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2023
our best recommendations to

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COMPASS CLASSROOM
Table of Contents
10 Best Read-Alouds for the Whole Family...............................................3
6 Great Books to Read While Studying Ancient History...........................7
12 Great Books to Read While Studying The Civil War.......................... 16
13 Great Books to Read While Studying World War 1............................ 32
11 Amazing Books to Read While Studying World War 2....................... 49
12 American History Books for Middle School Students......................... 64
10 Books for Younger Siblings.................................................................... 67
6 Challenge Books........................................................................................ 68
29 Classics Every Middle Schooler Should Read...................................... 69
67 Classics Every High Schooler Should Read....................................... 108
American History........................................................................................ 109
Modernity.................................................................................................... 111
Antiquity...................................................................................................... 113
Christendom................................................................................................ 115
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10 Best Read-Alouds
for the Whole Family
We have compiled this list because we all know the benefits of reading to our
children. It stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding
of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills while
preparing them to understand the written word. Continue reading to your
children long after they can read by themselves. This special quality time of
adventure and discovery can be shared together as a family.
RECOMMENDATIONS BY COMPASSCLASSROOM.COM | 3
A Few Tips for Family Reading Time
If you’re just starting family reading time, you might consider a few of
these helpful tips:
F Schedule the time! If you need to set the same time every
day or night, be sure everyone is available. Make this a habit.
It’s no fun trying to catch someone up who missed three
chapters. Be together.
F Avoid distractions. Turn off phones, notifications, etc.

Don’t plan family reading time during the Super Bowl or The
Masters when some family members might want to rush a
chapter.
F Get comfortable. Pillows, blankets, jammies, and snacks

are all welcome as long as everyone is engaged. Of course, if
these become distractions remove them.
F Watch the movie! We know, we know. 99% of the time

the book is always better than the movie. After reading the
book consider watching the movie together. This leads to
great discussions as well as help for someone who might have
gotten lost in a chapter or two.
1 0 B est R ead - A lo u ds for t h e W h ole F amily
10 Best Read-Alouds
for the Whole Family
1 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
One of my family’s go-to’s on road trips. (I also stand by my unpopular opinion that the
Hobbit is better than the LOTR series.)
2 Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol

3 Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
The Disney movie just isn’t the same. If you haven’t read the book, you should. (Dwane
Thomas’ students: Look for Mr. Darling’s Latin jokes—they had me in stitches!)
4 Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

If you’ve only ever seen the cartoon, you’re missing out. The books are clever, witty, and
adorable.
5 Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Janet and Geoff Benge

A missionary biography series. I remember my mom reading these aloud to us when
we were kids. Some of my favorites were Amy Carmichael, Gladys Aylward, William
Carey, George Muller, and Hudson Taylor.
6 The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

7 The Little Prince by Antoine de St. Exupery
8 Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
9 Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
10 Little Women/Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
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6 Great Books to
Read While Studying
Ancient History
As someone who loves history, I am fully ready to admit ancient history
can be a tough time period to get interested in. Dave Raymond’s Antiquity
history series is the most full and engaging ancient history curriculum that
I’ve seen or experienced.
I have taken a few of Mr. Raymond’s book recommendations and
added some of my own for a short list that might help your students’
interest in Antiquity. I have read and enjoyed all of these books multiple
times throughout my education. All are about Roman, Greek, or Church
history, since those are two of the more widely covered time periods of
ancient history.
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6 G reat B oo k s to R ead W h ile S t u dying A ncient History
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
1 Twice Freed
by Pat r i c i a S t. J o h n
A fantastic book of historical fiction

about Onesimus, the escaped slave of
Philemon, and his journey from revenge
to forgiveness. Patricia St. John brings to
life a briefly mentioned event in Biblical
history and expands a world that is slowly
being forgotten.
Her characters, both real and fictionalized,

are relatable and interesting. I remember
reading it in middle school and greatly
enjoying it; it was a school book I
consistently reread for fun. As historical
fiction, many of the plot points and
characters are made up, but it will spark
your student’s interest in everyday life in
the Roman Empire.
 Buy the Book on Amazon
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
2 Peril and Peace

by M i n d y & B r a n d o n Wi t h r ow
The second volume in a series of books

(History Lives) about the Christian church
throughout the ages. This one specifically
address the spread of the church
throughout the Roman Empire and the
intense persecution it faced. Beginning
by defining what the ancient church was,
the chapters variate between stories about
martyrs (Polycarp, Athanasius, Justin) and
short sections about specific aspects of
the ancient church: creeds, councils, and
worship to name a few.
The stories are short and engaging and

describe the harshness of that time period
without detailing how graphic it was. I
would highly recommend it for middle
school students.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
3 Mythology
by E d i t h H a m i lt o n
Perhaps one of the best mythological

compilations, Edith Hamilton condenses
the magnitude of Greek mythology to
a comprehensible level, yet keeps the
integrity of the stories. This book has been
in my bookshelf for many years, and I
actually took it to college with me.
Like Twice Freed, I enjoy reading the

myths for fun as well as for school. Since
it is mythology, there are a few stories
some younger students should avoid:
“The House of Atreus” and “The Royal
House of Thebes”. These are the stories
with the most unavoidable violence and
promiscuous behavior.
However, Hamilton does not dwell on

these aspects of Greek mythology and
states only whatever is necessary to the stories’ plots. It is a book every student, middle
school and up, should have close by.
Looking for an
ancient history
curriculum?
See for yourself why
families love Antiquity.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“I found it very in-depth for my high school student. I thought it was engaging and
provided plenty of opportunities for my student to think critically in order to give
a well thought-out answer. The material provided opportunities for us to have some
great conversations.”
— Mary
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
4 The Robe
by L l o y d C . D o u g l a s
A story similar to Ben-Hur, The Robe

describes the journey of a Roman centurion
who helps crucify Jesus. Lloyd C. Douglas
brings to life the world of the Roman
Empire and Israel through relatable and
sympathetic characters that illustrate the
overlap of Roman and Israeli ways of life.
One of the reasons I enjoy this book

