You may wonder what is a living book anyway?
Charlotte Mason is well known for promoting what she calls “living books.” These are books that feed the mind. Just like finding quality food to feed the body, we must feed the mind with great books and literature.
What is a living Book?
- By a single author who loves the subject about which he/she writes (not a textbook)
- It speaks to the whole person (not just bare facts)
- It touches the heart of the reader (not just their head)
- Feeds a hungry mind and leaves them wanting more or asking good questions.
- Breathes life into the reader and addresses them as an intellectual and capable thinker.
- Presents ideas in a creative and stimulating way and engages the imagination.
Often times we can look to the Classics for Living Books because they have stood the test of time. That’s not to say that new books can’t fall into this category as well, but they can be hard to find sometimes amongst the weeds of twaddle and pop fiction.
Basically, a living book is the exact opposite of a textbook. Textbooks are dry, fact-driven, by several authors, and do nothing to inspire the reader.
What books should I avoid in my homeschool?
If you want living quality books in homeschooling, it’s easier sometimes to identify which books to avoid.
Level Readers– choosing books based on your child’s reading level is limiting and often treats them as less capable than they really are. These basal readers do not engage the imagination or use quality vocabulary to inspire or ignite the child’s mind. Like low-hanging fruit, level readers are easy to grab and find, they are like candy for the mind and do nothing to encourage growth in your young reader. Skip the lexicon score, it’s not helpful or necessary.
Abridged Classics– reading the original text is always preferable to the abridged version of a classic. When reading aloud, kids are able to understand higher levels of literature than what they can read on their own. Don’t be afraid to read the original classics for fear they might not understand. Asking questions and discussing the books together can also help with understanding and engagement. If the content is more mature, than it is best to wait until they are older instead of reading a watered-down version.
Commerical Books– cartoon characters, books based on movie characters, celebrities etc. don’t need much explanation that they are mind candy. Even books touted as “educational” or “Christian” can be suspect or fall into the “twaddle” category. Just be aware and know it’s not going to ruin your child if they read such books from time to time but treat them like the candy that they are a limit such content as much as possible.
Formula Fiction and Genre Fiction– literature in which the storylines and plots have been reused to the extent that the narratives are predictable. A lot of popular fiction is cookie cutter and not original in plot or characters leaving little to the imagination or stretching of the mind. High fantasy, Westerns, Science Fiction can often fall into such a category.
How do I Find Living Books for Homeschool?
Book about Books:
- Honey For a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
- Read for the Heart by Sarah Clarkson
- The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
Online Resources:
- Common Sense Media – can help vet newer fiction with reviews from kids and parents as well as a review with synopsis and things to be aware of by the site.
- Living Books List– a thorough searchable list in table format with where to find the books, author, notes etc.
- Simply Charlotte Mason Living Science Books – an extensive list by topic and age level for all your science reading needs.
Award Winning Living Books for Children
The Caldecott Medal (Gold) -The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Caldecott Honor Books (Silver)
Newberry Medal for Children’s Literature-The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Parents’ Choice Awards, by the Parents’ Choice Foundation
Reading Rainbow Book List, featured on PBS (1983-2006)
ABBY (American Bookesllers book of the Year for Children), by American Booksellers Assoc.
The Horn Book Award, by Horn Book Magazine and the Boston Globe
Keep in mind that just because a book wins an award does not mean it is a Living Book. Use your own discretion and intuition when selecting books for your family to read.
Check out these related Posts to Build your Own Living Books Library
Share Your Suggestions
What have you found helpful to find quality books for your homeschool?
We’d love to hear, drop a comment below!
