Several years ago, I mentioned that we have a few books we require our children to read before they graduate from our homeschool. A reader asked me about that post, and I realized it might be nice to give you a full list of the books we {currently} require to be read by the end of their high school years.
Note: The reason I say “currently” is because this list is subject to change, be added to, or possibly even be taken away from (but not likely). If I change the list, I’ll write an updated post!
#1 – The Bible
While Bible is a huge part of our everyday schooling, I regret that I did not require my son to read through the entire text once before graduating. However, the college he attends DOES require this, so my oversight has been redeemed. Because of this, I’ve decided to make it a priority in our homeschool, and require a once-through reading of the Bible before graduation.
We use the English Standard Version for most of our every day reading and studying; however, for a once-through reading, I don’t mind something like the New Living Translation or a Chronological Bible to help create a sense of cohesiveness.
Here is the ESV Bible I use for every day (I love the feel of the cover!):
You can buy a New Living Translation Bible or use an app like Bible Gateway:
This NIV Chronological Bible is a good choice as well:
#2 – Kingdom of the Cults
To some of you, this is going to seem like an odd requirement, but my thought on this is that once my children step foot into the adult world, they are going to encounter many different religions. Not knowing anything about these other religions is dangerous since many of them give the appearance of Christianity and could easily become enticing to an uneducated young adult. It’s important our children have knowledge of these other religions, and can hold intelligent dialogue with followers of these other faiths in a way that points to Christ . Kingdom of the Cults is an authoritative reference work on all of the major cult systems, presented in a way that is easy to understand.
#3 – Mere Christianity
This classic book from C.S. Lewis is a foundational work that presents the fundamentals of Christianity in a way that is powerful, yet simple. In a world where faith is often made out to be either legalistic or touchy-feely, Mere Christianity will give your child a focused faith.
#4 – Dug Down Deep
Dug Down Deep is exactly as its description states: “systematic theology like you’ve never seen it before. Readable. Relevant. Powerful.” I read it as part of a book club years ago, and it has stuck with me as a book I think every young Christian should read.
#5 – How Should We Then Live?
This classic work by Francis Shaeffer is a walk through history, art, music and more from a Biblical worldview, while offering an answer to the apathy and decline of Western civilization. If your child is unable to digest the book, I suggest checking your local library to see if they have the videos available. Even though they are outdated, they are still extremely relevant.
#6 – Assumptions That Affect Our Lives
This book has had a profound influence on my life and homeschool. So much so that I felt it was extremely important my children read it before leaving home. It juxtaposes the influences of the ancient Greeks and the ancient Hebrews on Western thought, revealing deep-seeded assumptions that influence every aspect of our lives. This short book is incredibly eye-opening! You can read Assumptions That Affect Our Lives in paperback or get it on Kindle.
So, there you have it – our family’s list of must-reads. Now, I don’t claim to have all the answers here, so if you think there’s another book I ought to add to my list, by all means leave your thoughts in the comments section! And please, feel free to share this post with friends and family (and put these books on your wish list!)
Samantha says
I will have to check those out. We do have Mere Christianity.
Sarah Cox says
Thank you for this! I was trying to come up with a list of my own and was stuck. Again, thank you!
Heidi D says
looks like a good list. my only concern is #2 which when I googled a description says is lists mormonism as a cult. Mormonism is a christian religion, its full name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Followers believe in & worship Jesus Christ. The main LDS church does not worship Joseph Smith nor do they practise polygamy as the breakaway group from the church do. There are many misconceptions around but they are a christian religion not a cult.
Korie says
Heidi, I would kindly disagree with you. I would say that the Christian church as a whole would agree that Mormonism is not apart of the true faith. Are you a Mormon? If you believe in Jesus Christ as your one true Savior, then you are truly a believer set apart for heaven. (Romans 10:9) But I think you should really look into the Mormon beliefs. I think there may be plenty of true believers who may attend places of false teaching.
Misti Robinson says
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It’s not a cult. We believe Jesus is our savior. Check out mormon.org. for more info. We’re nice! Get to know us!
Elaine says
Mormons may be “nice” but are in error in their beliefs. God the Father has NEVER been a man of flesh and bones and is NOT a created being. He is the one and only God. He is part of the trinity (God the Father the Son and Holy Spirit) and we can NEVER become gods. If we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we will go to heaven and be with him but NOT as a god ourselves. Also, Jesus was the only man to exist before his physical birth. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gotquestions.org/amp/Mormons.html?client=safari
Mandy says
And works are not required for salvation. One of my very good friends is Mormon. Sadly, the Mormon religions foundation and basic beliefs do teach doctrine seperate and different from the Bible.
Elliot K. Love says
I’m disappointed that book lists basically every other religion on earth as a “cult” instead of a religion. “Religion” is a general term, it is not synonymous to Christianity or any specific variety of Christianity. I’m glad for the requirement to learn about other religions so that children have a foundational understanding of what other people and cultures believe, because that opens the doors for learning about and interacting with people who aren’t like you, helps people be compassionate, and can provide bridges for finding similarities and common grounds despite different religious beliefs. But I wish that book was written in a more non-partisan, less biased manner, in a way that promotes that people are still equals despite different beliefs.
Amy says
I can appreciate what you are saying here. I’ve found this book to be the most comprehensive in explaining each religion despite the name “cult.”
Reggie says
It never occurred to me to have a ‘must read list’! Thank you for the excellent food for thought! On a side note: do you require them to read them individually, or do you ever read them aloud as a family? I ask because I know reading aloud can often time lead to better discussion but may not be age appropriate overall.
Amy says
We don’t read these aloud because they are so meaty and would not appeal to the entire family at the ages they are. These are the kinds of books you read slowly and make notes in the margin. 😉
Linda says
While my kids are still younger as my oldest is 6 years old, one of the excellent books that is still with me is Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. I know I will have them read it at some point. It depicts the Christian’s life in an allegorical tale but it is so deep and beautiful. It is a must read classic for the Christian.
Amy says
Yes! Our younger children read that one as part of their school work, so I didn’t think to include it here.
Monica says
LOVE this! What a wonderful idea. My oldest just turned 12 and will be in 7th grade this Fall. Realizing his time at home is short has made being intentional with his remaining years here a priority.
Just as a heads up, you can watch “How Should We Then Live” on YouTube for free. I believe it was even available through Amazon Prime. 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful resources. They bless and encourage me greatly!
Rhonda says
A more excellent way to be in health by henry wright. Talks about the spiritual roots to todays ailments and diseases. Next to my Bible its the 2nd most important book to own.
Rebecca says
We use How Should We Then Live? too. Getting through the Bible at least once is on our list also. I may be adding some of these other ones to our have-to-read list.
Some of our other ones: Seven Men Who Rule the World From the Grave, Refuting Evolution, Reasonable Faith and possibly Genesis in Space and Time (my oldest two, both now in college, read this one but I’m not sure if I’ll leave it on the list or not).
We have them read all of these in their Junior or Senior High School year – to make sure they can think through them logically and critically. On the transcript, we label it Worldview.
Ashley says
This is a great list!
Part of our children’s school day is 30 minutes of private Bible reading time, so most of them get through the Bible at least once a year. It’s humbling how much more Bible knowledge they have at their age than I did.
I haven’t yet read Assumptions That Affect Our Lives, it looks fantastic!
Mary says
Thank you for this list!! Our oldest is a sophomore- he’s been reading through the Bible but I’ve so needed a listvlike this!!