so much is the fact that while Jesus is a
predominant character, no one ever meets
Him face to face: He is only referenced.
It is difficult as humans to comprehend
how Jesus could be both God and man,
and I think it is always wise for authors
to avoid putting words in Jesus’ mouth.
I would highly recommend this book for
high school students who are studying the
Roman Empire or the Bible.
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
5 The Man Born to Be King

by D o r o t h y S ay e r s
Written by Dorothy Sayers, a popular

mystery author, this is a play that spans
Jesus’ entire life. This play is the only
exception to the opinion above regarding
Jesus as a speaking character.
Not only does Sayers brilliantly expand

characters’ personalities, she weaves
consistent, biblical theology into the story.
This pulls both plot and doctrine together,
adding to the richness of the Gospel. It
was one of my favorite reads in high school
and one that should be reread multiple
times. It is a must-read for all high school
students.
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
6 The Iliad
by H o m e r
Many high schoolers, specifically the

homeschooled ones, will read this or The
Odyssey at some point before they graduate,
so listing The Iliad may be repetitious, but
after recently reading it for the first time, I
was struck by how moving it is.
There is a lot of graphic fighting, but, like

The Robe, the characters are relatable and
sympathetic. As a homeschool graduate, I
wish I had read this epic in high school,
or just sections of it, because it prompts
thoughts and conversations that are
important to round out literature in high
school.
Looking
for a Latin
curriculum?
See for yourself why families

love Visual Latin.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“Love it! Easy enough for a first timer and entertaining for teens and tweens!
I was a ‘3-time-Latin failure’ with other programs—this one was the one that
worked! Two kids in and it’s been great for our family!”
— Amy
12 Great Books to
Read While Studying
The Civil War
Perhaps one of the most controversial eras of history, the Civil War is
not only known by four different names, but for the numerous and
complicated reasons it was fought. These twelve books will help your
students understand the many different sides and motives of the bloodiest
war fought on American soil. These books can be used as a teaching
resource alongside Dave Raymond’s History series.
For another look at the war, view some amazing colorized photographs
of Civil War soldiers, Lincoln, and more.
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1 2 G reat B oo k s to R ead W h ile S t u dying T h e
C i v il W ar
MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
1 Up From Slavery
by B o o k e r T. Wa s h i n g t o n
Booker T. Washington is slowly being

forgotten, despite the fact that he
established multiple schools across the
South, including Tuskegee Institute, to
give former slaves an opportunity to get an
education. Born a slave, his autobiography
describes how he had to work his way to an
education and how the black population
should respond to unjust treatment at the
turn of the century. This is an amazing book
to read not only because of our current
cultural climate, but because Washington
was a Christian, and shows how his faith
was an essential part of his life.
C i v il W ar
2 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

by F r e d e r i c k D o u g l a s s
The second autobiography on this list

and the second written before the Civil
War, this is the memoir and treatise on
abolition written by Frederick Douglass.
Your student will learn so much about
America before the war through the eyes of
this former slave and famous orator. This
is definitely a must-read for every student.
C i v il W ar
3 The Real Lincoln

by Th o m a s D i L o r e n z o
I read this book when I was thirteen as

research for an essay and couldn’t put it
down. Made up of first-hand accounts,
diaries, letters, and speeches, DiLorenzo
states that Lincoln was not the heroic
president he appears to be. Did Lincoln
really want to free black people? What
did he say about slavery in his inaugural
address? How soon did the Civil War
start after these comments? This book will
change your student’s life, and I would
highly encourage you to read it as well.
Looking for a
philosophy
curriculum?
See for yourself why families love
Consequences of Ideas with Dr. R. C. Sproul
TRY FREE LESSONS

C i v il W ar
4 The Red Badge of Courage

by S t e p h e n C r a n e
Almost as popular as another Civil War

novel on this list, this book takes the
perspective of the North. To say war
is rough is an understatement; Henry
Fleming, a young private, realizes this when
he abandons his fellow soldiers in his first
battle. This story shows how Henry grows
into a man and realizes he must master fear
or it will master him.
C i v il W ar
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
5 Dear America: When Will This Cruel War Be Over?

This book series was one of my favorites
in middle school. When Will This Cruel
War Be Over? is the fictionalized diary of a
young girl growing up in the South when
war breaks out. Based on actual events and
people, the diary itself is fiction, but allows
readers to participate in history in a way
other novels and history books do not.
C i v il W ar
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
6 Dear America: A Picture of Freedom

Another Dear America diary, Clotee, a
twelve-year-old slave, has a secret that will
change her life. A Picture of Freedom relates
her journey from slavery to freedom over
the course of the war, and how her secret
protects and harms those she loves.
Looking for
a logic curriculum?

Introductory & Intermediate Logic.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“Candy for the brain.”

“Love this course and so do my children!”
C i v il W ar
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
7 Turn Homeward Hannalee

by Pat r i c i a B e at t y
This is a wonderful account of a girl and

her brother forced to leave their Georgian
hometown by the Yankees marching
through the South. Many times when
people tell stories about the Confederate
South, the focus is on plantations and
slave owners. Yet that was only a small
percentage of Southerners. Most were
regular small farmers who lived quiet lives.
Turn Homeward Hannalee shows this side
of the men and women whose lives were
forever affected by the most devastating
war fought in America.
C i v il W ar
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
8 Across Five Aprils

by I r e n e H u n t
One of the most moving books about the

Civil War, this novel does not get enough
credit. It is sweet, touching, and shows
how the war not only tore apart our
country, but tore apart families as well.
This book follows one family throughout
the war and how each family member
reacts differently to many motives for
fighting.
C i v il W ar
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
9 Rifles for Watie

by H a r o l d K e i t h
Across Five Aprils describes who the

Confederate soldiers were; Rifles for Watie
describes the Union soldiers. Jeff has finally
joined up and still views combat through
the lens of romance and innocence. He
comes to find reality is a little different
than his expectations. Middle school age
boys will really enjoy this book.
Looking for a Biblical
worldview curriculum?

