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Read for the Heart: Whole Books for WholeHearted Families
In Read for the Heart--Whole Books for WholeHearted Families, her second book, Sarah Clarkson shares her insights on the power of books and reading, and on her journey with the literature, living books, and enduring stories of childhood that shaped her heart and can shape your children’s hearts and lives. She offers deeply-held thoughts and convictions, formed out of a life of books and reading in the Clarkson household, about the mind- and soul-shaping influence of good books, reading, and the power of story on children.
She writes as a twenty-six-year-old woman looking back on the many books she read growing up as the first wholehearted child in the Clarkson home and how they have shaped her life, mind, and spirit. She reviews hundreds of whole and living books for children 4-14, and includes additional lists of books to help parents choose the best literary food for their growing children's hearts and minds.
She writes as a twenty-six-year-old woman looking back on the many books she read growing up as the first wholehearted child in the Clarkson home and how they have shaped her life, mind, and spirit. She reviews hundreds of whole and living books for children 4-14, and includes additional lists of books to help parents choose the best literary food for their growing children's hearts and minds.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
29 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Clarkson
10 books1,225 followersSarah Clarkson is an author, a blogger, and a student of theology. She graduated from Wycliffe Hall, in Oxford, with a bachelor's degree in theology and is currently at work on a Master's degree in modern doctrine. She's the author of Read for the Heart (a guide to children's literature), Caught Up in a Story (on the formative power of story), and The Lifegiving Home (on the gift of creating a place of belonging), as well as the upcoming Book Girl (a woman's guide to the reading life). Through blogs, books, and her current research, she explores the theological significance of story, the intersection of theology and imagination, and the formative power of beauty. She writes regularly about her adventures at SarahClarkson.com and is at slow work on a novel. She can often be found with a cup of good coffee in one of the many quaint corners amid Oxford's "dreaming spires," where she lives in a red-doored cottage with her husband, Thomas, and daughter, Lilian.
You can also connect with Sarah on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also connect with Sarah on Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 27, 2014
This was the resource I have been searching for for years: a recommendation of books for children with a synopsis of the content and a page detailing why those books were selected. It is not enough for me that my children (and myself) read. I want our time in books to be nourishing.
This was just such a guide. The author is kind, obviously a lover of the written word and genuinely passionate about sharing her love of good books and the lasting impact time in such books can have on character, imagination, resolve, and engaging with the wonder of the world.
I can't say enough good about this book. It is a guide and a sharing of why and how the author came to discover and love the books she recommends. Buy it. Read it. Take it with you to the library. Encourage your children to look through it and pick out several titles that sound interesting to them. I've explored several of her recommendations recently and have loved every one.
Thank you, Sarah Clarkson. You wrote the book this mother needed.
This was just such a guide. The author is kind, obviously a lover of the written word and genuinely passionate about sharing her love of good books and the lasting impact time in such books can have on character, imagination, resolve, and engaging with the wonder of the world.
I can't say enough good about this book. It is a guide and a sharing of why and how the author came to discover and love the books she recommends. Buy it. Read it. Take it with you to the library. Encourage your children to look through it and pick out several titles that sound interesting to them. I've explored several of her recommendations recently and have loved every one.
Thank you, Sarah Clarkson. You wrote the book this mother needed.
February 17, 2016
This is in the vein of "Honey for a Child's Heart," but even more focused on the development of character with a focus on all that is good and beautiful in God's creation. She includes notes about things that might concern parents in specific books. Many books here I've never seen but am so excited to read with my kids. She was homeschooled using classical methods. References my dear friend Charlotte Mason often.
July 16, 2020
I love the Clarkson books! This is written by one of the daughters, and is a little idyllic in her suggestions. Her list of suggested literature makes up for it. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for titles she curated.
January 10, 2021
Another lovely book about books with a wonderful booklist. I appreciated her brief summary of each book she recommends. I also enjoyed thumbing through and formulating a wishlist and will definitely revisit this resource in the future.
January 13, 2020
Excellent resource!
October 20, 2016
3.75 stars.
October 12, 2020
Sadly underwhelmed by this one. In places, the writing is too flowery for a practical text. Being 11 years old, the book hasn't aged too well--a revision would be nice in a few years, perhaps.
My two biggest problems are with the lists themselves. There's the classic home schooler problem of reverse chronological snobbery: older must be better/idealizing certain parts of the past. And, there's a lack of any sort of diversity (few books in translation, few books from outside the Western "canon," hardly any about racism in American history...) that I've found to be sadly common in the Clarkson family ouvre.
