30 Books for Moms Interested in Homeschooling
One of the greatest gifts of homeschooling is that it doesn’t just educate our children, it educates us as mothers, too. When we step into this journey, we’re not only choosing books for math and history, but also filling our own shelves with wisdom, encouragement, and vision.
Over the years, a handful of books have shaped the homeschool movement in deep ways. They’ve guided thousands of families, breathed life into tired days, and reminded us of the bigger picture: education as a lifelong feast.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Where do I even begin?” here’s a carefully curated list of 30 influential homeschooling books to inspire, encourage, and equip you along the way.
The Foundations of Homeschool Philosophy
These books give us the roots of Charlotte Mason and classical education, anchoring us in a vision that is both timeless and deeply practical.
For the Children’s Sake – Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
The Original Homeschooling Series – Charlotte Mason
A Charlotte Mason Companion – Karen Andreola
When Children Love to Learn – Elaine Cooper
Consider This – Karen Glass
In Vital Harmony – Karen Glass
The Liberal Arts Tradition – Kevin Clark & Ravi Jain
The Well-Educated Mind – Susan Wise Bauer
The Well-Trained Mind – Susan Wise Bauer & Jessie Wise
Mother’s Education & Inspiration
Charlotte Mason reminded us that “mothers are persons too.” These books are for the heart of the homeschool mom — to lift your eyes, strengthen your vision, and remind you of the beauty of ordinary faithfulness.
Mere Motherhood – Cindy Rollins
Mother Culture – Karen Andreola
Awaking Wonder – Sally Clarkson
The Hidden Art of Homemaking – Edith Schaeffer
Habits of the Household – Justin Whitmel Earley
L’Abri – Edith Schaeffer
The Life-Giving Home – Sally Clarkson
Mind to Mind – Karen Glass
The Living Page – Laurie Bestvater
Practical Homeschool Helps
When you need nuts-and-bolts wisdom for your daily lessons, these books offer tools, rhythms, and guidance that help translate philosophy into real life.
Educating the Wholehearted Child – Clay & Sally Clarkson
Teaching from Rest – Sarah Mackenzie
The Read-Aloud Family – Sarah Mackenzie
The Brave Learner – Julie Bogart
Homeschool Bravely – Jamie Erickson
Morning Time: A Liturgy of Love – Cindy Rollins
Start Here: A Journey Through Charlotte Mason’s 20 Principles – Brandy Vencel & others
Know and Tell: The Art of Narration – Karen Glass
On Living Books & Story
A homeschool without books is like a garden without flowers. These booklists and guides will help you choose stories that nourish your children’s hearts and imaginations.
Books Children Love – Elizabeth Wilson
Honey for a Child’s Heart – Gladys Hunt
Read for the Heart – Sarah Clarkson
Give Your Child the World – Jamie C. Martin
Final Thoughts
This list isn’t meant to overwhelm you but to give you a library of possibility. You don’t have to read them all at once. Start with one that speaks to your season, maybe Teaching from Rest if you feel weary, or For the Children’s Sake if you’re brand-new to homeschooling.
Over time, these books will become like companions on your journey. They’ll shape not only how you homeschool but how you live, helping you create a home where truth, beauty, and goodness are daily fare.
