One Good Year

“In a world where ‘homeschooling’ is so often misunderstood, discounted, and even ridiculed, Laura Brodie offers a clear-eyed view and makes a valuable contribution to the literature on the subject. This is necessary reading for anyone with an interest not just in homeschooling but in education generally.”
— David Guterson “As a parent involved in homeschooling, I highly recommend this book. It’s timely, beautifully written, and must reading for anyone who has ever wondered what homeschooling is all about.”
— James Grippando, author of Money to Burn Humorous and heartfelt, this charming memoir tells of a year-long experiment in homeschooling in which the author decides to give her ten-year-old daughter a sabbatical from homework hell and the vicissitudes of one-size fits all traditional public school days.
What happens when a mother and English professor becomes her own daughter’s fifth-grade teacher for one unforgettable year?
- A Homeschooling Sabbatical: Follow a mother’s decision to pull her ten-year-old from fifth grade for a temporary, one-year break from the pressures of standardized tests and homework overload.- The Mother as Teacher: Discover the humorous and heartfelt challenges that arise when the lines blur between parent and educator, and the kitchen table becomes the classroom.- Mother-Daughter Relationship: A candid look at how a year of one-on-one learning tests and ultimately strengthens the bond between a mother and her creative, strong-willed daughter.- Rediscovering a Love of Learning: From disastrous violin lessons to inspiring field trips, this is an honest memoir about finding joy in education outside the traditional system.- For Parents and Educators: A must-read for any parent who has ever wondered if there’s a better way, offering valuable insights on the pros and cons of homeschooling.