

Ask your child what they want to learn! This is a time for them to start taking initiative with the decisions for which classes they take. Challenge them to experiment with different trades or opportunities to find things that they enjoy. Look at what they spend their time doing and see if you can turn it into a credit.

Make a Rough Transcript

After learning what courses are required for graduation in your state, make a general transcript to map out which classes your child will take and when. Pencil in your ideas. Take required courses on the front end so that they have room in the later years for areas of special interest or dual enrollment. You can find a sample blank transcript to print out here.

#3 One Portfolio for High School

One of the mistakes I made with my oldest son in high school was that I did not keep records as well as I should have. I kept beautiful (although simple) portfolios for each year of my kids in the elementary years. Cute little projects and art work are more fun to compile and show to grandparents than pages of Algebra I homework. It seems obvious that you should be even more vigilant in high school to keep samples of their work, but it wasn’t for me.

Rather than making a portfolio for each year of high school, it is more practical to make one portfolio for all of high school. Think of high school as one big project. The goal is to get those 15 credits (or more!) but it doesn’t need to happen necessarily within defined grade levels. For some credits, you may begin them in one year and finish them in the next.

What I suggest and what I will be doing for the rest of our kids is to keep one portfolio for high school. This is what I will keep in a high school portfolio.

• Transcript
• A cover page which shows each subject on the transcript and a short description of the class (curriculum, asignments, etc.)
• A few samples of work (preferably from beginning, middle, and and of study) for EACH item on the transcript.

*Sample Cover Page*

*Sample Transcript*

#4 Change Your Thinking

As our kids transition from elementary years to upper grades, so many changes are happening in their bodies as well as in their relationships to their peers and to us as parents. As your child approaches adolescence, change your thinking about homeschooling. Focus a little less on the academics and more on your relationship. Develop the kind of friendship with them that can extend into adulthood. This does not mean that you pamper them or excuse wrong behavior. There is a time and place for constructive criticism and hard conversations, but choose those moments wisely. What it does mean is that you consistently have your relationship with them at the forefront of your focus during this new stage of life.

Personal Experience

Speaking personally, when our kids were in the elementary years, I focused a lot of my energy on the academic part of homeschooling: talking about curriculum, worrying if they were behind in math, making sure I was reading to them enough. I don’t mean to say that these things aren’t important, but as my oldest son started growing into adulthood, I realized that those things weren’t as important as I thought they were.

I started seeing the clock ticking on his remaining time at home. Very quickly, I became aware that my time with him was dwindling. Rather than worrying about him “keeping up”, I became so much more concerned that he develop a lifelong love of learning and that we have a close relationship.

These high school years are the time for doing all the things you’ve dreamed about doing with your kids. It’s a time for late night movies together with your favorite snacks. It’s a time for inviting friends over for game nights. This is a season for making home a welcoming place, a haven that they want to come home to, with lots of food and easy conversations.

Leave a Comment!

If you have homeschooled a child through high school, leave a comment! Share your experiences and some suggestions of how others can prepare for these exciting final years with their kids.