Why We’re Reading a “Banned” Book in Our Homeschool

So, confession time: we’re reading The 48 Laws of Power together as a family. Yup, the same book that’s banned in prisons. Sounds a bit intense for a homeschool reading list, right? But here’s why we’re all about it: we’re not just teaching academics; we’re also here to build little humans who can handle themselves in real life. And if that means diving into some unconventional reading material, bring it on! 📚✨

Why This Book?

The 48 Laws of Power isn’t your average “kids’ book” by any stretch of the imagination. It covers things like influence, strategy, and (yes) power—ideas that some people think are too mature for younger minds. But here’s the thing: our kids are already navigating friendships, figuring out group dynamics, and trying to understand how and why people do what they do. This book gives us a way to explore that.

One of our favorite lessons so far? Law #4: “Always say less than necessary.” Instead of always rushing to speak, this law encourages you to listen more and be intentional with your words. For kids, that’s a huge skill—learning to pause, listen, and respond with purpose. We talk about how speaking less can actually make you more confident because you’ve taken time to think through what you want to say. They’re already applying it in little ways, like waiting their turn in conversations and thinking before they react to situations. 💭💬

Making It Kid-Friendly (We Promise!)

Now, let’s be real—The 48 Laws of Power wasn’t exactly written for kids. So we make each chapter our own. We read just one “law” at a time and break it down with examples that fit their world: friendships, family, and everyday interactions. And every time, we ask questions to bring out their own insights: “When could this idea be helpful? When might it not be?” It’s all about getting them to think critically and develop their own understanding. By tackling these topics as a family, we make sure they’re learning in a safe, open space.

Balancing Classic and Unconventional Learning

Yes, we do read traditional books in our homeschool, but we’re big fans of throwing in some unconventional picks to keep things interesting. Books like The 48 Laws of Power make kids curious and teach them to think in ways they don’t usually learn in school. There’s no test to memorize each “law,” but it’s amazing to see them making connections and thinking for themselves. It’s more like, “Hey, here’s an idea—let’s see what we can learn from it!”

Through this mix of classic and unconventional reads, we’re encouraging our kids to become thoughtful, self-aware people who get that words and actions have impact. That’s the kind of “real-world” skill we’re after! 🌎💪

Our Takeaway

At the end of the day, The 48 Laws of Power is about understanding people, thinking critically, and approaching life with purpose. By reading it together, we’re not just discussing “laws”; we’re helping our kids understand the why behind actions, the how of handling tricky situations, and the power of good choices. Because isn’t that what homeschooling is all about—raising smart, kind humans who can think for themselves?

So, what do you think? Would you ever tackle a book like this with your kids? Or do you have other unconventional picks you’d recommend? Let’s chat below!