Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

While I am a homeschooling mom, I have to say that it would be foolish to dismiss this book simply because you don't homeschool. If you love books and want your children to love them, too, this can point you to the kind of book they will love. Many of the books are a joy to read, both for the parent and the child. Also, one might get the impression that this book is not readily available from the way it is listed here, as a hard to find title. This isn't true. Amazon may have to special order it, but they should be able to get it without a problem. I do have to offer one clarification, of sorts, from what some others have said. It is suggested that the lessons require no further preparation than glancing at this book and then getting started. That isn't true. If you want a curriculum where all the information your child needs is right there in front of him, this is NOT it. Five in a Row suggests *topics* on which to teach based on the book of the week. You may be learning about the Revolutionary War, or Japan, the sense of taste, or ducks. But if you want pictures related to that topic or some information about it on the child's level, you need to supplement with other books. That should be achieved easily enough in the public library, same place many people get the FIAR books themselves. But it helps to know that in advance, rather than assume this material is something it's not. For those who are interested in teaching their children the Charlotte Mason way, FIAR makes a GREAT curriculum. It will grow a love of literature. While my son sometimes resists his math and phonics lessons, he LOVES FIAR. He often asks me, "What are we learning today from the book?" I don't have to tell him, "It's time for *Papa Piccolo* (or whatever book we are on that week) twice. He's there, ready and waiting for the next lesson!