Botany Reading List for Homeschool Families
Botany is not only an interesting study, it’s an important study. MacBeth Derham and Christine Hamilton, Homeschool Connections science instructors, have put together a reading list for you that includes fiction and nonfiction for students of multiple ages.
Who is this list for?
- Homeschool moms putting together a unit study of botany studies for multiple grade levels.
- Students of Homeschool Connections middle or high school botany courses who want to explore the subject more deeply on their own or earn additional transcript credits.
- Anyone who wants to expand their learning.
The books listed are for upper-grade school through high school (and adult). Field guides can be used on nature walks. For preschool and early grade school, check the library for early field guides, picture books with fun facts, and books focusing on the region’s geography.
As with any book list, parental discretion is advised. Not all books are appropriate for all ages or all students.
Click on the book title for reviews or purchasing information (it May contain affiliate links). Goodreads is another resource for reading book reviews. To find used books for the best price, try Book Finder. Now, for that list …
Nonfiction
American Horticultural Society Plant Propagation by DK
Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America Third Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
Edible Wild Plants: Eastern/Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)
Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods by Thomas Elias and Peter Dykeman
Practical Botany for Gardeners: Over 3,000 Botanical Terms Explained and Explored by Geoff Hodge
Latin for Gardeners: Over 3,000 Plant Names Explained and Explored by Lorraine Harrison
The Forest Unseen By David Haskell
The Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson
Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places by Steve Brill with Evelyn Dean
A Landowner’s Guide to Managing Your Woods by Anne Larkin Hansen, Mike Severson, and Dennis L. Waterman
Fiction
Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter
The Harvester by Gene Stratton-Porter
The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare (Perdita’s flowery soliloquy)
Sonnets by William Shakespeare
Leaf by Niggle by J. R. R. Tolkien (philosophical)
Textbook
Introductory Plant Biology 10th Edition.
Supplies
Colored pencils, pens, paper, and a composition book.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of plants through a well-curated reading list can open doors to wonder, discovery, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world for learners of all ages. Whether you’re organizing a botany unit study for your homeschool or simply looking to enrich your child’s knowledge, the books listed here are excellent resources to dive into the intricate beauty of plant life.
Homeschool Connections offers engaging online botany classes for families wanting more structured learning. These courses complement your reading journey, offering deeper insights and interactive learning opportunities that help bring science to life. Dive into these resources, and let the adventure in the world of plants begin!
What are your thoughts on this topic? To continue the discussion, join me and other homeschooling parents at our Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group!
