The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

so i would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars - I homeschool and I absolutely love books that give practical ideas and that encourage us moms and dads in this challenging but very rewarding endeavor. That being said what really bugged me about the book was the lack of any reference to Jesus or going to Him for help with any of your homeschool issues/needs etc. I must have mistakenly thought the author was Christian but after reading the book I dont think she is. Also the book had ideas like let your child explore cus words and watch horror movies if they want to ... be open to how wonderful online and video games are etc. I am coming from a home where are our oldest has a gaming addiction and i sincerely blame myself for not having discernment about gaming when i was younger. A lot of the advice just did not jive with my belief system and I truly believe that God helps us and guides, equips us to walk this journey out so if we dont go to Him first all the magic in the world is not going to accomplish much eternally speaking. The constant verbiage on enchantments and magical spells in reference to creating a magical homeschool environment also bugged me. Please note that I consider myself a conservative Christian but also a very fun homeschooling mom. We have had sensory bins, hands on science, slime, art supplies and station, paint on walls, etc :) since i can remember so no fuddy duddy here:) Would i recommend this book - maybe to my secular friends that dont mind that kind of thing. I liked her ideas about letting your kids pick what paper to write on etc as some people can really be controlling and miss the whole point of homeschooling. Homeschooling is not recreating school at home. Makes me sad to see that.

Whether you are a homeschool veteran, just warming up to the idea of homeschooling, or are looking for new ways support your schooled-kids’ spark for learning, this is the book for you. Julie Bogart shares how to create an environment in our homes and our hearts to not only educate our children, but parent them in a way that deepens our family connections and creates passion for learning in our children. This is not a stuffy book about theories; it is practical and inspiring. Julie is honest and frank, drawing from her years of experience homeschooling her own children and coaching many other families along this same journey. In every chapter, Julie provides activities to do in your home, and questions to ask yourself so you can cultivate togetherness in your family and a rich learning environment, whether your kids are homeschooled or not. I knew I had a gem in the first chapter, where Julie shares ideas for creating magic in our homes. She says, “I wanted to create a warm memorable life for my kids and myself, not just an education...Happiness shouldn’t be something to end up with; it ought to be the by-product of a whole-hearted, fully lived life.” This is a parenting book, written through the lens of homeschooling. It is a guide I will refer back to regularly, my tool box for enchanting my children’s education. It’s not just about raising your own brave learners, it’s about becoming one yourself.

I have enjoyed listening to Julia Bogart's youtube/podcast. I have heard so many positive reviews about the Brave Writer curriculum that I have considered using in it (but have not). I knew from listening to her before that she takes a neutral stand in her curriculum on religion/theology. Which I don't have a problem with as it is teaching writing not the Bible. So going into reading this book I knew it would not be from a Christian worldview. I believe she claims to be a Christian. There are some great practical tips in the Brave Learner that any homeschooler could apply if they were looking for more creative ways for learning. I feel like you could find most of these tips in other sources. Julia does present them in a nice way. But... Unless you are a child centered home,child led educator, and follow "gentle" parenting some of this will will not fly for you. Probably better fitted for unschoolers, relaxed or eclectic, and secular homeschoolers. I feel that is book is filled with a lot of propaganda that most homeschoolers try to to avoid (why they don't put their children in public school) especially if you're a Christian. While my child means the world to me we are not a child centered home. Our home is a family home which considers all members not just the children. Where we work on our marriage- which will be longer than the amount of time my children are in my home. (Maybe if Julia and her husband had not just focused on their children they would not be divorced?) And while I do think what whatever philosophy of education you practice their will be times that you do follow your child's lead and learn about what they are interested in. But not to the point that I would just follow that and not complete core subjects or allow my child to decided how much school she feels like doing. As the teacher and parent we are to be leaders and help/guide them in their education and life. There are a few thing that had me shaking my head. Multiple times she degrades rote memorization. And while I know public schools do none of that anymore (or even when I was in school) most homeschoolers do especially classical and CM. Its not that you have them memorize and not understand as she implies. You have them memorize so that down the road they have knowledge to draw upon with understanding. She made the point that we live in a digital age they have calculators and the internet they don't need to have things memorized! They just need skills to analyze the information. Really she is promoting Google IQ. And really this is a problem, public schooled adults even today and the children coming out don't know a whole lot but yeah we have google... This one reason our culture today is falling apart we don't know our history, or grammar, or basic math. She really promotes the home being set up for the kids..you know they didn't get to pick their parents or where they live or the things they have as you did being an adult so forget what you have worked for or what or have it should all be for your children. Don't get the furniture you want or have things look nice. Example she give is if you get a new table you should dent it yourself so you don't get upset when your child does. And get a couch that can take a beating. How about instead we teach our children to treat belongings with care and respect? She say children should just be allowed to be children. I agree they should enjoy childhood but I'm not raising my child to be a child she will be an adult one day and the habits, morals and personality she has now will be who she is as an adult. She promotes children to not be required do chores-as there is enough time as an adult to learn these skills when they need them. If you can afford to she says to pay for cleaning services. If you can't you can do it as a family or just do what you can and leave the rest...until it bothers you. Ask your kids if they want to help but don't demand it. Maybe this is why there are young adults today that need "Adulting" classes, because their parents didn't teach them basic life skills! She also really promotes allow your child to play video games. If your child want to experiment with cuss words allow them to or rock music or whatever they fancy... Just don't be a controlling parent! She promotes "gentle" parenting over "authoritative" parenting. Trying to suggest parenting in a homeschooling book is hard because you parent based on your beliefs- theology will play a big role in your parenting style kinda hard to address from a neutral standing point. The positive take away from this book building a good relationship with your child. Helping them to have creative outlets and encouraging them in learning new things and finding interest/hobbies. Overall I would have rated this book 1.5 stars.

If you are a homeschooler, Julie Bogart is a woman you need in your life...even if it's virtually. (And if you are not a homeschooler she can still do your family a whole world of good!) True to what we all expected, this book is packed with so much wisdom that was earned through experience. It is deeply encouraging and thought-provoking. It is inspiring and motivating yet not just rainbows and idealistic pretty-talk. She gives you actual, practical ideas to put action behind that inspiration! There are personal examples as well as lists of how to implement and things to try. The Brave Learner will challenge you to do better yet Julie's voice is, as always, gentle and gracious - understanding and leaving room for our mistakes and imperfections. She's real. I have so much highlighted I thought, "How am I ever going to be able to reference all of this good stuff later?? There's so much here!" Alas, I happened to flip to the back page to find a comprehensive index of topics, words and page numbers...that is going to save my bacon later when I want to find particular parts! Buy this book. Read it immediately. I cannot imagine anyone regretting it!

This book offers so many ideas for how to make our life and the lives of our children into one filled with joy and learning where we work together and teach one another. Julie Bogart gives us skills to allow our children to learn rather than to push them to do so.

Whenever I worry or wonder whether we're doing enough in our homeschool, I turn to Julie Bogart for a reality check and pep talk. The Brave Learner provides both and much more! She not only addresses issues faced daily by home educators, but also family dynamics navigated every day by every parent. With wit and authenticity, Julie shows us how to see, value, and engage with our children and with learning in new ways. This book is filled with practical ideas that I'm excited to implement now, as well as big, juicy ideas that I will enjoy pondering for a long time to come. I love the visual elements included in the book, including lists, charts, and graphic organizers. Plus, she's included so many interesting and inspiring quotes at the beginning of each chapter. If you want to bring more joy and confidence to your homeschool or family relationships, this book will help you do it.

First of all, I have been following Julie since I stumbled upon her writing program years ago. Listening to her podcasts, watching her YouTube videos, reading A Gracious Space EVERY SINGLE WEEKDAY and reading/re-reading The Writers Jungle for ideas and inspiration. When things in my homeschool start to feel stale and hard, I turn to Julie. She never lets me down. She breathes life into my homeschool. My husband calls her my therapist...I think of her as my homeschool mentor. Her heart comes through in this book like I never could have imagined. Wisdom for parenting and creating the home you dream of ooze from every page. Julie seems to take you aside like a close friend whisper the secret to a happy homeschool...and it's a paradigm shift. Please buy this book! Buy the Audible book and listen in the morning before you start the school day! Get the companion guide to help implement the many ideas! And then please share it with all your friends whether they homeschool or send their kids to school or teach in the school system. Everyone can benefit from reading it! One more side note: Even if you have followed Julie the way I have for years, heard all her podcasts, read her materials and don't think you need this book because you think you have heard all she has to say....I promise you....you still need to buy this book. There is so much more she has to say! I honestly think she is going to help change education and people will one day be calling her the "Charlotte Mason" of our day.

I love everything from Julie Bogart and this book is no exception. Julie has a way of speaking directly to the heart of being a home educator. When I need a pick me up in the middle of a rough day with my kids, I'll turn to this book or perhaps one of her Gracious Space books. While much of the content of this book can be found in her podcast and youtube videos, it's nice to have it in one printed place and there are a few new gems as well. Great job Julie! I'm so glad to have you along as an ally in our great homeschooling and life adventure. In response to the comment that this book isn’t from a Christian view... that’s true, this is an inclusive book. It’s a book that’s meant for everyone who wants to have a hand in educating their children, even those who are not homeschoolers at all! I am sure that parents of all kinds will find many gems of wisdom in this book. Julie supports all kinds of homeschooling, including religious homeschooling. Unschoolers, classical homeschoolers, eclectic, Montessori, Waldorf... no matter how you support learning at home you will benefit from this book.

I've listened to Julie Bogart's podcasts for years and I've always loved her perspective, wisdom, and practical ideas for helping kids learn. And, while we don't use any of her curriculum line*, I know without a doubt that this is a book I'll turn to time and time again in the coming years. I've already got pages of notes and know I'll need to read again to process them all. I'm finding The Brave Learner to be a wonderful resource for taking all of that Brave Writer magic and sprinkling it into ANY homeschool. It's full of inspiration, practical ideas for partnering with your kids, and encouragement to see learning for what it really is: a big, bold adventure. It takes all of those wonderful, but abstract ideas about education and turns them into tangible experiences and applications. Whether you're teaching your littles, teens, or in between kids, I absolutely recommend having this one to reference as needed! *I've got nothing but love for Brave Writer; we're just happy with the resources we use and have never needed to venture away from them!

Want to keep the home in homeschool? Want to focus on connection before learning or character correction? Want to be reminded that you can do this and that it ABSOLUTELY does not need to look like public school? This book is for you. I am an avid consumer of Julie's podcasts and YouTube vidoes. I love her frankness, whit, and honesty. She helps me make space for my own learning adventure and notice all the natural learning around us. As I re-up for the high-school years this book is reminding me why my family started homeschooling and reinvigorating me for the future. Wherever you are in your journey this book is for you.

so i would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars - I homeschool and I absolutely love books that give practical ideas and that encourage us moms and dads in this challenging but very rewarding endeavor. That being said what really bugged me about the book was the lack of any reference to Jesus or going to Him for help with any of your homeschool issues/needs etc. I must have mistakenly thought the author was Christian but after reading the book I dont think she is. Also the book had ideas like let your child explore cus words and watch horror movies if they want to ... be open to how wonderful online and video games are etc. I am coming from a home where are our oldest has a gaming addiction and i sincerely blame myself for not having discernment about gaming when i was younger. A lot of the advice just did not jive with my belief system and I truly believe that God helps us and guides, equips us to walk this journey out so if we dont go to Him first all the magic in the world is not going to accomplish much eternally speaking. The constant verbiage on enchantments and magical spells in reference to creating a magical homeschool environment also bugged me. Please note that I consider myself a conservative Christian but also a very fun homeschooling mom. We have had sensory bins, hands on science, slime, art supplies and station, paint on walls, etc :) since i can remember so no fuddy duddy here:) Would i recommend this book - maybe to my secular friends that dont mind that kind of thing. I liked her ideas about letting your kids pick what paper to write on etc as some people can really be controlling and miss the whole point of homeschooling. Homeschooling is not recreating school at home. Makes me sad to see that.

Whether you are a homeschool veteran, just warming up to the idea of homeschooling, or are looking for new ways support your schooled-kids’ spark for learning, this is the book for you. Julie Bogart shares how to create an environment in our homes and our hearts to not only educate our children, but parent them in a way that deepens our family connections and creates passion for learning in our children. This is not a stuffy book about theories; it is practical and inspiring. Julie is honest and frank, drawing from her years of experience homeschooling her own children and coaching many other families along this same journey. In every chapter, Julie provides activities to do in your home, and questions to ask yourself so you can cultivate togetherness in your family and a rich learning environment, whether your kids are homeschooled or not. I knew I had a gem in the first chapter, where Julie shares ideas for creating magic in our homes. She says, “I wanted to create a warm memorable life for my kids and myself, not just an education...Happiness shouldn’t be something to end up with; it ought to be the by-product of a whole-hearted, fully lived life.” This is a parenting book, written through the lens of homeschooling. It is a guide I will refer back to regularly, my tool box for enchanting my children’s education. It’s not just about raising your own brave learners, it’s about becoming one yourself.

