History: Grades K - 12
Through The Ages
Author: Christine Miller
Publisher: Nothing New Press
For more information or to order: www.homeschoolingfromtheheart.com

I confess, I LOVE history and we enjoy studying history using great books whenever possible.  I've heard of Christine Miller's book several times over the years, but thought I could manage just fine using my library, catalogs from trusted homeschool suppliers, etc.  After reviewing All Through the Ages - History through Literature Guide, I can honestly say I wish I would have purchased this resource a long time ago!  It would have saved me so much time and, I believe, made our study of history more meaningful.  I'm not good at putting together books with their time periods, or even remembering to think about what else was happening during the same time period we are studying.  I constantly had to refer to multiple sources to figure out "what comes next" in the great timeline of history, hoping I wasn't missing some gem that would really open my children's eyes to the person or event being studied.

All Through The Ages has 318 pages packed with book lists, timelines and more!  There are over 5600 of the best living books and great literature arranged not only chronologically, but also by geographical region and reading level.  Here's a sneak peek into this wonderful resource: first, you'll find Chronological History, this includes World and American history beginning withCreation and continuing through 1999. Each section begins with a list of resources that provide an overview of the particular time period, lists the titles in groups by reading level, and then provides a timeline for quick reference. Next comes the Geographical History section where you'll find both fiction and non-fiction resources for studying the history of whole continents as well as individual countries.  The most unique sections are next -- the History of Science & Mathematics, History of the Arts (both visual arts and music), and Great Books of Western Civilization & the Christian Tradition.  The latter section includes a description of what are considered the greatest books in the areas of philosophy "The Great Discussion", literature, poetry and drama.  

The beginning of the book features helpful advice from the author.  I appreciate Christine's wise counsel about choosing and using literature to teach our children.  She provides insight and encouragement for those of us who desire to use living books, but wonder just how to incorporate them into our schedule.  Although she writes from a distinctly Christian perspective, the author recognizes the need for older students to read and understand the great literature that has shaped our culture.  She is careful to note those titles that fall into this category and explains why they are included in her book.  This huge volume is extremely user-friendly, from the way each section is arranged to the comprehensive index, you'll be able to find just the resource you need quickly and efficiently - that is IF you can keep yourself from "oohing and ahhing" over all the books listed on each page!

No matter what style of learning you employ in your home, AlI Through the Ages is a book you will turn to again and again, adding depth and understanding across the curriculum.         I highly recommend it!

Making the Grade:  A++
Cost:  $27.95
Value for Your Homeschool Dollar:  10
Review provided by Cindy Prechtel, Editor