The Books My Children Are Still Talking About

By: Lanette Judy

When Brandon and I stepped into the world of Total Language Plus last June, we had one goal we weren’t willing to compromise:

Protect the joy of learning!

As a reading specialist—and a homeschool mom—I’ve seen what happens when language arts becomes nothing more than worksheets and checklists.

But I’ve also seen the opposite.

Give a child a truly enjoyable book…and everything changes.

I’ve seen this unfold this year in my own home.

My daughter was completely drawn into The Courage of Sarah Noble. She didn’t just read it, she felt it. The uncertainty, the bravery, the quiet strength. She’s walking alongside Sarah, and because of that, the academic skills we care about—writing, vocabulary, comprehension—are more engaging. She’s imagining herself as Sarah, and thinking about what courage looks and feels like in her own life.

At the same time, my son has been wrapped up in the cozy world of our winter stories—especially The Mitten and Bear Snores On. What started as simple read-aloud time has turned into something more—conversations, imagination, and moments I know he’ll remember. I know we’ll return to these picture books next winter too. 

This is what we mean by “total.”

Total Language Plus isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.

It’s about:
• Connection over completion
• Depth over busywork
• Stories that shape both skill and character

Because when a child connects with a story, the learning doesn’t feel forced—it sticks.

Whether your student is finding courage on the frontier or delighting in a winter tale, these are the moments that build both strong readers and lasting connections.

What book has captured your child’s attention lately? I’m always looking for new favorites to add to our list.