HarperOne The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child's Education, A New Way to Homeschool

I love this book!!! Its beautifully designed, hard back and beautiful layout inside. Very pleasing to the eye. Also, the content. A really gem for those who are looking to homeschool, I couldn't recommend this book enough. Its a real gem!

Fantastic book. A must read for all looking to homeschool

For the one who is seeking for a good education for the kids this book is recommended

I was homeschooled growing up. It was the best part of my youth. Now I homeschool our children (baby #8 is on the way). I have always loved snd supported homeschooling as the “ultimate education”. But the last 3 years living in our Province has been very draining for homeschoolers dealing with the government. Even though I have been a Homeschool veteran almost my entire life (and homeschooling our own for the last 9 years), this book is the breath of fresh air I needed. It doesn’t matter if you have been homeschooling ages, it will revitalize your weary soul as a homeschool parent. I have felt weary and wanting to give up the last few years not from the task itself, but rather that our government has made it in fact a “task” rather than the joy of a lifetime that it should be. No more. This book is the hearty reminder I needed of our “Why” we homeschool. Snd we will not let them steal our joy snd fun amidst the stacks of forms! If it helps for reference, we follow mostly the “Classical” method with a mix of Charlotte Mason. BUY THIS BOOK. You will not regret the life giving joy it will bring. And the picture are simply the icing on the cake.

I appreciated so much about this book, but I’m going to try and include 3 things about what makes this book a unique read in this genre. Firstly, I enjoyed how encouraging and clear it was, without being divisive. Most books on general homeschooling pedagogy rely on demonizing other modes of schooling to champion the merits of home education. This book does not. The Call of the Wild and Free shares the beauty and benefit of schooling at home but doesn’t puff up the reader by relying on the mindset that she is choosing the “right” way. In the western world we are afforded the privilege to make choices that are not available in all demographics, so I deeply appreciate the intentionality with sharing the merits of home-based education without slandering or belittling families that choose another educational route. It’s refreshing. Secondly, I appreciate how she is inclusive of other women’s voices-not just other authors, but real life mothers who are in the thick of homeschool life, and have a variety of hats they wear (business owners, higher ed students, working out of the home, etc). She manages to do this without making those roles seem lesser to express the value of homeschool. I resonate with the diversity of profession and schooling because it is consistent with the landscape of mothers and fathers I see schooling their children in the home. Thirdly, the pictures of actual children & families is a rare inclusion and also highlighted some racial diversity, which I don’t see much in the homeschool conversation. I’d love to see more unity and inclusion around that, but that’s a lot longer conversation for another day, and this book is such a delightful step in a good direction.

I just finished reading “The Call of the Wild + Free”. I don’t remember the last time I was so deeply impacted by a book. It was like my parched, weary soul was lapping up the fresh, pure water of the words on every page. The book was so inspiring, life giving and motivating that I have experienced personal change and growth which has empowered me to take small steps in changing our family life and culture. For example, starting to develop rhythms, aiming to get outside every single day, and incorporating even more daily reading. This book not only inspired me to continue pursuing life goals that will enhance a home school way of living, but it also challenged me to learn and grow as an individual, to demonstrate and exemplify for my children. The very best part is that I get to learn and discover right along with my kids and in doing so, come alive!!!! I’ve also started listening to the Wild + Free podcasts which have been equally inspiring and valuable. 😄

This book was absolutely amazing!! It spoke to my heart and really ignited within me this deep passion for exploring the wonders of life and awakened within me this determination to expose my children to these wonders to be explored! I want them to have the childhood they deserve and maintain their love of learning for life!! I recommend this book to any parent considering home educating their children.

I love this book! I love the way it feels in my hands. Thick pages, smooth textured finish on the cover, gorgeous photography throughout and at times, the message moved me to tears. As a newer homeschooler, it really inspired me and gave me a sense of relief and confidence. It makes me want to be the best version of myself as a mother and it shifted my narrow perspective of what homeschool should look like in order to be “successful “. Update- I’d like to mention with regard to the negative reviews- most were longtime homeschool veterans and some so mean, full of disrespectful judgment and negative energy that they lost the platform to have their opinions valued. I am not a friend of the author and I have nothing to gain from my review. I am not a veteran homeschooler but if you find applicable tools in a book, that’s fantastic! The entire book does not need to match how you operate in life to make it helpful. Another review said it was only a 70 page book. That’s not true either. It’s the whole book and it gave me inspiration to weave more creativity into my days and the confidence in my children’s ability to learn something that isn’t part of a box curriculum. Over all, it made me feel more calm in my ability read cues from my overwhelmed kids to take days to just read, explore and create as opposed to marching through a schedule. It helped me remember magic in my own childhood and the importance of giving that gift to my kid’s in a digital age. I have a 8 & 10 year old. I’ve raised a 22 and 25 year old as well. I found gems in this book and what didn’t apply, I moved past without feeling the need to go strait to reviews to bash and belittle the author.