Eww...You Homeschool? (Book Review)

Today, I'm sharing my review of the book Eww...You Homeschool? (Help for Successful Homeschooling, by author and homeschool mom Steffanie Williams.   Our paths crossed somewhere back in 2008-2010ish in our local homeschool support group, and here we are years later crossing again, she as a writer and I as a reviewer.  It really is a small world.

Steffanie is a homeschool mom, turned author.   She wrote this book to share some of the things she learned over the years, and to help families who are new to homeschooling.  As we've seen in this past year, homeschooling is a rapidly growing niche (whether by choice or as a last resort).  The title is funny, because "Eww" used to be the general populations view of homeschooling, but after the debacle of the 2020/2021 public school years, I think that's changed drastically.

This is a paperback book, and a relatively short read at 100 pages that include 9 chapters.   It's a quick read, but one that you can, and should, go back and reread and pick up helpful nuggets.  Some of the information give is Virginia specific, such as explaining the homeschool statutes for the state and pointing the reader towards HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia).  If, unlike the author, you don't live in Virginia it will give you an idea of "Hey, I bet my state has....." and then you can Google it.

One thing this book doesn't do is come across like "it's homeschool or nothing".  The author expresses her original apprehension at the idea of homeschooling, her concerns throughout the years and how homeschooling was an excellent choice for her family.   She shares personal stories and insight, curriculum names and gives the reader suggestions on scheduling and organization as well.

As more people look into homeschooling, this is a good resource and a great encouragement.  Every single, successful homeschooler was once new and overwhelmed.  You're not alone, just in a different part of your journey. Let someone who has walked the path before help to light your way, or at least point you towards your goal.

The author is a Christian, and her book does reflect that both directly and indirectly.  There are some scripture references throughout as well, but it's not "preachy".  I, of course, like that about the book, but just throwing it out there for my secular readers.  There is enough "non-Christian" content to still be useful to those who want to gloss over those areas.

Disclaimer:  I was given a free copy of this book for review purposes only.  I was not compensated in any way for my review, nor was I asked/required to give a positive review.