Why use Landmark Books in my homeschool?

There is nothing magical about Landmark books, but they are definitely special and there are compelling reasons to seek them out and use them in your homeschool. 

Biographies!

Biographies are a superb way to introduce your children to history. You can find biographies for children of all ages and there are many old series' to choose from.

The Landmark series is one that I happen to like because they are well-written, not overly long (less than 200 pages), fully indexed, written by very talented authors who were generally experts in the field of their subject matter, and easy-to-read. 

While most textbooks contain limited information that is hard for children to retain, Landmark books are engaging and will, for the most part,  keep your child's attention while imparting a sense of not only "where" or "when" but also "why" and "how".

Living Books!

There is a lot of talk in the homeschooling community about using "living" books.  We each probably have our own definition of what a "living" book actually is, but my own opinion is this:  A living book is one that was written in such as way that it makes a particular era or person, either fictional or nonfictional, come alive to the reader.  A "living" book reaches into your heart, engages your mind and your imagination as you read, and is remembered long after the book is back on the shelf.

Homeschoolers wanting to choose "living" books have a wonderful selection of helps and lists to aid their search and to assist them in implementing the use of such books.  (see helpful links for more information.)  The Charlotte Mason philosophy of gentle teaching has no doubt had a huge influence on the "living" book movement.  There are many books written by accomplished homeschoolers on this subject and I will not try to write one here. 

Many homeschoolers want to use "living" books but are not ready or able to give up their traditional textbooks.  The predictability of a textbook can be a blessing to a parent who, for any reason, needs to have an established structure when teaching history.  For these, Landmark books and other biographies are PERFECT!

Does your textbook have a chapter on the French Revolution?  Great!  Read that chapter then put the textbook down and read Marie Antoinette.  When finished, read Hero of Trafalgar, The Story of Lord Nelson and Napoleon and the Battle of Waterloo.  You have now added some "living" books to your homeschool experience in a painless way.  World Landmark Books, A Homeschoolers' Guide contains a helpful chronological chart to help you pinpoint just which titles may be appropriate for any time period.

With time and practice, you will find yourself turning to "living" books more and textbooks less.

Experts!

Each Landmark book is written by an established author that had an area of expertise which included their subject matter.  Here are two examples:

Pearl Buck grew up in China.  Her parents were missionaries there and she spent much of her life learning the ways of the Chinese and absorbing their culture.  After writing other works on China, Random House commissioned her to write the World Landmark about Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary who tried to bring western-style democracy to his native land.

Quentin Reynolds was a World War II correspondent who was in London during the Battle of Britain.  Who better to write about that important struggle than someone who was there?  He also wrote the book on Winston Churchill in the World Landmark series and having met and dined with Churchill, he was able to share personal information that is of great interest.

Price!

Price?  Are you crazy Karen?  Don't you know that Landmark books are "collectible" and expensive?  A first glance at the price guide in World Landmark Books, A Homeschoolers' Guide may seem to indicate that these are out of the price range of average homeschoolers.  After all, aren't we all trying to live on a shoestring so we can stay in our homes and teach?

A little comparitive shopping will prove my point.  When is the last time you were able to purchase a new paperback book for less than $6.00 or $7.00?  Many new softcover books run as high as $12.95 and higher.  I purchased a new hardcover about the potato famine recently.  It was $18.00 which is at the low end of the price scale for hardcover books.

Compare those prices to the average price of a used Landmark book.  While there are a few titles that are quite rare (read: pricey) the majority of the titles can be purchased for around $10.00 to $15.00 each.  Using the tips in World Landmark Books, A Homeschoolers' Guide, you can find many titles for much less.  So you see, it really does not cost any more to use older, high quality Landmarks.

Quality!

My last point is about quality.  Try to name a series of children's books being published today that is high quality nonfiction geared to teach children about people and events in world history.  I can't think of one, can you?  Today's children's literature is heavy on fantasy and celebrity.  Ask a child in middle school about the last biogrpahy they read and you will likely hear some sports, music, or acting celebrity mentioned.  Ask a child in grade school what they are reading and you will probably hear about Captain Underpants or Babysitter's Club. 

There is a dearth of high quality nonfiction being published for children today.  Yes, there are great books by Usborne, Kingfisher, Dorling Kindersley, etc.  But where are the lessons from history? 

Landmark books are "living" books that are high quality, well-researched, expertly written, non-politically correct, and affordable.  Need I say more?  Obviously I am sold on these books.  Why not pick one up and read it for yourself?