Is BookShark a History or a Reading program?

BookShark is both! We are a literature based program that teaches History through reading and listening. In Levels A-C, the focus of our program is on developing and strengthening reading ability. This is why we offer multiple Reader levels for the early packages. Beginning in Level D, however, the focus shifts from strengthening reading ability to building reading comprehension. From Level D up, we integrate the Reading, Read-Alouds, and Language Arts assignments with the History readings. Instead of learning to read, your children will be reading to learn!

Can I use this package if I didn‚Äôt do Part 1?

BookShark‚Äôs Level E Reading with History Package introduces the second half of American history beginning with the 1850‚Äôs and ending in the modern era. The first half of the program ‚Äì Level D Intro to American History, part 1 of 2 ‚Äì is not required for you to use our Level E curriculum, though it does help provide some context. It is up to you if you want to skip it or step back.

If you have any concerns about missing content or the difficulty of the Level E work, please consider starting with Level D. Our Level D package was designed for students age 8-11. If you decide to skip the Level D program, your student(s) will have another chance to cover American history in our Level I History & Literature Package.

Do the Readers integrate with the History reading?

Yes, they do! For Level D and up, all of our Readers were chosen because of how well they represent the topics and times you'll be studying in History readings. The Readers in this package also integrate with Language Arts assignments. This approach gives your student an opportunity to soak up subject matter in three different ways: by listening, by writing, and (of course) by reading!

Can I use this package with both of my children?

Yes, you can! If your children are within three years of age, they can share the same BookShark Reading with History package ‚Äì including Read-Alouds, history books, the Timeline Book, and Timeline Figures.

Not sure if this is the right fit? Please review the options below to find a package that will work for both of your children:

Ages 7-9 | Reading with History C
Ages 8-11 | Reading with History D

Ages 10-13 | Reading with History F
Ages 11-13 | Reading with History G

If there is more than a three year age difference between your children, we recommend that you purchase a separate package for each student.

Can I purchase the History program without the Readers?

We do not offer a History package without Readers because learning through reading is fundamental to our program. If you are certain that you do not want the Readers, you can add the History books and Read-Alouds to your cart individually. Please use the "what's included" tab on this package page as reference.

Do I need the Children's Encyclopedia of American History?

The Children's Encyclopedia of American History is included in our Level D History program and reused in Level E History. If you purchased our Level D All-Subject Package or Reading with History Package, you do not need to purchase this book again.

What are the ‚ÄúRequired Resources‚Äù and why are they required?

The Required Resources includes a big binder with 36 week tabs for your Instructor‚Äôs Guides, The Timeline Book, a reusable Markable Map, and a set of wet-erase markers. These resources will be reused in almost every level of our History program and can be shared by multiple students. You will be given the option to purchase these items every time you buy an All-Subject or Reading with History Package, but you only need to buy it once.

For more information on BookShark, please see our FAQs page.

Level E Readers Package