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BookShark

Secular literature-based all-subjects box; Sonlight's sister company.

Updated September 2026 · 6 sources

GradesPreK–10th
SubjectsHistory/geography, literature, language arts, science, math (Math-U-See included); no religious content
MathIncluded
FaithNo religious content
ApproachLiterature-based: secular read-alouds and living books drive history & science
Who teachesThe parent teaches from a scripted guide
Parent prepLow (scripted 4-day Instructor's Guides do the planning)
Screen timeMostly offline (books and paper)
Video lessonsAvailable: bookShark Virtual add-on offers digital scheduling/grading, not required
Cost$962.78: Level D All-Subject Package (grades 3-5) incl. history, language arts, science and Math-U-See math, at BookShark's 20% package discount (source)
PlacementBookShark Choosing Guide
Age-based level chart plus reading and language-arts placement tests
ESA vendorPublisher is on the approved vendor list in Arkansas (marketplace), Wyoming, Florida. Checked September 2026; each state's list can change and applies to the publisher, not every product.

Is it right for your child? Answer a few questions to see how BookShark ranks against 24 other programs.

See my match

What parents say

Parents who want Sonlight's literature-based approach without the Bible readings often land on BookShark, and reviewers frequently call it the more flexible, faster-moving version of its sister curriculum. The four-day schedule and trimmed book list get praised for being easier to keep up with, though a few parents miss the built-in scheduled read-alouds, and international families flag steep shipping costs and instructor guides that expire after about 18 months.

Parents love

  • Same strong book selection as Sonlight, without religious content
  • 4-day schedule leaves a flex day each week
  • Age-based levels let multiple kids share one package

Common complaints

  • Still a substantial daily reading/discussion load
  • Digital guides expire after about 18 months
  • International shipping costs can be steep

Who it fits

Best for

  • Yes, include math. Math included in the package price
  • No religious content. No religious content
  • Literature-based read-alouds. Read-alouds and living books carry history & science
  • Yes, siblings together. History and read-alouds shared across ages
  • Daily lesson plans done for me. Scripted 4-day Instructor's Guides for every subject
  • Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
  • Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
  • Plenty: I teach it. Daily read-alouds and discussion, though a trimmed book list vs. Sonlight

Less suited for

  • Minimal: solo work. Not built for independent, solo work

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

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Comparisons

Questions parents ask

What subjects does BookShark cover?

History/geography, literature, language arts, science, math (Math-U-See included); no religious content. It's described as literature-based: secular read-alouds and living books drive history & science.

Does BookShark include math?

Yes, math is included.

What grades does BookShark cover?

BookShark covers grades PreK–10th.

How much does BookShark cost?

$962.78: Level D All-Subject Package (grades 3-5) incl. history, language arts, science and Math-U-See math, at BookShark's 20% package discount. Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.

Is BookShark Christian or secular?

No religious content.

Is BookShark online?

Mostly offline (books and paper). The parent teaches from a scripted guide.

Does BookShark have a placement test?

Yes. BookShark Choosing Guide. Age-based level chart plus reading and language-arts placement tests

Sources (6)

Summaries are in our own words.