"Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labelled 'This could change your life.'"
– Helen Exley
Below is a curated collection of our favorite books on homeschooling and alternative education. Some of the book links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. See our affiliate disclosure here.
Essential Podcast Episodes
We love podcasts as a means of continued education, both for their convenience and conversational style. A great podcast feels like your in the room with some of the most interesting and knowledgeable people on a subject and digging deep into their expertise and experience. But with thousands of podcasts our there, finding the right podcast that speaks to you isn’t always easy. This page is a curated list of some of our favorite episodes about homeschooling, unschooling, parenting, and more.
Free to Learn
In Free to Learn, psychologist Peter Gray argues that children learn best when they are free to play, explore, and pursue their own interests without coercion or rigid structure. Drawing from research in anthropology, psychology, and education, he makes a compelling case for self-directed learning and the transformative power of trust in children's natural curiosity.
Dumbing Us Down
In Dumbing Us Down, former New York State teacher of the year John Taylor Gatto critiques the modern public education system, arguing that it stifles creativity, independence, and genuine learning. He contends that compulsory schooling produces obedient workers rather than thoughtful, self-directed individuals, calling for a more human-centered, liberated approach to education.
Changing Our Minds
In Changing Our Minds, psychologist Naomi Fisher explores how self-directed education empowers children to learn naturally through curiosity, choice, and real-world experiences. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and personal stories, she challenges traditional schooling and advocates for a more flexible, child-led approach to learning.
Free to Learn
In Free to Learn, psychologist Peter Gray argues that children learn best when they are free to play, explore, and pursue their own interests without coercion or rigid structure. Drawing from research in anthropology, psychology, and education, he makes a compelling case for self-directed learning and the transformative power of trust in children's natural curiosity.