How Should We Then Live?
TRY A FREE LESSON
“This is a modern-day classic, one of Schaeffer’s books that awakened me to how

biblical truth affects all of life.”
— Charles Colson
Founder, Prison Fellowship & the Colson Center for Christian Worldview
C i v il W ar
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
10 Gone With The Wind

by M a r g a r e t M i t c h e l l
Arguably the most famous Civil War novel,

Gone With The Wind is a staple Southern
drama. The characters are compelling,
sympathetic, and full of gumption. Mainly
set in Atlanta, it spans the entirety of the
war and most of Reconstruction. Mitchell
perfectly blends fictional characters and real
events into a sweeping story that will give
your student a well-rounded perspective of
the Confederate side of the war.
Ages 14+. The story is not a happy one and does

reference sex. However, Mitchell does not dwell
on this and only brings it up when necessary.
C i v il W ar
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
11 An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

by A m b r o s e B i e r c e
This is an incredibly famous short story

about a Confederate deserter about to be
hung by Yankee soldiers. It is classified
as one of the most well-known and
anthologized short stories in American
Literature for good reason. Instead of
a linear story, Bierce uses a stream of
consciousness style of writing to enhance
the plot and add to the bizarre twist at the
end.
C i v il W ar
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
12 Uncle Tom’s Cabin

by H a r r i e t B e e c h e r S t ow e
Another famous piece of American

literature, Uncle Tom’s Cabin has been
immensely popular since its serialized
publication in 1852. Like Frederick
Douglass’ memoir, Stowe wrote this novel
a few years before the war broke out, but
her account of slavery, those who approved
of it, and those who fought to end it, is
incredibly moving.
13 Great Books to
Read While Studying
World War 1
In November of 2018, my family and I flew over to London for the 100
year anniversary of the end of World War I. On November 11, the day
the Armistice was signed, we went to Saint Paul’s Cathedral for a beautiful
service honoring the soldiers who fought for our freedom a century ago. It
was a trip none of us will ever forget.
Strangely, World War I gets passed over when studying modern world
history, so here are 13 amazing books for you and you students to read
while studying this time period. They provide insight and spark interest
into a world we are slowly forgetting. They can be used as a resource while
watching Lesson 17 of Dave Raymond’s Modernity series on world
history.
Check out our entire list of WWI Teaching Resources.
1 3 G reat B oo k s to R ead W h ile S t u dying W orld W ar 1
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
1 All Quiet on the Western Front

by Erich Maria Remarque
One of the most moving novels about

WWI, the story revolves around a young
German soldier on the frontlines and how
he and his friends realize that war is not
exactly what politicians make it seem. It is
incredibly moving and somewhat shocking
when you realize the barbarous enemies
they mention are the British, French, and
American soldiers.
There is some discussion of sex since the

soldiers have not been around women
for months, but it is very brief. Given the
subject matter, there is some violence but
nothing graphic.
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
2 Rilla of Ingleside
by L. M. Montgomery
This is one of my favorite books for so many

different reasons. Girls will enjoy it much
more simply because the story is about a
girl and how her life is affected by the war.
Set in Canada, Rilla of Ingleside provides
a brilliantly touching piece of insight
into the Canadian side of WWI. For as
much information as we have about other
countries, Canada seems to get ignored;
this novel will peak your interest in this
country’s involvement and bring many
tears and laughter. For those of you who
love Anne of Green Gables, this is the final
book in the series.
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
3 A Farewell to Arms
by E r n e s t H e m i n g way
This story is somewhat autobiographical.

It is set in Italy and follows a young
American soldier who falls in love with a
British nurse while recuperating from an
injury. Like many Hemingway novels, this
one is a little slow with a shocking ending
that will really make you think.
Like All Quiet on the Western Front, this

has similar violence and talks a little more
about sex, but nothing graphic or over the
top. One couple has an affair but nothing
more.
Looking for a
world history
curriculum?
families love Modernity.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“I just asked my daughter taking Modernity to review it. Her reaction, ‘I love it! It
doesn’t describe history as just dates and events. It give context as to why events took
place, and the people behind them. Before this, I thought history was boring. I look
forward to working on Modernity. It’s my favorite class.’”
— Carla
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
4 Testament of Youth
by Ve r a B r i t ta i n
Another incredibly moving piece of

literature, this is the story of Vera Brittain,
a British woman who send her fiancee and
brothers to war. Through her eyes, you
will see how those waiting at home were
affected during and after the war. Her
memories will make you laugh and cry and
give you a detailed look into what the war
really did to those living through it.
Since this is an autobiography, there is

mention of war hospitals and violence, but
if you are in high school, it shouldn’t be
anything more extreme than the books above.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
5 The Belgian Twins

by L u c y F i t c h P e r k i n s
Lucy Fitch Perkins wrote a series of books

about twins from various countries and
eras of history. This book is actually based
on the real life story of two siblings in
Belgium who are forced to be refugees
when the Nazis take over. It is so sweet,
entertaining, and educational.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
6 The French Twins

by L u c y F i t c h P e r k i n s
Another of the twin stories, this one

recounts what happened when the
German army bombed Paris and how the
twins have to find their family among the
destruction. Like The Belgian Twins, this
story is moving and very sweet.
Looking for
a grammar
curriculum?

love this curriculum.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“Presented in an excellent, well expressed manner. English is our second

language and this course makes it easy to understand the grammar and usage
of the language. So glad we found this course.”
— Corlia
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
7 The Great War: Stories Inspired by Items from the

First World War
Unlike the others mentioned, this book
consists of eleven stories based on items
from WWI: a soldier’s writing case,
Princess Mary’s gift fund box, a compass,
and many more. Each chapter is about one
item and written by a different author.
This creates a fascinating overtone that fits
how different the items are but how they
are pulled together by the war.
Since it is about items that are directly

linked to hard parts of the war, there
are some stories that are focus more on
violence, but nothing is too graphic.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
8 Where Poppies Grow

by L i n d a G r a n f i e l d
This is actually a picture book, but it is

incredibly interesting and a good option
to read with younger children. It is perfect
for students who just need something to
read through quickly. There are letters,
notes, photographs, and so much more on
every page.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
9 The War To End All Wars: World War I

by R u s s e l l F r e e d m a n
If your student is writing a paper or report

on WWI, this book is perfect. Length-
wise, it is easy to read but filled with
interesting pieces of information and
original documents. It can be enjoyed by
everyone in your family as well.
Looking for a
music or arts
curriculum?