I have enjoyed listening to Julia Bogart's youtube/podcast. I have heard so many positive reviews about the Brave Writer curriculum that I have considered using in it (but have not). I knew from listening to her before that she takes a neutral stand in her curriculum on religion/theology. Which I don't have a problem with as it is teaching writing not the Bible. So going into reading this book I knew it would not be from a Christian worldview. I believe she claims to be a Christian. There are some great practical tips in the Brave Learner that any homeschooler could apply if they were looking for more creative ways for learning. I feel like you could find most of these tips in other sources. Julia does present them in a nice way. But... Unless you are a child centered home,child led educator, and follow "gentle" parenting some of this will will not fly for you. Probably better fitted for unschoolers, relaxed or eclectic, and secular homeschoolers. I feel that is book is filled with a lot of propaganda that most homeschoolers try to to avoid (why they don't put their children in public school) especially if you're a Christian. While my child means the world to me we are not a child centered home. Our home is a family home which considers all members not just the children. Where we work on our marriage- which will be longer than the amount of time my children are in my home. (Maybe if Julia and her husband had not just focused on their children they would not be divorced?) And while I do think what whatever philosophy of education you practice their will be times that you do follow your child's lead and learn about what they are interested in. But not to the point that I would just follow that and not complete core subjects or allow my child to decided how much school she feels like doing. As the teacher and parent we are to be leaders and help/guide them in their education and life. There are a few thing that had me shaking my head. Multiple times she degrades rote memorization. And while I know public schools do none of that anymore (or even when I was in school) most homeschoolers do especially classical and CM. Its not that you have them memorize and not understand as she implies. You have them memorize so that down the road they have knowledge to draw upon with understanding. She made the point that we live in a digital age they have calculators and the internet they don't need to have things memorized! They just need skills to analyze the information. Really she is promoting Google IQ. And really this is a problem, public schooled adults even today and the children coming out don't know a whole lot but yeah we have google... This one reason our culture today is falling apart we don't know our history, or grammar, or basic math. She really promotes the home being set up for the kids..you know they didn't get to pick their parents or where they live or the things they have as you did being an adult so forget what you have worked for or what or have it should all be for your children. Don't get the furniture you want or have things look nice. Example she give is if you get a new table you should dent it yourself so you don't get upset when your child does. And get a couch that can take a beating. How about instead we teach our children to treat belongings with care and respect? She say children should just be allowed to be children. I agree they should enjoy childhood but I'm not raising my child to be a child she will be an adult one day and the habits, morals and personality she has now will be who she is as an adult. She promotes children to not be required do chores-as there is enough time as an adult to learn these skills when they need them. If you can afford to she says to pay for cleaning services. If you can't you can do it as a family or just do what you can and leave the rest...until it bothers you. Ask your kids if they want to help but don't demand it. Maybe this is why there are young adults today that need "Adulting" classes, because their parents didn't teach them basic life skills! She also really promotes allow your child to play video games. If your child want to experiment with cuss words allow them to or rock music or whatever they fancy... Just don't be a controlling parent! She promotes "gentle" parenting over "authoritative" parenting. Trying to suggest parenting in a homeschooling book is hard because you parent based on your beliefs- theology will play a big role in your parenting style kinda hard to address from a neutral standing point. The positive take away from this book building a good relationship with your child. Helping them to have creative outlets and encouraging them in learning new things and finding interest/hobbies. Overall I would have rated this book 1.5 stars.

If you are a homeschooler, Julie Bogart is a woman you need in your life...even if it's virtually. (And if you are not a homeschooler she can still do your family a whole world of good!) True to what we all expected, this book is packed with so much wisdom that was earned through experience. It is deeply encouraging and thought-provoking. It is inspiring and motivating yet not just rainbows and idealistic pretty-talk. She gives you actual, practical ideas to put action behind that inspiration! There are personal examples as well as lists of how to implement and things to try. The Brave Learner will challenge you to do better yet Julie's voice is, as always, gentle and gracious - understanding and leaving room for our mistakes and imperfections. She's real. I have so much highlighted I thought, "How am I ever going to be able to reference all of this good stuff later?? There's so much here!" Alas, I happened to flip to the back page to find a comprehensive index of topics, words and page numbers...that is going to save my bacon later when I want to find particular parts! Buy this book. Read it immediately. I cannot imagine anyone regretting it!

This book offers so many ideas for how to make our life and the lives of our children into one filled with joy and learning where we work together and teach one another. Julie Bogart gives us skills to allow our children to learn rather than to push them to do so.

Whenever I worry or wonder whether we're doing enough in our homeschool, I turn to Julie Bogart for a reality check and pep talk. The Brave Learner provides both and much more! She not only addresses issues faced daily by home educators, but also family dynamics navigated every day by every parent. With wit and authenticity, Julie shows us how to see, value, and engage with our children and with learning in new ways. This book is filled with practical ideas that I'm excited to implement now, as well as big, juicy ideas that I will enjoy pondering for a long time to come. I love the visual elements included in the book, including lists, charts, and graphic organizers. Plus, she's included so many interesting and inspiring quotes at the beginning of each chapter. If you want to bring more joy and confidence to your homeschool or family relationships, this book will help you do it.

First of all, I have been following Julie since I stumbled upon her writing program years ago. Listening to her podcasts, watching her YouTube videos, reading A Gracious Space EVERY SINGLE WEEKDAY and reading/re-reading The Writers Jungle for ideas and inspiration. When things in my homeschool start to feel stale and hard, I turn to Julie. She never lets me down. She breathes life into my homeschool. My husband calls her my therapist...I think of her as my homeschool mentor. Her heart comes through in this book like I never could have imagined. Wisdom for parenting and creating the home you dream of ooze from every page. Julie seems to take you aside like a close friend whisper the secret to a happy homeschool...and it's a paradigm shift. Please buy this book! Buy the Audible book and listen in the morning before you start the school day! Get the companion guide to help implement the many ideas! And then please share it with all your friends whether they homeschool or send their kids to school or teach in the school system. Everyone can benefit from reading it! One more side note: Even if you have followed Julie the way I have for years, heard all her podcasts, read her materials and don't think you need this book because you think you have heard all she has to say....I promise you....you still need to buy this book. There is so much more she has to say! I honestly think she is going to help change education and people will one day be calling her the "Charlotte Mason" of our day.

I love everything from Julie Bogart and this book is no exception. Julie has a way of speaking directly to the heart of being a home educator. When I need a pick me up in the middle of a rough day with my kids, I'll turn to this book or perhaps one of her Gracious Space books. While much of the content of this book can be found in her podcast and youtube videos, it's nice to have it in one printed place and there are a few new gems as well. Great job Julie! I'm so glad to have you along as an ally in our great homeschooling and life adventure. In response to the comment that this book isn’t from a Christian view... that’s true, this is an inclusive book. It’s a book that’s meant for everyone who wants to have a hand in educating their children, even those who are not homeschoolers at all! I am sure that parents of all kinds will find many gems of wisdom in this book. Julie supports all kinds of homeschooling, including religious homeschooling. Unschoolers, classical homeschoolers, eclectic, Montessori, Waldorf... no matter how you support learning at home you will benefit from this book.

I've listened to Julie Bogart's podcasts for years and I've always loved her perspective, wisdom, and practical ideas for helping kids learn. And, while we don't use any of her curriculum line*, I know without a doubt that this is a book I'll turn to time and time again in the coming years. I've already got pages of notes and know I'll need to read again to process them all. I'm finding The Brave Learner to be a wonderful resource for taking all of that Brave Writer magic and sprinkling it into ANY homeschool. It's full of inspiration, practical ideas for partnering with your kids, and encouragement to see learning for what it really is: a big, bold adventure. It takes all of those wonderful, but abstract ideas about education and turns them into tangible experiences and applications. Whether you're teaching your littles, teens, or in between kids, I absolutely recommend having this one to reference as needed! *I've got nothing but love for Brave Writer; we're just happy with the resources we use and have never needed to venture away from them!

Want to keep the home in homeschool? Want to focus on connection before learning or character correction? Want to be reminded that you can do this and that it ABSOLUTELY does not need to look like public school? This book is for you. I am an avid consumer of Julie's podcasts and YouTube vidoes. I love her frankness, whit, and honesty. She helps me make space for my own learning adventure and notice all the natural learning around us. As I re-up for the high-school years this book is reminding me why my family started homeschooling and reinvigorating me for the future. Wherever you are in your journey this book is for you.

I have always been a fan of Brave Writer and was very excited to get this book as The Enchanted Education youtube video had a big impact on myself and our homeschool. The book started out great and I was very excited. However, as time went on, it seemed to me to become dangerous territory. For those personalities that tend to hang on every word of their mentor as Julie is to a lot of women, the topic of video games especially and giving free rein seems a dangerous road to suggest. Her kids may have been fine. Others kids may have a more addictive personality. And this could apply to any topic that a kid loves. Kids need enchantment and wonder, but they are kids! They also need guidance and boundaries. If this book had stayed on the path of creating wonder and delight led learning and not veered down the path of parenting opinions and basically free range parenting, I would have stayed on board. Unfortunately, I have seen the ill effects of too much freedom too soon in little ones.

Julie, Julie, Julie!! You must have lived in my head, because so many things written in this book are my own personal doubts, ideas, beliefs, triumphs and failures. It is SO validating to see that you have gone before me, experienced these things and made it out alive on the other end proud of your grown children and their accomplishments! "At the heart of the homeschooling enterprise is the faith that the parent is enough--that YOUR energy, resourcefulness, creativity, and passion will be sufficient for YOUR children." -Julie Bogart, The Brave Learner So many times I have questioned my ability as a parent to educate my children, even tho deep down, I know I have everything I need to do so. Reading Julie's words have been so uplifting and validating. I have gone through periods of severe self-doubt and lack of self-confidence and found myself in many comparison traps. She guides us through the understanding that it isn't so much the curriculum you choose or don't choose, but more the environment for learning that we provide for our children that will grow their love of educational exploration. One of my favorite sections in the book is titled, "Bellows or Buckets of Water" Julie writes, "You have a choice when witnessing the eruption of fiery passion in your child--to either direct a bellows at the flame, or to dump a bucket of cold water over it." WOW. What. A. Statement. It really made me reflect on all the things my children have done and ask myself if I had been an encouragement to them or a party pooper to their excitement by still picking out things they could have done differently or better. Julie shares a story in her book about her son Jacob being in love with astronomy and how he wanted to dive in and learn everything about it. Julie did not find this topic satisfying or interesting. Instead she writes very candidly, "It was an awkward journey into unknown territory that I kept hoping would be short-lived (#truth)." I love that hashtag at the end because it IS truth. I am currently experiencing the SAME thing with my 6 year old son Lucas, only his obsession is tornados. All his bedtime requests are weather books and the only things he wants to watch are weather documentaries. NONE of this I find fascinating in the least, and I was feeling really bad about that and not knowing how to support and help him with something that I felt so disconnected to. And then this boy, who never likes to draw or color started drawing these beautiful swirly and quite frankly, accurate, tornados. Through these drawings, he would tell me elaborate stories about the creation and the path of these weather phenomenons, and I could see his PASSION for this and it was absolutely beautiful. At the end of Julie's story about her son Jacob and his love of astronomy, and how he helped her see the beauty of his passion by showing her Mars through his telescope, she wrote, "All I know about astronomy I learned from Jacob--not the other way around. How could I not be amazed? Enthralled? Transfixed? Enchanted." I have to say I feel EXACTLY the same way about Lucas and his tornados, and I never looked at it that way until I saw it through Julie's eyes. Julie encourages us to find peace in our own abilities as home educators. She helps to build our confidence in that it's okay to make mistakes, it's ok to decide you want to educate one way but tomorrow completely change your mind. It's ok to not have all the answers. It's ok that your child is not paralleling a standard public school education or your homeschooling neighbors education. It's okay to have LIFE CYCLES in passions and there are so many ways to learn through your children's interests. This book is a guide to help you through your homeschool journey. She gives practical tips, tricks, and ideas just in case you are a parent like me, who needs someone to literally walk them through something as small as a shopping list for art supplies! Julie is with you every step of the way. Her heart and passion for how young people learn is so evident and she wants you to succeed and be assured that YOU ARE ENOUGH FOR YOUR CHILDREN!

This book reads like a heart-to-heart chat with a good friend. The level of honesty and realness is so comforting. As homeschool parents we have many of the same fears and hearing them voiced by someone who has lived through them and overcame them is so empowering. I’ve been following Julie for years and this book still gave me more ‘aha’ moments than I could count. If you are homeschooling or even just afterschooling you need to read this book. It will change the way you view learning and your role in teaching your child.

This wonderful book is for: anyone who wants to be a more conscious parent; people who love children and want to support their growth by bringing magic and wonder to their lives; those curious about homeschool, and also homeschool veterans; grandparents who aren’t sure they “get” homeschooling; educators of any kind; older kids and teens who want to shape their own home education - and anyone who finds the topic of lifelong learning fascinating. Full of practical tips that you can implement today to bring lightness, wonder and playfulness to your home, this book is a gem. I’ve read many books about parenting and education, and here’s what’s different about this one: each page has at least one new idea that will make you think differently about yourself, your kids or learning. I doodled lightbulbs in the margins every time I read something that I’ve never heard before - it’s evident that the author developed her ideas through trial and error, by raising five kids and over many years of parenting and educating herself and them. If you like authenticity, you’ll love this book. The author’s life hasn’t been perfect (she’s changed philosophies, argued with her kids, gotten a divorce, struggled) and that makes it so relatable. It’s no-BS but also describes moments of wonder and connection that brought tears to my eyes. I walked away from my time with Julie Bogart inspired to be the best version of myself I could be - not because I have a renewed vision for my family, but also for myself. This book is like a hug from your favorite, most supportive aunt! Buy it today, and get one for a friend. It’s going to inspire a generation of families and educators!

I'm on my 6th year homeschooling and I am always looking for new ways to make our days more meaningful and bring a little peace. Julie delivers. She introduces what she calls are the 12 superpowers of learning to spark a fire, add joy, create enchantment and bring peace into our everyday lives. What I've learned: She has assured me that video games are ok. Play is learning, so when my kid wants to do their own thing and play, let them, the math will be learned at some point. The whole worksheet does not need to be done. Allow your kids to lead. Your home needs more lamps, candles, brownies, cookies, tea, and cozy spots. I've add 2 lamps so far and let my kids have the treat before or during the lesson. More celebrations and discussions and less lectures and doom and gloom Easy to implement! 12 superpowers, one per month or one a week and rotate! Be flexible Its ok to let go of the philosophy or group think because every family is different. Its also ok to change it up often Julie also made me think about some of my parenting choices and words, but in a way that makes me want to be a better parent and educator. She is giving me the tools and questions to apply and ponder my future parenting and educating decisions. Isn't that what we all want, to be better parents, adults and educators to our children?

I knew as a new mom that I would homeschool my children. And it's hard. Parenting and homeschooling and all that goes along with it can be challenging. Enter Julie. She is a breath of fresh air. Her book is so inspiring, in both parenting and homeschooling. If you're looking to add enchantment to your homeschool and become a student next to your child, this book is for you!

Julie is an amazing virtual mentor for anyone interesting in learning. I’ve been listening to her podcast and Facebook live videos for a few years and it has changed not only our homeschool but our lives beyond homeschooling. This book is icing on the cake. I will definitely be rereading it many times. Her strategies are easy to implement and her advice is not only helpful but enjoyable.

