Main Spines Every Home Needs
A main spine is a book that gives a survey of a comprehensive topic, similar to what a textbook would do. Main spines differ from textbooks in that they don't have textbook features such as summaries and questions. Unlike textbooks, they also don't tend to give analysis of the material; they present the facts in prose and utilize lots of pictures and scans of primary source documents to give a sense of time and place. These books are high interest for all students. Even if you don't homeschool, your children will benefit from having these books in your home. Whole-book homeschoolers use these books as a framework for study, often reading several pages each week and fleshing out the bigger picture through separate nonfiction and fiction books that cover important topics or those of particular interest to the student.
History
The Usborne Encyclopedia of
World History
Good for late Grammar and Dialectic. Excellent resource, but it is very evolution heavy (if your family prefers to avoid that).
History
Story of the World: Ancient Times
by Susan Wise Bauer
Storybook narration of the major events and people. Targeted for Grammar stage, but fabulous for family read-alouds.
History
Story of the World: Modern Age
by Susan Wise Bauer
Storybook narration of the major events and people. Targeted for Grammar stage, but fabulous for family read-alouds.
History
Philip's Atlas of World History
Similar to Map by Map, but less comprehensive. A nice, simple book for your Dialectic students.
History/Science
The Usborne Children's Encyclopedia
This is a great history and science combination reference meant for the Grammar set.
Science
Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia
Best choice for Rhetoric students. Provides a good overview and helps them decide which topics they want to explore deeper.
Science
The Story of Science: Einstein
Adds a New Dimension
by Joy Hakim
Narrative of physics, Einstein and colleagues, relativity and quantum physics--best for Rhetoric students.
Science
DK/Smithsonian Super Space
Encyclopedia
Most up-to-date space encyclopedia -- Stunning CGI imagery -- Perfect for Dialectic students but great for all ages
Geography
National Geographic Kids Beginner's United States Atlas
For the Grammar years--when students study U.S. geography, this is the one you want. It's overflowing with fun facts, data, and maps.
Writing
Writers INC
Elements of writing, guide to various essay types, literary elements, grammar, poetry, and more. An absolute must have!
Art History
The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia
by DK
Kids trace the development of art, sculpture, photography, music, dance, etc. Wonderful for Dialectic and Rhetoric students.
Art History
The Art Book For Children
from Phaidon Press
Excellent source for teaching Grammar students to really look at art.
History
The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia
Outstanding chronological journey through world history for Dialectic and Rhetoric students.
History
Story of the World: Middle Ages
by Susan Wise Bauer
Storybook narration of the major events and people. Targeted for Grammar stage, but fabulous for family read-alouds.
History
A History of US: Eleven Volume Set
by Joy Hakim
A history of the U.S. from pre-history through post-9/11 that is engaging for Dialectic students.
History
The Kingfisher Atlas of the
Ancient World
This is the perfect introductory book for historical mapping. If you have a Grammar student, this is the one to buy.
Science
My First Encyclopedia of Science
A solid first science reference for reading aloud to your youngest and reference for your Grammar students.
Science
The Story of Science: Aristotle
Leads the Way
by Joy Hakim
Narrative of science from Ancient Babylonia, Egypt, and Greece--good for upper Dialectic, lower Rhetoric students.
Science
The New Way Things Work
by David Macaulay
Perfect for kids full of mechanical "why" questions.
Geography
Oxford Atlas of the World
by Keith Lye
Absolutely the best atlas! Updated yearly: maps, cultural info, statistical data, and more. A must have for Rhetoric students.
Mythology
Bulfinch's Mythology
Covers Greek and Roman myths, as well as Arthurian legends and the Medieval romances.
Writing
Writing Today
by Richard Johnson-Sheehan
A one-stop book for help with all types of writing, high-school and beyond. Your kids will try smuggle it off your shelf when they leave for college.
Art History
The Usborne Children's Book of Art
The best source for Dialectic students. Nudity happens in art. A lot. Including here, so be forewarned.
Art
Drawing with Children
by Mona Brooks
This is the most trusted drawing resource among homeschoolers. Good for Dialectic and Rhetoric students.
History
The Usborne Time Traveler
This is perfect for Grammar students. It is a combination of four books covering pharaohs, Rome, knights, and Vikings.
History
Story of the World: Early Modern Times
by Susan Wise Bauer
Storybook narration of the major events and people. Targeted for Grammar stage, but fabulous for family read-alouds.
History
History of the World Map by Map
Every Rhetoric student needs this on their shelf. Perfectly illustrates the changing tide of borders throughout history.
History
The Timetables of History
Amazing timeline book! Correlates history, literature, science, art, music, and more. A must-have reference!
Science
The Usborne Science Encyclopedia
If you have a Dialectic student, this is the one you want. Just the right amount of info for that level.
Science
The Story of Science: Newton
at the Center
by Joy Hakim
Narrative of science from Copernicus through Newton--for upper Dialectic, lower Rhetoric students.
Science
Stuff Matters
by Mark Miodownik
Explore the chemistry and engineering of everyday objects. Fun for Rhetoric students.
Geography
National Geographic Kids World Atlas
Loaded with fine maps, cultural tidbits, and geography data of all kinds. Love this one for Dialectic students.
Mythology
Edith Hamilton's Mythology
Covers Greek and Roman myths as well as Norse mythology.
Art History
Art: Over 2,500 Works from
Cave to Contemporary
by Nigel Ritchie
Gorgeous large scale, full color images and close-ups for analysis of composition and technique. A Rhetoric must-have
Art History
Children's Book of Art
by DK
Also for Dialectic students, but this one is broader, covering non-western and indigenous art as well.
Art
Draw Squad
by Mark Kistler
My favorite drawing book for all ages, its engaging cartoon type system teaches skills in a fun, engaging way.