Shadows on the Rock (Book Review)
Willa Cather’s “Shadows on the Rock” is a descriptive, gentle, immersive look at life in Quebec in the late 17th century. Twelve-year-old Cecile lives with her apothecary father, navigating life between the Upper and Lower Towns of Quebec City. Cecile takes care of the young half-orphaned Jacques, listens to stories of the woods and rivers from Pierre Charron the adventurer, and practices her faith under the careful but tender eye of Pere de Laval. She takes care of her father and their fine house and shop, and worries about what it will be like to one day return to her native France when her father’s employer must return to serve the King. Sprinkled heavily with French words and sentences, this book would be a nice stepping stone into reading longer French texts. While the reader doesn’t need to fully understand all the French to appreciate the story (my French is virtually non-existent!), it would be fun for a blossoming French student to be able to read a book that brings French and English together. If you have children who enjoyed the Dear Canada series, this book would be excellent for continued reading. Historical figures like Governor Frontenac and Sieur de la Salle are woven into the story, similar to how historical events are treated in the Dear Canada books. A head’s up to parents: while there are few mature topics, and the ones that are discussed are dealt with subtly and delicately, Shadows on the Rock may not be suitable for younger children, and may not be a good choice for a read-aloud. Young Jacques’ mother is the town prostitute, abandoning her son to the elements and good nature of her neighbors while she entertains the sailors who come and go from Quebec City. While her activities are never named explicitly, it is clear what is going on at her hotel. Mentions of torture endured by Catholic priests at the hands of some Indigenous nations are also briefly described and may be disturbing to younger children. Despite touching on heavy subject matter, this book reads like a cross between a Dear Canada novel and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s books. Descriptions are vivid and captivating, and the characters jump off the page. The ideals, values, attitudes, and hard-working character of the first generations of French settlers in Canada thread through the book, and the reader comes away with an appreciation for the hardship and an admiration for the tenacity and good nature of generations gone by. Overall, Shadows on the Rock is a lovely addition to your Canadian history bookshelf and will captivate the imagination of your children. Abigail is a Royal Conservatory of Music graduate; she completed her ARCT in Piano Pedagogy in 2020 and she teaches piano and violin. Abigail is the oldest of 7 and was homeschooled from start to finish. She likes to listen to Bach, Beethoven, and jazz. Other interests include reading, watercolours, and crochet.
Movie Night Book Stack
Tom Sawyer Heidi Pride and Prejudice Black Beauty Animal Farm Where to Red Fern Grows Little Women Robinson Crusoe The Swiss Family Robinson Old Yeller Emma Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Anne of Green Gables Watership Down Mr. Popper’s Penguins Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Charlotte’s Web The Secret Garden Mary Poppins 1984 There are many ways to enjoy time together as a family and bonding over books and movies is a simple way to connect. Start of course by reading the book and then plan a fun movie night! You can keep it simple and just add some popcorn or you can add some extra steps and make an event out of it: pre-made tickets, a ticket booth, concession stand, an usher, or maybe even go big with a projector to create a big-screen experience. Homeschooling families have a special relationship with books and they are certainly the focus in all of our families. Adding a movie night is fun and can even be used as a tool to encourage those reluctant readers. In our home, we’ve often said ‘no’ to movies unless the novel was read first. It’s been the nudge that some of our kiddos have needed. We all want our children to develop critical thinking skills and taking the time to read a book and then watch the movie is a great way to get those gears going. You don’t need to dampen the fun by pulling out worksheets; a simple conversation will do. Begin with open ended questions that encourage your child to compare and contrast the book and the movie. You’ll also be developing social skills in your children as you read and then watch; encouraging your children to consider the perspectives and creativity of others. Please keep in mind that this is not an endorsement of all of these movies. You’ll have to take the time to research and figure out what works for your family’s standard. Enjoy. by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children, ranging in age from 7 to 23. 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, enrolment 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 as Communication Specialist for 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 missions field walk with Him.
Love & Friendship Book Stack (ages 13-18)
The Wind in the Willows Emma The Scarlett Pimpernel The Swiss Family Robinson Little Women My Antonia Eight Cousins Where the Red Fern Grows Anne of Green Gables
Some Books are Keepers: a reading list for homeschool moms
Keep-er /ˈkēpər/noun a book that has worn edges, dog-eared corners, and pencil markings because it has been poured over many timessimilar meanings: treasure trove, gold mine, cache Some books stay with you. They linger in your thoughts, whispering wisdom long after you’ve closed the cover. These are the ones you don’t just read—you live with them. They gather coffee stains and pencil marks, and they quietly shape the way you see the world. The books listed here are all keepers. Many of them belong in your “to periodically review” pile, because there’s simply too much truth, beauty, and goodness to be absorbed in one sitting. Classics for the Mind and Soul Mere Christianity — C.S. Lewis A Christian classic that has stood the test of time. Lewis brings the deep truths of the faith to the level of everyday thought, with logic, humility, and grace.👉 You’ll love this if you need your faith strengthened in a rational, heartfelt way. Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen A timeless literary classic full of wit, wisdom, and romance. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy never fail to charm, convict, and delight.👉 You’ll love this if you enjoy clever conversation, moral insight, and a satisfying story that reminds you how humility and love go hand in hand. Classics for the Homeschooling Heart For the Children’s Sake — Susan Schaeffer Macaulay A foundational book for Christian homeschooling families. This is the heart behind the Charlotte Mason approach…education as a life, not a checklist.👉 You’ll love this if see your child as a person, not a project, and your home as a place where wonder and wisdom meet. The Well-Educated Mind — Susan Wise Bauer A guide for mothers who don’t want to stop learning. Bauer gently walks readers through how to read great books with depth and confidence.👉 You’ll love this if you dream of a second education for yourself—one that enriches your mind right alongside your children’s. Books that Nurture Motherhood and Home Mere Motherhood — Cindy Rollins A beautiful, candid memoir from a veteran homeschool mom. Rollins invites you into her story of laughter, loss, and grace-filled perseverance.👉 You’ll love this if you’re weary and need a reminder that God’s faithfulness runs deeper than your daily mess-ups. The Life-Giving Home — Sally Clarkson An invitation to craft a home that nourishes both body and soul, through the rhythms of the seasons and the rituals of family life.👉 You’ll love this if you long to create a home that feels like a refuge—warm, purposeful, and centered on Christ. Cultivating a Mind of Beauty 30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late) — David Kern, Ed. A delightful collection that makes poetry approachable again. Perfect for families, homeschool mornings, or quiet personal reading.👉 You’ll love this if you want to fill your home with beautiful language and teach your children to treasure words. On Reading Well — Karen Swallow Prior A thoughtful exploration of how great literature shapes virtue. Prior shows that good reading isn’t just enjoyable—it’s transformative.👉 You’ll love this if you believe books can shape character and want to read with moral imagination. The Age of Martha — Marcia Mosto A gentle call to rest in a world that values busyness. Moston helps women rediscover the contemplative life amid their daily duties.👉 You’ll love this if you long to slow down and listen at Jesus’ feet. For the Joy of Reading Aloud The Read-Aloud Family — Sarah Mackenzie A modern classic for families who want to build connection through books. Mackenzie offers practical tips and rich encouragement to make reading aloud a way of life.👉 You’ll love this if you want to reclaim family time from screens and fill your home with stories that spark imagination and faith. Some books are meant to be kept. Fill your shelves with these keepers. 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.
Strong Mind, Strong Character: A Reading List for Homeschool Dads
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.