The Story of Great Music
TRY FREE LESSONS
“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.”
— M a r i a v o n Tr a p p
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
10 Silent Night: The Remarkable

Christmas Truce of 1914
by S ta n l e y We i n t r a u b
This novel covers the fascinating truce

between German and British troops in the
trenches on Christmas Day 1914. Many
books have been written about this strange
and moving event, but this one perfectly
ties together history and fiction in an
entertaining and educational story.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
11 Tommy Goes To War

by M a l c o l m B r ow n
This book compiles many first-hand

accounts of the war (letters, notes, diaries,
journals, papers, and documents) in an
intriguing account of WWI. Paired with
photographs, this is another that should
go to the top of your book list. It shows
the humor, despair, and hope that filled
each British soldier in such a way that will
make you laugh and cry at once.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR ALL LEVELS
12 World War I: The Definitive Visual History

This book is incredible: it details almost
every aspect of the war and is filled maps,
pictures, and first-hand accounts. If you
need an overarching resource for teaching
WWI, this is the book to get.
13 The Great War

edited by M a r k H o l b o r n
Unlike the book above, this is filled only

with original photographs of the war. It is
incredibly interesting and provides lots of
insight into an era of time that has passed
by.
Out of every book listed here, this should

immediately go into your list of books to
get.
11 Amazing Books to
Read While Studying
World War 2
World War 2 is one of the most popular eras of history to study. There are
so many stories ranging from horrific battles on the Western Front to what
women grew in their Victory Gardens to how the decision was made to
bomb Japan. Here are 11 books your students can read while studying this
time period. They can be used to provide context and perspective while
watching Lesson 22 of Dave Raymond’s Modernity series on modern
world history.
1 1 A ma z ing B oo k s to R ead W h ile S t u dying W orld W ar 2
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
1 Hannah Goslar Remembers:

A Childhood Friend of Anne Frank
by A l i s o n L e s l i e G o l d
Anne Frank’s name is synonymous with WWII;

here is her story told through the eyes of her
childhood friend, Hannah Goslar. This is not
a biography but rather the softened version of
Hannah’s, and Anne’s, story. It is a fascinating look
into one of the most famous stories about the war
from an insider nobody knew about.
There is some description of concentration camps,

but since this is a book for middle school students,
it isn’t graphic.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
2 Goodbye East End: An Evacuee’s Story

by Dav i d M e r r o n
This book addresses the period of the

war when hundreds of children were sent
out of London because of the bombings.
It is also the true story of the author’s
childhood. The book is incredibly moving
and provides insight into an era we did not
live through.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
3 No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War

by A n i ta L o b e l
Many of you may recognize the

name Arnold Lobel: this is his wife’s
autobiography who also illustrated many
of his children’s books. Born in Poland,
she was a child when the Nazis took over
and started sending Jews to concentration
camps. It is a fantastic personal account of
a horrific era of history. She maintains a
feeling of hope throughout the book but
does not shy away from the more painful
aspects of her story.
Like other books on this list, there are

several chapters describing concentration
camps, but she does not describe anything
graphically.
Looking for
a poetry
curriculum?

love Grammar of Poetry.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“A masterpiece of enjoyable reading and enriching information.”

— Andrew
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
4 Snow Treasure
by M a r i e M c S w i g a n
One of my younger sisters received this

book for her birthday a long time ago and
it has been a favorite in my house ever
since. Like Canada in World War I, most
people forget about Scandinavia’s part in
WWII. This story is a fun, quick read and
will spark your student’s interest in the war.
This is a perfect book to read aloud if your

family has younger children.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
5 Number The Stars

by L o i s L ow ry
This was one of my family’s favorite books

to read aloud when we were studying
WWII. It is the fictionalized account of a
family who takes in a Jewish girl when the
Nazis invaded Denmark. It is very sweet
and another great choice to read aloud if
you have little children who want to be
included.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
6 When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

by Ju d i t h K e r r
This book is similar to Goodbye East

End since it is the story of the author’s
childhood. The difference is, she grew up in
Berlin as a Jew during the rise of the Third
Reich. Boys will probably enjoy Goodbye
East End more and girls may like this book
better. Some events and conversations are
fictionalized, but overall the story is very
sweet and moving.
Looking for a
vocabulary curriculum?

WordUp! The Vocab Show.
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“WordUp is an engaging, entertaining and educational foray into Greek and Latin
roots. Dwane’s characters and quirky humour create a method of instruction that
keeps the kids asking for more!”
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
7 Code Talker
by J o s e p h B r u c h a c
Unlike the other books on this list, Code

Talker takes place on the Eastern Front with
the Navajo Marines. Based on real events,
this story is an incredibly well-written
account of the war in the Pacific. The
characters are convincing and interesting
and will prompt interest in both the Navajo
Marines and the Eastern Front.
Since it is a war book, some characters

are killed, but there aren’t any graphic
descriptions.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
8 The Hiding Place

by Corrie Ten Boom
Possibly one of the most famous books

about WWII, there is not much I can say
about it that you won’t already know. If
you haven’t read it, it should go to the top
of your book list. Both middle and high
school students should read this, whether
they are studying WWII or not. This is
a book everyone should own, especially
considering what is going on in our world
right now.
Again, there are many chapters about

concentration camps, but Corrie Ten
Boom writes with a feeling of hope that
overpowers the horrors of the camp.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
9 Evidence Not Seen

by Da r l e n e D e i b l e r R o s e
Another autobiography, this book is

similar to The Hiding Place, but instead of
focusing on the Nazis and concentration
camps of the Western Front, Mrs. Rose
describes the Japanese and concentration
camps of the Eastern Front. For all the
attention WWII gets, the fight in the
Pacific often gets passed over. This book
provides insight into this part of the war
in such a way that will bring you to tears.
(Ages 13+) While she does explain aspects of

the concentration camps, Mrs. Rose does not
dwell on it, nor does she describe anything
graphically. She was a Christian missionary
at the time which makes the book that much
more powerful.
Looking for
science curriculum?

