Is BookShark a History or a Reading program?

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

What is the difference between Level D Regular Readers and Level D Advanced Readers?

The Level D Advanced Readers includes the Level D Regular Readers plus eight more books and a reading schedule adjusted to fit the extra material. The Advanced Readers are not written at a higher reading level, but they do require that the student read more pages per assignment than the Regular Level D Reader package. Here is a list of the additional books in the Level D Advanced Readers:

Naya Nuki

Tikta'Liktak

Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia

Mr. Revere and I

Stone Fox

The Story of Eli Whitney

The Thanksgiving Story

Corn Grows Ripe

Do the Readers integrate with the History reading?

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

Can I use this package with both of my children?

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

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

Ages 9-12 | Reading with History E
Ages 10-13 | Reading with History F

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

Can I purchase the History program without the Readers?

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

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

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

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

Reading with History

Reading with History D Package

Level D-Advanced History Package

Level D Readers

Reading with History D Package

Level D-Advanced History Package

Level D Readers