I didn't realize the depth of love that bursts out of my soul from learning from The Brave Learner.... to live life and learn from these one's every day. I didn't realize how much I would LOVE this...until I was actually doing it. My experience with Brave Writer has been a fascinating adventure full of enchantment. I get to witness, in the front row, the depth of their learning. This freedom to stand back and wait until their brain is ready to master something, is nothing I take for granite. My heart is smitten at this life that we completely customize for their interests...They don't have to grow up too fast...they can dive deep and slowly into their passions and writing is a result of this (instead of a forced lecture). They are protected from a bombardment of way too much information and the narrow minded goal of only learning for a test result. A multitude of benefits that I was blind from until I was actually living out The Brave Learner..this journey has been more than a Valentines gift...It has radically redefined my heart on what learning can accomplish. My kids are more than thriving...it has inspired a deep love of learning (for all of us, I learn along side of them). My son went from hating to write to writing 30 different short stories in less than a year by utilizing the advice in this book. I can't say enough how transformed our entire learning environment is!! Buy the book, you will not be disappointed.

The Brave Learner focuses on what is really important in homeschooling and that is fostering a great relationship with your children first and adding in learning in a magical and fun way. This book motivates you to implement all of those extra projects you may have put on the back-burner because of traditional school work...and you won’t feel guilty about it! I’ve always wanted a magical childhood for my children, and Julie is helping me to achieve this!

Much like other reviewers have mentioned, we had heard exceptional things about Brave Writer and were eager to see what this book was all about. The Brave Learner reads more like a shallow girl’s Instagram post rather than giving any real, helpful information to new or existing homeschoolers. Moreover, the vast majority of the content is COMMON SENSE. If you were thinking about buying it, I would save your money and use it to take your family out for ice cream and a day in nature – you’ll learn more that way than you could from reading this book. And if you are the proud owner of this book, it makes a handy-dandy coaster.

This book will be a reference I return to over and over for inspiration, encouragement, and practical ideas. It has encouraged me to be confident in knowing my children and how best to partner with them.

This book has practical solutions to the complex situations and feelings you experience when you educate your children at home. Because of this storehouse of amazing information, Julie Bogart's new book, The Brave Learner will be my treasured resource on education for years to come. No matter where you are at in your homeschooling journey this book is a 5-star, must-read.

This is it. This book reads from the perspective of homeschooling, but it’s really about learning and living and loving. Julie Bogart’s style is honest, warm, non-judgemental, and vulnerable. She writes about injecting inspiration and trust, curiosity and adventure, and a deep connection and collaboration with our family and ourselves-however that looks in your family. Her ideas are both novel and familiar, common sense and revolutionary. I love that each concept has practical real life applications rather than just lofty theory and pedagogy. Julie pulls from her own mistakes and triumphs, and gives suggestions for how to enchant education without being preachy. It’s a book you could keep at arm's reach when you need inspiration or talking you down from the ledge of imagined inadequacy. Or it could be worked through slowly and deeply. This book will NOT leave you feeling pressured and guilty as a parent or homeschooler, and it’s not a new style of home education to follow rigidly. It lets you breathe a sigh of relief that you can enjoy your kids as they are, and do you, with detailed suggestions for discovering what that is. If you only own one book about education and family (and I have read many), The Brave Learner is it. There is something for everyone. There is also FREE 90+page companion guide available for download to help you apply the concepts in the book. No matter what your style of education, what curriculum or no curriculum, homeschooling or traditional schooling, secular or not, I think this book is well worth the time. I could comfortably give this book to a brand new homeschooler, a veteran, or someone who has never thought of or supported homeschooling and know that it will provide insight and support. And if you are already familiar with Julie Bogart and think you might not need to pick this up-there is a lot more here than you have heard before.

I enjoyed this at the beginning, but the more I read (and the more I listened to her talks and read some of her other books...I also purchased her spring essay book) the more secular this felt. As a Catholic Homeschooler, I began to get this nagging feeling that this was all missing something crucial and I think it was the aspect of faith. I can pull a lot from secular homeschool materials, but when a book is written about leading and reaching children, the lack of this component made this book feel very empty for me, and maybe even a little dangerous. Now, a secular homeschooler might jump on here and leave a comment to my thoughts and say "great! I'll buy it then! Not everyone is a christian!" and they can go for it ;)....but MY caution is to Catholic and Christian parents....you might want to check it out of the library first. It also felt pretty "unschooly", which is also not where I want my homeschool to be. I love the idea of delight directed education, but I also feel some core direction is important as well.

Amazing book, everything I had hope for and more :) We are long time fans and users of The Brave Writer program, her teatime companion books, graceful spaces...JB shares ideas that are so easy and yet, inspired. Go to her website and download for free a companion workbook to help you follow along with the “exercises” she proposes :)

I haven't even finished the book yet, and I had to review! So many tips, insights, creative ideas to make your home and homeschool a haven and a JOY to be a part of for both parent and child. The author is incredibly enthusiastic and passionate about creating an irresistible, Enriching home environment , and it jumps right off the page and set my own fire for it too! Just get this book already! You won't regret it!

A fantastic resource for homeschoolers and families who go to regular schools, too! So much in here is parenting wisdom as well as tried and true methods for finding our own creativity in cultivating a thriving learning environment for our kids. The ideas in here have given me tons of inspiration to reach my kids in a loving and holistic way. I was feeling pretty hopeless after only a few months of homeschooling, but my passion for this undertaking is renewed and more sustainable. Thanks, Julie!

If you need someone to understand where you’re coming from and to inspire you with practical help, Julie is that person. No matter your background, Julie gets to the heart of kids, family, and YOU. This book can help you realize all the good you have going for you and tweaks to bring that out as well as how to deal, when life hands you the worst. This book will pay you back exponentially and is one to come back to time and time again. Don’t hesitate, the book and you are worth it!

Such inspiring & practical advice and ideas for teaching, loving & parenting our kiddos.

There is sooo much to say and I’m not even half way through the book. The introduction alone has so much wisdom and inspiration for a homeschooling family. This book will be read and reread, highlighted and referenced! If you have any doubts about homeschooling or even parenting in general this book will make you feel normal and on the right track.

Recommend whole heartedly for new or long term homeschoolers alike! I feel like I've read "all the books" along our journey of homeschooling, taking bits and pieces, gems and treasures from philosophies and guidance along the way - The Brave Learner is one you want on your homeschooling shelf. Along with extras...to share with friends! An all encompassing guidebook for navigating full time homeschool, part time parent support, and even tips for creating a family learning environment with kids in brick and mortar school. I gifted copies to my sister - a public school teacher - and two friends with kids in day to day classes, as well. If you love a child in your life, Julie's anecdotes will speak to you. Julie is real, honest, and inspirational. Tips for the day to day ins and out as well as inspiration for creating an "enchanted education" along the way. The Brave Learner is accessible, interesting, reassuring, and motivating. This is the future of learning.

This book is FILLED with the enchantment and support that homeschool families deserve. Julie’s ability to encourage parents to give their children the best is like sitting down with an old friend, chatting about the trials and experiences of homeschooling with a true emphasis on home! I’ve cried, had ah-ha moments, and marked up almost every page with ideas and take always. This book is my new “homeschool bible” and I cannot wait to start reading it again.

This book is a gem packed full of wisdom and encouragement. I am a former public school ELA teacher , now homeschooler (who still works in the system a few days a month) and I wish I had had a lot of these "brave writer" tools when I was classroom teaching. All that to say - this book has a lot to offer both homeschooling and public school parents alike. Homeschooling can feel lonely and overwhelming at times - a bit like pioneering. There is an intrinsic knowing that education can be a wonderful, magical, immersive experience and yet it is easy to get bogged down in the day to day of it all. What I've appreciated most about the book is the refreshment and encouragement that it brings from someone who has gone down the road with 5 children. It's full of fun and practical ideas, it's not limited to any one style of education and I find her writing to always be inclusive and celebratory. Don't stop at just this book, her podcast is one I look forward to weekly and her Brave Writer programs are top notch!

For anyone that doesn’t know, Julie Bogart is a veteran homeschooler, curriculum creator AND overall voice of reason, inspiration and relief (that we aren’t doing it wrong, after all!) and this book is all of those things, rolled up into a practical guide that we can carry with us both in spirit and in actuality. It is for ANY parent looking for practical ways to connect and bring magic to your relationship with your children. Anyone will benefit from Julie’s ideas and sage advice.

This book is a must have for any Homeschooler. After reading another review which commented on it being “secular,” I immediately ordered it. It was a concern of mine that the content would be strapped to a Christian view, luckily it’s for anyone and everyone who wants to provide an education to their children in the home. The ideas are clear and genuine. Brave Writer and the Brave Learner are a breathe of fresh air.

I've been a fan of Julie and Brave Writer for years. She had helped me shape our homeschool and lives and I am beyond grateful. Her book is like having her on call at all times. Read it and let her goodness sink in and around you. No matter where you are on your home education path, this book will be your go-to for years to come.

This book is like spring is to gardeners. Encouragement , renew all the reason why you started homeschooling.. Don't forget to have fun with your family.

I’ve been a Julie Bogart fan since discovering The Writers Jungle early in my homeschooling journey. I taught public High School (math) for nearly a decade, and now homeschool my son (10) and daughter (6). I find Julie’s approach to education jives with my experiences in both venues - the children need to feel comfortable and connected for any real, lasting education to occur. The Brave Learner is a practical guide, with plenty of examples, of how to apply her philosophy of enchanted education - her focus is homeschooling, but I firmly believe many of her ideas are more broadly applicable. If you are interested in education - homeschooling or generally - this is a book full of great ideas to incorporate enchantment into schooling and education to inspire kids to develop a love of learning.

If you are feeling stressed about your homeschooling situation, you need to read this book. It's a HUGE breath of fresh air!

I wanted to love this book, really, and in the beginning, I thought I would. However, as the book went on, it became more and more impractical and even ridiculous at times. Having trouble getting your kids to do chores? The author suggests absolving children of any responsibility for chores and having the mother take on the responsibility for keeping the whole house herself. She suggests asking children help when you really need it, but be willing to accept a no answer from the kids. The main point of the book seemed to center around the idea that children should never have to do anything they don’t enjoy. I’m afraid that’s just not real life. I was looking for ways to make what I already do more magical. What I got was a philosophical treatise on child-reading...one which is sure to produce self-centered adults. Very disappointing.

I’ve homeschooled for 20 years and I confess, I’m a curriculum junkie. I’ve tried almost every curriculum out there and always become disenchanted. Julie has put into words what I’ve always been searching for....Those big conversations that happen when wonder and enchantment collide. When hearts and minds are open ( ours as well as our kids) you can see the light in their eyes as true learning takes place. This book has reinforced what I have felt in my heart all these years... box checking does not guarantee a complete education. Trust your kids, trust yourself and most importantly, trust the Lord to lead your family to a full and robust education!

I so enjoy listening to Julie...she is SUCH a gifted encourager and has much wisdom to share! She has a beautiful heart for homeschoolers that I really appreciate. I have also previously read a couple of her daily encouragement books for homeschoolers. Brave Learner left me with a similar feeling as the other two books...wow factor of wisdom and encouragement but also a big fat question. Where is faith? I myself am writing from a christian perspective, so generally speaking it is natural for me to see elements of biblical principles and/or secular ideas even if they are not explicitly stated as such. I am ok with that, and don't mind 'sorting.' There are so many resources available for homeschoolers that are considered "christian", but not all of them are biblical and I have seen many even cause much heartache at many levels. So sad! I share that because it IS refreshing and valuable to have Julie Bogart share her energy and wisdom without the weight of twisting Scripture to fit an agenda. What I would love to see, that I think is missing from this book (and the others)...is more of a specific recognition of faiths and maybe even occasionally how they impact perspectives with SOME of the ideas and thoughts presented in this book. ex..."if you are christian, you may"....or "if you are buddhist, you may..." I was thankful for the once (maybe twice?) that a list of some worldviews were briefly mentioned. Of course, if an author intends a book to appeal to a broad reader base (which I think is probably the case here), I think it would be helpful to include such mentioning since worldview is such an integral part of one's life. As I read, I was also hoping for some clarity on the authors position of faith, but found the same as the other two homeschooling books of Julie's that I have read, that this aspect was simply missing. I assume this is intentional, but concerned the value of this book to many will be harmed because of the omission. Which leaves me just in wonder, and needing time to process how and with whom can or should I even recommend this book to? I had bought TWO, so I could share the love! :) Maybe it would "feel" better if the back cover and/ or introduction simply included a very brief and upfront message about authors perspective and who the intended audience is? no more guessing or wondering necessary...just get to the meat folks! :) To illustrate... JUST an example.. "Although i consider myself ' fill in the blank', I have made every attempt to be inclusive of all worldviews, in hopes to appeal to as many home educators as possible." For me, as a christian, KNOWING that clearly ahead of time, maybe would be more freeing to read it as simply that, instead of with this "wonder what perspective she is writing from...and oooh, that would be a perfect place to mention XYZ ( a Scripture or belief). " Plus, it makes it much easier to recommend to others. In my opinion, to best reach the varied faiths within the homeschool community, being clear and upfront would be highly beneficial. Otherwise, readers like me (I can't be the only one! haha) , are left with simply wondering what to do with it all. Obviously, some will only read "christian, or mormon or XYZ" books...this group is clearly not Julie's audience. To appeal to those of varied faiths that ARE willing to read from varied worldviews...or even what would be considered "neutral-like", a statement of authors worldview clarity on back cover or introduction would be very helpful. As for the writing style of Brave Learner, it is very conversational, and if one has Julie's voice in her brain, can "hear" her talking. Love that! I read through this book quickly to get a feel for it (see above..ha!), and felt that I was struggling at times to follow along with so many subheadings though. But, I think if one is wanting to go back to something, the subheadings may be very helpful? And, for those that just want to read a tiny bit at a time, maybe all those subheadings are helpful? Also, I LOVE the rare, huge, fantastic-o index!! What a wonderful surprise that was when I finished reading! This detailed portion I think people will find invaluable in locating something that they want to reread. KUDOS to the author for considering how to help her readers recall passages with all the extra effort on the sweet index! This book truly is PACKED with ideas that many home educators will find valuable, freeing, and in many cases even give them a paradigm shift with just a tiny tweak. If you are looking for a home educating encouragement/idea book that isn't exclusive with a specific faith but is fresh and freeing, you may find this book incredibly valuable; however, if you are looking for a book that EXPLICITLY (key word here!) includes elements of a specific faith or recognizes such, look elsewhere..there's plenty out there.

