Story of the World

Story of the World curriculum is always discounted at Schoolhouse Publishing!

Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer (PeaceHill Press) is written for kids in approximately 1-8 grade, but has a wide appeal even for older students. Story of the World -History for the Classical Child is well-written, and my kids found the stories appealing. Susan Wise Bauer takes the child through the history of the world in 4 volumes in short vignettes of famous people and events. The books can stand alone as history readers. I’ve only used the readers, not the activity books, to supplement our studies in Mystery of History and TruthQuest. Please note, though The Story of the World doesn't totally ignore God in its pages, it is written in a way to make a non-Christian student feel comfortable.  In other words, it isn't about His story, it's just about history.  To compare Story of the World with other history programs, click here for a handy, printable chart that compares many of the most popular homeschool history programs.

The Story of the World Activity Books are simple to use and include a parent's guide, comprehension questions, the narration exercises, and additional activities and reading. The activities include ideas such as making a "cave painting" and making "purple dye". There are also maps, coloring pages, puzzles, games, paper dolls, and comics.

The Story of the World Test Booklets contain 42 tests, one for each chapter of The Story of the World, perfect for evaluating comprehension and retention. The narrative format of The Story of the World helps children remember the famous people, places, and events in history. These tests offer you an easy way to make sure that your child is absorbing the important events of world history. A combination of multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank and short writing samples allow you to evaluate your child's retention and comprehension of key events in The Story of the World readers. The test package contains an answer key for all tests.

  • Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times: From The Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor  ( 4000 BC - 400 AD)
  • Story of the World Volume 2: Middle Ages From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance  ( AD 400 - 1600 )
  • Story of the World Volume 3: Early Modern Times from Elizabeth I to the Forty-niners ( AD 1600 - 1850 )
  • Story of the World Volume 4: The Modern Age: From Vicotria's Empire to the End of the USSR ( 1850 - present )


Story of the World is written for kids in 17
approximately 1-8 grade, but has a wider appeal
even for older students. “Story of the World -
History for the Classical Child” is well-written,
and my kids found them appealing. Bauer takes
the child through the history of the world in 4
volumes in short vignettes of famous people
and events. The books can stand alone as history
readers. I’ve only used the readers, not the
activity books, to supplement our studies in Mystery of History
and TruthQuest. What I don’t like: Though written from a
conservative point of view, these books do not go out of their
way to show the providence of God throughout history. These
are not revisionist history. For example, the fi rst lessons, rather
than starting with creation, the descendants of Adam, and a
global fl ood, starts with 2 short lessons on “early nomads,”
then heads right into ancient Egypt. Chapter 6 introduces us to
Abraham of Ur and Joseph. So, depending where you stand,
you might appreciate the way these books present history. If,
like me, you are looking for a more inclusive look at God’s
providence at the core of your curriculum, you might think
these books are weak. SOTW Vol 1 covers ancient times from
the earliest nomads to the last Roman emperor. SOTW Vol 2
covers the Middle Ages (AD 400-1600). SOTW Vol 3 covers
the early modern age (1600-1850). SOTW Vol 4 covers the
modern age from 1850 to the present. The SOTW Activity
Books have a parent’s guide and student pages. Simple to use,
they include comprehension Q’s, the narration exercises, and
additional activities and reading. Activities (should you choose
to do them) include ideas such as making a “cave painting” (on
a crumpled paper bag with earthy colors) to making purple dye
(like the Phoenicians) with boiled blueberries. Finally there are
pages of additional activities included, such as maps, coloring
pages, puzzles, games, paper dolls, and comics.
SOTW 1 text (Ancient times) - List $16.95...Our price $13.55
SOTW 1 Activity Book - $34.95...................Our price $27.95
SOTW 2 text (AD 400-1600) - List $16.95.....Our price $13.55
SOTW 2 Activity Book - List $34.95...........Our price $27.95
SOTW 3 text (AD 1600-1850) - List $16.95...Our price $13.55
SOTW 3 Activity Book - ...........................Our price $26.39
SOTW 4 text (1850 to the present) - $16.95..........Our price $13.55
SOTW 4 Activity Book - List $34.95...........Our price $26.39