I expected to like this one much more than I did, because I enjoyed Sarah Clarkson's Book Girl, which had a few more contemporary books, though it suffers from the same myopia that Read for the Heart does. Many, many of the books she lists are ones I've read and enjoyed. Some I consider problematic (G. A. Henty and his heavily colonial narratives, for one), but for the most part, I'm behind the texts she recommends.
Clarkson has obviously grown a lot as a thinker and writer since she published this book as a young woman, so I'm not judging her at all by this one book. However, I don't think this is quite the book it claims to be--a near-comprehensive list of "great books" for kindergarten-elementary reading. There are many, many oversights, some major (...history ends with WWII?) and some minor (Nancy Drew is deemed fluff for occasional fun reading, but the Happy Hollisters get a spot on the list, even though both series were published the same way, by the same syndicate, and have arguably identical literary quality, though for different age groups).
There's an undercurrent of suspicion of newer books, too, which bothers me. Plenty of fine books for kids are published every year. Sure, plenty of what's published isn't of great quality, but the sheer amount of new titles yearly will yield some good ones, statistically speaking. Thus, I wish there had been a chapter on what to look for in children's literature. I never stopped reading children's books, so I feel like I have a finger on the pulse of what makes a good children's book. Yet, parents are often overwhelmed in the children's section because they simply don't know what to look for: how to determine reading level, accuracy (for non-fiction and realistic fiction), how subjects are handled emotionally, the types of books that will appeal to reluctant readers or those in a rut, et c. It's clear that Clarkson uses metrics for these things, in addition to recalling what she loved from childhood, so I'd have appreciated a chapter dedicated to this.
The focus on older books absolutely ties into the exclusively white/Western focus. Publishers are (slowly) printing more books with diverse authors and subjects. Awakening children to the beauty of diversity, demonstrating appreciation of different cultures/languages, and broadening their narrow horizons is essential. There are plenty of lists of diverse children's books around the internet that can guide better reading habits, and children's librarians are a wealthy resource, too.
Overall, it's not likely I'll revisit this one. I'll add a few titles to my TBR and send this book back to the library.
My two biggest problems are with the lists themselves. There's the classic home schooler problem of reverse chronological snobbery: older must be better/idealizing certain parts of the past. And, there's a lack of any sort of diversity (few books in translation, few books from outside the Western "canon," hardly any about racism in American history...) that I've found to be sadly common in the Clarkson family ouvre.
I expected to like this one much more than I did, because I enjoyed Sarah Clarkson's Book Girl, which had a few more contemporary books, though it suffers from the same myopia that Read for the Heart does. Many, many of the books she lists are ones I've read and enjoyed. Some I consider problematic (G. A. Henty and his heavily colonial narratives, for one), but for the most part, I'm behind the texts she recommends.
Clarkson has obviously grown a lot as a thinker and writer since she published this book as a young woman, so I'm not judging her at all by this one book. However, I don't think this is quite the book it claims to be--a near-comprehensive list of "great books" for kindergarten-elementary reading. There are many, many oversights, some major (...history ends with WWII?) and some minor (Nancy Drew is deemed fluff for occasional fun reading, but the Happy Hollisters get a spot on the list, even though both series were published the same way, by the same syndicate, and have arguably identical literary quality, though for different age groups).
There's an undercurrent of suspicion of newer books, too, which bothers me. Plenty of fine books for kids are published every year. Sure, plenty of what's published isn't of great quality, but the sheer amount of new titles yearly will yield some good ones, statistically speaking. Thus, I wish there had been a chapter on what to look for in children's literature. I never stopped reading children's books, so I feel like I have a finger on the pulse of what makes a good children's book. Yet, parents are often overwhelmed in the children's section because they simply don't know what to look for: how to determine reading level, accuracy (for non-fiction and realistic fiction), how subjects are handled emotionally, the types of books that will appeal to reluctant readers or those in a rut, et c. It's clear that Clarkson uses metrics for these things, in addition to recalling what she loved from childhood, so I'd have appreciated a chapter dedicated to this.
The focus on older books absolutely ties into the exclusively white/Western focus. Publishers are (slowly) printing more books with diverse authors and subjects. Awakening children to the beauty of diversity, demonstrating appreciation of different cultures/languages, and broadening their narrow horizons is essential. There are plenty of lists of diverse children's books around the internet that can guide better reading habits, and children's librarians are a wealthy resource, too.