This book is one of the few education books that is both personal and inspirational while still being practical about how to apply the big ideas in real life. So many education books are either complete memoir or the blueprint for the “perfect” homeschool. Julie manages to both inspire, and give you ideas for applying her principles with the family you actually have not some imaginary perfect child. I just wanted to let you know that I am a very religious person, and I have found nothing objectionable in this book. In fact, it recognizes that each person is unique, and doesn’t that get to the heart of how God created us? She absolutely does not talk about enchantment as in actual witchcraft. Please, don’t skip this book out of fear of that. Christians, like all educators, can get so much out of this books, and it addresses what is at the heart of our heart and soul even if she doesn’t use the Christian vocabulary to do so. Read and enjoy!

Any homeschooling parent who wants to infuse their home and their children's education with joy and connectedness will find a plethora of helpful ideas in this book. I buy VERY few books, but I'm so glad I have my own copy of this one to return to again and again as my children grow up. I also appreciate that this book is not religious. It can be hard to find good homeschooling materials without a Christian overtone. What I appreciate about this book is there is room for me to read it with a liberal UU lens, but my friends of all religious backgrounds or none can read it with their own lenses and apply it as fits their families and their values.

This books inspires parents and home educators to create an accepting supportive home environment that allows natural curiosity to thrive. Each engaging chapter reads as a conversation with a veteran homeschool mom. Julie does not provide a new shiny philosophy that, if whole heartedly adopted, promises to fix all your homeschool and parenting problems. What she does is provide a wealth of thought provoking ideas and suggestions about how you can change your understanding of what home education is.

I don’t typically review books, but this one is an exception. I was introduced to Julie’s work by a fellow homeschool mom about 3 years ago and I have been devouring her inspiration ever since. This book is written with homeschoolers in mind, but I feel that all parents, whether homeschooling or not, can glean something from The Brave Learner. Julie focuses on learning through relationships and has a “down to earth” feel about her. One negative review notes that Julie does not reference religion in this book. That is true, but I think that by not doing so she is able to reach both Christian and secular homeschoolers. Another complaint was that Julie encourages freedom to explore in this book. Absolutely she does! I don’t think that she advocates doing dangerous things like one reviewer suggests. She supports exploration by the child with the encouragement of and partnership with the parent, not neglecting the child and letting him do whatever he wishes. Bottom line: I whole-heartedly recommend this book to all parents, whether they homeschool their children or not.

I wish this book had been written when we started homeschooling like 13 years ago! I have read a TON of homeschooling books and The Brave Learner is by far is one of the very BEST (and most helpful)! She is so encouraging and so full of awesome (and realistic) ideas and ways to make your homeschool (and your whole life) filled with enchantment and enjoyment. I love her perspective and her freeing approach. She gives you a vision for your homeschool (or affirms the vision you have!) and then guides you gently toward those goals, right away you can start applying her ideas to your daily life. I have been recommending it to everyone I know! Veteran homeschoolers, like me, this is definitely still for you, and new homeschoolers: how lucky you are to have Julie as a mentor in these early years!

This book. This author. I have never felt so connected to words on a page. Julie Bogart writes and lives with so much passion and love. I definitely want to be like her when I grow up.

I truly dont understand why this book has 5 star ratings and seems to be on every "homeschooling books for mom" list out there. If you're curious, I'd suggest checking this out at the library first. If you love it, go ahead and get your household copy! I however would have just brought it right back. I was extremely excited to receive this, hoping it would lend some balance to the stress of home educating. I pushed myself through almost 4 chapters before putting it on our bookshelf to ultimately collect dust. I'm very laid back and love adding creativity and fun to educating but this was too much magical, enchantment, spell casting, "do whatever!!" for me.

I bought this because there were nothing but 5-star reviews everywhere I looked. I've been collecting homeschool info for many years. I picked up a few actionable tips, but nothing mind-blowing. Her writing style is very distracting for this type of book - makes it difficult to get to the point. There were snippets of stories from her homeschool journey that were enjoyable. I wish she would have stuck to that format for the whole book. Instead, she tries to shoehorn her experiences into some kind of new teaching algorithm, which I found confusing and unnecessary. Her homeschool style seems to be a mix of Charlotte Mason and Eclectic Unschooling, with a big focus on video games. She tells us to embrace video games as a teaching tool, later revealing that her son dropped the habit when he went to college because, "I've been playing video games for 12 years - it's time to do something new." Yeah. Anyway, I love anyone that champions non-traditional schooling and empowers parents to do so, so she gets 3 stars for that. I suppose the book could be useful for someone new to homeschooling that just needs some encouragement and general brainstorming, but I wish I had picked up something else. Obviously, I'm in the minority with that opinion.

I was excited to read The Brave Learner. I'm a homeschool mom with 10 children who have always learned at home and I'm intimately familiar with the ups, downs, and wild rides that come with learning as a family. I was already familiar with Julie Bogart and her Brave Writer programs, which we've used some years and enjoyed. Reading The Brave Learner has been uncomfortable, awkward, and challenging - as well as funny, encouraging, and thought-provoking! I found myself reflecting often about the examples, ideas, and practices Julie shares. Some are familiar friends in our home, while others are the exact opposite. Sometimes I found myself saying out loud, "That is crazy. It won't work for my family. I don't agree with that." That is the beauty of being a brave learner - examining things from other perspectives, exploring new possibilities, and then deciding what to try, what to adapt, and what to toss out as 'not right for my family right now'. Julie's book gave me so many wonderful things to consider, from overarching principles to nitty-gritty applications. I came away encouraged that learning can be successful, enriching, and worthwhile as we partner with our children to explore this wonderful world, and that for OUR family learning can look how we wish, while it is perfectly good for learning to look totally different in another family.

I’m not a big note-taker or highlighter. Heck, I don’t usually write reviews, either. But I felt compelled to do all of the above with this amazing book. Julie Bogart has the gift of sharing perspectives from her own experience that resonate, make my heart swell, and cause my eyes to well up — I feel like she really *gets* me as a parent. And she offers not just understanding but endless encouragement, along with gentle reality checks. Her writing is like a conversation with a friend. At the same time, I know of no author better at combining beautiful prose with practical suggestions — it’s like self-help disguised as poetry. I come away inspired to stretch my own boundaries, to appreciate my kids as the wonderful unique challenging surprising people they are, and to find our way in learning together with joy and compassion. Even things I thought I knew, I view from fresh angles after reading sections of this insightful book.

Love all things Julie from Brave Writer and this did not disappoint! I have been homeschooling for 20+ years and highly recommend this book to parents of all ages, homeschooling or not. So much wisdom and encouragement.

Great book for homeschooling inspiration. Julie Bogart always has a fresh take on education.

This woman has been instrumental in my homeschool inspiration. Her words, comfort and step by step suggestions of how to be a fun adult, a partner in learning with my kids as well as bringing enchantment into the home are necessary for all moms to read. Her vulnerability in brining her own experiences to the table will continue to be a guide post for us.

This is more than a homeschool book, it’s a book about a parent that freely shares her struggles and how she worked some magic into the everyday. She offers practical ways for you to bring the magic into your own home. Whether your homeschooling or your kids go to school, every parent can benefit from this amazing book. Thank you Julie for being so honest and sharing what so many of us feel!

There’s nothing I can say that could come close to express how much I love this book! Within the first 2 pages I was running for a notebook and pen to capture my thoughts and notes. I also purchased the audible version as well and plan on listening after I finish reading. I imagine this will live in a special place on my bookshelf to reference over and over again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Julie!!!

I wish this book had been written when I had started homeschooling 15 years ago. Julie Bogart gives such good advice on how to make your child's education enchanting so you don't suffer burnout . We have been using her brave writer lifestyle techniques for years now as well as listen to her podcast. I can't say enough about all the wonderful ideas in this book. If I could do it all over again I would use nothing but Brave Writer, a library card and You tube math videos.

This book is amazing! This book celebrates how kids learn. I love it.

Julie Bogart has been an inspiration to me since the moment I decided to homeschool. Every podcast, every blog post, every essay in her Gracious Space series, and every product I've purchased from Brave Writer has been a beacon and a gem for my family, and for my own heart in our homeschooling journey. This book pulls together all of the wisdom from all of those sources (and then some) and makes the idea of an enchanted education so very achievable. In the book, Julie provides ample inspiration and anecdotes, but she also provides the "how." There's even a companion guide you can download from the Brave Learner website to help you work through the ideas in a practical way for YOUR homeschool. The Brave Learner is such a beautiful contrast to the tradition concept of education, and embodies everything I love about homeschooling our daughters--ample room to explore personal interests, lots of family connectivity and conversations about what we're learning together, valuing art and nature as much as reading and writing, bringing ideas in history and science to life, making math meaningful, writing as a form of expression (not simply a list of rules to be strictly followed), and embracing the whole wide world as our classroom. This will be my go-to recommendation for new homeschoolers seeking initial guidance, frustrated homeschoolers who feel they're lacking inspiration, and pretty much any other parent who longs for a little more magic in their child's education (whether they're homeschooling or not.) An excellent guide!

The Brave Learner helps homeschooling parents establish and maintain perspective on defining and evaluating success in your student's life...even if that success looks non-traditional! Julie's writings, podcasts, and videos always let me sigh in relief over the progress of our homeschool. I feel energized and hopeful reading what she has to say. She has oodles of homeschooling experience with her own 5 grown kids plus through advising 100s (probably 1000s) of homeschooling families. Her approach is life-sustaining for my non-traditional learner! This book should be destined to become one of the must-reads of homeschooling how-to's. I especially appreciate how non-judgmental and inclusive Julie is to all styles of homeschooling and her attitude that there is NO one right way to homeschool :)

Julie Bogart is the homeschool mentor we all wish we had, and most of us wish we had met her sooner! She is full of wisdom and encouragement. This is a must read for every homeschooler and belongs on everyone’s table-not collecting dust on your shelf.

THE BRAVE LEARNER is a revolutionary take on education - I felt encouraged that there were hundreds of ways to get it right (homeschool, conventional school, combo), and that keeping my relationship with my child as my North Star, so to speak, would never send me down the wrong path ultimately. Full of honesty and hard-won wisdom.

This book has been such an encouragement and a great source of help for me. I am a teacher by trade, and I wish I had read this while in the classroom. I have always taught out of the box but in my homeschool, I have been terrified to let go of standards and worksheets. This book is great for: 1) Christian homeschooling parents-you’re not going to agree with every idea and every suggestion, but that is ok. You don’t have to. Discern what works and what doesn’t and try the things that work for your family. We are very conservative Christians, and there was so much in the book that was helpful. Will we let her explore profanity? No. Will we let her use movies and video games to springboard interests? Yes! 2) secular homeschooling parents: this book doesn’t really mention religion at all, so it works for you too. Will you use everything? Nope. You, too, will need to discern what will and won’t work in your homeschool. 3) classroom teachers-this book really delves into making learning real and fun for kids. If you teach and you want to make sure your trying to reach every Learner in a meaningful way, this book would be an asset to your professional library. Will every idea work for your classroom? No. Again. Discern what will and won’t work!

I can't think of any one person who has influenced my homeschool practice more than Julie Bogart. Her gentle reminders of what's really important in home education (our relationships with our kids!) are just what a burned-out parent needs to hear during seasons of overwhelm. She speaks with so much encouragement, and without a hint of judgement: it really feels like she knows you personally and she KNOWS you can do this... she is your #1 cheerleader! What I love about The Brave Learner is that in it, Julie lays out concrete steps you can take to start improving you homeschool today. It can feel daunting to hear about making your children's education "enchanted" when you're focused on making sure they learn to read, write, and add! Sometimes we all say "I can't make learning magical right now, I'm too busy trying to TEACH!". But Julie reminds us of what's important and of what our children will really remember from their years learning at home (hint: it won't be the worksheets!). She helps reframe our perspective, and gives us tons of (low-effort) ideas for adding "pixie dust" to your homeschool! One last thing: this book is NOT JUST FOR HOMESCHOOLERS! There is so much wisdom that applies to parenting, and really just relationships in general. It's a humbling, grounding, inspiring read. It may just change how you parent forever.

The book was great until I got to the chapter about keeping the home clean. She totally lost me there. Shrug off a kid painting the couch? Forgive a kid for punching a hole in the wall in anger? Get use to a kid wearing dirty clothes because they’re too lazy to do their laundry? Allow them to leave their bathroom filthy? Simply pick up after a kid that leaves dirty dishes and trash around? What if they grow up and treat their roommates, coworkers or spouse with such disrespect? She encourages us to hire someone to clean our home because it’s “not rocket science”, and our kids can learn how when their grown. Her parents did that when she was a kid and she appreciates it. Then she has to sign up for emails from a cleaning guru to help her learn how keep her house clean. I’m not against hiring help, but giving kids chores is not just about learning to sweep floors. Children can be taught to contribute to creating and maintaining homes that they can be proud of from such a young age. It’s not rocket science, but it is a grind to do it everyday. What a gift it is to teach a child to face mundane, boring tasks with appreciation and joy! Surely that’s a lesson worth including in the homeschooling.

So far, I am liking the over arching message of the book. Which is the encouragement to love our children well. Too often homeschool type books can get this attitude of "if you have the perfect schedule or curriculum everything will be exactly how you want it and your kids will turn out" and completely forget the point that our children are individuals with their own journey. Her suggestions don't seem to be prescriptive like that, but rather about helping us to see that we can come alongside our kids and their interests (even interests we might wish they didn't have!) And partner with them, because in the end, our relationship with our kids is more important than anything else. Do we wish they would choose everything we would want them to enjoy? Probably, but that isn't real life. This book is very honest and can help us think about different aspects of our relationship with our kids to guide their learning. If a math book is hard it might not be the math book itself for instance. Maybe the child needs you to come along side of them and give them support, or maybe they need something comforting and cozy like a snack or warm drink while they work. Much of the advice in the book would be helpful for parents who have to do homework with their kids too. How can you (both of you!) Make their school more paletable? How might you approach a friend with a book club discussion? Can we get out of the mindset that learning must be tedious and hard and treat our children as whole individuals with valuable ideas about their own life? I think so, and I think there is a lot in this book that can be helpful. Possibly a lot people won't like some things too (especially if they are reading it with the prescription ideas) After all, we WANT something to tell us that if we follow steps one two and three our kids will turn out perfect, but as much as we might like to hear that, it isn't truthful. Rather, this is encouraging us to look at where our kids might be right now. Even, yes, if they are into horror movies. Her story about that sort of thing wasn't to say that you should be guiding your children to watch horror movies, the point was (from what I can tell) to see where your child is and come along side of them wherever that might be. Even if that place is uncomfortable for us. Don't judge, but love them and accept them. We might wish some of their interests will change, but isn't it better to be near them at that time than pushing them away (which likely just would make them hide their interest) let's get talking about things with our kids! Truly, like a friend with a friend (and also, note this is when they are getting into their teens and branching out, not under 10 where you have more control of their environment)... we moms especially often have trouble knowing how to let our kids grow up. Much of what is in this book is for understanding that transition I think. We always want independent learners, but how do you get there? This book may help you think through that.

I was so excited to read this and I wanted to love this, but it just seemed a bit impractical. I don't think it is bad if you are wired this way. I just am not and neither are my kids. I don't follow a traditional homeschool approach. My HS philosophy is pretty eclectic with classical and Charlotte Mason flares, but this is just too unstructured in its format and application for my liking.

This book is full of such wonderful encouragement and amazing ideas for engaging with our children through developing strong relationships with them. Both practical and philosophical, Julie Bogart has given us all the tools we need to successfully learn alongside our kids.

Such an inspiring book for homeschoolers! And a fun read!

I could not wait for this to come! I had such high hopes and it did NOT disappoint! I am reading it for the second time to absorb all I can. I’ve homeschooled for 9 years and am taking away SO MUCH that I want to implement to not only make my childrens’ education all that I can but to create the home and family life that I want for them as well. This will definitely appeal to home educators, but I believe it has a place in the reading stack of every parent. It is SO, SO good!

This book is lovely and should be required reading for new homeschoolers. If you are considering homeschool, start with this.

This book gave me the boost that I needed. I am shocked that a reviewer would hack off stars because there was not enough Jesus in the book and on top of that proclaim that the author couldn't possibly be Christian! Not all practicing Christians have entirely the same beliefs and not all families that are homeschooling are Christians. She does not need to reference religion in order to provide guidance and insight in homeschooling!!!!! Families are families, we all have ups and downs when homeschooling, whatever your belief. She has an open heart and is welcoming to all...of which clearly some reviewers are not. I know this is not much of a review, but I felt it had to be said. This book is like a warm hug.

Book takes a very loosey - goosey approach the homeschooling. As a classical home educator, this wasn’t my cup of tea.

This beautiful book is full of so much encouragement for homeschooling families. Wonderfully inspiring, and full of practical homeschool advice from a Mother who has been through it, and helped countless others. As a homeschooling Mom, I highly recommend.

My husband and I share this household account--As a veteran homeschool mom of 12 years with two in college and three still at home, I loved this book!! I read Brave Learner quickly and now I’m taking it slow. Brave Learner reminds me how to bring love to learning. Julie Bogart gives dozens of examples for how to conjure curiosity in my kids—especially my teenagers. More importantly, Brave Learner teaches me how to discover what is already sparking their interest and shows me how to fan those flames without blowing them out. Every time I open this book, I trust my kids and myself more. I come away feeling encouraged, hopeful, and full of enthusiasm for cheering my kids on to awesome adulthood. Thanks, Julie!

This book is amazing! I love that Julie Bogart gets that positive and lasting connection with our kids is the most important component of their education (and ours). The book is a pleasure to read, very uplifting. Lots of practical advice to help with of all three of my kids (aged 7-15). Connection, coziness, and enchantment is something we all need more of in our lives.

Julie has transformed my homeschool by her vision of writing and encoueagment to add enchantment to each day. The thoughts in your child mind are more important than mechanics! And always add brownies!

If you are homeschooling for social/moral reasons, I do not recommend this book. Julie appears to be talking from an secular academic perspective. For example, reading content on page 53, Julie suggests parents who think they are “more adequate” to instruct their children are “risking” their kids’ education and putting their education “on the line”...well, if my number one reason is purely academic, I would have a different mindset about it...however, my number one reason to homeschool is centered on morality and childhood innocence. This is why, on a few occasions, my eyebrows were unified in response to some of the author’s suggestions (i.e. let your child explore cuss words). In this work, she is chatting about ways to make learning “enchanting” and “magical” in the midst of Adulting. She gives practical advices and common sense “moral support” like the fact that parents do not need an Instagram furnished home or a jungle backyard in order to have a homeschooling experience. She encourages parents to make the best of the circumstances and limits in their life because homeschooling is possible anywhere. The majority of the book content is focused on the implementation of the 4 “forces of enchantment” and 4 “characteristics”. I think I learned more from YouTube mommies than from Julie, whom I admire, regardless of this piece of work.

I want to start by saying that this book has ideas that I can use in my home. I have read a lot of homeschooling books, but as a non-believer, they are limited in the advice I can take from them, either way, I read them and decide what is useful to me without a fuss. A lot of homeschooling books have chapters and chapters of "go pray" or "get on your knees" how is that any helpful! Yes, I am talking to you Christian homeschoolers. I am a secular homeschooler, and I'm always looking for ways to improve as a parent while educating my children at home. Don't get me wrong if you are a believer that's fine but I don't think you need another book to tell you to go pray. Are you serious? Shouldn't you be doing that already? Pray before practicing the amazing advice Julie is giving you! How about that! Easy fix. Now to the content of the book. I am a mess-averse person, but I also want to raise children that are happy so I am following Julie's advice and my kids couldn't be happier. I am expecting my 4th child, and I've had to step back a little from being an all-in teacher. I've taken the opportunity to practice her advice and to tell you the truth I have even started seeing changes in my parenting. I am a strict type person but I've always wanted to be the gentle type so this book covers that in a way that is useful, and I can practice at home while homeschooling! Win-win! My kids are having fun with their art table, and we are following my daughter's interest and creating a stronger bond while doing it. I am very thankful for this book. Highly recommend for both secular and believers. Julie says it herself- Take what works and let go of what doesn't.

I suspect that everyone I know is tired of hearing the name Julie Bogart, but I can’t stop talking about this fantastic woman and the ways she breathes life into my homeschool and my relationships with my children. This book gathers the wisdom and encouragement shared via Julie’s blog, podcast, and other platforms, and distills it in one place for the first time, along with countless new-to-me nuggets and stories and practical plans. Julie Bogart is a woman who was homeschooling her children back when I myself was being schooled at home. This was back when the idea was new and we had to explain ourselves all the time.... back before the internet and before we knew how many people were with us for the journey. Julie bravely raised her 5 children through this time and has completed her homeschool MOM adventure, but she has not left the game! No, she is now standing in the path and showing the way to those of us coming behind- cheering us on. She is just so darned encouraging to anyone anxiously navigating the waters of philosophies and resources and ideas. The Brave Learner lays out, in ever-practical ways, how to help kids actually learn, and how to see that taking place even outside their workbooks. This book opens my eyes to the “secrets” of the learning process and helps me harness that magic to make education a thing of joy and delight in our home. This book (and all that Julie shares) boldly points us back, always, to what matters most: our relationships with our kids. She shocks a little with her bluntness and honesty (no sugar-coated memories here), makes me laugh and smile (and sometimes cry), and ultimately makes me want to go hug my children and know them better. Isn’t that why I wanted to homeschool in the first place? I also really appreciate Julie’s lack of judgement for anyone utilizing the tool that is public school! She makes it clear in The Brave Learner that every parent can add enchantment to the learning experience, no matter where their children go to school. She gently redefines education and helps clear away so much anxiety surrounding the subject, bringing it back to seeing our children as people and working in ways that value them and all they’re learning at all times. Every parent can benefit greatly from reading this book! I know I’m a better homeschool mom, and that I’m leading a richer life thanks to this woman and this book. The Brave Learner will be in my reading stack for the rest of my homeschool years.... or possibly even longer than that, thanks to the encouragement to pursue an awesome adult life of my own! If I could put a copy into the hands of every parent I know, I would. This book is a treasure, and Julie Bogart has my immense gratitude for so beautifully sharing this hard-won wisdom for generations to come.

And Julie captured this so well in her new book, The Brave Learner. For the past two years when someone asks about my homeschooling methodology I would say Relaxed, Eclectic homeschooling? I have never fit in with one, and have educated my children based on an idea in my mind, not yet materialized. The Brave Learner has captured this idea and made it into a tangible resource, with the perspective of a mama who has tread this road before me. I can’t be more grateful! I want to start with the fact that this is not a Christian book, based off a few other reviews that had some confusion. I am a Christian and personally LOVED this book. We are strong in our faith, but that doesn’t mean that every book with great wisdom must include my Christian ideology. I am able to use the thousands of other books on faith to provide encouragement in that arena. This book is for every homeschooling parent. Throughout The Brave Learner, Julie is regularly sharing about family relationships alongside homeschooling. This book addresses parenting, education, and the atmosphere of our homes all at the same time. It truly is home education, learning and living happening simultaneously throughout our days. It is difficult for me to not make a set ‘school time’ then ‘family time’ in our day. This book was a great reminder that all day is both, with examples from her personal experiences as she home educated her five children. The chapters on the Superpowers of Brave Learning are full of practical ideas, examples from her family, a section on ‘Seeing Differently’ all that is around us every day, and questions for us parents at the end of each chapter to implement. While surprise, curiosity, collaboration, and the Four Ports of Entry are often parts of our home education, I’m looking forward to bringing in more risk, adventure and celebration! Oh, and Julie is right. Adding treats can make the difference. This week copywork and math were enjoyed with blueberry muffins in hand. I’m known to start losing interest towards the end of a book. I will admit that often by page 100 or 150 I feel like I’ve read the same thing over and over again and just drop it before reaching the end. That is NOT the case with The Brave Learner. Julie shifts from the focus on an integrated education lifestyle to looking at our family’s culture, along with emotional and mental health. This was huge for me! We’ve had a rough few years, and it has taken its toll in many ways. But we aren’t living every day in those hard spots: we are learning, healing, growing. Julie challenged me in the importance of smiling everyday (coincidentally in January the writings of Mother Teresa did the same!), she reminded me that we can’t raise our children perfectly, but we can speak honestly and take care of ourselves the same way we care of our families. The foundation of an atmosphere of learning is a strong, emotionally safe, atmosphere in our families.

I have been homeschooling for 14 years. Was not sure I needed this as we are just a few years shy of graduating our youngest and we are happy with how things are going. I have used Brave Writer for years though and feel strongly about supporting people who really help ALL homeschoolers so I purchased it and read it thinking it would be a nice refresher. It was so much more than just a refresher. I marked up half the book with insights and reminders I needed I didn't even know I needed. I used an entire can of book darts. (google it if you don't know, for those that mark up books and take notes book darts will change your life) If you take the time to really think about what she is saying and use what is useful for your family this book will be worth every penny. You do really have to think about it and practice what she is recommending. It is a learning process for everyone. It takes effort and you have to get real with yourself about personal things and relationships and how much your really have control over what life throws your way. I do think there are families who use a traditional school who would get some gems from this as well. I wish I had this book when my oldest was a baby but really it is never too late. There are even some great insights in here for the lifelong learner set as well.

This book is a must read for all homeschooling families. Actually, it's great even if you don't homeschool. Julie has a way with words. She makes you feel like you, too, can have your sh*t together. Hahaha. In reality, it works. Listen to her words and apply them. See the light in your children's eyes shine brighter.

Initially I loved the opening chapter and I was excited to dig into this book. Who doesn’t want to inspire curiosity and eager learning in their kids? However, this book quickly turned into a series of humble brags about how brilliant her kids are. As a parent of a child with a developmental delay, it’s not really aspirational to hear about your kid learning 4 languages, self-teaching themselves computer programming and cross-breeding fish. I’m excited for average and reaching any milestone as it comes—no matter how late. I also agree with other reviews that the parenting style just advocates for a complete free-for-all. I’m open to exploration and passion of ideas, but sometimes you’ve just got to say no. However, I do appreciate that it’s secular, so that’s what earned it a second star.

Julie has a way of making you feel like she saw your kitchen was super messy, so she came over to clean it for you while you put your feet up and sip a cup of coffee. This book is no exception. It's intensely practical, but also so very inspirational. The Brave Learner is absolutely one of the best books I have ever read about parenting and educating our children. I highly, highly recommend it!

Reading this book has lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders, the pressure of whether my children will be successful adults, gaining the best education and learning all the academics needed. It was a heavy weight to bear. I no longer desire for my school at home to look like a “school”. That is the reward and joy of homeschooling, being at home, learning along side my children, surprises, memories and giving my children an enchanted education that looks nothing like “school” but rather is a personalized education for my children. Isn’t that why I chose to homeschool in the first place? I gained the confidence to jump with both feet in due to Julie’s wisdom and insight.

I think this book is a must read for any parent really. There is so much information about learning, connecting and relationship building with our families. Julie asks us to re-imagine what education can be and how we can be involved in that re-imagining. Not in a merely philosophical way, but in a hands on, practical way. The underlying theme is to experiment and see what works for YOUR particular family. Whether you homeschool or not, as a parent there is a desire to connect with our kiddos and love them well. This book will help you do that through practical exercises that get YOU the parent thinking about what your kids are engaging in and how you can come alongside and support, inspire, or just be amazed. Everything in this book is not going to be for everyone, but there is definitely something for everyone in this book.

I have been acquiring lots of Brave Writer curriculum for this next school year so it only seemed the next step to purchase The Brave Learner! I am so thankful I did. This book takes homeschool thinking out of the box. Where are you on the homeschooling spectrum? Unschooling all the way to schooling at home? This book takes education off that spectrum entirely. If you are looking for a how-to on how to get your kids to obey and just do their work - keep scrolling. If you want inspiration on how to spark imagination and wonder - then look no further. This book is what you need. With 4 kids and a busy house it can be overwhelming and you just want do get through our schoolwork as quickly and painlessly as possible. But what if we can pause and take a breath and just enjoy our kids? What if we can take an educational journey where ever our interests lie? But what happens when interests wane? There’s a chapter for that too! Ms. Bogart gives sample routines to help on those doldrum days. She shows how to consider those must-do subjects while balancing enchantment. It’s taking a big leap away from any traditional-looking school and shows how to prioritize learning, interests, and those must dos . I highly recommend this book. As a homeschool mom I feel inspired and can’t wait for our next school year to try out some of the ideas laid out in this wonderful book!

