The Quarantine Diaries 6: Books For Boys (and Girls!)

Our home educating was founded on a philosophy which emphasised the importance of good literature in the past decade, it was a good start, but stories in particular? A storyformed life was a new concept to me four years ago, a beautiful introduction made by author Sarah Clarkson (books below). Stories I came to discover don't merely pass a quaint half hour but can shape the inner landscape, providing a view through a window with which to see the world and our place in it. I also came to learn that I am the first narrator in my children's lives, I am setting the scene and starting the tale in which my children will walk. What hero stories might inspire the hero inside my child, what daring adventures might they take in the story of their own lives?

Understanding the value of good quality literature is only the wide angle lens to the importance of words in shaping a life, grasping the power of story takes it to the macro lens which brings a storyformed life into crisp, clear focus.

Join me and Jennie today as we chat about books which have helped shape our older children's hearts and the philosophy behind nurturing a storyformed life.

I always try and find books second hand first either through charity shops or Amazon or ebay etc and if you don't plan on keeping them of course the library (I keep way too many as they all seem to become friends!) A couple of the titles listed might be out of print but it's worth hunting around, often it's just a matter of right place right time. All links are UK unless stated. Once again, you are the best judge of the reading level of your child so we leave it to you to research and make that decision, what is right for one 12yo might not work for another, you know best. Have fun with these, we'd love to know your favourites too!