Have you ever used a resource like Common Sense Media to find out what content was in a movie before letting your kids watch it? I wish finding the right books was that easy! That’s why I turned to homeschool book list resources – even though my kids are in public school. These carefully curated reading lists have become my secret weapon for finding quality books that build character and spark joy in reading. After discovering how homeschool families research and compile these detailed book lists as part of their educational journey, I realized these resources are too valuable to keep to myself.

Finding the right books for your children can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. After years of teaching and raising my own readers, I’ve discovered that the secret isn’t spending hours browsing library shelves – it’s knowing where to find trusted recommendations! These websites have become my go-to resources for finding books that aren’t just good, but truly great.

One of my top-secret tips is to use homeschool parent resources because even though my kids are in public school, these homeschool parents are pretty much making booklists for their job. They read these books and study them with their kids. Also, a lot of homeschooler families share my Christian values, and therefore the books they recommend probably align with my values.

Why Use Curated Book Lists?

Before we dive into my favorite resources, let me share why these websites are so valuable. When my daughter was younger, I spent countless hours previewing books only to find many weren’t what we needed. Now I start with these trusted sources and save so much time! Quality book lists help you:

• Find age-appropriate content
• Discover new titles you might miss
• Save time on book selection
• Build a quality home library
• Avoid inappropriate content
• Connect books with learning goals

Top Book List Resources

Read-Aloud Revival

Focus: Family reading culture and read-aloud selections 

Best Features:

• Age-specific book lists
• Premium member resources
• Author interviews
• Seasonal recommendations
• Reading guides for parents

Perfect For:

• Building family reading traditions
• Finding books multiple ages enjoy
• Quality literature recommendations
• Reading motivation tips

I absolutely love Read-Aloud Revival’s booklists and podcast, even without the premium membership. I read “Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster” based on a review from RAR, and it was a fantastic read.

Growing Book by Book

Focus: Early literacy and themed reading

Best Features:

• Monthly book lists
• Activity suggestions
• Reading challenge ideas
• Literacy tips
• Themed book collections

Perfect For:

• Young children
• Literacy-based activities
• Seasonal reading plans
• Building reading skills

Reading Middle Grade

Focus: Books for ages 8-12

Best Features:

• Contemporary recommendations
• Diverse book selections
• Content warnings
• Genre-specific lists
• Age appropriateness guides

Perfect For:

• Finding current titles
• Diverse representations
• Content-sensitive families
• Genre exploration

Simply Charlotte Mason

Focus: Living books and literature-based learning

Best Features:

• Historical fiction recommendations
• Character-building selections
• Nature study books
• Literature guides
• Subject-specific lists

Perfect For:

• Classical education approach
• Historical connections
• Nature study
• Character development

Classical Conversations

Focus: Classical education and great books

Best Features:

• Grade-level reading lists
• Integration with history cycles
• Discussion guides
• Literary analysis resources
• Classical literature selections

Perfect For:

• Classical education families
• History integration
• Advanced readers
• Academic excellence

Intentional Homeschooling

Focus: Literature-based learning resources

Best Features:

• Unit study book lists
• Cross-curricular connections
• Interest-led reading suggestions
• Learning activity ties
• Book-based curriculum ideas

Perfect For:

• Unit studies
• Literature-based learning
• Educational planning
• Multi-subject integration

Making the Most of Book List Resources

I absolutely love being able to pull up one of these booklists and remember or discover a book to read with my kids next. Instead of browsing the most recent releases, a lot of these booklists include classics that stand the test of time because of the story quality and language, making them more worth the reading!

Tips for using these websites effectively:

• Check multiple lists for the same topic
• Read review sections when available
• Preview sample pages online
• Check library availability
• Keep a running wish list
• Note age recommendations

Creating Your System

Here’s my method for using these resources:

1. Start with your child’s current interests
2. Check 2-3 trusted sites for recommendations
3. Preview available samples
4. Check library availability
5. Create a monthly book plan
6. Keep a running wish list for purchases

Special Considerations

When using book lists, remember to:

• Consider your family’s values
• Check content appropriateness
• Balance new and classic books
• Mix fiction and non-fiction
• Include diverse perspectives
• Account for reading levels

Managing Your Book Collection

Keeping track of books I want to read is not my strong suit! I have a goodreads list of books I want to read, and a list of books I’m interested in for later at my library, but they’re not sorted or organized. That’s another good reason to use a pre-organized booklist pick!

Here are some tips though:

• Create a digital wish list (I used goodreads.com)
• Track books you’ve read (Also goodreads for me)
• Note favorite authors
• Record child’s reactions
• Share successes with others

There are some really cool book journals if you’d rather do this analog.

Building Your Library

Smart strategies for collecting books:

• Borrow from the library
• Check out local little free libraries
• Visit a used bookstore or garage sales
• Watch for sales (I wishlist books on Amazon and buy them when they go on sale)
• Share book wish lists for birthdays and holidays
• Build slowly with quality
• Share with other families!

Remember This!

Finding great books doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one or two of these resources that align with your goals, and build your collection thoughtfully. Remember, it’s not about having every book, but about having the right books for your family.

Want more tips on creating a rich reading environment? Check out my guide on How to Make Family Reading Time Special. And for age-specific recommendations, don’t miss Best Family Read-Aloud Books: Complete Guide by Age. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my personal booklists.

Have you used any of these book list resources? Share your experiences in the comments below!