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Homeschool Curriculum Reviews > G. A. Henty Novels Review
G. A. Henty Novels Review
Sale on all G. A. Henty Hardbacks
Review By Harriet Yoder
 PrestonSpeed has done an excellent job of reprinting the
Henty Books since 1996. They had a dream to
put this wonderful collection of accurate historical novels back into print.
Careful to keep the original spellings and content (no abridging here), Doug and
Beverly, owners of PrestonSpeed
Publications, make sure the books are printed on museum quality
paper with the highest quality cover stock available. The bindings are smyth
sewed—not just glued.
Written for “young lads” these historical novels are great for young lasses
too! These excellent books, called Henty Books, make a great basis for
homeschool history studies. Each gripping story captures the attention while
informing the reader about the history, geography, military,
customs, and politics of the era.
As we read these aloud for our multilevel history study, we use a
historical atlas and plot the movement of the characters on a map. I choose appropriate historical coloring books to keep the younger
children busy while the older children prefer to draw their
interpretation of the scene.
Henty does a wonderful job of teaching in his books. There is so much
science in the books we’ve read that you can incorporate science
into the study. Henty usually discusses the animals and science of
the age. For example, irrigation is discussed in Cat of Bubastes. You'll also find engineering and science in his discussions of
military tactics.
I especially appreciate the character building values that are
demonstrated by the main characters. The young lad is always a good
role model for the listener-- generous, brave, kind, intelligent
(keeping his wits about him), and a good leader. In the books I
have read there is usually a strong heroine who helps our lad on his
quest -- in keeping with the traditions of courtship. The young
characters are considerate, courageous, and respectful of parents
and elders. The hero uses his head in difficult situations and
never gives up hope. Before I read the outcome of each peril to
them, I challenge my children to try to figure out solutions. Great
for building critical thinking skills.
While there wars and battles in the various novels, one needs to keep in
mind that in the time periods we are studying it was typical. Personally I have gained insight to spiritual warfare. The very
characteristics that make our heroes successful in battle will help
us to win spiritual battles: courage, determination, creativity,
etc. Many times we are taught that battles were lost by pride,
disagreement among leaders, lack of unity among troops, rejoicing
over a victory before it was complete, and not knowing when to
retreat.
An added benefit of these books is the wonderful vocabulary. It is always
good to read to children using a higher vocabulary level. New words
also make for great discussions. Keep your dictionary handy when
you are reading these novels.
One suggestion for using the Henty books in your home school curriculum is to
read them chronologically and supplement with library books on related topics. Another is to start with the time period you are currently studying. In
either case to find related quality literature by time period or geographic
location, I like All Through the Ages. Another resource, Let the Authors
Speak also groups good literature by time period.
Overall, these will be a great addition to your homeschool
library. Though sometimes Henty was a little tedious in his
explanations of history in the beginning of the books – to set the
scene for the reader, if you stick with it, you will hear “read one
more chapter, please!”
G. A. Henty Resources
Supplemental Resources
-
Great Science Adventures Useful science unit studies to coordinate with
your history studies.
- Uncle Josh’s Outline Maps
100+ reproducible outline maps. Includes each of the fifty states,
continents, ancient historical regions, historical war regions, and
more. Reproducible.
-
Dover Coloring Books
Great for keeping young hands busy during reading
time. We have a wonderful selection of historical and scientific
coloring books.! I like the ones about the history of the ships,
sword, warriors, castles, or bridges because you can usually find an
item to match your Henty book.
- All Through the Ages: History Through Literature Guide Christine Miller "A compilation of over 5,600 of
the best living books and great literature, arranged by chronological era,
geographical region, and reading level, from many respected resources."
- Let the Authors Speak, A Guide to Worthy Books Based on Historical Setting
Excellent resource for unit studies.
-
Bellerophon Coloring Books Historical coloring books from Bellerophon!
-
Design-A-Study Guide to History Plus By Kathryn Stout
K-12 history and geography objectives in easy-to-use question guide
useful in the study of any period or culture. Activity guide
allows you to integrate other subjects by using a more in-depth unit
study approach. Resource List.
-
Bethlehem Books
Offers historical fiction and very useful reading
for history studies.
- Sower Series
Biographies of famous persons!
Revised
06/18/08
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