Overall, it's not likely I'll revisit this one. I'll add a few titles to my TBR and send this book back to the library.
September 4, 2017
I rarely give a book five stars. I wish I could give this one ten.
This book has two distinguishing values. First, the author presents an eloquent and compelling case for reading, and lots of it; reading to children, reading around children, having lots and lots of access to good books for children (and the whole family). She's not the first to do this, but she presents the most complete and noteworthy case I've read.
Second (and most valuable), she presents an extensive list of quality literature (see her definition of "quality literature"), including brief summaries and applicable "cautions." She categorizes these lists in helpful ways, making sure to bring attention to high quality--and lesser quality--children's illustrations, and the often overlooked value of the illustrations themselves.
I literally couldn't put this book down. How I wish I'd found this resource years earlier.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. I will be returning to this resource again and again.
Caution: Reading this book WILL cause you to spend quite a bit of money on Amazon.
This book has two distinguishing values. First, the author presents an eloquent and compelling case for reading, and lots of it; reading to children, reading around children, having lots and lots of access to good books for children (and the whole family). She's not the first to do this, but she presents the most complete and noteworthy case I've read.
Second (and most valuable), she presents an extensive list of quality literature (see her definition of "quality literature"), including brief summaries and applicable "cautions." She categorizes these lists in helpful ways, making sure to bring attention to high quality--and lesser quality--children's illustrations, and the often overlooked value of the illustrations themselves.
I literally couldn't put this book down. How I wish I'd found this resource years earlier.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. I will be returning to this resource again and again.
Caution: Reading this book WILL cause you to spend quite a bit of money on Amazon.
May 7, 2017
A fascinating read on why to read with your children, how to choose books that will help instill the values you hold dear, and many lists of suggested reading. I bought it for those lists, rather than her other book. Surprises: there are suggestions on history books, nature and classical music as well as chapter and picture books. Negatives: a little bit too much 'if you do this your children will turn out like this', oh if only it was that easy. The lists are very U.S. focused, fair enough, the author is american. I wish I had it as a paperback as this kind of book needs to be flicked through and consulted, but only available in UK on kindle.
February 19, 2023
Sarah writes on the importance of reading and the part it plays on children and their development in all areas of their lives. She breaks the book down by genres, and writes a story of a real life event to go along with that genre.
Her lists are just the best books. I highly recommend this to parents looking for what books to buy and read to their kids.
It would be a great idea if this book would be republished as it is out of print unless you can find one online.
Her lists are just the best books. I highly recommend this to parents looking for what books to buy and read to their kids.
It would be a great idea if this book would be republished as it is out of print unless you can find one online.
Read
September 8, 2019If you're new to child-rearing and the world of children's literature has been too-long out of reach, this is a fantastic introduction to ensure your children grow up in a classics-filled home! An encyclopedia of Children's Literature, of sorts, this is a valuable tool to ensure your children are exposed to great literature to grow their young minds and hearts in positive and uplifting ways.
December 5, 2022
Really great resource for kid books for your kids. I may use this as a homeschool year of sorts for the kids and I next year to read through a good amount of these books. Books to encourage thought, imagination, etc. She uses her upbringing of good stories and what they did for her in each chapter.
July 10, 2019
I feel well armed with an arsenal of quality literature for my kiddos for many years to come from the recs from this book. I love Sarah’s writing style, and her blurbs on her personal homeschool journey and how certain picture books and novels influenced her is a precious read
June 8, 2017
Great reference book on great books to read to your children!
August 7, 2017
A treasure trove and trustworthy source!
December 28, 2017
Wonderful resource for finding great literature for kids!
September 2, 2018
Wish I’d had this resource 10 years ago...but never too late!
September 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this one. It has lots of great book suggestions that cover a variety of interests and topics. Will definitely want to consult the lists in this book from time to time.
May 23, 2019
Always love good booklists for my family!
July 22, 2019
Good book lists I know I will look back on. This is one of Sarah’s earlier books.
July 26, 2021
Such a valuable resource! Reference this book all the time
November 1, 2022
Amazing booklists for children.
Want to read
March 12, 2012I would like to see this at the STL county libraries but they do not have it.
http://www.amazon.com/Read-Heart-Whol...
