This list is wonderful! Thanks everyone!

I am looking for suggestions for either a literature program or a book list for 5th grade reading/literature. Honestly, I have grown weary of the emotional weight of many options. I need a break from tragedy! This is definitely more for me than my student. It seems like everything starts like a Disney movie: get the parents outta the story line! Or some missionaries end up in a pool of blood. Or we fixate on the darkest regimes in history. Any suggestions? No murders or threats of murders, please. Thanks in advance!

I agree, the Cathy Duffy reviews are very useful. Also, she has a book I strongly recommend, 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. My library has it. The first several chapters guide the reader determine their own philosophy of education, learning styles, and which type of curriculum matches those goals. (Literature based, traditional textbook, classical, and others) I have found it to be extremely helpful. Then you will have some direction in the vast ocean of curriculum options.

How old is your student? My DS finished 6b in 5th grade, and I didn't think he was ready for AOPS or higher level math (no race to calculus here, although I have a feeling he'll be there soon enough). Since then, I have had him work with a typical US text (Lial's PreAlgebra) and the amazingly awesome book Mathematics: A Human Endeavor by Harold Jacobs. It has been very enriching and adds depth and life to the study of math. I plan to stick with Harold Jacobs for Algebra and Geometry. There truly is a period of withdrawal when the Primary Mathematics era ends.

I love MFW but I would never use it behind grade level unless my child needed remediation or accommodation. It would be too weak. You're right about the first grade bible program; it's wonderful. The bible notebook is my favorite keepsake from all my homeschool years! A couple of sessions a week will complete it in a school year. If I were you I would use the 2nd grade program for all subjects plus the bible reader and notebook from the first grade year. Best wishes as you begin your journey!

As soon as Mary goes blind the whole tone of the series changes and it just isn't as much fun. My dd age 8 noticed this and commented on it.

I agree with the Answers in Genesis suggestion. I think they present an underlying respect for people of different viewpoints. The other suggestion I have is Berean Builders. Science is presented in the context of history so other viewpoints are presented in a matter-of-fact sort of way. "So and so concluded ..... because.....". Each lesson includes an experiment on a scientist's discovery. I have not used RSO or Noeo.

I have found the Discover 4 Yourself series by Kay Arthur to be excellent. It teaches inductive Bible study in a great workbook format for upper elementary. My kiddo does it completely independently. And you can pick which book of the Bible you would like to study. (I don't think she has all of them, but quite a few choices) This year for 6th grade we are doing 4 workbooks.

Yes, you could easily begin using the series at your current time in history. Occasionally the book may refer to a lesson from a previous book, but the student does not need to have remembered that information. I love the series and highly recommend it!

I would like to recommend Mathematics: A Human Endeavor by Harold R. Jacobs. It's an old textbook (I think I found my copy on eBay) and it is a big hit in this house. The author is a master of the artistry, patterns, and usefulness of math. No algebra required. Lots of people have referred to it on this forum; if you do a search I am sure you could find more descriptions.

I love MFW Adventures and the history cycle that follows. I don't have any experience with TGTB. Yes, it is easy to add your own language arts program to mfw. You would simply ignore some of mfw's l.a. suggestions; they are sold separately anyway (this mainly applies to years in the blue investigate cycle). The program is not too demanding of time. So your idea sounds great!

I have been using mfw for years but I don't use it as suggested for every subject. The packages for 2nd grade and up don't include math or some of the language arts items. I do think first grade is all sold together in the package. However, you can buy each item individually from the mfw website too. This is a bad idea if you want all or most of it (more $ total). But it is an option. Also check used options, buying student consumables from mfw. I use it mainly for Bible, history, book basket/reading, and sometimes science. These are the main things in the teacher manual so yes, it is easy to swap out language arts and math (which isn't really specified as the pace is different for each student) I haven't used the first grade; only grades 2+.

Just to add: Playing the piano should never cause pain in the fingers (or hand or wrist). Something is not right; there really shouldn't be physical or emotional pain with piano practice. Whatever he's doing to make his fingers hurt, it's incorrect and can cause damage. Honestly it sounds like the whole situation needs a new philosophy.

Based on what you wrote, I would go back to bju. She is in the pre-algebra/algebra phase and I don't think that's the ideal time to experiment with new math curriculum. It sounds like you have successfully identified how she learns and succeeds with math. (And I believe there are videos if you want her to remain more independent)

My 10 year old is nearing the end of Singapore Primary Mathematics too. If your child can do those challenging word problems at the end of 6B then I would say he likely does understand the math fully. I am planning to use Mathematics: A Human Endeavor by Harold Jacobs before moving on. But I don't think there is anything wrong with just moving on. Certainly something interesting and somewhat challenging is appropriate, so your plan sounds good to me!