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

by Linda Dobson (Author) "ONCE UPON a time, the most frequently asked question about homeschooling was, "Is that legal?..." (more)
Key Phrases: homeschooling freedoms, disallow program, homeschooling conferences, Kids Say the Darnedest Things, John Holt, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"I can't imagine a more helpful book on homeschooling?a happy marriage of the realistic with the idealistic, the passionate with the practical."
?George Leonard, author, Education and Ecstasy

"Of the many books on home education that have come across my desk, this is the most usable for the beginning homeschooler."
?Jerry Mintz, Director, Alternative Education Resource Organization

"Provides useful information that demystifies and makes accessible the homeschooling experience."
?Marty Layne, author of Learning at Home: A Mother's guide to Homeschooling -- Review

Review
"I can't imagine a more helpful book on homeschooling—a happy marriage of the realistic with the idealistic, the passionate with the practical."
—George Leonard, author, Education and Ecstasy

"Of the many books on home education that have come across my desk, this is the most usable for the beginning homeschooler."
—Jerry Mintz, Director, Alternative Education Resource Organization

"Provides useful information that demystifies and makes accessible the homeschooling experience."
—Marty Layne, author of Learning at Home: A Mother's guide to Homeschooling

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; Revised edition (February 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761535705
• ISBN-13: 978-0761535706
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #446,017 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My first read on this subject, December 28, 2002

By	Gabby (Clagary Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews

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.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but better for people inclined to unschooling styles, July 25, 2006

By	Tanya Fletcher (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a book of answers, January 23, 2004

By	Krista Barry (California) - See all my reviews

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.