I’ve been a Julie Bogart Super Fan for years! Although I couldn’t wait to read her book, The Brave Learner, I thought it would *just* be a recap of all her years of fantastic Podcasts, Periscopes, Blog Posts, and fantastic Instagram account - but it’s so much more!! Julie’s calm, inquisitive, supportive nature, coupled with the experience of both home educating and public educating her 5 children, who are all now successfully thriving adults, wrote to my mama heart. The Brave Learner is the articulation of my ideal family relationship methods; it’s what I’ve tried to create in my home and with my family. From creating coziness and Poetry Tea Time, to Gaming Family validation and choosing a child-centered, interest-led education, Julie has a step-by-step guide that incorporates the gentle, supportive, loving guidance I work to achieve in my own home. Whether you are a young parent, grandparent, public, private, or home educator - Julie’s Brave Learning ideas will spark enchantment and joy within your home, family, and yourself. Her ideas for striking out your own path to Awesome Adulting and repeatedly encouraging yourself to lower the bar to find success are so positively impactful in our world of bigger, better, more — you have permission to be human, to be yourself, you are enough. Thank you, Julie, for this cozy guide to creating relationship-centric families 🖤

It’s so refreshing to read a book like Julie’s. Uplifting and encouraging with practical ideas.

Julie’s way of thinking about kids, moms, families and homeschooling revolutionized (and saved) our little homegrown world of education many years ago. I am so pleased to see this book go out into the wider world! Her big thinking and big heart needs to be thrown out to a wider audience than just the impressive community of homeschooling families that are drawn to the philosophy of learning she offers. This book is a good start toward that goal.

The Brave Learner is a wonderful collection of principles and inspiration for homeschooling and parenting that will definitely leave you encouraged. It is a great overview of some of the core stuff that has made homeschooling mama and writer Julie Bogart so well loved in the homeschooling community. The principles in Brave Learner can also be found woven through her other books, curriculum, podcasts, and youtube videos. The book is definitely a catalyst to creativity and the tone is empowering at every level. Julie deftly illustrates every point with tangible examples from her own homeschooling experiences and her stories act as a simple and effective springboard from which one can create new things. There is no specific homeschool "tribe" that will relate to this book, it can apply to people with all different styles of schooling. One small issue I have is that the cover of the paperback book is so soft and thin, it doesn't seem like the book will last. Maybe the kindle edition is a better buy in this case. The other negative for some might be that the book may seem a bit scattered, and some of the principles are not explored in depth. If you are new to Julie and Brave Writer, I would recommend listening to some of her podcasts as an accompaniment to reading the Brave Learner. All in all, it is a wonderfully encouraging book that will be helpful to anyone homeschooling or interested in homeschooling, wherever you are in the process. I am 8 years in and I was both inspired and uplifted.

Love the book!! This might seem nit-picky but I really dislike the cover photo of the child on a screen... I don’t think it represents the exploration and wonder she describes in the book. I also felt the 9\11 analogy was a little insensitive and inappropriate on page 46...to speak of such a tragic event in a matter of fact way felt uncomfortable. To end on a positive note-to some that were disappointed that this is not a “Christian” faith based book... I am a Jesus freak and love him dearly... you can implement all kinds of her ideas with your OWN faith and your kids own faith...she isn’t obligated to spell it out for you how to live out your schooling in faith. I agree that this is a wonderful resource for all homeschoolers. We all have a unified desire to educate our children with the love and exploration and freedom that “home” offers.

I've been listening to Julie's podcasts or watching her live videos for quite a while. I love that I can have all of her lovely wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement in one compact place now! This book is delightful! It not only gives practical ideas but also the WHY behind the ideas. I was sad to see there were a few reviews with just 1-3 stars on here. Mostly from Christian reviewers. I am a pretty conservative Christian as well but found this to be a great book and I was NOT offended by anything in it. This book is not sold as a specifically Christian book. It's a book meant to open your eyes to the beauty and wonder of learning. I believe all truth is God's truth. Whether or not Julie is promoting Christianity in her book, there are great truths in it. If you can read a homeschooling book with an open mind, taking all of the wonderful meaty chunks of goodness and leaving anything you find less appealing, you will benefit greatly. There's no way a writer will be able to follow all of each individual homeschooler's rules or life guidelines. This book exceeds the goal of the author and what it has been promoted as---a help in finding everyday magic in homeschool, learning, and life. The magic mentioned here is meant to be used as "captivating, exciting, wonderful" and enchanting meant to be a feeling of great pleasure/delight. I don't believe Julie is leading us toward real magical spells, witchcraft, or the like. She just cares about us and our enjoyment of our kids and their enjoyment of learning. It comes through in her lovely writing! Thank you, Julie!

I have appreciated Julie's encouragement over social media for a few years now. She has been one of the biggest influences in my homeschooling life and our journey to a happier home. This book condenses much of what she has talked about over the years, but in a handy one place reference! There are also a few new things for those who have followed her for years. Even if there wasn't anything new in her message, the message she offers is so powerful it needs to be read, reread and said over and again. I find I need the constant reminders. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Julie, for all you have brought to the conversation around homeschooling and the many hours you have spent cheerleading me even when you didn't know you were. Your impact has been very profound on me and my family.

This book was the assigned reading for a Christian Homeschool Mom Book Club I belong to but, because of life, I only had half of it read when I attended the meeting. One of the criticisms that came up was how, although some of the ideas were creative and would bring some life to our homeschool, they didn't necessarily coincide with Christian values. Since I hadn't completed the book I didn't really feel like I had enough information to form an educated opinion at the time so I just took note of that criticism and moved on. Upon reading the reviews I see that other Christian parents have felt the same; however, after finishing the entire book I actually completely disagree with this. Just because Jesus isn't explicitly mentioned doesn't mean that Christian values are not represented/reflected in this book. To me Chapter 13 is the culmination of the entire book and where Christian parents (okay, all parents) need to really pay attention. This chapter is a critical assessment of the homeschool co-ops that are available to homeschooling parents and how sometimes they become too rooted in ideology and philosophy to the detriment of our connections and relationships with our family. This is exactly what Paul discusses in the book of Romans -- how Christians tend to get too hung up on the infighting of our ideologies that we lose sight of our biggest commonality -- a love of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself says that, while the Law is important, the most important commandment of all is to love God and our neighbor above all else we are instructed to do (Matthew 22:35-40 and Mark 12:28-34). Ms. Bogart's point in this chapter, and really the entire book, is exactly that -- we often get too hung up on what our ideologies are in homeschooling that we end up damaging the relationship with our family to chase ideas but our emphasis should be on loving our family above all else. The entire book is devoted to her ideas about how to bring joy to your homeschool based on her experiences. But as she points out, if we are to follow homeschooling role models we are sure to find that they are human (page 258) and if we knew the entire picture of their family life, we would see the vulnerabilities/flaws that exist in all of us. I think maybe some are also unfairly placing her on a pedestal, too, and looking for her to be that Christian role model when in fact she is someone sharing her story about what worked for her family. Our true role model should be Jesus, not Ms. Bogart or anyone else (while I do appreciate a fresh perspective from time to time!); I think that her cautioning us against elevating anyone to the position of a guru to the point where we blindly follow them is another example of how this book can be relevant to a Christian parent... and I'm certain she doesn't want that responsibility, either! So just like a beautiful sunset won't point the way to God with a neon sign but you can sense His presence in it, don't dismiss this book just because it isn't overtly Christian. If you only allow yourself to come into contact with books, songs, etc. that explicitly spell out Christian principles, you are robbing yourself of the opportunity to use your God-given gifts of analysis and discernment in a world where God's presence is often quiet and subtle. Use those gifts as you read this book and realize what it really is: a narrative about someone who has gained wisdom from her experiences as a homeschooling mom for a long time with a variety of ages, stages, and personalities, and who is using that experience and her gift for writing to help others. Use your discernment to decide what will work for your family and what won't. But just because she isn't quoting Bible verses doesn't mean a Christian parent can't benefit from this book.

This book is a breath of fresh air among the homeschooling help/guidance books. One reviewer complained that the author didn’t praise God enough. I’m a Christian but I don’t “require” religion to be part of the guidance books I read. I’m not looking to them for religious guidance but for homeschool guidance. With the wide breadth of how families incoorporate religion into their homeschool lives, expecting it to be in the book seems absurd. When I read books that are thick with theological talk, they seem to be incredibly light on the helpful guidance for the actual homeschooling part. That said, the book absolutely delivered on my expectations. Each one of Julie Bogarts books has been filled with advice that seems pertinent and hits just when and where I need it. This book is no exception. She has loads of experience, heaps of great thoughts and mounds of joyful words of support.

Where has this homeschool book been all my life?! One of the most practical and relatable books on this topic. So much practicality packed into theses pages... you have to be a little careful to not overwhelm yourself with ALL the great ideas! I would have totally given this book 5 stars except I cannot turn a blind eye to the enthusiastic endorsement of video gaming. There are tremendous amounts of studies done on the fact that gaming IS addictive. Its a fact. I have personal and friends stories of families being destroyed by obsessive gaming behavior. I think Julie generalized too much with her son's experience in this area. It was a great exception! Gaming CAN and DOES increase violent thoughts and behaviors, it has been proven time and time and time again. This being said, Julie is a GIFT to homeschool moms in the trenches. I still wholeheartedly recommend this book for all the rest of its content and ideas!

First let me say that I have followed Julie for a long time and have thoroughly enjoyed her encouragement and positive attitude. This book does an excellent job summing up her philosophy of education and what I have learned from her videos and podcasts. I love her gentle, fun approach to learning. With that said, this book is not written from a Christian perspective so if that is what you are looking for, PLEASE read Teaching from Rest! I also felt it was quite lengthy with some parts redundant and I had a bit of a hard time finishing it. Some reviewers had a problem with her mention of hiring a cleaner and I honestly think she was just pointing out there are MANY ways to do things and if getting everyone up at a certain time and having all your chores done before everyone sits at the table together and works at the same time doesn’t work for you-don’t do it! And while I fully believe in chores and having my children help, I realized that having my son (8) unload the dishwasher every morning was great but totally unhelpful when it came time for math and it took him twice as long because his short attention span was already fried. I would much rather he was fresh and ready for learning and did his chores later-and that’s Julie’s point!!

3 months ago I was feeling completely discouraged and depleted in our homeschooling journey. I didn’t know what was going wrong but I knew I needed to change things up. A friend recommended this book and I immediately took the plunge and bought it. The best purchase I’ve made that I will see a return on investment for years to come. Halfway through something clicked in the way I saw my children and their education. I’m realizing so many learning opportunities are presented daily and I haven’t been paying attention. I can’t stop telling all my friends and family about this Brave Learner book. Thank you Julie for bringing the energy back to our homeschooling journey!

This book left me feeling refreshed and capable and ready to be present in my homeschooling with renewed enthusiasm. I know I'll be referencing this book often as I incorporate her ideas into my days. Reading it feels as supportive and love-filled as having coffee with a good friend.

I am a huge Julie Bogart fan and absolutely love her Brave Writer Language Arts program - so when I heard she had a book just for homeschool parents I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! As soon as it came I began devouring the book at a rapid pace, and by the end of day one I was nearly 100 pages in... it was that good! Like sitting with a homeschool mentor, Julie gives you permission to let your kids learn in a way that is natural. She encourages you to take risks, learn alongside your children rather than just teach them, and look for the magical homeschool opportunities you have in your own home. Use what you have, add some imagination, and go with it. As a homeschool Mom herself, Julie not only understands your struggles, but she shares many of her own families ups and downs in honest and meaningful ways. It's open, honest, and ridiculously real. Not just a "how to homeschool" book, rather she offers you a guide with some of her best advice and ideas, many of which were born out of her own necessity and desire to offer her own children the best homeschool education possible. And while I don't agree with each and every point of her book, I absolutely love Julie's honesty and ability to see the wonderful opportunities for learning that are all around us. She helps you to open your own eyes and rather than focus on what you see as shortcomings and failures, focus on the wonderful gift that homeschooling is for both your children and your family as a whole.

I am an unexpected homeschooler. I attended public school as a kid and mostly loved it -- had some truly amazing teachers. I taught elementary school for 7 years. I pulled my kids out of public school when 9, 7, 5 after struggling with the stay/go dilemma for several years. I still dream of enrolling them in a wonderful school we all love. So I am not married to the idea of homeschooling. I have just finished my first read through of this book. I plan to now go through a second time much slower, taking notes, using the free journaling guide Julie Bogart provides on her website to accompany this book. This book is highly readable but also dense -- it is jam-packed with ideas. The enchanted education methods Julie advocates do not come naturally to me as a homeschool mom (they came more easily to me as a school teacher -- go figure!), but I have enough personal experience teaching and have read enough about mental health, self-motivation, learning and emotion, and educational research to know that Julie's assertions about learning are all well-founded and backed up by the latest research. Alongside her easily understood explanations of how learning works is practical advice -- the book is full of concrete examples and ideas. I also love that she is honest (about her own failures), encouraging, and nonjudgmental. I certainly do not agree with every single thing Julie advocates or suggests. But even when she suggests a certain approach or practice or describes what worked for her family, she often offers several alternatives or differing examples alongside her own experience (example: chores). You feel you are benefiting from her years of coaching and learning from other homeschool families. She encourages you to take what you need and what works for you, and discard the rest. As both a mother and as a homeschool parent, I find the book very encouraging and empowering. This books offers all parents a wonderful perspective on learning and enjoying family life. If and when I ever put my kids back in public school, I will certainly hang on to the mentality of learning and collaborating with my kids all the time as we live our lives. I actually think this book would be especially helpful for parents who are trying to help kids in uninspiring schools hang onto or rekindle their love of learning outside of the institutional setting. A fantastic book for school teachers as well really! If you read this book, I think you will find that what Julie advocates was embodied by your own favorite adults and teachers from your childhood/ college years. The kind of education Julie describes -- it is what I hope for my own children, whether within my own home or inside a school building.

This book is about so much more than learning, homeschooling, or teaching. At it's heart it's a call for us to live BIG! Embrace the things that make our children unique and then use those things to meet them where they are and learn what they can before moving to the next thing. With lots of encouragement (it's ok to live in your home, even if it's not what you envisioned) and practicalities (buy quality art supplies but inexpensive furniture), she reminds us that we know what's best for our children and as long as we are making connections with them we are doing our jobs correctly.