love Creation Science from the
director of Is Genesis History?
TRY FREE LESSONS
“An engrossing primer on why we can feel confident believing the Bible’s
account of creation.” — W o r l d M a g a z i n e
“Del Tackett and his team of scientists prove again that what the Bible
says is the truth. The more science learns, the more evidence there is that
the earth did not evolve, nor did the life on it.” — M . M .
10 London At War 1939-1945

by A l a n Je f f e ry s
This book is a compilation of photographs

and firsthand accounts describing what
it was like to live in London while being
bombed. If you’re looking for a good
overview of the British side of the war, this
is the best option.
11 Secrets of Churchill’s War Rooms

by J o n at h a n A s b u ry
It has been argued Winston Churchill

saved the West from the Axis powers
almost singlehandedly until the United
States entered the war. Most people at
least recognize his name, but many do not
know about his secret war rooms under the
city of London.
These rooms are where he worked, ate,

and slept for most of the war. The book
provides pictures of the rooms and
firsthand accounts of those who worked
and lived there. It is a fascinating picture
of who Churchill was and how he lived.
American History
Books for Middle
School Students
Dave Raymond’s American History includes many selections from
original materials. We’ve received requests from homeschool parents
asking for a supplemental book list. We have compiled a list arranged in
loose chronological order by the time period covered in the story.
In the Teacher’s Guide to the American History course, there are
several pages of further reading recommendations, as well. Many of those
are additional history texts or source documents. We’ve included a few of
the more “story-driven” titles and the corresponding lesson number.
This list of books is probably more than you have time for in just
one year (unless you stop taking the time to do math lessons—not
recommended!). Enjoy these lists and let us know if there are any great
titles we missed!
A merican History B oo k s for M iddle S c h ool S t u dents
American History Books

for Middle School
1 Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford

2 Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
3 The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper (Lesson 7)
4 Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography (Lesson 9)
5 Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
6 The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
7 Hero Tales from American History
by Henry Cabot Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt (Lessons 11 & 12)
8 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn & The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
by Mark Twain
9 Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt
10 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
11 Mighty Rough Times, I Tell You
ed. by Andrea Sutcliffe (Lesson 20)
12 Up from Slavery
by Booker T. Washington (Lesson 26)
Looking for an
American history
curriculum?
love American History.
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“Dave Raymond’s American History is by far our favorite history experience so far.
It’s engaging, involves interesting projects (not busy work), and biblical theology
incorporated throughout. We will continue to use Dave Raymond’s series.”
— Ashlee
American History Books

For Younger Readers
(to keep up with their big brothers and sisters)
1 The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

2 The Matchlock Gun by Walter Edmonds
3 Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne
4 Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop
5 Civil War on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne
6 The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder
7 Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
8 Buffalo Bill by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
9 Tree in the Trail by Holling C. Holling
10 Paddle-to-the-Sea & Minn of the Mississippi
by Holling C. Holling
Bonus! American History Book List

(if your students are looking for something more difficult or a
little off the beaten path)
1 The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

2 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
3 The Journals of Lewis and Clark
4 Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
5 Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
6 Life on the Mississippi & Roughing It by Mark Twain
29 Classics Every
Middle Schooler
Should Read
I recently read Winston Churchill’s little volume Painting as a Pastime.
Before he gets to the what and why of painting, he describes reading and
the unique power books hold.
They contain, he says, an “infinitely varied store of knowledge and
wisdom which the human race has accumulated and preserved, pride, even
in its most innocent forms, is chased from the heart by feelings of awe not
untinged with sadness.”
Then Churchill gets really depressing by encouraging us to think
of all the books we’ll never have time for and all the tales we will never
know. Books are treasures. Churchill writes, “Peer into [books]. Let them
fall open where they will. Read on from the first sentence that arrests the
eye. Then turn to another. Make a voyage of discovery, taking soundings
of uncharted seas. Set them back on their shelves with your own hands.”
While there is (sadly) not enough time to read every book
ever written, don’t waste your time on worthless ones. This list
contains classics — books that expound the universal themes of life, have
stood the test of time, have to be read carefully and studied, and make you
think.
You cannot make your child love reading. If you have a child who
doesn’t enjoy reading, you can expose them to best books by reading aloud
and taking the voyage of discovery alongside them.
This list is designed with middle school students in mind (don’t forget
to check out our high school list). Although it isn’t exhaustive, these are
some of my top recommendations and personal favorites from my own
middle school homeschooling years.
2 9 C lassics E v ery M iddle S c h ooler S h o u ld R ead
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
1 Julius Caesar
by Wi l l i a m S h a k e s p e a r e
This is a fantastic play and one of

Shakespeare’s most famous. It will spark
interesting conversations about loyalty,
government, and betrayal.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
2 The Hobbit
by J . R . R . To l k i e n
The precursor to the famous Lord of the

Rings trilogy, The Hobbit is a joy to read
and is a perfect read-aloud for the entire
family.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
3 Uncle Tom’s Cabin

by H a r r i e t B e e c h e r S t ow e
This is a book everyone should read since

it will probably be unavailable in the next
decade considering its subject matter.
Contains sexual content that might be a bit

mature for some audience.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
4 Around the World in Eighty Days

by Ju l e s Ve r n e
Colorful, engaging, and imaginative, Jules

Verne’s classic is a novel every middle
schooler should read and enjoy.
Looking for a
Great Books
curriculum?

