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Homeschool curriculum review

Masterbooks

Living books, creation-based, literature-rich

Last reviewed April 2026 · Price last checked April 2026

$100–$350
per year
Individual subjects affordable; complete grade packages available

About This Curriculum

A creation-based Christian curriculum publisher offering complete grade-level packages, living books, and individual subjects with a young-Earth creation perspective. Masterbooks is known for its engaging, narrative science and history books that read like stories.

This review looks at who Masterbooks 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

Masterbooks is strongest for christian 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 engaging, story-driven science and history and affordable complete packages.

Who Should Consider an Alternative

Consider an alternative if young earth creation perspective throughout or less rigorous writing instruction. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Masterbooks against the alternatives below before buying.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

A typical day with Masterbooks 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

Masterbooks 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

ChristianLiving BooksLiterature-BasedReading WritingFlexibleParent-LedStrong ScienceStrong HistoryBudget-Friendly

Strengths & Considerations

Strengths

  • Engaging, story-driven science and history
  • Affordable complete packages
  • Strong creation-based science curriculum
  • Easy to use with minimal prep
  • Works well for multi-grade families

Consider Before Buying

  • Young Earth Creation perspective throughout
  • Less rigorous writing instruction
  • Not ideal for families wanting secular science

Best Alternatives

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

Notgrass History

Narrative, literature-based history

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

Ambleside Online (Charlotte Mason)

Charlotte Mason, living books, narration, nature study

$0–$100
/year
ChristianCharlotte MasonLiterature-BasedBudget-FriendlyLiving BooksGrades: K–12

Sonlight

Literature-based, Charlotte Mason-influenced

$400–$900
/year
ChristianLiterature-BasedMulti-AgeMid-RangeLiving BooksGrades: PreK–12

Compared With Similar Curricula

Frequently Asked Questions About Masterbooks

How much does Masterbooks cost?+

Masterbooks runs about $100–$350 per year. Individual subjects affordable; complete grade packages available

What grades does Masterbooks cover?+

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

Is Masterbooks faith-based or secular?+

Masterbooks is christian. A creation-based Christian curriculum publisher offering complete grade-level packages, living books, and individual subjects with a young-Earth creation perspective. Masterbooks is known for its engaging, narrative science and history books that read like stories.

Who is Masterbooks best for?+

Masterbooks is strongest for christian 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 engaging, story-driven science and history and affordable complete packages.

Who should avoid Masterbooks?+

Consider an alternative if young earth creation perspective throughout or less rigorous writing instruction. Families who need a very different teaching format, budget level, or faith orientation should compare Masterbooks against the alternatives below before buying.