Each year, I receive tens of calls from new or prospective homeschoolers seeking information. The call opens something like this: "I'm thinking of homeschooling. What should I do?"

Now, I have a ready answer: "Read Cathy Duffy's new book!"

I have always recommended her earlier books, The Christian Home Educators Curriculum Manuals. She has an edition for elementary years and another for junior and senior high. They are simply the most balanced well-researched guides available.

Her new book is even better. It includes the newer homeschooling products and suppliers, many of whom were not available for earlier editions of her books. But it goes so much deeper! Reading this book and taking to heart the exercises in it can help you form your family's philosophy of education, decide on a teaching approach, evaluate curriculum and discern your child's learning style. It's all here, along with exercises and checklists to help you know WHY you homeschool, HOW to homeschool and how to identify WHAT kind(s) of learners you are teaching. There is no more complete balanced resource out there to help new homeschoolers.

I believe not only new homeschoolers, but even the seasoned educators will find something here. Maybe you have lost sight of your vision. Have you asked yourself what is the goal of your instruction lately? Mrs. Duffy can even guide us old-timers into a renewed look at the young adults we are mentoring in our homes.

Then there are the reviews! Mrs. Duffy writes the best reviews because she cuts to the chase about the product, helping parents answer the question, "Is this a good fit for my situation?" Included in this exciting, new book are some of the best and brightest on the homeschool scene, including Susan Wise Bauer's Story of the World and the highly touted Singapore Math programs.

If you are looking for wise counsel from a trusted name in homeschooling, you won't go wrong with this book.



-- Product Review by: Christine Field, Senior Correspondent, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine