Bookshark

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers frequently describe Bookshark as a literature-based curriculum that emphasizes convenience and user-friendly organization. Cathy Duffy Reviews notes the program provides a secular alternative to Sonlight with a structured four-day schedule. Monkey and Mom credits the Instructor's Guides with improving the delivery of history and language arts. However, a parent review posted on The Homeschool Mom notes that the cost of the pre-prepped sets can be a drawback for some budgets, despite the engaging nature of the lessons.

How It Works

Using BookShark feels like a guided book club at your kitchen table, where the parent follows a pre-organized four-day schedule found in the Instructor’s Guide. Each day, the parent reads aloud from high-quality literature or 'living books,' while the child engages in discussions, map work, and hands-on science experiments. Depending on the grade level, a session can last from two to five hours, with older students transitioning to more independent reading while parents remain the primary discussion leaders. The fifth day is intentionally left blank, allowing families to catch up on errands, explore hobbies, or take a day off.

Switching to This?

BookShark offers free online placement tests for Reading and Math, but because their levels cover a broad age range, parents should primarily consult the 'Age Range' charts on their website. A common community tip is to prioritize the child’s reading comprehension over their actual grade level, as the volume of literature can be overwhelming if the student is placed too high. While it is possible to start mid-year, most families find it best to start at the beginning of a level because the history and science narratives follow a chronological sequence. If you are coming from a textbook-based program, expect to spend more time reading together and less time filling out worksheets.

Curriculum Details

Price

$309.43 - $1,387.68

Prices vary by level. Each All-Subject Package covers a full year of History, Language Arts, Science and Math for one student and is priced below the total of its items bought individually. Reading with History packages and individual subjects can be purchased separately.

Grades

PRE-K - 12

Available As

Print Digital Workbook Video

Coverage

Comprehensive: History/Social Studies, Math, Reading/Language Arts, Science, Writing

Subjects

Math Science History/Social Studies Reading/Language Arts Writing

---

Pacing

Some flexibility

Parent Time

60-180 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

---

Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Secular

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Parent Role:

Parent reads aloud and discusses books with children (1-3 hours daily). Instructor guide is "open and go" with minimal prep. Parent facilitates activities and checks work.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: May 2026

How This Compares

The most frequent comparison is to Sonlight, where the core difference is that BookShark is strictly secular, offering the same literature-based structure without the religious instruction or perspectives. Compared to Build Your Library, BookShark provides a physical 'box' experience with all books and a pre-printed binder included, making it better for parents who want zero-prep convenience over the lower-cost but more labor-intensive sourcing required by other programs. When choosing between BookShark and Oak Meadow, families find BookShark is more academically rigorous and reading-focused, whereas Oak Meadow is better for students who need artistic expression and a slower, Waldorf-inspired pace.

Getting Started