love Western Culture with Wes Callihan.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“Demanding, challenging, mesmerizing content that will leave your student,

no matter how steeped in history and classical studies, begging for more.”
— Lisa
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
5 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

by A rt h u r C o n a n D o y l e
These stories hold a special place in my

heart. Conan Doyle is considered the king
of mystery and for good reason.
Some stories may be a little violent for some

audiences.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
6 A Christmas Carol
by C h a r l e s D i c k e n s
This is Dickens’ lightest novel and one

almost everybody has at least heard of. It
is definitely worth reading (especially at
Christmas).
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
7 Peter Pan
by J . M . Ba r r i e
Most people are familiar with the Disney

version; however, the original could not be
more different. Your students will greatly
enjoy it.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
8 Little Women
by L o u i s a M ay A l c o t t
Better suited for girls, Little Women is one

of the most well-read and well-known
novels in the world due to Alcott’s moving
story and relatable characters.
Looking for
a biology
curriculum?
love Devotional Biology.
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“Dr. Wise’s approach to this subject has planted in [my family] a lifetime desire
to get to know their Creator more and more through His Word and through His
creation. This is exactly why I homeschool!!! I cannot say enough about how much
of a blessing this curriculum has been to our family.”
— Connie
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
9 Anne of Green Gables

by L . M . M o n t g o m e ry
This book is possible more famous

than Little Women. I will always love
this talkative, intelligent redhead.Her
predicaments and joys make wonderful
reading.
.MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
10 The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by E l i z a b e t h G e o r g e S p e a r e
Based on a rather distasteful era of

American History, this short novel
brilliantly fictionalizes the Salem Witch
Trials in a fascinating manner.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
11 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Despite the fact that this story is hundreds
of years old, its focus on knights and
monsters and damsels in distress will
appeal to boys and girls of any age.
Contains sexual content that may be a bit

mature for some audiences.
Looking for an
economics An insightful and entertaining exploration
Economics For Everybody

of the principles, practices, and consequences of
one of the most talked about (and least-understood)
topics of our times.
curriculum?
1 And God Created Economics 7 A Tale of Two Theologies, Part 2
Stewardship in God's Image (15 min) Economic Philosophies & Systems (18 min)
2 The Economic Problem of Sin 8 Government Intervention

Law, Liberty, and Government (19 min) Basic Principles & Education (19 min)
3 The Path from Work to Wealth 9 The Two Mysteries of Monetary Policy
Production, Property, and Tools (20 min) Inflation & Depressions (27 min)
4 The Route From Scarcity to Plenty 10 The Welfare & Corporate States
Money, Markets, and Trade (19 min) of America
Costs of Redistribution (23 min)
5 The Role of the Entrepreneur
Capital, Calculation, and Profit (16 min) 11 Economics Has Consequences
The Real Effects of Sin (27 min)
6 A Tale of Two Theologies, Part 1
From God to Politics (24 min) 12 Kingdom Economics (15 min)
R.C. Sproul Jr.

Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. has focused much of his lengthy teaching
and writing ministry on worldview issues, apologetics, family
matters, and economics.
Includes two DVDs and a study guide with discussion questions. Additional study guides sold separately.
CompassClassroom.com ©2021 Compass Classroom. All rights reserved.

love Economics for Everybody.
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“I think Economics for Everybody should be shown on national TV right

now! Loved it! Very engaging videos and rich content. Plan to use with other
students and recommend to other homeschooling families.”
— Tammy
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
12 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

by M a r k Twa i n
Huck Finn, best friend of Tom Sawyer,

gets the spotlight in this hilarious coming
of age story.
Contains some violence that may be a bit

nature for some audiences.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
13 The Odyssey
by H o m e r
Every student should read this before

college. Many books and movies are based
on this epic that describes a man’s desperate
attempt to reach his home.
Contains sexual content that might be a bit

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
14 The Chronicles of Narnia

by C . S . L e w i s
This book series should go to the top

of your book list. Each and every one is
fascinating and enjoyable.
 Buy the Book SERIES on

Amazon
Looking for
a writing
curriculum?

Creative Writing with Jonathan Rogers.
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“We are using this course not even so much to learn creative writing, but as a tool to
better analyze and understand literature. We are only a few weeks in, but so far, this
material has exceeded my expectations and enhanced our study of literature.”
— Andrea
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
15 All Quiet on the Western Front

by E r i c h M a r i a R e m a r q u e
The story of a young German private, this

book will make your students think about
different sides of World War I since the
winners did not write this story.
Contains some violence that may be a bit

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
16 The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Most people don’t know much about
our founding fathers, so here is the
autobiography of one of the most famous.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
17 The Last of the Mohicans

by J a m e s F e n i m o r e C o o p e r
This incredibly moving novel tells the

story of the impossible love between an
Indian brave and a British girl despite the
war raging between their people.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
18 Pilgrim’s Progress
by J o h n Bu n ya n
Bunyan wrote this allegorical tale about

Christianity while serving time in jail for
refusing to stop preaching in England.
Looking for a
Bible curriculum?

love Modern Parables.
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“My kids loved watching the videos and using the printable materials to
stimulate engaging conversation.”
— Adrienne
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
19 The Scarlet Letter

by Nat h a n i e l H aw t h o r n e
After reading this story, it is worth

researching Hawthorne’s intentions for
writing this novel that promoted the
stereotypical view of the Puritans that
remains to this day.
Contains some sexual content that may be a

bit mature for some audiences.
[v] — Contains violence that may be a bit mature for some audiences
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
20 My Antonia
by Wi l l a C at h e r
Another coming of age story, this novels

focuses on a young immigrant woman
trying to make her way in the new
American West.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
21 Animal Farm
by G e o r g e O rw e l l
Like some other books on this list, everyone

should read this short story. It is an
allegory of Communism and is the perfect
precursor to Orwell’s novel 1984 (which
every high schooler should read).
Contains some violence that might be a bit

Looking for a
rhetoric or speech
curriculum?

love Fitting Words.
TRY FREE LESSONS

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
22 To Kill A Mockingbird
by H a r p e r L e e
This book has already been a part of cancel

culture for a few years now, which is a
sign it should be read by everyone. It is
a beautifully touching story about racial
issues in the sixties in the South.
Contains some sexual content that may be a

bit mature for some audiences.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
23 Beowulf
translated by S e a m u s H e a n e y
One of the earliest forms of literature,

your boys will really like this epic poem of
warriors and dragons and monsters.
Contains violence that might be a bit mature

for some audiences.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
24 Robinson Crusoe
by Da n i e l D e f o e
This novel has sparked many film remakes

and is worth reading purely for the cultural
impact it made.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
25 Poems
by G e o r g e H e r b e rt
Herbert was an incredibly influential

English poet who proved to be an example
to future poets.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
26 Sonnets
by Wi l l i a m S h a k e s p e a r e
Shakespeare’s sonnets are some of the most

beautiful and sweet ever written. Your
students will probably recognize more of
them than they think.

