A photograph shows two children sharing a microscope. The title reads, Homeschool.
HOMESCHOOL BOOKLIST
Fun-to-Browse Nonfiction
The cover for Hands-On Science: Motion shows balls rolling along slides.
Hands-on Science: Motion
by Lola M. Schaefer; illustrated by Druscilla Santiago
 
This interactive picture book is just like a physics lab! Kids use their imaginations as they follow text that instructs them to tilt the book to "roll" a ball down a ramp, "slide" beanbags to test friction, and more. All of the "experiments" presented here could easily be done in real life. Use them as springboards for setting up and talking about similar physics experiments. An easy-to set up activity is included on the last page. Check out the other volumes in the series: Matter and Geology.
 
Ages 5 - 8 
Physics; Motion; Understanding Abstract Ideas vs. Concrete Ideas 
The cover for What a Map Can Do shows a racoon posing on a yellow backdrop with a map in its paw.
What a Map Can Do
by Gabrielle Balkan; illustrated by Alberto Lot
 
Teaching about maps can be fun, and this colorful book brings a lot of interest to the topic. Many types of maps are presented, beginning with a map of a bedroom and gradually expanding out to other types (e.g., road maps, trails, and even a star map). Seek-and-find activities included throughout involve pointing to places on maps and tracing the route from one place to another. Follow up with a simple mapping activity of your house, neighborhood, or a nearby park.
  
Ages 4 - 8 
Maps and Mapping; Geography
The cover for Home Activity Lab shows different everyday items set against a colorful backdrop.
Home Activity Lab: Exciting Experiments for Budding Scientists
by Jack Challoner
 
From sticky slime to balloon cars to invisible ink, this big book is full of hands-on science activities. Each of the 28 projects begins with a photo, a brief explanation, and basic background information. Turn the page to find a photo inventory of what you will need (items easily found in the home), step-by-step instructions, and clear photos, so that success is guaranteed. Icons point out which key areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) are involved with each project, and additional fascinating facts and info sections are scattered throughout. Includes a glossary and Index. Look for other titles in this interactive and informative "Activity Lab" series. 
 
Ages 8 - 12 
Science; Science Experiments; Physics; Food Science; Everyday Science 
The cover for The Big Book of Useless Knowledge shows images of an astronaut, a dinosaur, and more.
The Big Book of Useless Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Facts You Won't Be Taught in School
by Brittney G. Borowiec
 
Some kids just like facts, and this book will appeal to them along with anyone else curious about the world. Each chapter contains about 20 pages of intriguing snippets dedicated to a specific topic (Nature, Human Body, History, Science, etc.). Hesitant readers will find the amount of text on each page accessible, and illustrations will add to readers' understanding of each topic. Despite the title, this is a very worthwhile book and will appeal to most readers. This is a British work, so there are British words — challenge your readers to make a list of them. Includes a glossary and index. 
  
Ages 8 - 12 
Science; History; Factoids; Curiosity 
The cover for The Maps Book shows several different types of maps.
The Maps Book
by Joanne Bourne
  
This illustration-packed book presents more information about maps than any textbook in an eye-catching format. Vibrant photographs and multitudes of maps from ancient times to the present day make this an extremely fun-to-browse offering. In addition to introducing the basics of maps and how to read them, interesting examples such as Winston Churchill's Map Room and physician John Snow's 1854 cholera map are fascinating and help to expand the topic. Modern maps such as online maps, Street View, flight radar maps, magnetic field maps, and more are also covered. Find instructions on making your own maps, as well as a helpful (and extensive) glossary and index. 
 
Ages 8 and up 
Maps; History of maps; Modern Mapmaking; Geography
The cover for Amazing Ancient World Atlas features images of maps.
Amazing Ancient World Atlas
by Nancy Dickmann
 
This image-packed volume features maps, photographs, and brief historical summaries of places and time periods across the planet. Covering more than 40 cultures, civilizations, and societies, the information presented is astonishing and would make any reader more interested in history. The book contains a timeline that organizes the people and places, as well as a glossary and index.
  
Ages 8 and up 
World History; Ancient Civilizations; Culture; Maps
The cover for Waist-Deep in Dung show cartoon images of people doing things with dung.
Waist-Deep in Dung: A Stomach-Churning Look at the Grossest Jobs Throughout History
by Christine Virnig; illustrated by Korwin Briggs
  
Although not for everyone, this topic is tantalizing and there is a LOT of history in the telling. The author, a medical doctor who knows about icky things, uses humor to keep readers going. Many of the featured occupations, such as ancient Egyptian mummy maker, barber-surgeon, and gongfermor in the Middle Ages (go ahead and look it up), are historical, while others are jobs still done in the modern day. There are dozens of boxed sections that provide extra information for each topic. Includes an extensive glossary, index, and amazing bibliography. And if this book is a hit, try the author's Dung for Dinner, which takes a look at the grossest things humans put in their mouths.
  
