Note: At the end of the suggested book list below you will find a heading entitled Where Can I Find These Books?? which will offer assistance as to where these books can be found.

THE CONTINUUM CONCEPT by Jean Liedloff ~~ This important book is about Liedloff's experience with the Yequana Indians, who raise their infants with almost constant human contact, keeping them in arms until they are ready to explore on their own. Liedloff's thoughts about helping children participate in their culture, and about lessening the conflict between children and adults, are crucial reading for any parent. In a way, this book provides the best answer to the socialization question that everyone asks of homeschoolers. "As important a book as any I have ever read."~John Holt (Perseus Publishing, Original Edition Copyright 1975, Revised Edition Copyright 1977 Introduction Copyright 1985, 172 Pages, Paperback: ISBN 0-201-05071-4)
HOW TO TALK SO KIDS WILL LISTEN AND LISTEN SO KIDS WILL TALK by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish ~~ In its 20th anniversary edition, this now classic work about communication in families is written by two mothers who are deeply respectful of children and equally compassionate toward parents. They talk about how to accept rather than deny children's feelings, how to work toward solutions together, and how to erase the negative messages many of us heard when we were growing up and learn to offer something very different to children now. There are shared families' experiences, cartoons, exercises to do, many conversations reproduced and analyzed. (Avon Books, Copyright 1999, 272 Pages, ISBN 0380811960)
I LEARN BETTER BY TEACHING MYSELF and STILL TEACHING OURSELVES by Agnes Leistico ~~ This new edition combines two popular books under one cover. How a homeschooling mother learned to trust her children--and herself--to learn in new ways from elementary school to high school. These books are especially good for anyone wrestling with the question of "how much structure?" I Learn Better By Teaching Myself--"The underlying message in this book is trust in your child. Just as we needed to look at the breastfeeding child to know his needs to nurse, we can trust that our children can direct their own education." (Holt Associates, Copyright 1997, 304 Pages, ISBN 0913677124)
IN THEIR OWN WAY: Discovering and Encouraging Your Child's Multiple Intelligences by Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. ~~ How to respond to children's different needs and learning styles, rather than classifying them as learning disabled or slow. Important arguments against standardized testing. Based on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, it includes many practical suggestions for teaching any subject in multiple ways. (Penguin Putnam Inc., Revised and Updated Copyright 2000, 290 Pages, Paperback: ISBN 1-58542-051-4)
THE LIVES OF CHILDREN: The Story of the First Street School by George Dennison ~~ A new edition with a new foreword by Mabel Dennison, and previously unpublished writing by George Dennison. A deeply inspiring story of a school that worked for kids whom everyone else had given up on. John Holt wrote, "For while I hope that in years to come we may learn much about human growth and development that we do not now know, I doubt that any one book will advance our understanding as much as this one." Don't miss this beautifully written, classic work. (Boynton/Cook Publishers, Copyright 1999, 308 pages, ISBN 0867094834)
THE MYTH OF THE A.D.D. CHILD by Thomas Armstrong ~~ An astute challenge to the accepted understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder. Armstrong does not deny that some kids have a harder time keeping still or paying attention, but he looks carefully at all possible explanations for this behaviour. Even more important, it's an extremely useful handbook, offering 50 ways to help children without drugs, labels or coercion. Read more about Thomas Armstrong and his thoughts on children and learning at his website: http://www.thomasarmstrong.com. (Penguin Books of Canada, Copyright 1997, 320 pages, ISBN 0452275474)
NO CONTEST: The Case Against Competition by Alfie Kohn ~~ Kohn takes an in-depth look at competition, highlights what is wrong with it and shows that cooperation gives much better results. The revised edition includes: (1) detailed accounts of how students can learn more effectively by working cooperatively in the classroom instead of struggling to be Number One; and (2) a personal afterword that assesses shifts in thinking about competition and describes reactions to his message. (Houghton Mifflin Company, www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com, Copyright 1986, Revised Edition 1992, 324 Pages, Paperback: ISBN 0-395-63125-4)

THE POWER OF MINDFUL LEARNING by Ellen Langer ~~ Practice makes perfect? Wrong answers are bad? Ellen Langer doesn't think so. In fact, she challenges so many of society's most accepted notions about learning. Langer praises doubt and uncertainty, thinks people have fun when they are learning something new and thinks kids with attention-deficit disorder aren't distracted, they are just paying attention to something else. This book will have you thinking, talking, and seeing things in new ways. (Perseus Publishing, Copyright 1998, 167 Pages, ISBN 0201339919)