Looking for a
filmmaking
curriculum?

love Filmmaking with the
First Directors.
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“My son loved every aspect of it.

Great content and challenging
assignments. It’s amazing to see
how his creativity grew throughout
this course.”
— Corlia
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
27 Treasure Island
by R o b e rt L o u i s S t e v e n s o n
Pirates, gold, sword fights, and battle ships.

What could be more entertaining?

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
28 The Scarlet Pimpernel

by Ba r o n e s s O r c z y
One of my favorite books, this a sweeping

romance and intriguing mystery set during
the French Revolution.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
29 The Wise Woman and Other Stories

by G e o r g e M a c D o n a l d
The only fairy tale on this list, the story is

a fun, quick read that your entire family
will like.

Looking to round out your
curriculum in Literature, Science,
Bible, or Spanish Grammar?
Our Compass Lecture series includes these courses:
Middle School Literature . American Literature . British & World Literature
General Science . Physical Science
Understanding the Old Testament . Spanish Grammar from Latin Roots
TRY FREE LESSONS
“Solid teaching from a Christian

perspective, fellowship, joyful learning
that’s somewhat flexible and compatible
with our homeschool environment.”
— Debbie
67 Classics Every
High Schooler
Should Read
Looking for classics for your high schooler? There are a lot of classics out
there. Have you ever wondered where to start, or which classics your high
schooler should read first? Picking and choosing your book list can be
overwhelming. We’ve narrowed it down for you!
While this list is by no means exhaustive, it is a little more extensive
than our middle school list. Some of you might think this list is far too
ambitious, while others might find it meager. This list is simply a guide. You
may add or detract from it. You may feel your child is not quite ready for
some of these works, or maybe they’ve already read several of them. That
is the beauty of homeschooling! You know your child better than anyone,
so we leave it in your hands. We simply want to suggest books we believe
are worth placing in front of your child — the books we’ve read and love.

6 7 C lassics E v ery Hig h S c h ooler S h o u ld R ead
American History
1 The Sermons of Jonathan Edwards: A Reader
selected by Wilson Kimnach, Kenneth Minkema, and Douglas Sweeney
2 Democracy in America by Alexis DeTocqueville
(abridged & edited by R.D. Heffner)
3 Declaration of Independence
4 Constitution of the United States
5 Common Sense by Thomas Paine
6 The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane [v]
7 “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
8 “The Minister’s Black Veil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
9 “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe [v]
10 “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe
11 “Bartleby the Scrivener” by Herman Melville
12 A History of the American People by Paul Johnson
13 The Legacy of the Civil War by Robert Penn Warren
14 Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson
15 Collected Poems of Anne Bradstreet
16 Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Looking for an
American history
curriculum?
love American History.
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“Dave Raymond’s American History is by far our favorite history experience so far.
It’s engaging, involves interesting projects (not busy work), and biblical theology
incorporated throughout. We will continue to use Dave Raymond’s series.”
— Ashlee
Modernity
1 The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
2 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
3 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
4 The Portable Romantic Poets edited by W.H. Auden
5 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
6 1984 by George Orwell
7 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
8 Jane Eyre by Charlotte BrontË
9 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [sc]
10 Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
11 Greenmantle by John Buchan
12 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
13 Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh [sc]
14 The Nine Tailors by Dorothy Sayers
15 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley [sc]
16 “Harvard Address” by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
17 Goodbye by Mr. Chips by James Hutton
18 Rasselas by Samuel Johnson
19 Collected Poems of T.S. Eliot
20 Collected Poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins
21 Collected Poems of John Keats
22 Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
23 The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom [v]
24 The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner [sc]
25 The Ransom Trilogy by C.S. Lewis
[sc] — Contains sexual content that may be a bit mature for some audiences

Looking for a
world history
curriculum?
families love Modernity.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“I just asked my daughter taking Modernity to review it. Her reaction, ‘I love it! It
doesn’t describe history as just dates and events. It give context as to why events took
place, and the people behind them. Before this, I thought history was boring. I look
forward to working on Modernity. It’s my favorite class.’”
— Carla
Antiquity
1 Antigone by Sophocles
2 Oedipus by Sophocles [v]
3 The History of the Peloponnesian War
by Thucydides
4 Histories by Herodotus
5 Plutarch’s Lives
6 The Faerie Queene by Spenser
7 Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
8 The Poetics by Aristotle
8 Iliad by Homer [v]
9 The Epic of Gilgamesh [sc]
10 Metamorphoses by Ovid [sc]
11 The Aeneid by Virgil
12 Paradise Lost by John Milton
13 The Republic by Plato

Looking for an
ancient history
curriculum?
families love Antiquity.
TRY FREE LESSONS
“I found it very in-depth for my high school student. I thought it was engaging and
provided plenty of opportunities for my student to think critically in order to give
a well thought-out answer. The material provided opportunities for us to have some
great conversations.”
— Mary
Christendom
1 The Ecclesiastical History of the English People
by Bede
2 The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer [sc]
3 On the Incarnation by Athanasius
4 Hamlet by William Shakespeare
5 The Inferno by Dante
6 Confessions by Augustine
7 The Rule of St. Benedict
8 The Holy Bible
9 The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton
10 Collected Poems of John Donne
11 Henry V by William Shakespeare
12 The Talisman by Sir Walter Scott

10 Best Read-Alouds for the Whole Family
1 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
2 Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol
4 Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
5 Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Janet and Geoff Benge
6 The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
7 The Little Prince by Antoine de St. Exupery
10 Little Women/Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
6 Great Books to Read While Studying Ancient History

1 Twice Freed by Patricia St. John
2 Peril and Peace by Mindy & Brandon Withrow
3 Mythology by Edith Hamilton
4 The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas
5 The Man Born to Be King by Dorothy Sayers
6 The Iliad by Homer
12 Great Books to Read While Studying The Civil War

