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Homeschool curriculum review

Brave Writer

Writing lifestyle, literature-driven, relaxed language arts

Last reviewed January 2025 · Price last checked January 2025

$100–$300
per year
Arrow and Boomerang bundles by age; also à la carte writing classes

About This Curriculum

A philosophy-based writing and language arts curriculum that teaches writing through a lifestyle of learning rather than a rigid program. Brave Writer's Julie Bogart helps families create a home culture that nurtures natural writers through conversation, good books, and meaningful writing projects.

This review looks at who Brave Writer fits best, who should compare alternatives, what a normal day can look like, parent prep, cost, and similar programs to consider.

Who This Fits Best

Brave Writer is strongest for faith-neutral families covering K–12 who want room to customize pacing, subjects, and day-to-day flow. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include transforms families into writing households and philosophy-driven — addresses root causes of writing resistance.

Who Should Consider an Alternative

Consider an alternative if language arts only — no math or science or requires parent buy-in to the brave writer lifestyle. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Brave Writer against the alternatives below before buying.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

A typical day with Brave Writer often includes read-aloud time, discussion, narration or written response, and follow-up work in history, literature, or related subjects. The rhythm is relational and book-heavy, so it works best when a parent can protect consistent reading time.

Parent Prep Required

Brave Writer requires moderate parent prep. Read the next lesson, gather any materials, and decide what to skip, slow down, or supplement based on your child.

At a Glance

Faith-NeutralLiterature-BasedLiving BooksReading WritingRelaxedFlexibleParent-LedStrong WritingStrong ReadingBudget-FriendlyMid-Range

Strengths & Considerations

Strengths

  • Transforms families into writing households
  • Philosophy-driven — addresses root causes of writing resistance
  • Pairs well with any other curriculum
  • Literature-rich reading component
  • Strong author community and online classes

Consider Before Buying

  • Language arts only — no math or science
  • Requires parent buy-in to the Brave Writer lifestyle
  • Less structured than classical writing programs

Best Alternatives

If Brave Writer is close but not quite right, compare it against curricula with similar tags, worldview, or teaching style.

Five in a Row

Unit study through picture books, literature-based

$40–$80
/year
Faith-NeutralUnit StudyLiterature-BasedHands OnBudget-FriendlyGrades: PreK–2nd

Torchlight Curriculum

Charlotte Mason, living books, faith-flexible

$100–$300
/year
Faith-NeutralCharlotte MasonLiterature-BasedBudget-FriendlyLiving BooksGrades: K–6th

Notgrass History

Narrative, literature-based history

$100–$200
/year
ChristianLiterature-BasedBudget-FriendlyLiving BooksReading WritingGrades: 6th–12th

Frequently Asked Questions About Brave Writer

How much does Brave Writer cost?+

Brave Writer runs about $100–$300 per year. Arrow and Boomerang bundles by age; also à la carte writing classes

What grades does Brave Writer cover?+

Brave Writer covers grades K–12. Always check the publisher's current placement guidance before buying.

Is Brave Writer faith-based or secular?+

Brave Writer is faith-neutral. A philosophy-based writing and language arts curriculum that teaches writing through a lifestyle of learning rather than a rigid program. Brave Writer's Julie Bogart helps families create a home culture that nurtures natural writers through conversation, good books, and meaningful writing projects.

Who is Brave Writer best for?+

Brave Writer is strongest for faith-neutral families covering K–12 who want room to customize pacing, subjects, and day-to-day flow. It is especially worth considering if your priorities include transforms families into writing households and philosophy-driven — addresses root causes of writing resistance.

Who should avoid Brave Writer?+

Consider an alternative if language arts only — no math or science or requires parent buy-in to the brave writer lifestyle. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Brave Writer against the alternatives below before buying.