PUNISHED BY REWARDS: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes by Alfie Kohn ~~ Kohn states that children are intrinsically motivated to make sense of their world. However, we undermine that with the use of approval/disapproval, grades and fear of punishment. What makes the book so valuable is that after demonstrating the harmful effects of rewards (at home, school and the workplace), Kohn describes, very concretely, the many other alternatives available. (Houghton Mifflin Company, Copyright 1993, 398 pages, Paperback: ISBN 0-395-71090-1)

THE SCHOOLS OUR CHILDREN DESERVE: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and "Tougher Standards" by Alfie Kohn ~~ Kohn offers a comprehensive critique of the traditional educational paradigm. It's clear, well-reasoned, and supported by many contemporary examples and much research, making it useful to (1) homeschooling parents who recognize that their own assumptions about education are their biggest obstacle to overcome; (2) spouses or other relatives and friends who want hard evidence, and persuasive analysis to show why the old model doesn't work and what we can do instead; (3) parents, teachers and anyone else in a community seeking real and concrete ways to agitate for change. (Houghton Mifflin Company, www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com, Copyright 1999, 344 pages, Hardcover: ISBN 0-395-94039-7, Paperback: ISBN 0-618-08345-6)

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Top Ten Home Education Books Courtesy of The Education Source (editor@edusource.com)

HOMESCHOOLING FOR EXCELLENCE by David & Micki Colfax ~~ Homeschooling gained national media attention in the 1980's when David and Micki's oldest son, Grant Colfax, was homeschooled into Harvard. The Colfaxes had embarked on a life-changing adventure by moving to a remote area of Northern California where together they built a house, farm and several businesses and homeschooled their children. Grant went on to graduate from Harvard University and then Harvard Medical School. All together, the Colfax brothers attended Harvard, Yale and Harvard Law School. (Warner Books, Copyright 1988, 128 Pages, ISBN 0446389862)

THE TEENAGE LIBERATION HANDBOOK: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education by Grace Llewellyn ~~ Llewellyn presents good reasons for teens to "drop into life", by leaving school and reclaiming their natural ability to learn. The book is filled with great advice and personal stories like how to design a real-life education, how to find volunteer positions, and how to get into college without going to high school. The Handbook was written with teens in mind, yet its message is true for all ages of homeschoolers; self-taught and self-directed children are our future leaders and entrepreneurs. (Lowry House Publishers, Copyright 1991, 1998, 435 Pages, Paperback: ISBN 0-9629591-7-0)

DUMBING US DOWN: The Invisible Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto ~~ Several essays based on speeches by Gatto about schooling versus education, why we need less school and not more, the seven-lesson school teacher, his controversial Teacher of the Year acceptance speech before the New York State Senate and more. Gatto's rhetoric is incisive-at times cutting-and his unwavering advocacy for homeschooling and all other alternatives to government schools make him a broad-minded rarity in the current crop of school reformers. (New Society Publishers, Copyright 1992, 104 pages, Hardcover: ISBN 1-55092-174-6, Paperback: ISBN 1-55092-175-4)

THE UNSCHOOLING HANDBOOK: How to Use the Whole World as Your Child's Classroom by Mary Griffith ~~ Griffith and thousands of other unschooling parents believe that learning is as natural to children as breathing. If allowed to pursue their own interests, children will cover all the subjects taught in school. And, more importantly, they will continue to love to learn and explore their world. Filled with advice from other unschooling families (parents and kids), (Prima Publishing, Copyright 1998, 230 pages, ISBN 0-7615-1276-4)

THE HOMESCHOOLING BOOK OF ANSWERS: The 88 Most Important Questions Answered by Homeschooling's Most Respected Voices edited by Linda Dobson ~~ Dobson enlisted the help of the most respected voices in the homeschooling community. Every question that new and veteran homeschoolers could ever have is answered in this book. What is genuinely interesting about this book is that while you look for answers about homeschooling, you will find that homeschooling is a way of life and that each family's journey is different. (Prima Publishing, Copyright 1998, 350 Pages, ISBN 0761513779)

DESCHOOLING OUR LIVES edited by Matt Hern ~~ Foreword by Ivan Illich. This book provides a terrific overview of all the things people are doing instead of sending their children to conventional schools. It is a collection of essays which challenge our assumptions about education. (New Society Publishers, Copyright 1996, 150 Pages, Hardcover: ISBN 1-55092-282-3, Paperback: ISBN 1-55092-283-1)

