Customer Reviews

The Homeschooling Book of Answers: The 101 Most Important Questions Answered by Homeschooling's Most Respected Voices (Prima Home Learning Library)

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This was the first book I picked up at the library on the subject of homeschooling and it was powerful enough in its message to sell me on the idea. I was quite sure that this was how I would educate my son but I needed to have some of my big questions answered - and they were. The only thing that I didn't like about the book was the heavy negative tone that is taken when discussing "the institution of shool". I don't want to be a homeschooling parent who puts down the choice of other parents, I think it makes us homeshoolers look bad and besides more people will join us if they don't feel bullied. Anyways the book got me started on the right track and I am now excitedly reading many more books on the subject.

I always enjoy the homeschooling books when I'm getting down or need inspiraton. This one I was looking forward to as it was highly recommended by several people. While overall I did enjoy it, there were several things that did not sit well with me. First, I'm going to focus on the positive: This book is written in question and answer format with the answers supplied by a panel of homeschoolers, homeschooling experts and even homeschooled students. It is a very nice style, and often a particular question will have an answer by 2 or 3 different panelists. This gives several experiences and viewpoints. Often the answers share personal antecdotes and experiences, making this read like sitting down to a chat with a few friends about homeschooling. I also have to stay that this particular book appears to a wide range of audiences, covering questions from "Is it legal?" and the question of socialization, curriculum choice (generalized, not specifics), family dynamics in homeschooling and more all the way up to how homeschoolers can and should be involved in political activism to continue to ensure homeschooling remains an educational alternative in the United States. Few if any other books I have read on homeschooling covered such a breadth of topics so well, while at the same time not being cumbersome and too fact-filled to be read easily. I really give high praise to the layout, writing and scope of this book. It is appropriate for newcomers to homeschooling while at the same time sharing many things relevant and interesting to veterans as well.

What I did not enjoy about the book is it is overtly pro-unschooling in methodology. If you use a boxed curriculum, school at home or other more structured styles, this book may not be for you. It is also decidedly against charters for various reasons, going so far as to question whether using a charter is actually homeschooling (see question #89), "But is it homeschooling? You decide. Homeschooling, by its very definition, implies that parents do it all and pay for it all." I do not utilize a charter, but I do know parents who do and feel this is a bit insulting to them, especially as charters continue to change and some allow great flexibility while offering benefits many parents enjoy.

So overall I do recommend this book as a wonderfully researched and interesting book. However, I do caution those of you who utilize charters or are towards more structured forms of homeschooling that some of what you read may feel a bit critical, especially if you used boxed curriculum, do formalized testing or "school at home" styles.

Homeschooling can be an intimidating undertaking, but I think this book helps to ease many fears and also gives you lots of research data and professional opinions to really encourage you in this endeavor. Homeschooling; I can't think of a better way to raise your children.

I have been reading a few other books and none of them compare to this one. It has helped me so much. Its rare to find an informative book that covers things so thoroughly. It has answered EVERY single question I had. This book has completely changed the way I feel about education. It has helped me realize that I CAN homeschool my children. It has given me so much confidence! Not only does it answer every question you might have and answer it well, but it also lists TONS of resources in the back of the book. And it has a full list of State laws that is very helpful. I am so grateful to have found this book! If you want to homeschool and are nervous or feel overwhelmed pick up this book and start reading. You will not be disappointed!

The first book I read on homeschooling was "Home Sweet Home-School: A Survivor's Guide to Giving Your Kids a Quality Education" by Sue Maakestad. This is a wonderful book which gave me a vivid, educational, and entertaining glimpse into the home of a homeschooler of eight children. The second book I read was "The Homeschooling Book of Answers." I am so glad I stumbled upon these books and in this order. They gave me a view of the incredible spectrum available to homeschoolers. Whereas Maakestad uses a "school at home" aproach, the participants in Dobson's project are virtually all unschoolers. Both books showed me approaches to homeschooling I'd never known of before and also showed me that wonderful, intelligent, well-socialized, and successful young adults emerge from both appraches. Though, as other reviewers have mentioned, the Dobson book is decidedly anti-public school, if one takes that as it may generally be intended, as attacks on an outdated SYSTEM, and not necessarily upon the teachers or even upon people who send their children through the system, it is a very valuable read for all people considering homeschooling or just getting started or leaning toward a more relaxed homeschooling style.

I think that public schooling and home schooling are a great choice for children. One reason I think that public schooling is a great choice is because of the fact that the students gain more social life. Home schooling is a good choice because the parents get to spend time with the children without working. Also public schooling is good for students because the teachers are more qualified. Home schooling is also good for students who have trouble in public schooling.