L is for Laurie Bluedorn

Laurie Bluedorn – Where She Fits In Homeschooling History

Laurie Bluedorn and her husband began homeschooling in the early 1980’s and even moved states in order to find a place to homeschool legally. You can read their story here.
When I first started homeschooling, I discovered Laurie Bluedorn. She has been a shining example of grace and strength for me throughout my homeschooling adventure. She stood proudly and loudly for what needs to be said.

Laurie Bluedorn is among the ‘Founding Mothers’ of homeschooling in the U.S.

My children were in 5th grade when I first read Pilgrims Progress to them. They were enchanted by the story. They also felt the tie to history knowing that this was the book that nearly every pioneer carried as they took their families to settle the West during the expansion period in the U.S. I always thought that the story of Pilgrims Progress stood alone wonderfully and completely, until I opened the book by Laurie Bluedorn.

Pilgrims Progress by Laurie Bluedorn is an exact telling of the text of the story, interwoven with illustrations that span the ages as well as cultures around the globe who have treasured this Christian classic just as my family has.

Did you know that the story of Pilgrims Progress is famous everywhere? Laurie Bluedorn includes illustrations from Korean, Japanese, Indonesia, Scottish Gaelic, Africa, and even Dakota in this wonderful new version of the story. As you read through the text, you are led on a fantastic trip through multiple cultures and lands. The book jumps out as a perfect read-aloud, especially if you sit with a child so they can see the pictures. Your child will gain an appreciation of how deeply Pilgrims Progress affected Christians all across the world.

Laurie has written many, many fantastic books for children and their homeschooling parents. She and her husband have a newsletter that you can sign up for too. You will find many great freebies on their site, Trivium Pursuit, as well. All the resources are a great way to keep informed, but the newsletter is perhaps the most valuable.

Selected Books

• Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress with 525 Illustrations Part One-A

• What Do You See? A Child’s First Introduction to Art, Volume One — Gentle and easy introduction to art appreciation for children, ages 4-12

• What Do You See? A Child’s First Introduction to Art, Volume Two — Gentle and easy introduction to art appreciation for children, ages 4-12

• What Do You See? A Child’s First Introduction to Art, Volume Three — Gentle and easy introduction to art appreciation for children, ages 4-12

• Teaching the Trivium — Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style
• Ancient Literature — Significant Excerpts from the Books of Classical Authors Which You Can Use to Supplement Your History Curriculum —Volume One: Julius Caesar
• Ancient Literature — Significant Excerpts from the Books of Classical Authors Which You Can Use to Supplement Your History Curriculum — Volume Two: Alexander the Great
• Ancient Literature — Significant Excerpts from the Books of Classical Authors Which You Can Use to Supplement Your History Curriculum — Volume Three: Augustus, Jesus Christ, and Tiberius
• Ancient Literature — Significant Excerpts from the Books of Classical Authors Which You Can Use to Supplement Your History Curriculum —Volume Four: Ancient Egypt
• Ancient Literature — Significant Excerpts from the Books of Classical Authors Which You Can Use to Supplement Your History Curriculum —Volume Five: Caligula, Claudius, and Paul
• Ancient Literature — Significant Excerpts from the Books of Classical Authors Which You Can Use to Supplement Your History Curriculum —Volume Six: Nero, Paul, and the Destruction of Jerusalem