Read for the Heart: Whole Books for WholeHearted Families [Paperback]
Sarah Clarkson
Keeping this volume close at hand is like having a child's librarian for a best friend! A great book spurs the imagination in childhood, inspires our dreams in adulthood, and nourishes the soul with depictions of life fully and courageously lived. Among the greatest gifts you can bequeath to a child are a love for reading and a passion for books. But how do you sort through the many thousands of books available to your children to find those that are worthwhile? Let Sarah Clarkson be your guide to the best in literature for your family. From timeless classics to modern favorites, from picture books to adventure novels to read-aloud favorites, more than 1,000 wonderful stories for young people are recommended within these pages. Now you can make great literature a lasting part of your child's life and education.
Help me by filling this form out.
http://www.slcl.org/using-the-library...
February 17, 2014
This is a wonderful "book about books". Clarkson takes the first few chapters to relay the importance of reading aloud to your children. She also emphasizes the importance of selecting quality literature--books that spark imagination and are rich in vocabulary. She then launches into the book lists, with chapters listing her favorite picture books, history and biographies, poetry, art and music, and fiction. There's also several appendices listing all the Caldecott and Newberry Medalists, the Landmark History books, and a few of her favorite books for the whole family, boys, and girls. I've already been putting this book to good use by using to help me be more thoughtful when choosing books for my kids from our library. It's a valuable tool that will help our family choose good, quality books for years to come.
Read
January 21, 2016If you like work by the Clarksons, this book about books will be up your alley. The first few chapters cover some good reminders and info on the importance of reading, and also how specific books have had a profound impact on her life.
Later chapters cover various genres and include her thoughts on what to look for here and some tried and true recommendations. She's a fan of living books as preferred by Charlotte Mason.
I saw plenty of my own favorites in her recommendations and I'm adding a few new ones to our library hold list.
A little tricky in Kindle format (this would be a good physical book to own, I think but for the $2.99 price I couldn't resist). Make good use of highlighting and notes within.
Later chapters cover various genres and include her thoughts on what to look for here and some tried and true recommendations. She's a fan of living books as preferred by Charlotte Mason.
I saw plenty of my own favorites in her recommendations and I'm adding a few new ones to our library hold list.
A little tricky in Kindle format (this would be a good physical book to own, I think but for the $2.99 price I couldn't resist). Make good use of highlighting and notes within.
April 4, 2012
An amazing resource to have. I'm still trying to encourage my children to always be life long readers. This book inspires and directs me in finding living books that my children will hopefully remember and reread in their years to come. Thank you Sarah for this book and telling your story so beautifully.
I love the following quote from C.S. Lewis in the foreword:
"[Living books are those that] capture the issues of life in such a way that they challenge the intellect, they inspire the emotions, and they arouse something noble in the heart of the reader."
May this always be what I consider when I read.
I love the following quote from C.S. Lewis in the foreword:
"[Living books are those that] capture the issues of life in such a way that they challenge the intellect, they inspire the emotions, and they arouse something noble in the heart of the reader."
May this always be what I consider when I read.
August 22, 2011
Sarah Clarkson guides you through her own literary journey so you can in turn guide your little ones on the same path. She provides honest and fresh assessments of books for children and adults; everything from read-aloud picture books to ancient classics for high school students, with a healthy sprinkling of family read-together options in between. Each recommendation is well thought out and she provides the reasons why she chooses each one. This book is a useful guide for any parent who wants to raise a well-read child but doesn't know exactly where to start or how to go about it.
May 8, 2016
This book is a wonderful resource for choosing books to read to your children. I read through the Picture Books and Golden-Age Classics sections because my kids are 4 and under but I know this book will be a great resource in the years to come as my children grow. I made a LONG list of books to check out from the library with the intent of purchasing our own favorites along the way. I feel confident that all the books Sarah Clarkson has chosen will be worthwhile reads with wonderful illustrations rather than the fluff and junk aimed at children these days.
August 25, 2014
I am always looking for more great books for kids and teens with a Christian worldview. This book definitely helped me add dozens of new (to me) titles to my list. The book ended too quickly for me (always wanting more books!), but even though the lists weren't huge, I appreciated that each book that made "the cut" was chosen with careful thought and intent--I knew the author was introducing me to old, treasured friends.
Not sure why the book was printed with such large text, but I did find that detail a little distracting.
Very glad I purchased this book for our family.
Not sure why the book was printed with such large text, but I did find that detail a little distracting.
Very glad I purchased this book for our family.
June 25, 2013
Great inspiration to be a reading parent. She lists many great books, but if you are already involved in homeschooling you will have likely already encountered or even added to your to-read list many, if not most, of the books mentioned within. Still Clarkson gives nice, compact reviews and some good warnings/suggestions to keep in mind which were right along with what I tell people when suggesting certain books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews