This classic book list is unsurpassed using these great home school books. It's a great place to find books of interest for your older children. Some of them were made into movies, too!
Typically, an educated person is one who knows how to read and who keeps on reading throughout his life.
With so many great books out there, the children put together a second classic book list for you. You won't want to miss these young adult book reviews either!
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne An interesting story of two men held as prisoners aboard an advanced submarine by the mysterious Captain Nemo. Once there, they have encounters with deep sea creatures and a world unlike any they have ever seen. Interestingly enough, Verne predicts the future of submarines and the danger they present to warships.
The Big Fisherman, Lloyd C. Douglas This is written by the same author as The Robe, but read The Big Fisherman first. It's a good read, especially from an historical perspective. Our classic book list would not be complete without the addition of this great book!
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, Mark Twain A book that will have you laughing at every chapter! A man from the 19th century wakes up to find himself in King Arthur's England, complete with knights, monks, peasants, and castles. With his knowledge of "modern" technology, he is able to amaze the king's court, and go from an oddity to a respected knight. Engaging and amusing.
Hamlet, William Shakespeare Arguably one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, it's a story of Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, whose father was murdered by Hamlet’s Uncle Claudius, who takes control of the throne after the death. Hamlet becomes consumed by internal conflicts and his sanity is eventually questioned by those around him. Leads to a great and climatic ending where the final scene could not have been more appropriate.
Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare In this immortal play by the Bard, Marcus Brutus is torn between his friendship with Julius Caesar, his patriotism for Rome, his love of Roman values, and desire to live an honorable life. The play depicts the struggle Brutus faced before and after his decision to join others in assassinating Julius Caesar. The play is challenging (as most Shakespearean works are), but is well worth the challenge.
The Purloined Letter, Edgar Allan Poe C. Auguste Dupin is approached by the Prefect of the Police asking for his assistance in a baffling case. A letter has been stolen from an unnamed woman by a certain member of the government, who is using the contents of the letter to blackmail the woman. An ending worthy of Sherlock Holmes combined with Edgar Allen Poe’s storytelling ability makes this work an enjoyable and entertaining read.
The Adventures of Robin Hood, Howard Pyle The story of Robin of Locksley who, after killing a man in self defense, becomes an outlaw subject to hanging. It doesn’t take Robin long, however, to gather a group of other outcasts and lead a merry life in Sherwood Forest. Their only care in the world ends up being doing what they can to help those who are oppressed. If it means they must cross roads with authority, so much the better.
The Scarlet Pimpernel, Emmuska Orczy Set in 1792, during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, it is the story of an English aristocrat who pretends to be fool when he is actually an adept master of disguise and adopts the masked identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel. With a group of dedicated friends, he uses dangerous missions to keep members of French nobility from becoming victims of the guillotine.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain The first book featuring the beloved characters Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn as they experience everyday life and adventures through buried treasure, haunted houses, and mysterious murders. Includes the hilarious story of Tom having to whitewash his Aunt Polly’s fence.
Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson Perhaps known as the best classic pirate tale ever, it is the story of young Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver. It starts out with a pirate seeking revenge and ends up becoming a tale of treachery and treasure hunts. A story of suspense and adventure that moves quickly enough to keep any reader interested.
Emily, Garrett, and Annette listening to a book on tape.
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