1 Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington
2 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
3 The Real Lincoln by Thomas DiLorenzo
4 The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
5 Dear America: When Will This Cruel War Be Over?
6 Dear America: A Picture of Freedom
7 Turn Homeward Hannalee by Patricia Beatty
9 Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith
10 Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
11 An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce

13 Great Books to Read While Studying World War 1
1 All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
2 Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery
3 A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
4 Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain
5 The Belgian Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins
6 The French Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins
7 The Great War: Stories Inspired by Items from the First World War
8 Where Poppies Grow by Linda Granfield
9 The War To End All Wars: World War I by Russell Freedman
10 Silent Night: The Remarkable Christmas Truce of 1914 by Stanley Weintraub
11 Tommy Goes To War by Malcolm Brown
12 World War I: The Definitive Visual History
13 The Great War edited by M a r k H o l b o r n
11 Amazing Books to Read While Studying World War 2

1 Hannah Goslar Remembers: A Childhood Friend of Anne Frank
by Alison Leslie Gold
2 Goodbye East End: An Evacuee’s Story by David Merron
3 No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War by Anita Lobel
4 Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
5 Number The Stars by Lois Lowry
6 When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
7 Code Talkers by Joseph Bruchac
8 The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
9 Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose
10 London At War 1939-1945 by Alan Jefferys
11 Secrets of Churchill’s War Rooms by Jonathan Asbury

American History Books for Middle School
1 Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford
2 Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
3 The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
4 Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography
5 Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
6 The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
7 Hero Tales from American History
by Henry Cabot Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt
8 Huckleberry Finn & The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
11 Mighty Rough Times, I Tell You edited by Andrea Sutcliffe
12 Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington
American History Books for Younger Siblings

1 The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh
2 The Matchlock Gun by Walter Edmonds
3 Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne
4 Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop
5 Civil War on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne
6 The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder
7 Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
8 Buffalo Bill by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
9 Tree in the Trail by Holling C. Holling
10 Paddle-to-the-Sea & Minn of the Mississippi by Holling C. Holling
Bonus! American History Book List

2 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
3 The Journals of Lewis and Clark
4 Moby Dick by Herman Melville
6 Life on the Mississippi & Roughing It by Mark Twain

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29 Classics Every Middle Schooler Should Read
1 Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
2 The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
4 Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
5 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
6 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
10 The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
11 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
12 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
13 The Odyssey by Homer
14 The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
15 All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Remarque
16 The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
17 The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
18 Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
20 My Antonia by Willa Cather
21 Animal Farm by George Orwell
22 To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
23 Beowulf translated by S e a m u s H e a n e y
25 Poems by George Herbert
26 Sonnets by William Shakespeare
27 Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
28 The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
29 The Wise Woman and Other Stories by George MacDonald

67 Classics Every High Schooler Should Read
Antiquity
1 Antigone by Sophocles
2 Oedipus by Sophocles
3 The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
4 Histories by Herodotus
5 Plutarch’s Lives
6 The Faerie Queene by Spenser
7 Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
8 The Poetics by Aristotle
8 Iliad by Homer
9 The Epic of Gilgamesh
10 Metamorphoses by Ovid
11 The Aeneid by Virgil
12 Paradise Lost by John Milton
13 The Republic by Plato
Christendom
1 The Ecclesiastical History of the English People by Bede
2 Canterbury Tales by Chaucer
3 On the Incarnation by Athanasius
4 Hamlet by William Shakespeare
5 The Inferno by Dante
6 Confessions by Augustine
7 The Rule of St. Benedict
8 The Holy Bible
9 The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton
10 Collected Poems of John Donne
11 Henry V by William Shakespeare
12 The Talisman by Sir Walter Scott

Modernity
1 The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
2 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
3 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
4 The Portable Romantic Poets edited by W.H. Auden
5 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
6 1984 by George Orwell
7 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
8 Jane Eyre by Charlotte BrontË
9 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
10 Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
11 Greenmantle by John Buchan
12 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
13 Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
14 The Nine Tailors by Dorothy Sayers
15 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
16 “Harvard Address” by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
17 Goodbye by Mr. Chips by James Hutton
18 Rasselas by Samuel Johnson
19 Collected Poems of T.S. Eliot
20 Collected Poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins
21 Collected Poems of John Keats
22 Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
23 The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
24 The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
25 The Ransom Trilogy by C.S. Lewis

American History
1 The Sermons of Jonathan Edwards: A Reader
selected by Kimnach, Minkema, and Sweeney
2 Democracy in America by Alexis DeTocqueville
3 Declaration of Independence
4 Constitution of the United States
5 Common Sense by Thomas Paine
6 Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
7 “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
8 “The Minister’s Black Veil” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
9 “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe
10 “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe
11 “Bartleby the Scrivener” by Herman Melville
12 A History of the American People by Paul Johnson
13 The Legacy of the Civil War by Robert Penn Warren
14 Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson
15 Collected Poems of Anne Bradstreet
16 Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

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2023

our best recommendations to

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F Avoid distractions. Turn off phones, notifications, etc.

F Get comfortable. Pillows, blankets, jammies, and snacks

F Watch the movie! We know, we know. 99% of the time

2 Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol

4 Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

5 Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Janet and Geoff Benge

6 The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

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A fantastic book of historical fiction

Her characters, both real and fictionalized,

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2 Peril and Peace

The second volume in a series of books

The stories are short and engaging and

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Perhaps one of the best mythological

Like Twice Freed, I enjoy reading the

However, Hamilton does not dwell on

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A story similar to Ben-Hur, The Robe

One of the reasons I enjoy this book

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5 The Man Born to Be King

Written by Dorothy Sayers, a popular

Not only does Sayers brilliantly expand

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Many high schoolers, specifically the

There is a lot of graphic fighting, but, like

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Booker T. Washington is slowly being

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2 Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

The second autobiography on this list

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3 The Real Lincoln

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4 The Red Badge of Courage

Almost as popular as another Civil War

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5 Dear America: When Will This Cruel War Be Over?

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6 Dear America: A Picture of Freedom

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