BookShark is a comprehensive secular, literature-based homeschool curriculum for Pre-K through 10th grade that uses approximately 50 books per year to teach history, language arts, science, and reading through engaging stories rather than textbooks.
What is BookShark?
BookShark launched in 2013 as a secular alternative to Sonlight, offering families a literature-rich curriculum without religious content. Students read roughly 50 books annually—historical fiction, biographies, and narrative nonfiction—developing vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of reading through real stories rather than dry textbooks. The curriculum follows a 36-week, 4-day schedule (leaving one day for field trips or other activities) and provides complete instructor guides with daily lesson plans. BookShark covers history, language arts, science, and offers math through partner programs like Math-U-See, Saxon, or Singapore Math.
Key Takeaways
- Secular curriculum designed for families wanting literature-based education without religious content
- Covers Pre-K through 10th grade with approximately 50 books per level annually
- 4-day weekly schedule with complete instructor guides and pre-planned lessons
- Science curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- All-Subject Packages range from $800-$1,200 depending on grade level
BookShark vs. Sonlight
BookShark and Sonlight share the same educational DNA—both use literature as the primary teaching tool and offer comprehensive, ready-to-teach packages. The fundamental difference is worldview. Sonlight integrates Christian teaching throughout, including Bible instruction and missionary biographies. BookShark removes all religious content while maintaining the academic rigor and teaching methodology. Some book selections overlap, but BookShark substitutes secular alternatives where Sonlight uses explicitly Christian titles. Sonlight offers both 4-day and 5-day options; BookShark uses exclusively 4-day scheduling.
How the Curriculum Works
Each BookShark level includes an instructor guide that maps out every day of the 36-week year. Parents don't need extensive prep—open the guide, follow the schedule, and read together. The approach integrates subjects naturally: while studying ancient civilizations, students read historical fiction set in that era, examine maps, and complete related writing assignments. Science packages emphasize hands-on experiments aligned with NGSS standards. The curriculum works well for families with multiple children close in age, since siblings within about three years can learn together using the same materials.
What Makes It Secular
BookShark takes a genuinely neutral approach to faith and controversial topics. The science and history programs don't teach evolution, creationism, or intelligent design—those conversations remain with parents. There's no political agenda or revisionist framing despite the secular orientation. This neutrality makes BookShark popular for homeschool co-ops with diverse families and explains why 153 charter schools currently use the curriculum. The philosophy is straightforward: provide rigorous academics and let families add their own religious instruction as desired.
The Bottom Line
BookShark delivers on its promise of rigorous, literature-based education without religious content. The pre-planned lessons save substantial parent prep time, and the reading-heavy approach develops strong literacy skills naturally. At $800-$1,200 per level, the investment is significant but comparable to other comprehensive curricula. Families who love reading aloud together and want secular content with minimal daily planning will find BookShark worth serious consideration. The reusable materials also mean subsequent children cost roughly $300 per year for consumables only.
