It's All Under Control I'm

It's All Under Control

I'm a bit of a control freak, I think. At least that's what a friend of mine tells me.
My best friend homeschools my goddaughters who are 13 and 11.
I know a little bit about what is involved with homeschooling but nothing in detail and I don't really know how it works with them.
Since I am a huge reader, I'm always interested in what other people are reading. I asked her what they were going to be reading this year and she tells me that there is no required reading. The State of Texas views homeschooling as a private school so they have no authority over what they learn other than the 5 listed subjects (not sure what those subjects are).
I know my best friend is a WONDERFUL mother and only wants the best for her children but the fact that she isn't making them read certain things was a little disconcerting. She has never been much of a reader so I guess it doesn't occur to her how important it is for her kids to read.
I think reading is SUPER important. There are so many works of literature that I think EVERYONE should read.
So, I am proposing an idea to her. I want to start a "book club" with the girls. I'm making a list of what I think should be required reading and books just for fun and we will choose a book and the three of us will read it together and discuss it.
I want this to be a starting place for them and eventually I want them to read because they like it and choose books on their own, in subjects that they are interested in.

Here is my working list: (Some I have read, some I WANT to read)

Tom Sawyer
The Adventures of Huck Finn
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Catherine, Called Birdy
All Creatures Great and Small
Treasure Island
Jacob I Have Loved
The Diary of Anne Frank
Little Women
The Secret Garden
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Holes
Where the Red Fern Grows
All Judy Blume books
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

If you can think of some other books that I have left off, feel free to let me know!

**Update**
She just sent me an impressive list of books they have read.
I guess I'll let her teach her own children and I'll mind my own fucking business. LOL

Posted by De at August 1, 2003 09:53 PM