THE SUCCESSFUL HOMESCHOOL FAMILY HANDBOOK: A Creative and Stress-Free Approach to Homeschooling by Raymond & Dorothy Moore ~~ The Moores, who are considered to be the "Grandparents" of the homeschooling movement, use personal experience and extensive research to show readers how to educate their children at home with low stress, low cost and great success. (Thomas Nelson, Copyright 1994, 300 pages, ISBN 0785281754)

THE BIG BOOK OF HOME LEARNING: Volume 1, Getting Started by Mary Pride ~~ Mary Pride writes from a Christian perspective. The Big Book of Home Learning is a four-volume set, but Volume #1 is the real keeper. This book introduces you to all the major homeschooling methods and answers your most frequently asked questions. (Alpha Omega Publications, Copyright 2000)

HOME EDUCATING WITH CONFIDENCE by Rick & Marilyn Boyer ~~ Written from a Christian perspective, the Boyers' book is filled with the wisdom of over seventeen years of homeschooling experience. From why they started homeschooling to what their grown children are doing now, the Boyers write with love and an incredible respect for their children. The best reason to read this book is the message it leaves you with - ordinary parents can produce extraordinary children. (The Learning Parent, Copyright 1996, 260 pages, ISBN 0964539632)

THE COMPLETE HOME LEARNING SOURCE BOOK by Rebecca Rupp ~~ This is a very comprehensive and complete source book for Homeschoolers, Parents, and Educators. It covers not only basic academic subjects, but also many other areas your child could be interested in (as the book says it covers every subject from Arithmetic to Zoology). The book is laid out in an easy to use format providing: (1) age guidelines - indicating what materials are appropriate for what age ranges; (2) Format Guidelines - indicating the format that the resource is available in such as audio, games, on-line resource, hands-on activity, curriculum, kit, video, book, software, magazine, catalogue. (Three Rivers Press, Copyright 1998, 865 pages, ISBN 0-609-80109-0)

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More Book Suggestions!!

CHALLENGING ASSUMPTIONS IN EDUCATION by Wendy Priesnitz ~~ So, what's wrong with our current industrial model of education?.......lots! Wendy Priesnitz, a Canadian deschooling pioneer, reviews how we got the current education system and why we need to demolish it and move to a "new educational paradigm"--a learning society. A society in which children can participate more fully in their communities and take charge of their own learning.

SCHOOL FREE-The Home Schooling Handbook by Wendy Priesnitz ~~ This book provides answers to the many questions surrounding home-based education: is it legal?, what do you do all day? how do we know they're learning? socialization, the teenaged learner, etc. A lot of the information came from parents who are homeschooling their children.

RITUALS OF FAILURE: What Schools Really Teach by Sandro Contenta ~~ Contenta gives a detailed examination of how Canadian schools are failing not just children but society as a whole.Through portraits of life in schools, Contenta shows how the "hidden curriculum" is slowly breaking the spirits of many children and destroying their years of education. Rituals of Failure proposes ways in which our schools can be restructured for the better. (Between The Lines, Copyright 1993, 225 Pages, Hardcover: ISBN 0-921284-71-3, Paperback: ISBN 0-921284-70-5)

CREATING LEARNING COMMUNITIES--Models, Resources, and New Ways of Thinking About Teaching and Learning edited by Ron Miller ~~ This book is a collection of essays and resource listings from a variety of international authors with diverse backgrounds such as school teachers, homeschoolers, autodidacts, education philosophers, etc. They have come together for a common goal--the creation of learning communities. This book provides ways in which we can replace schools with learning communities. (Copyright 2000)

A SENSE OF SELF: Listening to Homeschooled Girls by Susannah Sheffer ~~ In today's society many girls lose their sense of self in their teenage years. Since the general assumption is made that "all girls go to school" no one has researched whether school could be part of the problem. Sheffer interviewed 55 homeschooled girls and discovered that they were able to retain their voices and resist challenges to their sense of self. (Boynton/Cook Publishers, Copyright 1995, 191 pages, ISBN 0-86709-367-9)

