Living Books about Early Modern History for High School Students

In this episode of the Simply Charlotte Mason Homeschooling podcast, host Sonia Schaefer champions the use of 'living books'—engaging, narrative-driven texts that bring early modern history to life—for high school students. She presents ten carefully selected books that replace dry textbooks with immersive, emotionally resonant learning experiences. These include biographical collections like Robert G. Shearer’s 'Famous Men of the 16th and 17th Century,' personal accounts such as Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, and powerful primary source anthologies like 'American Voices' and 'The American Spirit.' Schaefer emphasizes how these books foster deeper understanding, imagination, and lasting interest in history by connecting students with real people and pivotal moments. She also highlights the value of master historian interviews in David M. Rubenstein’s 'The American Story' and the narrative brilliance of Joseph Brucek’s 'Sacagawea,' which uses alternating perspectives to humanize history. The episode concludes with a strong endorsement of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, which prioritizes literature, narration, and personal engagement over rote memorization.