American Schoolhouse Reader
Editor: Norman C. Allie
Publisher: 45th Parallel Concepts Limited
For more information or to order: www.americanschoolhousereader.com

Designed to supplement and reinforce your reading program, The American Schoolhouse Reader is a beautifully illustrated, three-volume set of hardcover books that take one back to simpler days, providing wholesome, phonics-based reading for children in grades K - 4. Each volume contains colorized illustrations and reading selections from textbooks used from 1890 – 1925. As you would expect, the stories from this time period are full of solid family values and provide children a look into American life during the turn of the century.

The publisher has done an excellent job choosing reading exercises ideal for both the emergent reader and the older child who is ready for more challenging material. The content in Book I is derived from a 1913 primer and features the alphabet with creative picture associations to teach the sounds of each letter and a few digraphs. Although there isn’t a teachers guide, there are a couple pages containing “key sentences” which serve to unlock the meaning of many of the sounds shown in the pictures. Teaching notes really aren’t required since this series is designed to reinforce, not replace formal phonics instruction. Book II contains a collection of reading exercises from vintage first readers. The book begins with simple “stories” with very short (one or two word) sentences and progresses to more complex stories varying in length from 1 to 3 pages. Each story builds on words learned in previous exercises and new words are introduced on the page before the child reads each story. The final volume, Book III, features challenging material for more advanced readers, encouraging good character while expanding their vocabulary with stories about nature and life from the early 20th century.

The American Schoolhouse Reader is an ideal supplement to any reading program. Young readers will love the warm and engaging stories and illustrations – parents will feel good knowing their children are progressing in their reading and character development as they are exposed to this excellent material.

Making the grade: A
Cost: $10.95 each or $24.95 for the set
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10