Part memoir and part handbook, The Call of the Wild + Free focuses on inspiring and encouraging families to keep a sense of wonder and curiosity alive in their children. Ainsley Arment, founder of the Wild + Free homeschool community and podcast, tells the story of her oldest child losing his natural born joy of learning when he started full day school. Her family’s solution was to begin a journey of homeschooling. She includes a concise understandable summary of the main approaches to home education: classical, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and unschooling. At the same time, she emphasizes the need for each family to develop their own unique style and culture. She also discusses and refutes common preconceptions of homeschooled children.

Arment’s writing style is articulate and the full page color photos and small illustrations throughout add interest. While she is clearly writing for the mother who is now homeschooling or is considering a child-led home education, any family can gain inspiration from her ideas for keeping creativity, free play, and joy of learning a part of their lives. Her goal is to inspire people to help each child develop in their own unique and creative way.

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