A book list is a record of all the textbooks and materials you use for homeschooling. It's important for meeting state requirements and keeping track of your child's education.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population. Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010).
What is a book list?
A book list in homeschooling is like an official record of all the textbooks and materials you use to teach your child each year. It’s not just a casual reading log. In some states, like Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York, you must keep a list of the reading materials you use. This list can be requested during evaluations to show that you are covering required subjects.
States that require book lists
Different states have different rules about book lists. For example:
- Florida wants a portfolio that includes a log of materials used, kept for two years.
- Pennsylvania has strict rules and requires a log made during instruction, which gets reviewed by an evaluator.
- New York asks for a detailed plan submitted by August 15, listing syllabi and materials for each course. States like Texas, Alaska, and Idaho don’t usually need book lists.
What to include in your book list
Your book list should cover all teaching resources, not just textbooks. Include:
- The title and author of each item
- The subject it covers
- When you used it Make sure to add workbooks, reference materials, online curriculum programs (name them), and read-alouds that taught concepts. Skip recreational reading unless required by your state. A focused list of 15-20 quality books shows stronger teaching than a long list of 100 books you barely used.
Tips for keeping your book list updated
Most states want your records to be made during instruction. So, don’t wait until the end of the year to remember what you used. A simple weekly updated spreadsheet works well, with columns for title, author, subject, and date range. Tools like Homeschool Planet or Homeschool Tracker can help you create book lists from your lesson plans. If you prefer writing, a notebook organized by month can work too. Just focus on keeping it accurate and easy to access.
The bottom line on book lists
A book list is your way to stay legally compliant while homeschooling. It’s also a great tool for your records. In states needing portfolios, keeping an accurate and timely list of materials is a must. Beyond meeting requirements, your book list helps you evaluate what worked, plan for next year, and make high school transcripts. Start simply, update regularly, and organize your records by school year.
