DIY Homeschooler

It’s time to cuddle up on the couch with a warm blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and a few select books for winter reading! Here are 6 free books from our reading list (in order of increasingly mature plot):

1. The Ice Queen by Ernest Ingersoll

Four ambitious orphans determine to skate one hundred miles to Cleveland. This is the story of their adventure.
(Various formats)

2. Hans Brinker; or the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge

The classic tale of more than a Dutch skating race. Featured in our 100 Best Books for Children series where you’ll find a few go-alongs.
(Various formats) (PDF)

3. Through Russian Snows by G.A. Henty

Subtitled, “A Story of Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow,” this is one of the better Henty histories where troops find their chief enemy the wintry conditions.
(Various formats) (PDF)

4. Stickeen by John Muir

Quick but exciting read about dog, man, and the cold regions of Alaska.
(Various formats) (PDF)

5. The English at the North Pole and The Field of Ice by Jules Verne

Volumes I and II subtitled, “The Adventures of Captain Hatteras,” regards a crew on their way to an arctic adventure. Includes a great deal of history regarding the North-West passage and those who sought it. Also, check out our Jules Verne unit!
Volume 1: (Various formats) (PDF)
Volume 2: (Various formats) (PDF)

6. Where Love is There God is Also by Leo Tolstoy

Exemplifying “inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren….”
(Various formats) (PDF)

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Additional Resources

The DIY Homeschooler Reading List: Intro & Resources
For creating your own!

8 Places to Find Children’s Books in the Public Domain
Collections of children’s books.

Books About Books
Two book-reading guides in the public domain.

Books Children Love
A well-loved guide with a Charlotte Mason flavor.