When we started our homeschool journey, I knew I wanted a homeschool curriculum that was based in quality literature and that had few consumable materials. Even though we only have two kids, reusing materials for little sister is a fantastic way to save money. Sonlight sparked my interest, but BookShark had just been launched. I wanted to know the details of how the two product lines compared. My oldest was heading into kindergarten, so I wrote about the differences in their K level programs. Now, she’s heading into 6th grade! It’s time to compared Sonlight level E and BookShark level E programs.
Sonlight E and BookShark E
Sonlight and BookShark are sister companies, and their programs definitely share a lot of similarities. At first, people thought BookShark was simply a secular version of Sonlight. However, BookShark describes itself as faith-neutral. If you hang around secular homeschool groups long enough, you’ll soon discover that there is a difference between secular and faith-neutral. A close look at their programs shows that it’s not that simply a matter of deleting religious books.
Both of the programs are the 2nd of 2 years of Intro to American History. Level D is the first year. If you’re just starting out with American history, definitely check out level D or the combined level of D+E. This year, Sonlight revised their age range recommendations for many of their levels. They added an additional kindergarten package, which bumped the age ranges of the other levels up a bit. Now, Sonlight’s level E is recommended for 10-13 year olds. BookShark’s level E is recommended for 9-12 year olds.
Sonlight offers their programs in 5 day a week or 4 day a week versions. BookShark only offers a 4 day a week program. Since Sonlight’s 5 day a week option has more books, I will use that program as the benchmark for comparing the other two. I will also note when BookShark added books that Sonlight doesn’t offer.
BookShark Reading with History E
History Books
In Search of the Source – not in Sonlight 4 day or BookShark, religious
American History: A Visual Encyclopedia – not in Sonlight 4 day
Lights in a Dark Place – not in BookShark, religious
Hero Over Here – listed as a reader in BookShark
Related Post – Sonlight A vs BookShark K Homeschool Curriculum Comparison
Read-Aloud Books
The Winged Watchman – not in BookShark
King of the Mound – not in this Bookshark level, is a level 4 reader for BookShark
General Butterfingers – not in Sonlight 4 day or BookShark
Every Soul a Star – not in Sonlight 4 day or BookShark
Moccasin Tail – only in BookShark
The Great Turkey Walk – Read-aloud for BookShark, but listed as a reader for both Sonlight programs.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler – Read-aloud for BookShark, but listed as a reader for both Sonlight programs.
The Great Wheel – Read-aloud for BookShark, but listed as a reader for both Sonlight programs.
Related Post – Sonlight D vs BookShark D Curriculum Comparison
Readers
Previous levels for Sonlight and BookShark offer several options for readers because younger kids often have a wide range of skills when they’re still in the learning to read stage. By this level, reading skills usually even out a bit. This level only offers one option for readers. It’s okay if your child needs to go slower and doesn’t get to all the books. On the other hand, if they’re strong readers and up for the challenge, you can look to see what is missing from the curriculum option you chose and add in a few of those books.
The Great Turkey Walk – Listed as a BookShark reader.
The Great Wheel – Listed as a BookShark reader.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler – Listed as a BookShark reader.
A Summer of Sundays – not in Sonlight 4 day or BookShark
All-of-a-Kind Family – not in Sonlight 4 day
Gone-Away Lake – not in Sonlight 4 day
Bruchko – not in BookShark
Because of Winn Dixie – not in Sonlight 4 day or BookShark
Henry Reed Inc. – not in BookShark
George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist – not in BookShark
The Perilous Road – only in BookShark
The Story of Thomas Alva Edison – only in BookShark
Lawn Boy – only in BookShark
Hero Over Here – Listed as reader in BookShark, but as history book for both Sonlight programs.
Related Post – 5th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Choices
BookShark Science E
Science
Usborne Science Encyclopedia – not in Sonlight 4 day or this level of BookShark. It is used in BookShark level . It looks like this book is discontinued.
Light and Color – not in Sonlight 4 day
Diary of an Early American Boy – only in BookShark
Who Was Alexander Graham Bell? – only in BookShark
Now that my youngest is making her way through the BookShark levels, I really love looking at the Sonlight books to see what we can substitute for her. She has a wonderful memory so she can often remember the stories she’s listened to in prior years with big sister. Sonlight level E and BookShark level E both have wonderful books. No matter which you choose, any of these homeschool curriculum packages will take you and your kids on an amazing journey learning about history and cultures through quality literature.
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