Tapestry of Grace Recommended Reading

Homer's epic poem, The Illiad, is one of the greatest adventure stories of all time. In it, the abduction of the legendary beauty, Helen of Troy, leads to a conflict in which even the gods and goddesses take sides and intervene. It is in the Trojan War that the most valiant heroes of the ancient world are pitted against one another. Here Hectore, Ajax, Achilles, and Odysseus meet their most formidable challenges and in some casas their tragic ends. 

Bound for Oregon is based on the true story of the Todd family (written by the daughter) as they left Arkansas for the Oregon territory.  Experience the hardships of trail life: raging rivers, sickness, death, trying to beat the first snow, hunger, fear, and even birth.  This exciting story is told through the eyes of a ten year old girl.  Such a great story - and more than that, because it's true.  Your homeschooled child can "experience" the sacrifice of our country's pioneers through the pages of this book.

Johnny Tremain is the Newbery Award winner by Esther Forbes. Set in Boston during the Revolutionary war, Johnny Tremain is the story of a brilliant orphan boy who was apprenticed to a silver smith. Though young, Johnny has a bright future before him as he is quickly recognized as the driving force behind the silver smith. With marriage to the master's daughter in view, and the eventual ownership of the shop, things are looking up for Johnny, until a jealous fellow apprentice plays a prank on Johnny that literally ruins his life. 

This exciting story by Eloise Jarvis McGraw is a Newbery Award winner written for grades 6-9. Set in ancient Egypt, it is the story of a young orphan boy named Ranofer who has a promise as a goldsmith. He has been apprenticed to a local goldsmith, and despite the death of his parents, things look promising...until gold begins disappearing from the shop. Is Ranofer a suspect? The truth is shocking! Involving tomb robbers, the pharoah, and his own brother, this tale will thrill your student while teaching him a lot about the culture of ancient Egypt.