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Build Your Library

Secular, literature-based history/science curriculum you build from a booklist.

Updated September 2026 · 7 sources

GradesK–12th
SubjectsHistory, literature, science, language arts, art (math, spelling, grammar, phonics sourced separately)
MathNot included: add your own math
FaithNo religious content
ApproachLiterature-based: living books drive history, science and language arts (Charlotte Mason-style)
Who teachesThe parent teaches from a scripted guide
Parent prepModerate (guide plans lessons; parent sources or borrows the books)
Screen timeMostly offline (books and paper)
Video lessonsNone: no video instruction; parent-led discussion and narration
Cost$39.95: Level 3 lesson-plan guide (36 weeks); book list is separate, most titles are available at the library (source)
PlacementBuild Your Library: Curriculum Overview
Level-by-level age/grade chart for K-12

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

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What parents say

Secular homeschoolers often pick Build Your Library because it pairs a Charlotte Mason-style approach (narration, copywork, real books) with an explicitly non-religious book list, and reviewers like that most of the reading list can come straight from the library instead of a box of purchased books. The main complaint is that composition/writing instruction is thin and needs a separate program, and because you're sourcing the books yourself, the real cost and time depend on what your library has.

Parents love

  • Explicitly secular, high-quality literature list
  • Most books can be borrowed from the library instead of bought
  • Detailed daily lesson plans despite the DIY book-sourcing

Common complaints

  • Composition/writing instruction is thin
  • Math, spelling, grammar and phonics are all separate
  • Reading-intensive; some days are book-list heavy

Who it fits

Best for

  • No, we'll add our own. Leaves math to your own choice
  • No religious content. No religious content
  • Literature-based read-alouds. Real books carry history, science and language arts
  • Charlotte Mason. Narration, copywork and living books throughout
  • One child at a time. Written per grade level
  • Daily lesson plans done for me. Daily 36-week schedule and activity pages provided
  • A flexible guide I adapt. You choose or borrow the specific books; easy to swap titles
  • Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
  • Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
  • Some: 1–2 hours daily. Daily reading, narration and activities

Less suited for

  • Yes, include math. Math not included: add your own
  • Video lessons a big plus. No video instruction; parent-led discussion and narration

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

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Comparisons

Questions parents ask

What subjects does Build Your Library cover?

History, literature, science, language arts, art (math, spelling, grammar, phonics sourced separately). It's described as literature-based: living books drive history, science and language arts (Charlotte Mason-style).

Does Build Your Library include math?

No. Build Your Library covers the other subjects and leaves math to you, so plan to add a math program.

What grades does Build Your Library cover?

Build Your Library covers grades K–12th.

How much does Build Your Library cost?

$39.95: Level 3 lesson-plan guide (36 weeks); book list is separate, most titles are available at the library. Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.

Is Build Your Library Christian or secular?

No religious content.

Is Build Your Library online?

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

Does Build Your Library have a placement test?

Yes. Build Your Library: Curriculum Overview. Level-by-level age/grade chart for K-12

Sources (7)

Summaries are in our own words.