The Three R's / Includes A Colored Wall Chart Ruth Beechick
This really is the only book you will need in teaching your K-3rd grader. Ruth has a Ph.D. in Education and explains things simply. She cuts through the twaddle and lets you know what needs to be taught. The rest of the time, well, they call it a kindergarten (child's garden) for a reason. In Europe, most children are not pressed to read and write until almost 8.
 
You Can Teach Your Child Successfully: Grades 4-8 Ruth Beechick
This was one of the first books I ever read when I started home schooling. Now that I'm working with my second set of kids, I have this book spiral bound (done at Kinkos) so that I can *use* it as my curriculum guide. This one purchase will save you hundreds of dollars.
 
For the Children's Sake Susan Schaefer Macaulay
Again, this book was in that first set of books I read in my time of re-education, the time when I actually stopped to ask, what is education? Susan takes you through her journey of trying to find the best education for her child and in the process you get a chance to stop, ponder and make your own decision.
 
Books Children Love: A Guide to the Best Children's Literature Elizabeth L. Wilson (Editor), Susan S. Macaulay (Designer)
If you don't have a rich background in children's books, this book tells you where to start, what ages to introduce the books, and how to basically teach your children with the use of whole books. For that all you need is a good library.
 
Honey for a Child's Heart, Revised Edition Gladys M. Hunt
Another great book that shows you how to get your child interested in books and reading and using their imaginations. How to get your child into books where they ask for more.
 
A Charlotte Mason Companion : Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning Karen Andreola
This is my current book, yes, I still am re-educating myself even after 12 years of home education. This book has inspired me and given me new wind beneath my wings to love my children, teach my children and have patience with my children.
 
Handbook of Nature Study Anna Botsford Comstock, Verne N. Rockcastle (Designer)
This is an all inclusive Nature Study book for the first 8 years of your child's education. It has lessons, questions, and projects, etc. in it's over 800 pages of easily understood information. Originally published in 1911, the photos are not in color, nor is it as flashy as a DK book, but it more than compensates in information.
 
Home Style Teaching: A Handbook for Parents and Teachers Raymond S. Moore, Dorothy N. Moore
Known as the Grandfather of the home school movement, the Moores have patiently stood there with their studies and books letting all us young-un's know that YES, we can teach our children at home. Any of their several books are great reads.
 
Schoolproof : How to Help Your Family Beat the System and Learn to Love Learning the Easy Natural Way Mary Pride
Another great book by a pioneer in Home Education. After reading this book from another person with a Ph.D. in Education, you know that YOU CAN do this home education thing ;-) Wonder why so many teachers are teaching their kids at home?
 
The Big Book of Home Learning Volume 1 Through 3: Each Volume is Over 500 Pages and Includes Full Contact Information for Every Product Reviewed Mary Pride
When I first read Mary's Big Books (there is set) I only read the first few pages of each chapter, the pages where she explains each subject and the options each parent has. Later I re-read just the curriculum (which means books in this instance) reviews. Just reading the first part gave me such an education in educating my kids, that it really helped me get my bearings as to the philosophy of education that fit my family.
 
Beyond Survival: A Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling Diana Waring
I met Diana at a home school meeting where she was talking. It was wonderful! She explained about relaxed home schooling, about the REALITIES of home schooling ;-) It was great to know that, hey, everyone has one of THOSE days. Her book is her story and insights into forgiving yourself, resetting your goals and loving your children.
 
Teaching Children Diane Lopez
This is an blueprint of what you child should know when. This was one of the first such books out, and it helps some Moms feel more at ease.
 
The Language Wars Ruth Beechick
If you've ever wanted to understand why whole language, why phonics, what's the difference, this is the book for you.
 
The Way They Learn Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
I'm presently reading these (along with 5 other books). Highly recommended by my friends.
 
Big Book of Books and Activities Dinah Zike
This book will save you hundreds, keep your kids busy learning, and something to give to make Grandma and Grandpa proud! See Also: The Big Book of Books and Activities: For Middle School and High School by Dinah Zike which is out of print
 
The Complete Tightwad Gazette Amy Dacyczyn
 
 
The Tightwad Gazette II : Promoting Thrift As a Viable Alternative Lifestyle Amy Dacyczyn
When I started home schooling I had just quit work, cutting our income in half. This book helped me re-learn tactics I had seen my parents using with their household.
 
Things to do With Toddlers and Twos Karen Miller
This book saved my life since I was pregnant or nursing the first 4 years of our home school adventures.
 
English from the Roots Up Joegil Lundquist
If you don't have the time or courage to tackle Latin, this is the way to get this pertinent information for your child's education (IMHO) and it's easy and fun!
 
How to Read a Book Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren
Brilliant book, shows you how to do it quickly, efficiently and proficiently.
 
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons Siegfried Engelmann
With our third child, this was the book that clicked for her. At the same time, her 4 yo brother who was just listening in learned to read also.
 
Easy Grammar and Workbook

Easy Grammar, Teacher's Edition Wanda C. Phillips
I use the original version which was set up for 6th graders. The only grammar you need.
 
American's Providential History Mark Beliles
A thought provoking book with stories about miracles that happened during the Revolutionary Ware.
 
The Original Backyard Scientist Jane Hoffman
Yep, you guessed it. This gave my older kids things to do while I took my naps ;-)
 
The New Way Things Work CD-Rom for Windows/Mac

The New Way Things Work book David Macaulay
Great way to keep any 8-12 yo boy busy for at least 1/2 hour, or longer if you have the CD.
 
How to Really Love Your Child

How to Really Love Your Teenager Ross Campbell
These books speak to the heart of the child and how to nurture and establish a right heart in the child.
 
Proverbs for Parenting King James Version
Proverbs for Parenting New International Version Barbara Decker
Not to be used to hammer the kid over the head, but to instruct and guide a child into the right choices.
 
Dinner's in the Freezer Jill Bond
Yes, this one was fun. I still try to re-read it once a year or so just to get motivated, especially during the summer when cooking is no fun.
 
I Kissed Dating Goodbye

I Kissed Dating Goodbye Audio CD

I Kissed Dating Goodbye Audio Cassette Josh Harris
A look at courting versus dating. There are different levels of courting, so if you choose this route, decide which level is right for your family.
 
Homeschooling For Excellence David Colfax
Two former educators adopt children and school them in the woods. What happens, well they all go to Harvard! Read this journey of learning.
 
Better Late Than Early Raymond S. Moore, Dorothy N. Moore