Sonlight History is a literature-based curriculum that teaches world and American history through biographies, historical fiction, and living books rather than traditional textbooks, making history an engaging family experience.
What is Sonlight History?
Sonlight History is the centerpiece of Sonlight's curriculum, using carefully selected biographies, historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction to bring the past to life. Rather than reading dry textbook summaries, students journey through time by experiencing stories of real people who shaped history. Each program includes a history 'spine' book that provides chronological structure, supplemented by dozens of living books that add depth and perspective. The approach assumes that children (and adults) remember stories far better than facts—so Sonlight builds historical understanding through compelling narratives.
Key Takeaways
- Teaches history through biographies and living books rather than textbooks
- History serves as the organizing framework connecting Bible, literature, and geography
- Programs span 2+ grade levels so siblings can learn together
- Three-cycle approach covers history at increasing depth as students mature
- Includes timeline materials, maps, and comprehensive teaching guides
The Literature-Based Approach
Sonlight's founder, Sarita Holzmann, pioneered the idea of scheduling real books into a structured curriculum when she began homeschooling in 1990. The approach rests on the belief that textbooks reduce complex events to forgettable summaries, while stories about individuals make history memorable and meaningful. A student might read about the Boston Tea Party in a textbook and forget it by next week—but reading Johnny Tremain creates mental hooks that last for years. Sonlight combines highly illustrated books for younger students with increasingly text-based narratives as children mature, always emphasizing people over dates and events.
Program Levels and Coverage
Sonlight History is organized into levels rather than strict grades, covering the same material multiple times at increasing depth. Students typically cycle through world history and American history twice during their K-12 years—once at an introductory level and again with more sophisticated analysis. This spiral approach means a 5th grader studying American history for the first time and a 7th grader studying it for the second time can share the core reading while pursuing different independent work. Most programs include geography integration through map work and Audio Memory Geography Songs, tying location to historical events.
Sonlight History Levels
What's Included
Each Sonlight History package comes with everything families need: all scheduled books, a detailed Instructor's Guide with daily assignments and discussion questions, timeline materials, and map resources. The Instructor's Guide breaks the year into 36 weeks with 4-day or 5-day schedule options, specifying exactly which pages to read each day. Discussion prompts help parents facilitate conversations about historical events, character qualities, and connections to faith and modern life. Parents consistently report that the comprehensive planning eliminates the intimidation factor many feel about teaching history.
The Bottom Line
Sonlight History transforms a subject many students find dry into an engaging exploration of human experience. By centering education on biographies and stories rather than textbook facts, the program helps children develop genuine interest in how societies formed, conflicts arose, and individuals shaped their times. The multi-age design makes it particularly valuable for families teaching several children, and the complete planning removes guesswork for parents who may not feel confident teaching history. If you want your children to love learning about the past rather than merely endure it, Sonlight's approach offers a compelling alternative to traditional curricula.