FAMILY MATTERS: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense by David Guterson ~~ Guterson is a homeschooling father, author and a high school English teacher. He addresses issues such as socialization, competition, the importance of relationships between children and adults, how we got the schools we have today, what does education mean, the affordability of homeschooling, and much more. A key element of his book is that "parents are crucial to the education of children, and family life is fundamental to academic success." (A Harvest Book, Harcourt Brace & Company, Copyright 1992, 254 pages, ISBN 0-15-630000-1)

THE ART OF EDUCATION: Reclaiming Your Family, Community, and Self by Linda Dobson ~~ A homeschooling mother's analysis of schooling with many different solutions to help parents personalize their children's education. This book looks at ways in which families can exchange conformity and dependency for personal fulfillment through natural learning and living. (Holt Associates, Copyright 1998, 256 pages, ISBN 0913677140)

TEACH YOUR OWN by John Holt ~~ This book discusses way in which we can allow children to learn outside of schools-whether it is at home, or in whatever places and situations we can make available to them. Holt provides advice to parents on how they can play a greater role in their child's education and how they can use the tools around them to educate their children. Holt shows a hopeful path for education in Teach Your Own. (Dell Publishing, Copyright 1981, 369 Pages, ISBN 0-440-55055-6)

HOW CHILDREN LEARN by John Holt ~~ How Children Learn is an insightful look at the way children learn and challenges traditional assumptions. (Dell Publishing, Copyright 1967, Revised 1983, 303 pages, ISBN 0-440-55051-3)

HOW CHILDREN FAIL by John Holt ~~ How Children Fail looks at what school is actually like for children and how it prevents, rather than encourages, real learning. (Addison Wesley Longman, Copyright 1995, 320 Pages, ISBN 0201484021)

LEARNING ALL THE TIME by John Holt ~~ This book describes how children, without being coerced or manipulated, can learn how to do "the basics" from the world around them. Holt suggests simple ways we can give slight assistance to children, as needed, to learn reading, writing, math, science and music. (Addison-Wesley Publishing, Copyright 1989, 169 pages, Paperback: ISBN 0-201-55091-1)

THE UNDERGROUND HISTORY OF AMERICAN EDUCATION: A Schoolteacher's Intimate Investigation Into The Problem of Modern Schooling by John Taylor Gatto ~~ This book was seven years in the making. Gatto shows how events in history helped to create the modern schools of today. This book will challenge many of your ideas about education as well as confirm many of your suspicions. A passionate and well researched book (The Oxford Village Press, Copyright 2000/2001, 412 Pages, Hardcover: ISBN 0-945-70005-9, Paperback: ISBN 0-945-70004-0)

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......and More Suggestions!!

CHILD'S WORK: Taking Children's Choices Seriously by Nancy Wallace

FREEDOM AND BEYOND and ESCAPE FROM CHILDHOOD by John Holt

HOMESCHOOLING ON A SHOESTRING by Melissa Morgan and Judith Allee

THE HOMESCHOOLING HANDBOOK by Mary Griffith

A FREE RANGE CHILDHOOD: Self-Regulation at Summerhill School by Matthew Appleton

THE EXHAUSTED SCHOOL: The First National Grassroots Speakout on the Right to School Choice by John Taylor Gatto

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………..and more…………..

For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macauley

Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Doug Wilson

Awakening Your Child's Genius by Thomas Armstrong (don't be mislead by the title, this is an excellent book about appealing to different types of intelligence).

Growing Up Creative: Nurturing a Lifetime of Creativity by Teresa M. Amabile..a wonderful book about children's creativity and motivation and how parents attitudes can stimulate creativity.

Any Child can Write and Any Child Can Read Better by Harvey S. Weiner

Frames Of Mind by Howard Gardiner....describes seven models of intelligence, this book is often quoted in other books concerning the overemphasis on mathematical and linguistic skills and not recognizing others just as important..kinesthetic, musical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal.

Miseducation: Preschoolers at Risk by David Elkind..will provide you with many examples of society trying to create superchildren: too much, too soon. In this same theme are The Hurried Child also by David Elkind

The Disappearance of Childhood by Neil Postman

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Books more on the Political Front……….

Deschooling Society by Ivan Illich

The Right Choice: the Incredible Failure of Public Education and the Rising Hope of Home Schooling by Chris Klicka

Is Public Education Necessary? by Samuel Blumenfeld

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Books Relating to Home Learning Experiences……….

Hard Times in Paradise by David and Micki Colfax

The Painted Window by Betty Baldry

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Books Suggested to Enhance Your Curriculum……….

