All Through the Ages: Living Books History Guide

by Nothing New Pressinfo@nothingnewpress.comhttps://www.nothingnewpress.com/

Social_studiesGrades 1–12

About This Curriculum

A comprehensive guide for teaching and learning history using narrative histories, compelling non-fiction, and literature rather than textbooks, containing over 7,000 quality 'living books' organized by time period and reading level.

What makes it unique: Exhaustive compilation of over 7,000 living books from 20+ respected sources, organized chronologically and by reading level (grades 1-12) with Christian worldview and young-earth perspective

All Through the Ages: Christian Living Books History Resource Guide

All Through the Ages is a 360-page reference guide containing over 7,000 living books organized chronologically and by reading level for teaching history through literature rather than textbooks. The resource reflects a Christian worldview with young-earth creation perspective and draws from respected homeschool publishers like Sonlight, Beautiful Feet, and Greenleaf Press.

Best for

Homeschooling families using a Charlotte Mason or living books approach who want a comprehensive book selection guide organized chronologically, particularly those with a Christian worldview

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 3 concerns · 1 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Geographic KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum includes geographic knowledge through a dedicated section organizing books alphabetically by countries and regions.

Reviews note a geographic section arranged under Africa, Arctic and Antarctic, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, etc., providing regional historical perspectives

Chronological KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum strongly emphasizes chronological organization, dividing history from creation through 2000 into systematic time periods with age-appropriate book recommendations.

Reviews consistently highlight the chronological arrangement by time periods with subdivisions by grade levels (1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12) and categories like Overview of the Era and Specific Events

Direct InstructionConcern

The resource functions as a book selection guide rather than providing direct instructional materials or lesson plans.

Reviews describe it as a reference book for selecting literature with brief articles scattered throughout, but not as an instructional curriculum with explicit teaching guidance

Retrieval PracticeConcern

No evidence of retrieval practice or spaced review components, as this is primarily a book recommendation resource.

Reviews focus on book organization and selection but make no mention of assessment, review, or retention strategies

Vocabulary BuildingConcern

Vocabulary instruction appears limited, with brief descriptions provided for unclear titles but no systematic academic vocabulary development.

Reviews mention brief book descriptions when titles don't make content obvious, but no evidence of explicit social studies vocabulary instruction

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The resource provides some pedagogical guidance through introductory articles and usage suggestions for teaching history chronologically.

Reviews mention an introduction with study sequences, era overviews, timelines, and brief articles like 'Difficulties in Egyptian Chronology' that provide background context

Primary SourcesInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of primary source emphasis, as the focus appears to be on narrative histories and historical fiction rather than original documents.

Reviews mention categories for Historical Fiction, Biography, and Literature but do not specifically reference primary source documents or historical evidence

Review Sources

Key Facts
GradesGrades 1–12
SubjectSocial_studies
PedagogyClassical
Faith-BasedChristian/Protestant
FormatDigital + Physical
PricingAvailable in both print and eBook formats from Nothing New Press; historical pricing references include $27.95 for paperback (318 pages) from older reviews, though current pricing should be verified on publisher website

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy