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The Best American Literature Curriculum for Homeschooling High School

by Amy Blevins 115 Comments

Posts contain affiliate links. This means, if you choose to make a purchase, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information please see our full disclosure.
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This post has been sponsored by Apologia Educational Ministries for the purpose of reviewing the American Literature course. As you will see, this is the very real story of what happened when we used American Literature in our homeschool.

Once my kids are ready for high school level work, my husband takes over the teaching. He writes up assignments on the weekends and goes over new lessons with the kids on evenings and weekends.

We just graduated our first child from high school in May and sent her off to college this fall. We also have a junior in high school. Last year, as he began searching for high school level literature programs for the two of them to use together (as a sophomore and a senior), he was drawn to the brand new American Literature program from Apologia.

We have consistently used Apologia materials for all of our science curriculum from grade school through high school, so we were already familiar with the quality of the materials from this Christian company, we just weren’t aware that they had branched out into literature. So once we found the American Literature course, we placed our order without getting a chance to peruse the material beyond online samples.

When the books arrived, we were impressed by the organization and depth of the material but concerned that it would be too tough for our kids who, to that point, did not have a strong background in writing or literature. But, it was also designed to do exactly what we were looking for — get our kids to look critically at literature and think hard about what they were reading and then write authentic and engaging responses.

So we began first semester hopeful that it would be challenging, but manageable. We raised the challenge up to our teens like a gauntlet.

At first, weekly assignments were a struggle. Because we had not focused as much on writing and literature as we probably should have to that point, our teens were getting the reading done quickly and then spending hours and hours and hours pondering and pontificating with great sweat and tears and lamentations to complete a one paragraph answer for each question posed in the American Literature text. They would complete all of their math and history and science and electives for the week and then sit in front of their computers for hours trying to formulate words that made sense.

My husband slowed down the recommended pace, but we stuck to our guns, and I helped by providing feedback on what they had written. I also encouraged them that writing gets easier the more you practice. It will not always take you this much time. Keep practicing. Stick with it. You can do this. And statements like “Oh, that’s a cool point you started in paragraph three. How could you develop that more?”

My husband helped by giving them negative feedback. “This does not even make sense. What are you trying to say here?” And we kept on plodding along with steady progress and gradual improvements that encouraged us but still battling a fear that this was too much, that our kids could not or would not overcome the deficit caused by our lack of attention in this area.

At this point I feel I must explain. Our kids have always been readers. We’ve given them tons and tons of reading material and audiobook material over the years.

I had always been of the opinion that when it was time to teach them a formal study of literature and writing, they would be ready because of all the great living books they have read. My husband has always been of the opinion that they should start writing formally in the third grade and study literature formally way before high school.

So this year of American Literature was kind of like a collision between our two points of view. In my opinion, it was time and they were ready, but in his opinion they were way behind. And neither one of us was fully sure what the outcome would be when they were suddenly faced with an A.P. level of work.

And then one day, my son (a sophomore) emailed me with an essay assignment for feedback and grammar checks. And as I read it, I noticed that it was well-organized and well-articulated. What I was reading actually made sense and was a valid response to the assigned literature for that week.

We were getting somewhere. This progress probably wasn’t as sudden as it seemed to be, but for me it was like watching a lightbulb switch on in the brain of my teen.

Assignments started getting done more quickly. We had fewer tears, less sweat, and faster typing noises coming from the school room.

We had complete essays with strong thesis statements. They were looking critically at the stories and opinions of others and analyzing what they read — holding it up to the light of Jesus and responding in words, but also in their hearts, to the reading material covered by this American Literature course.

And that is exactly what a formal study of literature should induce. We were winning.

And then my husband started saying, “You know, you should write a review of American Literature on your blog. It’s really well done. We’ve accomplished a lot this year with the kids. It’s making them think, and their writing skills are improving. It’s a lot of work but it has been totally worth it, don’t you think?”

He pestered me, quite honestly, because when he really, really likes a curriculum, he thinks I should write about it on my blog.

So I contacted my friends at Apologia and said, “I’d like to write a review.” And they emailed me back and said “Great, let’s do a giveaway too!” So make sure you read to the end, check out the curriculum, and enter the giveaway. Your high school homeschool will thank you.

So far, I’ve shared a whole lot about our experience with Apologia’s American Literature program, but I haven’t shared much of the nitty gritty of what it entails. I’m guessing you’d like to know details.

American Literature by Dr. Whit Jones, published by Apologia, includes a student textbook and a student notebook. The cost for this program is $129. If you have more than one student who will use the program, you can purchase additional student notebooks for $39. The purpose of the program is to teach students to analyze major works of American literature from a biblical perspective.

The course uses the Socratic method to ask probing questions and get students thinking. It covers a vast selection of American literature from fiction to poetry, from Thoreau to Mark Twain, and from the beginning of American history. The material your child needs to read is almost entirely included in the student text with questions for each.

The notebook has each question from the textbook with plenty or room to write a response. The full essay assignments will need to be done on the computer. You can see a sample of what we think is the best American Literature curriculum for homeschooling high school here.

This course will give your student a full high school credit in literature AND a full high school credit in writing. If you are wondering if the course will prepare your child for college writing assignments, the answer is a resounding yes, as evidenced by our daughter’s essay grades (all A’s so far) in her first college semester.

“The American Literature curriculum was really challenging and made me think a lot, more than any school work or subject that I have done before. I really loved the stories we were reading and how I had to break them down. Often I didn’t really understood what I had read until after I finished doing all of the work. I’m a lot more confident now about reading some wordier and more complex books.” (Jonathan, age 15)

Want to know what my husband is pestering me about now? “Have you asked your friends at Apologia if they will be coming out with British Literature in time for Jonathan to use it next year? I need to know.”

Are you ready to enter the giveaway yet? If you’ve never commented on the site before – I’ll have to approve that first comment BUT go ahead and click “enter” anyway so you can do all the extra entry options! Your comment will count – you just won’t see it right away!

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115 Comments
Homeschool High School, Homeschooling

About Amy Blevins

Amy lives with her husband and six beautiful children in Northern Virginia. Besides blogging, Amy enjoys homeschooling, hiking, reading, singing, teaching, and serving Jesus above all. Welcome.

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  1. Roibn says

    September 29, 2017 at 5:36 PM

    Thank you for this review of Apologia American Literature Course. It looks like it is a very good program. I have 2 daughters that I would love to use this for.

    Reply
  2. Kelly L. says

    September 29, 2017 at 6:01 PM

    This program would be great to have for my son when he is ready for it. I secretly want to work through it on my own. I need to sharpen my own skills!

    Reply
  3. Danette Benoit says

    September 29, 2017 at 7:40 PM

    Wow! What a beautiful story!
    My daughter is a reader but really struggles with writing and expressing her thoughts.

    Reply
  4. Andrea says

    September 29, 2017 at 8:22 PM

    Thank you for this review! I love Apologia and am excited that they now have a literature curriculum.

    Reply
  5. Charlene Teeter says

    September 29, 2017 at 8:37 PM

    We love Apologia Science and would lve to try their American Literature as well. This looks like a great literature program.

    Reply
  6. vicki shepard says

    September 29, 2017 at 9:36 PM

    I woul love to win this!

    Reply
  7. Dianne Cooper says

    September 30, 2017 at 12:49 AM

    Thank you for the honest review.

    Reply
  8. Rachel Nelson says

    September 30, 2017 at 2:11 AM

    Really could use this with my kids.

    Reply
  9. Elizabeth k says

    September 30, 2017 at 7:31 AM

    Thank you for the review. This course sounds interesting. I think it may be a good fit for my two kids.

    Reply
  10. Ginger says

    September 30, 2017 at 7:59 AM

    This sounds like a solid curriculum. I will 2nd looking into this further.

    Reply
  11. Julie G. says

    September 30, 2017 at 9:31 AM

    Thank you for such a helpful review. We love Apologia products too!

    Reply
  12. Charis says

    September 30, 2017 at 11:10 AM

    We love Apologia science and I’m looking forward to checking into this literature program more. Thanks for your review!

    Reply
  13. Amethyst M says

    September 30, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    Thank you for this review. This looks like it would be great for our family

    Reply
  14. Nicki says

    September 30, 2017 at 9:03 PM

    I didn’t realize Apologia had this. We are finding that the curriculum we bought for our junior is lacking in many ways and definitely not challenging her. This would be great to switch to.

    Reply
  15. Jennifer says

    October 3, 2017 at 1:36 AM

    Interesting review. It’s really helpful to hear from someone who chose to use the materials first and then decided that it the materials were worth promoting. I’m happy to hear how well this worked for your family and will be adding this to my possible options for when we reach high school in a couple of years.

    Reply
  16. Desiree Luhnow says

    October 3, 2017 at 10:18 PM

    We love Apologia science! I’d love to try their literature as well! My children would greatly benefit from this curriculum.

    Reply
  17. Andrea Padgett says

    October 3, 2017 at 11:23 PM

    I am so glad to have read this review. My son is in 8th grade and I have been thinking about a writing course for him. I am wondering if you found it difficult to grade the assignments? Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  18. Karma Kitto says

    October 4, 2017 at 12:54 AM

    Love the socratic method, and have some children who I think would benefit from this 🙂

    Reply
  19. Camille says

    October 4, 2017 at 2:00 AM

    Thank you for the honest, thorough review. I will love to win this!

    Reply
  20. Lisa Joy Starr says

    October 4, 2017 at 2:22 AM

    I have looked at Apologia’s literature courses and have been intrigued but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Sounds like I should after your rave review of them. I’m big on organization in a course and that’s the first thing that caught my attention is when you said how well organized they were.

    Thanks!
    Lisa Joy Starr

    Reply
  21. Angela says

    October 4, 2017 at 2:52 AM

    Our family would be greatly blessed to win this American Literature set by apologia.

    Reply
  22. Hope Mabe says

    October 4, 2017 at 6:40 AM

    I work in a book store that sells Apologia curriculum. We always recommend their curriculum as all their subjects offered are well written and challenging. Apologia is an all around ” top notch” way to educate your family.

    Reply
  23. Keri Archer says

    October 4, 2017 at 7:28 AM

    Thank you for this post. I have used Apologia materials for science and worldview studies but didn’t realize they even had a literature and writing course. I will check it out!

    Reply
  24. Gail says

    October 4, 2017 at 8:31 AM

    Thank you for your honesty. It encourages others to keep on when the going gets tough. It is so important for young people to learn to analyze what they read in light of Scripture. This sounds like a good curriculum.

    Reply
  25. Billie says

    October 4, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    We have used a good amount of Apologia’s sciences. This sounds like a really good literature curriculum. Would love to take a closer look at it.

    Reply
  26. Michelle W says

    October 4, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    Thanks for this review. I saw that this had been released but hadn’t paid much attention. I will certainly give it a closer look now!!

    Reply
  27. Sarah says

    October 4, 2017 at 10:18 AM

    Sounds like a great curriculum. Thanks for the info.

    Reply
  28. Tina says

    October 4, 2017 at 11:51 AM

    Hadn’t heard of this program! Sounds like a wonderful choice for my dd.

    Reply
  29. Kelly H. says

    October 4, 2017 at 6:10 PM

    Thank you very much for your review. My son will be entering high school next year, and I feel somewhat like a deer in head lights. Having a set curriculum for 2 subjects now would be a tremendous help for us.

    Reply
  30. Rebecca C says

    October 5, 2017 at 8:06 PM

    THank you for a great review about this product. I have been trying to decide if I wanted to use this with my high schoolers.

    Reply
  31. Sarah says

    October 12, 2017 at 8:35 PM

    I have been reading through the samples of this, as I’m making plans to begin our first year of high school next year. It’s good to hear from someone who’s actually used it. This is a strong area for me, and was my major in college, so I love literature. However, I’m terrified to get into it because my children are dyslexic and I’m so afraid to overwhelm them, or that they aren’t going to be able to keep up and it will be a train wreck.

    Reply
  32. Tyra says

    October 12, 2017 at 11:57 PM

    Thank you for writing this review! I didn’t know Apologia had a literature curriculum! It looks awesome!

    Reply
  33. Judith Martinez says

    October 12, 2017 at 11:58 PM

    I like that it seems to make difficult pieces of literature more approachable.

    Reply
  34. Tanya says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:02 AM

    I haven’t heard of this curriculum. Thanks for the review. I’m very interested in it for my son.

    Reply
  35. Anne H says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:02 AM

    I did not know Apologia offered Literature curriculum. After reading your review I am very much interested and would like to take a closer look at this product.

    Reply
  36. Maggie Smith says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:05 AM

    Thank you for sharing so candidly with us. It’s always wonderful to hear of the journey and accomplishments along the path. Such a blessing will surely be bestowed upon another family and hope their story will be just as wonderful!

    Reply
  37. Kristi says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:10 AM

    WE love Apologia science and would love to try their literature course. Thank you for the informational review! I have four kids I would love to use this with. Thank you!

    Reply
  38. Amy G says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:14 AM

    This curriculum sounds really great. We are in the same boat…avid reader, but reluctant writer. I think this could be of good benefit.

    Reply
  39. Beth says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:16 AM

    I have used apologia’s science and worldview series. This looks good as well. I have kids who don’t like to write, and some of those don’t like to read either. At least not what I tell them to read. Being well written is one of my goals for my kids.

    Reply
  40. Krista says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:30 AM

    We love Apologia for science, and I was interested in their literature curriculum. Thanks so much for the review and information.

    Reply
  41. Beverly R says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:33 AM

    This review is so encouraging! It would be so so so nice of writing were less of a struggle here.

    Reply
  42. LaKrisha C says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:38 AM

    I really enjoyed this review. Even though we’ve covered American Literature, we may revisit next year for the writing aspect.

    Reply
  43. Melanie Ireland says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:41 AM

    Thank you for your review. I have found teaching literary analysis and writing to be a challenge. But Apologia’s American Literature course sounds like it would be great for me and my high school daughter. Did you get an answer back from Apologia about a British Literature course? I would love to have that also.

    Thank you, Melanie Ireland

    Reply
  44. Gigi says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:44 AM

    Have you compared it with Sonlight’s American Literature?

    Reply
  45. Nicolle says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:49 AM

    This curriculum sounds like a good fit for my high schooler with special needs; writing is a struggle. Thanks for the review!

    Reply
  46. Michelle in OK says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:54 AM

    Your philosophy sounds just like mine–give them access to tons of good books and let the natural language learning happen while they are young and then have more formal instruction once they reach high school. I have one that prefers not to wrote, but loves to make presentations. He will need some focused writing instruction soon. Your review sounds like this would be a wonderful fit for this child. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

    Reply
  47. Stacey says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:09 AM

    Didn’t know that apologia had a lot course! We use and love the science. So glad to hear the writing component is strong.

    Reply
  48. Stacey says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:10 AM

    Didn’t know that apologia had a lit course! We use and love the science. So glad to hear the writing component is strong.

    Reply
  49. Bernadette says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:26 AM

    Thanks for your review! It’s encouraging to hear about the skills your high schoolers developed while using this course.

    Reply
  50. Crystal says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:33 AM

    I think this would be an amazing addition to my sons future curriculum.

    Reply
  51. Heather Goetsch says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:34 AM

    I really appreciate the honesty of your review and what you have said about where the kids were in writing and analyzing literature. Our family is totally in the same spot. We’ve been doing lots of remedial work and I worried about something being “too hard/advanced” but this review was an encouragement. We’ve been seeking different options and this will definitely be on our list for further review.

    Reply
  52. Mandy Bamford says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:49 AM

    Thank you for your honest review of this curriculum. This curriculum sounds great, I woul love to win it for me kids!

    Reply
  53. Joey says

    October 13, 2017 at 2:06 AM

    Thanks for reviewing this curriculum. I will, Lord willing, homeschool through high school!

    Reply
  54. Laurie says

    October 13, 2017 at 2:30 AM

    We love Apologia. This looks like another great course from them. Thank you for sharing it.

    Reply
  55. Erin says

    October 13, 2017 at 3:29 AM

    Would love to use this with my oldest.

    Reply
  56. sara says

    October 13, 2017 at 3:33 AM

    This course really does sound wonderful. I love that studying great works is used to develop communication and writing skills, critical thinking, and reading with a purpose. It sounds like this American Literature course would be a great addition to our familiy’s curricula!

    Reply
  57. Rach says

    October 13, 2017 at 3:36 AM

    We use Apologia Science at our home. We have been impressed with the quality. I was not aware they offered literature as well. Thank you for your site I enjoy it.

    Reply
  58. Christina H says

    October 13, 2017 at 3:52 AM

    Thanks for your complete review, this sounds fabulous! It’s perfect timing for our family to consider.

    Reply
  59. Melanie says

    October 13, 2017 at 4:31 AM

    Thank you for sharing this review, We also use the Apologia for Science but the thought never occurred to me before how great of a class this may be. But you are right, the Science is excellent so for sure the Literature will be as well!! I think I will definitely look into my son taking this class next year or the year after. Thank you for your honesty regarding how challenging it was for your children, it will be good for us too!! 😉

    Reply
  60. Tiffany says

    October 13, 2017 at 6:29 AM

    I’m excited to see that it is “enough”. We have planned on doing it as an literature credit, but I didn’t know it was also a writing credit.
    I also have been waiting and watching for a British literature curriculum to follow up with.
    Thank you for your review!

    Reply
  61. Cristy S. says

    October 13, 2017 at 6:52 AM

    Being able to write a concise essay, with correct spelling and grammar is the exception rather than the norm anymore. I am excited to see a high school course that teaches literature and writing; even 30 years ago, it was a rarity. Thanks for the excellent review and giveaway!

    Reply
  62. Michelle Herod says

    October 13, 2017 at 6:55 AM

    Thanks so much for the information.

    Reply
  63. Karen says

    October 13, 2017 at 6:56 AM

    I’m not happy with our current literature program and have been looking for something new. This course sounds perfect for us!

    Reply
  64. Crystal says

    October 13, 2017 at 7:21 AM

    Thanks for doing this giveaway! It would be great to win it!!!!!

    Reply
  65. Kimby says

    October 13, 2017 at 7:32 AM

    I can never afford new curriculum, let alone apologia products. Winning his would be a real game changer in our homeschool journey. Thank you for offering the chance. Also, i appreciate your transparency regarding your children’s writing skills. I too have wavered back and forth wondering if my 3 boys will suddenly have a writing “light bulb” or if they are behind. You’ve encouraged me!

    Reply
  66. Lisa B says

    October 13, 2017 at 7:36 AM

    Thank you for this review! I have looked at this curriculum briefly a couple of times, wondering if it would be a good fit for our daughter who is starting high school next year. A good review is always helpful and now I have more to go on.

    Reply
  67. Wendy says

    October 13, 2017 at 7:40 AM

    This sounds like a great curriculum. I have wondered the same thing about how much to focus on writing and analyzing in the primary grades. In fact, I didn’t focus on spelling much until third grade, but have been a little sorry. You’ve given me something to think about…
    And good to know that some things can be saved, even starting later!

    Reply
  68. Liz says

    October 13, 2017 at 7:42 AM

    We will homeschool all the way through. Many are naysayers, but we know that we are called to do so. Our son is only in fifth grade right now, so I’ve not looked too much into curriculum for the higher grades. It’s good to know that Apologia offeres this curriculum. Thank you for your review.

    Reply
  69. Kristen says

    October 13, 2017 at 7:54 AM

    Thank you for this fantastic review. I love reading but was concerned how I would approach the writing part. This sounds like an excellent curriculum.

    Reply
  70. Pam says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:07 AM

    We love Apologia. This looks like a great resource for High School. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  71. Stepheny Seabolt says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:19 AM

    This course looks like it would be excellent for my kids. We haven’t really focused that much on writing either, so any help would be a blessing in that area!

    Reply
  72. Danica says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:21 AM

    This program sure sound like a winner, challenging but it seems to pay off.

    Reply
  73. Lacey says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:23 AM

    Planning ahead for high school which we’ll be covering the next few years. My how time flies!

