Narnia Series (C. S. Lewis)
What it is: The absolutely delightful and deep stories of a group
of children in a magical land called Narnia. In a compelling story, Lewis
explores theological concepts at a level that anyone can grasp, without ever
becoming bogged down in outright instruction or allegory.
Why I like it: Because the world is wonderful and whimsical enough
that I don’t have to understand all the history to make sense of the
story, but complicated enough that I don’t feel like I’m
being talked down to. Plus, Lewis has a subtle sense of humor that makes for
enjoyable reading.
Treasure Island (Robert Louis Stevenson)
What it is: A pirate-filled treasure hunt!
Why I like it: More swashbuckling adventure than you can shake a
stick at.
Little House on the Prairie Series (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
What it is: The story of Laura, a pioneer girl, as she grows up during
the Western expansion.
Why I like it: Heartwarming, tear-jerking at points, funny at
others, and all around a story well told. The series weaves great values into
the narrative without banging the reader over the head with them.
A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
What it is: The story of how the most grouchy, mean old miser
comes to change his attitude toward Christmas when he is visited by three
spirits that show him what it really means.
Why I like it: Because it uses the concept of ghosts perfectly to
serve a theme rather than just for general spookiness. And speaking of theme, I
love how Dickens masterfully handles his topic without beating it into the
reader. (Are you sensing a common element here?)
Did I surprise you? There are many other great homeschooled
authors out there, included some from the more recent wave, but these four have
stuck with me due to the authors’ mastery of the craft of writing.
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