Ages 8 - 12
History of Jobs; Importance of Sanitation; Social Roles; Science 
The cover for Houses with a Story shows an image of a house perched atop a tower.
Houses with a Story: A Dragon's Den, a Ghostly Mansion, a Library of Lost Books, and 30 More Amazing Places to Explore
by Seiji Yoshida
 
This unique book blends story, art, and incredible details to delineate a wide assortment of buildings. It won the 2024 Batchelder Award, given to books published in other countries (Japan) and translated to English. From a mechanic's cottage to a dreamer's tree house to a submerged city, 30 fantastical homes/locales are created through beautiful watercolor artwork and detailed notes that make each seem like a real place. Thoughtful, sparse text tells story after story. This book is perfect for anyone interested in architecture, those who like to draw rooms and buildings, and those who have big imaginations.
 
Ages 10  and up
Art Appreciation; Watercolor Paintings; Stories from other Cultures and Countries; Imagination
Available as eBook
Dog Days of Summer
The cover for Dogs vs. Humans shows a dog and a boy.
Dogs vs. Humans: A Showdown of the Senses
by Stephanie Gibeault; illustrated by Bambi Edlund
 
Who would win in a showdown of the senses: dog or human? Gibeault's entertaining text explores each of the five senses and highlights specific examples (such as depth perception or night vision for sight). Scientific information is clearly presented, and colorful boxed sections add in jokes and additional details. The cartoon illustrations are delightful. As promised, the sensory abilities of dogs and humans are playfully compared throughout (keeping a running tally); you will have to check out the book to see which species comes up the winner.
 
Ages 6 - 8
Senses; Dogs; Comparative Anatomy 
The cover for Making Sense of Dog Senses shows a dog laying on its back.
Making Sense of Dog Senses: How our Furry Friends Experience the World
by Stephanie Gibeault; illustrated by Raz Latif
 
This informative book is great for anyone with a dog, or those who love dogs from afar! Harking back to their wolf ancestors, the author dives deep into a dog's five senses (focusing one chapter on each), helping readers better understand how canines perceive and interact with the world. The text is easy to comprehend and written with a light, pun-filled tone. Amusing illustrations further the fun. There are easy and interesting "experiments" for kids to do to see how human senses compare to dog senses. A glossary explains scientific terms. This book is a treat for animal lovers!
 
Ages 8 - 12 
Senses; Dogs; Science Vocabulary 
The cover for Walkies shows a cartoon image of a child being pulled by a dog on a leasth.
Walkies: A Dog's Tale
by Estrela Lourenço
 
Cool off with this wordless story set during a gloomy, rain-soaked day! An eager dog grabs a grumpy child away from the computer to go for a walk. As they explore the soggy woods, the youngster becomes less grumpy and begins to see the beauty and joy that is all around. The deep-hued artwork conveys the action as well as the emotions of both human and canine. Wordless picture books are a great way to develop visual literacy skills as well as sequencing, plot interpretation, and verbal description skills. Encourage your child to follow the pictures across the pages and allow them to tell you exactly what is happening. Don't be surprised if their story differs from what you see! 
 
Ages 4 - 8 
Dogs; Wordless Picture Books; Family Read-Alouds
The cover for Jump for Joy has letters made from sticks and shows a child.
Jump for Joy
by Karen Gray Ruelle; illustrated by Hadley Hooper
 
Joy, a little girl, has always wanted a dog. Jump, a dog, has always wanted a child. This is the story of how they both try many things (including creating a would-be friend out of natural materials) as the seasons pass before finding each other. The illustrations carry this story beautifully. The sepia-toned pages are almost without color until the moment they find each other. Read this sweet story and see if your child discovers the meaning of the colorful pictures at book's end.
 
Ages 4 - 8 
Dogs; Patience; Family Read-Alouds
The cover for Dalmartian shows a profile image of a dog.
Dalmartian: A Mars Rover's Story
by Lucy Ruth Cummins
 
Visitors from outer space (who happen to look like dogs) land in Stephen's back yard to collect samples to take home with them to study. When their work is interrupted (by Stephen), one of their team is left behind. The story that follows is one of two individuals learning about each other and making compromises, all with a very satisfying conclusion. 
 
Ages 4 - 8 
Dogs; Friendship; Extra Terrestrials; Family Read-Alouds
Available as eBook
The cover for All the Best Dogs shows a dog running down a city street with a toy in its mouth.
All the Best Dogs
by Emily Jenkins; illustrated by Manuel Preitano
 
"Ask anyone who has a dog and they'll tell you that their dog is the best. Really, truly, the best dog in the world." Set in a city neighborhood, this appealing chapter book centers around four sixth graders (all of whom have or love pets) as they navigate events during a weekend in June that changes all of their lives. The characters — both human and canine — are drawn with empathy and plenty of personality and the black-and-white illustrations add details and humor. All is well in the end as conflicts are resolved, and relationships strengthened. A fun celebration of doggie companionship and other types of friendships.
 
Ages 8 - 12
Dogs; Pets; Friendship; Community
Pikes Peak Library District
P.O. Box 1579, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
(719) 531-6333

https://ppld.org/