    Reply
  74. Lisa Whitlock says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:25 AM

    My son is in 8th grade this year. We haven’t focused much on writing either, and I imagine we’ll face the same struggles when we dive in next year. This would be a wonderful program with which to take the plunge. 🙂

    Reply
  75. Jamie E. says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:26 AM

    Teaching writing and literature in the coming years intimidates me. Like another commenter, I too would love to take the course myself. This sounds like an amazing resource. Thanks for your review and giveaway opportunity.

    Reply
  76. SHELIA BOWMAN says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:43 AM

    The thought of doing high school scares me. I had to work up to early elementary. 🙂 We’re still not how far we’ll go but knowing that there is a great curriculum available gives me courage. Thank you.

    Reply
  77. Diane says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:51 AM

    This sounds great. English is my worst subject and I can use more help for my children to enjoy literature and writing.

    Reply
  78. Barbara Null says

    October 13, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    Thank You for your review. It helps get an idea of the curriculum. This appears to be something I would love to use with my students. We really like other Apologia products.

    Reply
  79. Kirsten says

    October 13, 2017 at 9:24 AM

    Though my son is no where near high school, I am intrigued by this curriculum. Teaching children to articulate themselves and formulate an argument, fun stuff 🙂 AND my son said he wanted to be a writer, engineer and missionary 😀

    Reply
  80. Molly Cash says

    October 13, 2017 at 9:52 AM

    I would love to try this curriculum for my boys. My eldest is probably not going to benefit from it much, since he’s in 11th grade now, but my next soon is coming up – he’s currently in 7th grade, so it won’t be long!

    Reply
  81. Suzette says

    October 13, 2017 at 9:58 AM

    We will be starting high school next year so I’ve been keeping my eye out for different curriculum options. This review was very helpful!

    Reply
  82. Amy Ritchie says

    October 13, 2017 at 10:04 AM

    I am really looking forward to checking out this curriculum. I have an 8th grader and am looking for quality high school materials!

    Reply
  83. Jennifer Mathesz says

    October 13, 2017 at 10:14 AM

    I don’t think I would do HS literature justice, so this sounds great!

    Reply
  84. Kim says

    October 13, 2017 at 11:06 AM

    This sound s like something my high schooler could really use.

    Reply
  85. Clarissa West says

    October 13, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    I’ve always loved Apologia and your review just confirms that! This would be a great curriculum for us to use for high school (in a few years)!

    Reply
  86. Peggy says

    October 13, 2017 at 11:58 AM

    This sounds great. I have a couple of kiddos that like to read but writing is not really their skill or mine so this sounds like it might be of great help in that area.

    Reply
  87. Dana says

    October 13, 2017 at 11:58 AM

    This looks like just what we need! Very excited to see a literature program from Apologia.

    Reply
  88. Teri P. says

    October 13, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    I have loved Apologia science in the past. Getting ready to start my second high schooler soon and this looks like a good fit. Thank you for your review!

    Reply
  89. Dana says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:08 PM

    I didn’t realize Apologia had a literature program for high school. Thank you for your encouraging review, I’m going to have to go check it out!

    Reply
  90. Stacy says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:14 PM

    We love Apologia Science and I had no idea they had a literature program as well. I’m excited to check it out.

    Reply
  91. Debbie says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:17 PM

    Would so love to use this curriulum with my son!

    Reply
  92. Cabot Mama says

    October 13, 2017 at 1:24 PM

    How timely! My oldest is in 7th grade and an avid reader; however, I’ve had a nagging feeling that he is missing out because we don’t have a formal literature program. American Lit would be an excellent addition to junior high when we tackle American History. We have used Apologia for both General and Physical Science, and have been very impressed with the level of academic quality.

    Reply
  93. Katrina says

    October 13, 2017 at 3:28 PM

    This curriculum looks amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience.

    Reply
  94. Jenny Baker says

    October 13, 2017 at 3:33 PM

    We are starting high school next year and I need to know what to teach as far as Lit

    Reply
  95. Jill N Miller says

    October 13, 2017 at 3:52 PM

    Looks great!!

    Reply
  96. Laurie says

    October 13, 2017 at 4:55 PM

    Thanks for this review. This is an area we also need more focus on. You stated it includes a student textbook and notebook – Is there a teachers manual also?