This book and subsequently joining the Brave Writer Alliance have been a homeschool game changer for me and my family. I have been homeschooling for 4 years and came across this book thinking I would pick it up as a quick read, not expecting much. I had never heard of the author. This book was amazing. It takes an approach to homeschooling I had never thought of before. So many tips and tricks for connecting and engaging in a fun way with my kids NOT ways to push and prod them through school at home. Fresh ideas on how to really see my kids as little humans with individuality. Its not about finishing every page in a workbook its about engaging in the world around us and finding a love of learning. Julie Bogart is a mother of five and has so much insight to share in finding peace and a true love of learning in a home environment. This book could be broken down by parts or chapters to be studied and mulled over. Lots of activities within the pages to help the reader asses themselves and children. I plan on starting a book club for this book to share with friends and fellow homeschooling families. I have learned so much about myself, my teaching style, and how I relate to my children from studying this book. I can't sing its praises enough!!

Usually you pick up a book and hope to get a few good ideas from it, but often the same few principles are repeated over and over. This book left me with a notebook full of ideas. We started implementing these strategies and not only did it make our school day better, but the reduced stress improved our relationships as well! I think followers of nearly any homeschool philosophy could mesh her ideas with their routines. I’ve recommended this to all my newbie and veteran homeschool friends.

Our homeschool wasn't working. As a new homeschooling parent of a 6-year-old, I felt overwhelmed, frustrated, and ready to send my child back to traditional school. In swooped Julie Bogart to save the day. This book injected some magic into ME. It reminded me to navigate days with an open mind, to shake off all those preconceived notions of what school is supposed to look like, and most importantly to appreciate the beauty found in our home every day. It reminded me that my child is the one teaching me, not the other way around. We're partners in the this wonderful, magical world of homeschooling. I devoured the pages for the first read and now I am reading more carefully and using the handy companion guide. All the while discovering new phrases, new ideas, and new enchantment! If you are frustrated, at the end of your rope, bored, or even swimming happily there is something in this book for you.

As far as I’m concerned, this book is my homeschooling bible. Julie Bogart combines her years of wisdom and experience with her magical and loving personality and the result is incredible. It’s like your best friend showing up at your door with a hug and a plate of brownies, letting you know that your kids are all right and it’s all going to be ok.

I came across Brave Writer because of the recommendation of my child's language therapist (shameless plug - Rooted in Language is phenomenal for anyone with with dyslexic/dysgraphic kids and especially those kids with other language struggles as well). Before that, I had never really heard much about Brave Writer. I purchased the Writer's Jungle and read through it. I then joined the Facebook group for Brave Writer and there I learned of the book. I'm pretty sure my interactions with my kiddos have been changed forever. I have one child who goes to school and two who are still homeschooled. Many of these pages are marked up with insightful information. I have even flagged my book so that I can reference ideas quickly. While the author does make reference to preparing kids for college and life in general, it predominately focuses heavily on celebrating who your kid is and embracing/engaging in their passions. Stop pushing them to do what you want them to do. Many times they may like something and in our world of competition and zeal to be the best, we ruin their joy by pushing them too much or too hard in that area! Not squashes a love for learning like sucking the life of it. Or lets say that they do love something but we don't think that this worthy for them to be passionate about it......so we then intentionally pursue extinguish the flame without giving it a change (which typically doesn't work anyway). This road of life that our kids are on isn't about us! Many of the examples she uses, she calls us out by first focusing on how we act and how we feel about our passions and interests. She asks us how we foster that love and what do we do once we decide we don't love it anymore. Allow our kids the same liberties and freedoms! Our kids truly are wonderful little people with big thoughts and big opinions. We should encourage them to share those things with us and we as parents should help them as much as possible to achieve their goals. I'm not talking about the goals we have for them, I'm talking about there goals that they decided on their own. It is a beautiful book and I recommend it to all parents - homeschoolers or not!

Loved this book! If I could summarize it I’d say “connect with your kids first, and then teach them second-and also, I have done this and this is how I did it”. I found it inspiring, relaxing and affirming. Now I didn’t agree with all of the things she promoted in this book. I will not be allowing my kids to have unlimited gaming, for example. My kids are expected to help around the house (though we don’t do “chores” we just spend 15 minutes here and there cleaning up as a family), for another. But fundamentally I think this is a book of permission. Permission to be yourself and let your kids be themselves. Permission to dive into unplanned studies and to follow your kids passions. And permission to ditch homeschool philosophy and just teach in your own way.

This book is for anyone, regardless of the type of schooling chosen, who wants a better relationship with children. Everything you need to encourage learning and develop connection as a family through child-led, natural learning. The theories presented draw neuroscience, academic studies in education, anecdotal evidence, and common sense. Julie lays out these theories along with practical suggestions to form a complete picture of how to take theory and transform it into reality. However, this book is not prescribing a strict new doctrine. Rather these are guidelines for growing your children’s individual passions into comprehensive educational experiences. With humor and honesty Julie weaves together all the elements necessary to truly live out child-led, natural, learning and enjoy “doing life” together. I can’t recommend the book highly enough. I’m already giving copies as gifts to my friends when they come to me for advice.

Fabulous book! I’ve been following Julie Bogart for awhile now and have used some of her curriculum. Her ideas helped to make our homeschooling experience so much better. As a secular homeschooler out there I love that this book has no particular religious slant and anyone can read it and adapt it to fit their particular lifestyle and beliefs. This was a great book and I recommend it to all parents even ones that don’t homeschool. There are some great ideas in here that could be utilized by all.

Where to start?! Everything about this book is amazing. Julie’s writing is so naturally encouraging, motivating and nourishing. Even if you don’t homeschool, there are so many valuable parenting take away. We’ve already started implementing some of Julie’s fantastic ideas with great success - like Dotty’s Art Table and the Great Wall of Questions. I will definitely be coming back to this book for years to come. Thank you Julie for being the voice we all need to hear.

I found Julie’s podcast when I was just starting to consider homeschooling a year ago. Her wisdom and calm approach have been so soothing to my often frazzled mind and heart as I embarked on this homeschool journey. So, it was a no brainer to buy this book. I laughed, cried and found myself nodding my head as I made my way through it. While I do not agree with everything (and Julie doesn’t expect you too), there is so much practical wisdom for homeschooling, and parenting in general, in this book. As any parent quickly realizes - raising kids is not for sissies and also requires its own brand of humility. I cannot do it in my own and very much appreciate people like Julie who share their wisdom and reassurance. Great read for anyone with littles who is looking for some “everyday magic”. *As an aside, no this book does not mention Jesus, nor do I recall a mention of prayer. As my pastor once said - Live the gospel daily, use words only when necessary. . . This book radiates with Julie’s love for parents and children, and for me, that says a lot.

I don’t often write reviews but I enjoyed this book and want to encourage others to read it as well. This book is full of encouragement and ideas on how to make homeschooling enjoyable for both you and your children. This book, along with Julie’s podcast, give numerous suggestions on how to improve/refresh your homeschool practices without making you feel like a failure. She meets you where you are and tells you to try her ideas and if some of them don’t work, you move on. There’s no strict dogma to adhere to, just suggestions to ponder. Her honesty, reassurances and inspiration make for a great homeschool companion.

Wonderful resource for homeschoolers. Reading this was a breath of fresh air for me and for our homeschool. I love that this book has a faith neutral focus so that everyone can feel encouraged and welcomed by the information Julie Bogart shares.

Julie has a way of writing and making the world come to life within her words. The concepts she draws out in this book don’t just make you want to be a better educatator, but a better mom, spouse and person! I can’t say enough that if you care about your child’s education, be it through homeschooling or traditional schooling, this book is a home run! Definitely recommend it to all of my friends!

Calling ALL parents, not just homeschoolers--this book is for you! Yes, it is tailored towards homeschoolers, but there is so much helpful information about parenting in general. The book is full of fun and practical ways to connect with your kids. Connection is something many parents are after. Brave Learner gives you permission to be human in your parenting and teaching, and reminds us that relationships are the most precious part of this life. My copy of Brave Learner is riddled with beautiful highlights and notes, and I will refer to it very often. I don't often re-read books. This one will remain a trusted friend for life :)

Julie's podcast is incredible and Julie herself is such a huge inspiration to me. I was so excited to pre-order this book and start reading it right away. I love this book for what it is: a simple and helpful guide to finding and creating magic in learning. Julie gives LOTS of examples of what did and didn't work for her family. She gives practical advice for putting her ideas into motion in your own home. I'm happy to have it in my homeschool book collection and I'm sure I'll be picking it up for guidance many more times along our homeschool journey.

Whether you are a parent, educator in the school system or a home educator, this book is a must read. If there was one book I would recommend on home education or coming alongside your kids to help them in their learning, it would be this one. This is not a ‘how to’ homeschool or choose curriculum. It’s not an idealized education philosophy. Rather, this book takes a holistic approach in how to engage in the learning process with your child or student. It’s about building trust, connection and bringing out their passions and interests to help them follow them and learn in their strengths. It is not only filled with inspiration and stories of her own personal journey but also very practical ways to implement strategies and ideas all throughout the book. Julie takes her wisdom gained from years of raising and home educating her 5 vastly different children combined with her own pursuit of personal growth and insatiable quest for learning and pours it into one book. She bridges the gap between academics and parenting and focuses on relationship and connection first. You will clearly hear her voice as an ally, counselor, coach, mentor and friend. This isn't written specifically for a secular or religious homeschool. It's inclusive. It's written for anyone who desires to connect with their child through the adventures of learning together. It's not preachy. It's inspiring. If you are a Christian, it leaves space for you to bring in your faith to every aspect of this philosophy of learning.

Homeschooling. Parenting. Self examination. This books is hands down my favorite book i’ve read on each subject. I’ve been a fan of Julie’s for a while and years ago I heard her say “choose curiosity over judgement.” This book is the epitome of that statement. Choosing to be curious about life, learning, parenting, education; keeping an open mind regarding life itself. Beautiful, Julie. Thank you for sending these words out to the world!

I am a new homeschooler mom to two kiddos. Julie's honest gentle approach to education is heartwarming and a breath of fresh air. I am still trying to undo all the beliefs of public schooling and traditional schooling...this book is a huge help that I will continue to refer to during our journey. I look forward to learning with my children and continuing on this journey together. Julie reminds us all to go slow to go fast. Every parent should read this book!

I absolutely LOVE everything Julie Bogart! There is absolute magic or "enchantment" in everything she does. Thank you so much Julie for bringing your experience, wisdom and humor to a book I can recommend to anyone curious about homeschooling or just supporting their children in general. Your ways resonate with me so much and I am so grateful to have found your so early in my homeschooling journey!

I checked this book out from our library on a whim while I was looking at all of their homeschooling books. I loved it so much, I checked it out another two times before I finally decided that it was silly for me not to have my own copy. So I bought it! Before I began my homeschooling journey, I was a high school music teacher with a bachelors and masters in education. I spent many of my grad school years specifically studying the brain development of children and how different philosophies of education literally shape and mold the mind. I taught in the classroom for 10 years, but never felt like the classroom model really encouraged kids to learn the way they are wired to. When I quit teaching to homeschool my young son, I knew that we had a real opportunity to shape his education to match his needs, but I didn't really know where to start. I had to "deschool" myself a bit and reconnect with those philosophies of natural learning I'd long held dear. That's where this book and Julie Bogart comes in. Julie takes the processes of natural learning and shows you how you can make them work for your family right where you are no matter what kind of home educator you are. As a mother of five grown, successful adults and creator of the amazing curriculum Brave Writer, Julie has a deep and abiding love for enchanting your education and creating lifelong learners. In this book, she shows you exactly how you can instill a love of learning and takes away the stress and worry about "checking off boxes" to make sure your kids learned something. She gives real examples from her own homeschooling journey and empowers you to truly love your homeschool. I could go on and on but in short, you would be crazy NOT to buy this book. Get it! You won't regret it.

Whew! When you think of the words “jam packed”, they truly describe this work! Julie’s book educates, enlightens, empathizes, and empowers. You don’t need to use her writing curriculum to read this book. This is a great read for all homeschool parents. In fact, you may want to read through once for an overview and then go back. Highly recommend!

So eye opening and refreshing! Exactly the reset button on needed midway through our homeschooling journey.

Any parent, whether homeschooling or not, can access the encouragement and trust that Julie speaks about in this book. I've been homeschooling for over 7 years, parenting the last 14 years. I have four children and rely on Julie's sense of humor, her reality checks, and her insights to the beauty of relationships to keep me sane and grounded. This book is a wonderful testament to loving our children along their individual paths. Thank you, Julie, for lighting the way. Read this book. everyone!

I couldn't recommend this book enough. If you are a homeschooler, an educator or a parent, this book is for you! Julie Bogart is like a fairy godmother who appears to simultaneously read your thoughts and bring new insights chapter after chapter. Her book is packed to the brim with useful information but more importantly, practical and easy to follow advice. She gently guides you to be the best parent, homeschooler, teacher, adult you can be without imposing an agenda but rather helping you discover the enchanting ideas that live within you already. What makes this book different? For one, it gives actual, practical ideas to try. Ideas that don't require a trip to the store or a week's planning. Secondly and perhaps more importantly, this book focuses on connection and how to build trust with your kids which will in turn, affect your homeschooling/parenting for the better. It helps you to see how YOU, your mood, your feelings affect your parent/homeschooler/child relationship without being condescending or pointing fingers. The book is packed with inspiration but also helps you to relax a little, get your shoulders out of your ears and validate what you already do to help your kids learn and grow. Finally, this isn't just a book full of quick fixes and band-aid's, not another, "do it this way and everything will be miraculously better," instead it helps you to search within, guiding you, coaching you, to see the wonderful things you have to offer while addressing you as a person not only the parent/homeschooler you are. Give it a read, you won't regret it!

As a homeschooling mom, this book has been absolutely integral to fine-tuning my perspective on my interactions with my children. Julie Bogart’s wisdom is like that of a mother who gently says it like it is and yet nudges you toward a better path and experience. I put two other books I was reading on hold just because I couldn’t put this book down! I wholeheartedly thank Julie for sharing her experience and passion with anyone and everyone who cares about having well-rounded educated children to lead us into the future.

I loved this book to gain principles to help aid myself and my family in learning how to live life to OUR fullest. Julie is such an inspiration in her approach to school, and I love that she can come down and empathize with parents down in the trenches and inspire us to higher ground at the same time. Only someone who has traveled the journey well can do that as well as Julie does. This book has me hooked, and it is the first parenting/homeschooling book that I am marking up and revisiting as often as I have and will continue to do so.

