Allison's Story: A Book about Homeschooling

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-Parents have a variety of reasons for homeschooling, but none are given as to why Allison's parents have made that decision. The book is a look at the situations and lessons Allison and her sisters face each day. The pictures show a somewhat unusual household with parents who are highly committed to giving their children a well-rounded, full school day. It appears that Allison sleeps on the floor, and that her parents may have some political motives behind their choices, but these issues are not discussed. All this aside, however, the book is a good introduction to home education, and Allison seems to be a bright, independent, and creative child. A good "kid's-eye view" of the topic for those who are unfamiliar with this educational alternative.Julie Halverstadt, Douglas Public Library District, Castle Rock, COCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 2^-4. "I learn from everything I do," says eight-year-old Allison, who narrates this appealing photo-essay about her homeschool experiences. The photos are a little dark, but they are plentiful and unstudied, catching Allison at work and at play, alone and with her family, content and moody. Although this is a very upbeat view of homeschooling, it is also nicely tempered with reality: Allison admits that being with her whole family all the time isn't easy, and she alludes to the prohibitive cost of some materials and the need to find outside teachers for certain things, such as dancing and knitting. However, the portrait is a winning one, showing a bright, eager child whose schooling may be different but who seems just like the girl next door. An appended section includes information about homeschooling, and an eclectic list of further reading rounds things out. Stephanie Zvirin

Card catalog description
Describes the experiences of an eight-year-old girl and her family who are educating their children at home.


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Gr 2-4-Parents have a variety of reasons for homeschooling, but none are given as to why Allison's parents have made that decision. The book is a look at the situations and lessons Allison and her sisters face each day. The pictures show a somewhat unusual household with parents who are highly committed to giving their children a well-rounded, full school day. It appears that Allison sleeps on the floor, and that her parents may have some political motives behind their choices, but these issues are not discussed. All this aside, however, the book is a good introduction to home education, and Allison seems to be a bright, independent, and creative child. A good "kid's-eye view" of the topic for those who are unfamiliar with this educational alternative.-Julie Halverstadt, Douglas Public Library District, Castle Rock, CO


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