World History (Ancient) Living Book List
What we’ll be reading with Preparing the World for Jesus
Links included may be paid links. My family may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for your support! For more information, see our terms, privacy policy, and disclaimer. All opinions are my own and I was not paid for this review.
Generations Homeschool Curriculum the Charlotte Mason Way
One of my favorite parts of homeschooling is having the freedom to customize our curriculum—to slow down, add beauty, and make it our own. This year, we’re using Preparing the World for Jesus, a world history curriculum from Generations, and I’m adding in some truly beautiful living books to make it a richer, more immersive experience for my kids.
As a Charlotte Mason homeschool mom, I’m always on the lookout for living books that will breathe life into our lessons. I don’t want my kids just memorizing dates and names. I want them to feel history—to walk the streets of ancient cities, hear the voices of people long gone, and develop a relationship with the past.
I have a link to the Generations homeschool curriculum we’re using, Preparing the World for Jesus below.
Why We’re Adding Living Books
Before I get into the list, let me just say—I love the heart behind Preparing the World for Jesus. It’s a Christ-centered world history curriculum that builds a strong biblical foundation while walking through ancient civilizations. That’s exactly what I was looking for.
But in true Charlotte Mason style, I wanted to enhance our studies by incorporating living books—books that are well-written, narrative in form, and make the subject come alive.
Instead of just reading a paragraph about Alexander the Great or ancient Egypt, I want my kids to experience those worlds through story. Living books do that. They form connections, stir the imagination, and make learning meaningful.
Our Living Book List for Ancient History
📖 1. The Cat of Bubastes by G.A. Henty
This one is such a classic and an excellent choice for Ancient Egypt. It’s packed with adventure, but also filled with accurate historical detail. While it’s a bit longer and more complex, it works wonderfully as a read-aloud or independent read for older kids. We’re using it to explore daily life in Egypt, their religious beliefs, and how God's truth can shine even in a pagan culture.
📖 2. Unwrapping the Pharaohs by David Down and John Ashton
This is a visually stunning book that blends archaeology, biblical history, and apologetics. It’s a great companion to Preparing the World for Jesus because it helps tie together Scripture and real-world history. The photos alone make this worth having, and the timelines and explanations are accessible enough to use with upper elementary and middle school students. This book supports a young-earth creationist perspective and helps reinforce the biblical timeline we’re learning.
📖 3. The Trojan War by Olivia Coolidge
This retelling of the Trojan War has been such a hit in our house. It brings Greek mythology and history to life without being too over-the-top or inappropriate for younger audiences. We read this while exploring Ancient Greece, and it led to some great conversations about the difference between myth and truth, and how stories like these influenced ancient cultures. It’s dramatic, poetic, and beautifully written—everything I want in a Charlotte Mason-style book.
📖 4. God King by Joanne Williamson
I absolutely love this one. God King is set during the reign of King Hezekiah and the Assyrian invasion, but it’s told through the eyes of a fictional young prince of Cush. It blends biblical history with compelling storytelling and helps kids understand the political tension of the time. This book really made the Old Testament come alive for my kids and added depth to our study of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires.
📖 5. Plutarch’s Life of Alexander the Great
Yes, we’re reading Plutarch—and yes, my kids actually enjoy it! We’re using the Simply Charlotte Mason edition, which includes helpful notes and vocabulary explanations. Plutarch can seem intimidating, but it’s such a valuable part of a Charlotte Mason curriculum. We read just a little each week and use it for character discussions. Alexander’s ambition, leadership, and flaws open the door for deep conversations about what makes a great leader and how pride can become a downfall.
📖 6. Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace
This one is a bit advanced, so we’re treating it more like a long-term family read-aloud. Ben-Hur takes place during the time of Christ and is a powerful narrative of revenge, forgiveness, and redemption. It gives such a vivid picture of Roman life and introduces Jesus in a way that complements our curriculum beautifully. I love how it blends historical fiction with deep spiritual truth.
-OR-
📖 7. Augustus Caesar’s World by Genevieve Foster
This book is a homeschool favorite for a reason. It covers much more than just Augustus—it weaves together major world events during his lifetime in an accessible, story-driven format. Foster’s writing is engaging and gives a real sense of the big picture. We’re using this during our Roman Empire unit to understand how God was preparing the world—politically, culturally, and spiritually—for the coming of Jesus.
See the video here
How We’re Using These Books in Our Week
Here’s what a typical week looks like with these living books:
Monday–Tuesday: Read from Preparing the World for Jesus, narration or short written summary.
Wednesday–Friday: Read 2-3 chapters (or section) from our living book for that unit.
Friday: Oral narration, notebooking page, or illustration inspired by what we read.
Sometimes we’ll also use maps, timelines, or even short videos to connect what we’re reading to the larger picture. I try to keep things flexible but intentional. The goal is always to cultivate connection—not just cover content. We’ll be using the maps to add in geography in our lessons, and we’re using the workbook that came with the curriculum to do that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re using Preparing the World for Jesus and wondering how to bring in Charlotte Mason curriculum elements, I hope this post gives you a helpful starting point. These living books have added so much richness to our study of world history, and I truly believe they’ll leave a lasting impact on my kids.
Charlotte Mason said, “The mind feeds on ideas,” and that’s exactly what these books are—meals full of truth, beauty, and meaning. We’re not just reading about history; we’re experiencing it, one living book at a time.
Let me know in the comments what living books you're using for ancient history, or if you’ve read any of the ones on this list. I’d love to hear how you're bringing history to life in your home!
Planning out the books I’m going to use for each textbook.
Breaking up Generations History (more about how I’m breaking this up)