I’ve been a big fan of Julie Bogart for a long time, and this book doesn’t disappoint. I loved reading it, and feel like Julie is one of our “cheerleaders” for homeschooling. I imagine it will be one of those books I pick up and read here and there when we are stuck in a rut and need some inspiration. This book is completely relatable, and feel that homeschoolers of all types—-classical, unschoolers, Waldorf, or even just people interested in homeschooling/home based learning will benefit from reading this book. So happy to have this resource on our homeschooling journey!

Way too much talk about magic and permissive child centered parenting. What’s challenging is a Christian friend recommended this book. I assumed the author was Christian. My mistake. I will be sure to read reviews from now on. I could’ve saved myself $12

I don't buy many books and almost exclusively check things out from the library, but I actually preordered this book because I knew it was going to be that good. It did not disappoint! I am just about all the way through and am planning on re-reading it, this time with a highlighter. It's like having your more knowledgeable best friend holding your hand and giving you personal advice. No, I didn't agree with every single word the author wrote, but overall there is so much here that will help to improve our homeschool experience.

I'm was so disappointed with this book because I had such HIGH HOPES! I love listening to her podcasts and listening to her pearls of wisdom but this book fell flat. Great ideas if you don't have to do any curriculum...like EVER. If you have state standards or requirements, most of the ideas wouldn't be possible. Maybe I had it on a pedestal, but boy I would not recommend getting this book.

If you have children, whether you homeschool or not, you need to read this book!

Wow!! I'm two years into homeschooling and I am so glad I found this when I did. I've read dozens of homeschooling books and this is by far the best. Truthfully, I can't believe how great this book is. I don't think I've ever suggested a book to so many people before or revisited a homeschool book this many times. It's one we'll come back to time and time again and it has truly helped to revolutionize my homeschool journey,

This book has slowed me down and put "problems" in prospective for me. It has helped me grow into a happier home educator. My only regret is I didn't buy this sooner. My favorite part is that there is no reglious text like most homeschool books have. Secular read.

As a non religious person it was nice to find a book on homeschooling that didn’t bring all that into it. It had both practical and idealistic ideas, loved it.

I loved this book! It starts with making the foundation of your home education experience your connection with your child - and everything builds from there. So many ideas and tools to bring a new vision to how home education can be experienced in your family - without being prescriptive or overly directive. I am grateful for Julie and her perspective, and the ongoing support offered in the Homeschool Alliance. I highly recommend for anyone who is not merely wanting "school at home" to read this and imagine the possibilities of connected, inspired learning in your family.

I've read all the books on homeschool/related educational theories. Peter Gray, John Holt, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Rudolph Steiner, etc. and have completed several Early Childhood Education classes, in addition to raising up my 5 children that I have been homeschooling for 11 years now. Julie's book speaks to everyone-- she speaks to the connection with our children and an environment that will meet them where they are at and cheerlead them to love learning. She criticizes a pedagogical marriage in favor of an individualistic reality based assessment of what actually works. Highly recommend.

As a former public school teacher and current homeschool mom, I believe this book is going to revolutionize education, homeschooling, and parenting for the better. Julie writes with a perfect blend of solid research/science/fact and absolutely doable practical suggestions for application. And most importantly, her ideas and approaches are literally for EVERYONE. Our family proudly identifies as Brave Learners and that is what we will say from now on when someone asks which philosophy/curriculum/program of study we follow. Julie Bogart will go down in history with Charlotte Mason, Maria Montessori, John Taylor Gatto, John Holt, Jamie Escalante, Anne Sullivan, and others who have changed the educational systems and approaches in our country for the better.

The day this book was delivered to my doorstep was such a difficult day in our homeschool. Try as I might to not slip into a "school at home" method of homeschooling, we clearly had slid into a rut of going through the motions and putting the focus on checking off lists of homeschool tasks to complete. I had lost sight of the freedom and adventure that homeschooling offers! This book came at exactly the right time. While I already followed Julie Bogart on her Brave Writer Podcast and used Brave Writer curriculum, this book has helped breathe life back into our homeschool by reminding me of how to bring enchantment into the mix on a more regular basis, and what that really looks like. It doesn't look like chaos, flying by the seat of your pants, ignoring traditional school subjects, or manufacturing "fun". It is finding ways to tap into things that organically bring joy, excitement, and enthusiasm to our children and weave those things into our homeschool. It is taking a real interest in who our children are and helping foster the things they are passionate about (even if we don't understand why they are obsessed with something or fail to see the value in it). Julie brings the concepts in this book to life in ways that are easy to understand and implement.

Julie Bogart is one of the wisest women I know when it comes to homeschooling. There are other wise women who have gone before on the journey called homeschooling, but Julie's wisdom is boots-on-the-ground kind of wisdom. This is practical, usable stuff you can sink your teeth into. Her principles are backed up with concrete strategies you can start using TODAY, but which also have the staying power to impact your home and your home school for decades to come. If you want a book that will renew your passion and your practice of homeschooling, look no further than The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life.

If you are going to read one book on homeschooling, let it be this one! In the Brave Learner, Julie offers the homeschooling parent a huge dose of inspiration, and then follows it up with concrete ways to put that inspiration into practice. She also doesn't shy away from the tough parts of this journey, which I appreciated. She is so real and honest about the reality of homeschooling, wonderful and not so wonderful. She has made me believe I can do this, and that I can do it really well.

This book is the first time I have ever gotten to know about Julie and her amazing homeschool knowledge and guidance. I love this book! It's my first year homeschooling my son and I felt great relief knowing that my philosophies are very similar to hers. I now have some fabulous new ideas and guidance. I just took a brief look at some of the reviews and was simply taken aback by some people wanting some kind of religion talk or spin. It seems to me that you can add whatever religious themes and classes into her ideas if that is what you want.

I never wanted to be a homeschooler, but right now it's just something you have to get accustomed to. This book actually got me a little excited about it. It's full of excellent education philosophy as well as actionable steps. I highly recommend it to all parents, even if you don't want to homeschool. I think these ideas can also be used to support and supplement traditional schooling.

This book is a wonderful, secular homeschool resource. It is full of encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas. It is so refreshing to find a homeschooling book that doesn’t push a religious agenda (it also doesn’t denigrate any religion or belief system.) There is a free companion guide that can be downloaded on The Brave Learner website that is very helpful.

I just finished reading this book and my heart is full! It left me feeling hopeful and confident for the homeschool school year ahead and our homeschool journey in general. The Brave Learner is packed with great advice that I look forward to exploring, one at a time. To get the most out of this book, I recommend joining Julie’s Homeschool Alliance. The Brave Learner webinars (for Homeschool Alliance members) allow you to dive deeper into the concepts with Julie as your guide. I love this book and I know that I will reference it again and again and again!

If you are no stranger to Julie Bogart and The Brave Writer you will want to buy this book. If you have never heard of Julie Bogart, buy this book now. Her words, methods, and insight is unmatched. Connection. Connection above all else. Whether you homeschool or your children attend school outside the home, this book will help usher you to show up and rally for an enchanted education for your child. You will change for the better. And your home, your children will witness this gift.

The Brave Learner is full of page after page of innovative insights and practical advice for all parents, no matter how they've chosen to educate their kids... because she brings everything back to CONNECTION. She is an advocate for children and families and her suggestions will help any family to nurture their relationships, make learning fun, and add enchantment to their daily lives. I can't wait to go right back to page one and read this book again while working through the free companion guide!

I really love this book. So many ideas about what homeschooling CAN be, if only we let it. Some of the ideas probably won’t be for my family—like embracing video gaming, although you never know—but you can choose what’s best for your family, of course. The author only wants to set you free to explore and have fun with your kids, not prescribe what you should do. But there are so many ideas here (SO many!) that you will find some that will work well for you. I can’t keep up with the brain explosion of ideas this book has inspired :) I feel like Julie showed me the homeschool box we were sitting in AND showed me how to get out of it.

I loved this book and I love this author! She is an amazing source of homeschooling inspiration and this book does not disappoint. It reads like a conversation with a friend who gives you amazing advice. I LOVED the magical imagery and I am a Christian! Way to go Julie! Thank you for writing a magical book helping me to create an enchanting homeschool!!!! Xoxoxo

This is a must read for both parents as they navigate homeschooling! I am so thankful I read this book before we start homeschooling in the fall. I needed to be reassured that the principles I held so dearly were in fact ones that would make a difference in our kids! Julie gives wonderful insight, ideas of how to nurture your kids interests and shares stories of things that worked or didn't with her children! It's the top book I recommend know to friends who are interested in homeschooling!

This book gives me some tools I desperately need! I truly hope to convey the impact this book makes on my family, and on thousands of families. She knows the “tired/stuck homeschool momma” really well- and she’s just like a ray of light when it’s dark, and closing in, and hum drum. 🙏🏼 I hit a wall, I cry a bit, I pick this book back up, I reup my inspiration and determination, and I go again. Repeat- over and over😂 just- thank you for this book!

I absolutely loved this book. It will help me with our homeschooling journey. I plan on re-reading it and using the free companion guide with it to help get my thoughts down. I’ve already made a few small tweaks to our day and it’s made a huge difference. Julie Bogart’s thoughts on enchantment and just homeschooling in general are exactly what I needed.

I'm really enjoying the inspiration and perspective The Brave Learner offers. Lots of great ideas and a unique way to look at how our kids learn. It's not a how-to guide but gives great ideas and guidance that you can make your own. I think this book is most helpful when we find the ways we can make the concepts applicable to our own unique kids and families.

What a treat for homeschool parents! Julie provides support, encouragement, and ideas for potential and currently homeschooling families. Want to add some magic and richness to your life at home with children? This is for you. Feeling like you don’t measure up to those picture perfect Instagram homeschoolers? This is for you. A wonderful map for venturing bravely into a full and magical education for yourself and your children.

Are you a homeschooling mama who wants to spark passion and enchantment into your children's day to day learning? Or maybe your child attends school away from home but you'd like to encourage a rich home learning environment? This is the book that you are looking for. Julie is a wise, compassionate, inspired author. Reading her book was like having a kind experienced mother sit down with you with tea and cookies and have a conversation about how best to create a home environment that will encourage passion, enchantment, joy, motivation, and yes, learning. I came away from this book renewed and ready to make some simple changes that I believe will create joy in life long learning in myself as well as my children!

Really enjoyed this book. I journaled many of Julie's ideas to test out in our homeschool. I really appreciate her POV because after several years of homeschooling you find yourself oftentimes getting into a rut that could be much more joyful if we're open to it. Really appreciated this book because it offered ideas and perspectives many other homeschool books have never offered.

I really enjoyed this book. Homeschooling doesn't need to be school at home, we have more freedom to make learning fun and adapt to our own children's interests in a way that is much harder in a school setting (I was a teacher previously so I know!). Julie provides ways for parents to keep the joy in learning alive, whether you homeschool or just do fun things with your kids outside of school to help them fall in love with the learning process and help them to be life long learners. I highly recommend this book!

The Brave Learner has empowered me to see learning in brand new ways, and encouraged me to follow sparks of curiosity when they show up! Our family is passionate about learning, but I find myself feeling the need to check the boxes - boxes created by others. I’m feeling my eyes opened up to how much we can and should guide our own learning, ask more questions, be more playful and play outside the box with how we approach our learning life!

I've been following Julie for over five years now and I am grateful every day that I discovered her early on in our homeschooling journey. I encourage you to take a deep dive into The Brave Learner and everything Brave Writer. I have witnessed reluctant writers transformed into "Brave Writers" right before my very eyes! Julie's wisdom is shared generously and is priceless!

Amazing advice for all homeschoolers, whether you have been doing it for years or are just getting started. Julie knows what she is talking about!

Thank you, Julie, so many times over; reading your book is like inhaling a fresh, enervating wind! I've been home-educating over 20 years, struggling with my own gut-beliefs about what true education could look like, trying to implement a fresh and more innovative approach where I could. My kids are very arts-oriented free-thinkers. Their language is sometimes colorful, rooms messy with creative materials, quick to be there for friends whenever needed, plenty smart in many directions... and caring. Your book refreshes my journey, reminds me of the broader characteristics of real education, and helps me see from my kids' perspectives, helping me to be a better mentor and co-learner. God bless!

Julie takes a seat next to me as wise mentor yet again with her new book The Brave Learner. As a long-time reader of Julie's work, I have seen it transform my home and my children, but most importantly me, as it challenges me to carefully examine long-held beliefs and practices. This book did that once again, but with new ideas and challenges. The perfect progression of material combined with Julie's gentle, candid style made it feel just like sitting down for a conversation with a much more experienced mom. While I have deeply help religious beliefs, I loved that Julie was able to present information, ideas and solutions to everyday problems that didn't rely solely one philosophy or ideology. I will be rereading, processing and implementing these suggestions for years to come.

This is an absolutely amazing book! The go-to every home education family! It helped ease my fears, and completely changed the way I look at, and approach, home educating. It has been a blessing for my family.

Have to say: I really don't like this book. Maybe it was just built up so much by other reviews. The book is very redundant. The author is long winded and uses many types of speach for the same things. The whole book could have been summed up in two sentences. I felt robbed of my time and excitement.

Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart. For those of us who press on when we get tired or begin to doubt, this is the book to read. This is a reminder. It is inspiring and encouraging. Please pay just remind us of how and why we do what we do. they also remind us that we need to forgive ourselves and others as we work through this crazy and messy life together.

The information included in this book is just what I needed to be reminded of the instinct I want to lean into more to help my children be the best they can be! Julie has practical advice and examples that can help any homeschooler. Best of all, it is a reminder that we are all here to support each other and our children, no one is against anyone else.

I’m a trained (AMI) Montessori elementary guide and a homeschooling (but Not Montessori homeschooling) mama of 3 and this book is what I’ve been looking for for a long, long time. I carry this book around with me EVERYWHERE in case I get a moment to read. While I love to dive deep and sink in, I’ve found that even reading a few pages here and there feels so satisfying and—best of all—inspiring. It’s a must have for homeschooling families, but I truly believe that anyone who spends any announcement of time with children should read this book. Thank you, Julie Bogart, for imparting your wisdom and encouraging us all to keep going.

From a homeschool background and geared towards that population, but good for all parents looking for a way to add a little enchantment and connection into their family life

I haven't finished the book yet, but form what I've already read, it has helped significantly change my relationship with my children, and I feel so much less stressed and much more happier with homeschooling my kids. Thanks Julie for this eye opener.

I felt so empowered and excited as I read this book. It helped me articulate all the reasons to homeschool my children. Each section gave me amazing ideas. I will be referring to the notes I took for years to come.