Strong Mind, Strong Character: A Reading List for Homeschool Dads
In a homeschool home, dads play an important role. Beyond coaching sports or fixing the car, fathers can be a living example of curiosity, wisdom, integrity, and strength. A powerful way that a homeschool dad can influence his children is through reading. Below is a list of engaging books that challenge the mind, shape character, deepen faith, and inspire conversation.
Beowulf
An epic poem about courage, loyalty, and honour. Reading Beowulf is a chance to reflect on personal virtue and discuss timeless moral questions.
The Liberal Arts Tradition
When mom and dad understand the “why” behind classical education, it can make all the difference in a homeschool. Clark and Jain provide a roadmap for integrating faith, reason, and the arts. Dads who read this book will be equipped to guide their children not just in knowledge, but in wisdom.
A Good Man
Clarkson explores the character of a good man in a culture that often misunderstands masculinity. Find the inspiration, encouragement, and practical guidance to model integrity and strength.
Orthodoxy
Chesterton’s witty and profound defence of Christian belief is as enjoyable as it is enlightening. Reading Orthodoxy reminds dads that faith and intellect go hand in hand.
Total Truth
Pearcey challenges readers to integrate faith into every part of life, from academics to daily decisions. For a homeschool dad, this book offers a framework for helping children see that truth isn’t compartmentalized, it’s everywhere!
The Emperor’s Handbook
Stoicism may seem distant from homeschool life, but Marcus Aurelius’s reflections on discipline, patience, and duty resonate deeply. You’ll find practical strategies for modelling calm leadership and resilience for your children.
The Well-Educated Mind
Bauer’s guide is perfect for the dad who wants a structured approach to home education. It helps dads read deeply, think critically, and pass on a love of learning that doesn’t end with high school.
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Milton’s epic poem explores temptation, rebellion, and redemption on a grand scale. Reading Paradise Lost offers both intellectual challenge and spiritual reflection. It’s a story that inspires discussion about the stakes of moral choice and the beauty of truth.
Why These Books Matter
When dads read, children see that learning is more than a school assignment; it’s a lifelong pursuit. Reading shapes all of us, and building a personal home library is about learning and also legacy.
by Adrianne Curwen
Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrollment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children, but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role at Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important mission field walk with Him.