Science Is: a source book of fascinating facts, projects and activities by Susan V. Bosak, 515 pages of experiments, projects, games, puzzles and stories for kids 6 - 14 yrs of age. The resource pages at the back of the book is a terrific source for further books on almost any science subject. (highly recommended! - published by Scholastic)

Link Science, A Hands-on Approach to the Environment by the Nomad Scientists published by Pembroke publishers. This comprehensive resource book explores the natural environment, introduces important environmental issues and suggests actions we can all take. Probably recommended for elementary level but can take the projects to a higher level and work them with different age groups as well.

Backyard Scientist by Jane Hoffman Popular series of books of science experiments for kids 4-14.

Science Crafts for Kids..50 fantastic Things to Invent and Create by Gwen Diehn and Terry Krautwurst. suggested for ages 8 and up..... neat stuff to do!!..

Blood and Guts.....A Working Guide to your Own Insides by Linda Allison book is printed in black and white and often tongue in cheek (sorry about the pun) but don't let the lack of colour fool you - there are some colourful experiments and suggestions which are fun for kids and adults to do together. (this a a "Brown Paper School book" which is a company which publishes a series of books designed for kids and adults to do together.

Beastly Neighbours or why Earwigs make Good Mothers

The Big Book of Think or how to solve a problem twice your size

The Book of Where or How to be Naturally Geographic

This Book is About Time

Math for Smarty Pants

The I Hate Mathematics! Book

The Science Book for Girls and Other Intelligent Beings by Valerie Wyatt ~ science experiments fro girls between 8 and

Family Math by Jean Kerr Stenmark,Virginia Thompson and Ruth Cossey...Over 300 pages of activities for the family to reinforce math skills and make math fun for kids 8-18.

Minds in Motion: Using Museums to Expand Creative Thinking by Alan Gartenhaus This books provides ideas and practical methods for exercising and reinforcing creative thinking among children and adults.

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For Girls……..

Great Books for Girls, more than 600 Books for Girls and Women to Inspire Today's Girls and Tomorrow's Women by Kathleen Odean

No More Frogs to Kiss -99 ways to give economic power to girls by Joline Godfrey

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Internet Links

Unschooling Books/Resources
http://www.pipeline.com/~wdkmg/homeschool/hsbooks.htm

John Taylor Gatto writing on the web
http://www.preservenet.com/theory/Gatto.html

Paul Goodman writing on the web
http://www.preservenet.com/theory/Goodman.html

Ivan Illich writing on the web
http://www.preservenet.com/theory/Illich.html

Growing With Schooling Magazine
http://www.holtgws.com/gws.htm

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Where Can I Find These Books??

On-Line Book Sellers www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com
www.bigwords.com
www.books.com
www.booksamillion.com
www.booksense.com
www.borders.com
www.buybooks.com
www.fatbrain.com
www.varsitybooks.com

New Society Publishers P.O. Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0
Toll Free Call: 1-800-567-6772, Toll Free Fax: 1-800-567-7311
Website: www.newsociety.com
Can view their on-line catalogue; can purchase books on-line

FUN Books 1688 Belhaven Woods Ct., Pasadena, MD 21122-3727 Voice Mail/Fax: 1-888-FUN-7020 OR (410) 360-7330
Email: FUN@FUN-Books.com
Website: http://www.FUN-Books.com/
Request a catalogue and/or purchase their books on-line

John Holt's Bookstore John Holt's Bookstore operations have been transferred to FUN Books. All books currently available through the John Holt's Bookstore can be purchased from FUN Books.

Genius Tribe P.O. Box 1014, Eugene, Oregon 97440-1014 This catalogue contains a wide array of books and other resources on education, simplicity, alternative ways of thinking and living, adolescence, curriculum and much more. Produced and distributed by Grace Llewellyn, author of The Teenage Liberation Handbook.

Natural Life General Store Box 340, St. George, Ontario N0E 1N0 Telephone: 1-800-215-9574 Email: natural@life.ca Website: www.life.ca/store
Can purchase Challenging Assumptions In Education and School Free plus many others books

Chapters/Indigo Stores Many of these books can be purchased from a Chapters/Indigo Store. Also visit their website at: www.chapters.indigo.ca to view the books they have available and to purchase on-line.

Parentbooks 201 Harbord St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 1H6 Telephone: (416) 537-8334, Toll Free 1-800-209-9182 Email: parentbk@netcom.ca Website: www.parentbookstore.com

Local Library Some of these books may be available at your local library or through inter-library loan.

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