“In a world where ‘homeschooling’ is so often misunderstood, discounted, and even ridiculed, Laura Brodie offers a clear-eyed view and makes a valuable contribution to the literature on the subject. This is necessary reading for anyone with an interest not just in homeschooling but in education generally.”

— David Guterson

“As a parent involved in homeschooling, I highly recommend this book. It’s timely, beautifully written, and must reading for anyone who has ever wondered what homeschooling is all about.”

— James Grippando, author of Money to Burn

Humorous and heartfelt, this charming memoir tells of a year-long experiment in homeschooling in which the author decides to give her ten-year-old daughter a sabbatical from homework hell and the vicissitudes of one-size fits all traditional public school days.

But what happens when the teacher is also Mom, and the classroom is the kitchen table?

A Homeschooling Sabbatical: When her ten-year-old daughter, Julia, starts hiding in the closet to avoid schoolwork, an English professor decides to pull her out of public school for one unconventional year.
The Creative Child: A heartfelt look at raising a daughter who sees the world in a slice of kiwi but struggles against the structure of classrooms, tests, and a system not built for her unique mind.
Mother-Daughter Relationship: Follows the challenging, funny, and sometimes explosive dynamic that unfolds when a mother becomes a teacher, and every lesson is a test of their bond.
An Honest Parenting Memoir: Far from a how-to guide, this is a candid story about the daily frustrations and unexpected joys of trying to do what’s best for your child—and wondering if you’re getting it all wrong.

Love in a Time of Homeschooling

Love in a Time of Homeschooling