    Reply
  97. Deana Cox says

    October 13, 2017 at 5:29 PM

    Looks great! Good literature programs from a Christian worldview are hard to come by. 🙂 Even if we don’t win, I will definitely keep this program in mind for when we are looking for a good lit program.

    Reply
  98. Kerry says

    October 13, 2017 at 5:58 PM

    Thank you for this excellent review. It sounds like a terrific program!

    Reply
  99. Emily says

    October 13, 2017 at 5:59 PM

    This looks like a great curriculum to try out! I have used some of apologia’s other resources and really enjoyed them.

    Reply
  100. Tara says

    October 13, 2017 at 6:20 PM

    You have made me think about my current approach to teaching literature.

    Reply
  101. Jennifer says

    October 13, 2017 at 6:59 PM

    Thanks for a thorough review. I am interested in using this in the future for my children.

    Reply
  102. Debbie McMullen says

    October 13, 2017 at 8:57 PM

    We recently started trying out their physical science at our co-op,and although I was a little skeptical at first it’s actually a great program! So I’d love to use this Lit program too!

    Reply
  103. Sabrina says

    October 13, 2017 at 9:51 PM

    We love Apologia Science too, so I’m really excited to learn about this American Literature curriculum. Thank you for the review.

    Reply
  104. Suzanne says

    October 13, 2017 at 10:44 PM

    We haven’t tried anything from Apologia yet, but this curriculum sounds great. I would love to check it out.

    Reply
  105. Faith says

    October 13, 2017 at 11:33 PM

    Would love to win!!

    Reply
  106. Melissa Pallex says

    October 13, 2017 at 11:35 PM

    Prior to reading your review, I was aware of Apologia’s science curricula and some of their other students materials, but I hadn’t heard of their literature programs either. Thank you for a well-written review! I’m definitely going to check out their literature offerings for my high schooler.

    Reply
  107. Megan says

    October 14, 2017 at 8:23 AM

    High school has felt somewhat overwhelming to me but this review gives me hope! Thank you’

    Reply
  108. Amy says

    October 14, 2017 at 9:02 AM

    Sounds like a very good literature course. Thanks for the review.

    Reply
  109. Beth Drees says

    October 14, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    Thank you for your review of this course. It sounds like a good program.

    Reply
  110. Deborah says

    October 14, 2017 at 1:12 PM

    Thank you for this review, it explains the curriculum very well, and how to use it. It sounds like Apologia has done it again, by providing another solid Homeschool course.

    Reply
  111. Katherine says

    October 14, 2017 at 6:49 PM

    This is such an honest review. I especially liked learning about both of your perspectives to literature teaching. It is a hard subject to navigate successfully. Thank you for providing such detail on the Apologia course.

    Reply
  112. Wendy says

    October 15, 2017 at 2:38 AM

    I appreciate your honesty and insight but I would like to know if the materials give you guidance for grading each assignment and when you say AP level work are you saying this is an AP course and students can take the AP exam as well? If not AP, what is the level? I know other Apologia materials are supposed to be honors-level but cannot find schools in SC that recognize it as such and so do they provide information and material that would support honors-level credit? When you say much of the material they read is included in the student book, does that mean they read primarily excerpts from books and not the entire book? How much work is independent, how much parent support is provided, is there a reading list? IT is not common to earn a full credit in reading and a full credit in writing. In SC we must call them Composition and Literature. If the student earns a full credit in both and listed as 1 credit in composition and 1 credit in literature on the transcript, does that mean the course takes twice as long as other literature programs?

    Reply
  113. Lisa M says

    October 15, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    I’ve used Apologia science in past years and would love the opportunity to try their literature program. Especially with my 8th grader soon to be in high school! Thanks for the opportunity to possibly win!

    Reply
  114. Jen says

    October 15, 2017 at 11:28 AM

    I love the idea of an American Literature course by Apologia. I thoroughly enjoyed my English classes in high school but am overwhelmed by the idea of prepping my own so this is a great resource!

    Reply
  115. alice says

    February 20, 2020 at 8:24 AM

    Is this a whole book curriculum, or a survey course?

    Reply

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