Master Books World History Encyclopedia
by Master Books (website )
A visually-rich, Young Earth Creationist overview of world history designed for middle-grade students to use independently.
Best Fit For
Families looking for a visually-driven, Young Earth Creationist history resource that is easy to implement and 'open-and-go.'
Not Recommended For
Secular families, those who believe in old-earth/evolutionary timelines, or students seeking an intensive, text-heavy academic history course.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers consistently praise the Master Books World History Encyclopedia for its high-quality visual presentation and its strict adherence to a Young Earth Creationist (YEC) perspective. Unlike many secular history encyclopedias, this version starts with the Garden of Eden and avoids evolutionary timelines, which is the primary draw for its target audience. Families using the full 'History of the World' course find it to be a 'gentle' and manageable curriculum that doesn't overwhelm students with text. However, some critical feedback suggests that the academic depth may be lacking for advanced 8th graders, and the 'encyclopedia' format can sometimes feel like it provides only a surface-level summary of major events rather than deep historical analysis. It is highly recommended for families who want a visually engaging, creation-based history that requires very little parent preparation.
How It Works
A typical week involves the student reading 2-4 pages of the Encyclopedia per day, focusing on specific civilizations or eras. If using the curriculum set, the child then completes a corresponding worksheet from the Teacher Guide, which includes short-answer questions and occasional map work. The parent's role is minimal, usually limited to checking work and discussing the beautiful illustrations with the child. Each session typically takes 20-30 minutes.
Switching to This?
There are no formal placement tests as this is a topical history course. Families usually start this in 6th grade as part of the Master Books sequence, but it can be used mid-year due to its modular, encyclopedia-style layout.
Curriculum Details
- Price
- $34 - $78
- Grades
- 4 - 8
- Available As
- Coverage
- Single subject
- Subjects
- History/Social Studies
- Pacing
- Flexible
- Parent Time
- 10-20 min/day
- Parent Involvement
- None
- Student Independence
- Semi-independent
- Academic Level
- Grade level
- Worldview
- Christian
- Teach Multiple Ages
- Yes
- Engaging for Reluctant Learners
- Yes
The individual encyclopedia is approximately $35; the full curriculum set (History of the World) including the Teacher Guide and additional resources is approximately $78.
Videos
I Bought Master Books World History Encyclopedia – Here's My Honest Verdict
by Mandy Maltz | The Handmade Homeschooler
Reviews We Consulted
Provides a visually rich, young-earth creationist supplement for middle and high schoolers, though it focuses on topical two-page spreads rather than offering a comprehensive historical narrative.
"Master Books’ World History Encyclopedia, written for grades six through twelve, will eventually be a three-volume set. The first volume, Creation to the Roman Empire, launches the series. Entries are heavily illustrated, two-page spreads on selected topics rather than comprehensive historical coverage."
Enthusiastically recommends the resource for its ability to provide a "truly complete" historical picture by weaving biblical characters and theology directly into standard timelines.
"Master Books World History Encyclopedia (Volume 1: Creation to the Roman Empire) not only includes everything a student would need through high school, but also weaves Biblical events, characters and theology into the timelines for a truly complete and accurate picture of history for use by home educators, Christian Schools and home library collections."
Highlights the encyclopedia as a faith-anchored reference specifically designed to coordinate with the "World's Story" curriculum series.
"I wanted to give homeschooling families a resource about history based on truth—God’s Truth about His plan for the history of the world. I really like Master Books and New Leaf Publishers with their Creation-based curriculum."
Updated: April 2026
How This Compares
Commonly compared to The Story of the World, which is more narrative/story-based whereas this is more pictorial/encyclopedic. It is also compared to Mystery of History, which is more rigorous and teacher-intensive, while Master Books is much more 'gentle' and independent.
Getting Started
Purchase
The primary destination for purchasing the physical edition and viewing official product specifications.
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