eBooks, Read-Aloud Stories, Audiobooks & Podcasts Â
Explore a curated selection of databases for eBooks, read-aloud stories, and audiobooks, as well as some of our favourite podcasts, perfect for homeschool parents. Dive into detailed reviews to find the best digital resources and engaging read-alouds that will enrich your homeschooling program. Our expert-reviewed materials span various subjects, providing valuable tools to support and enhance your educational journey. Discover these captivating resources to make learning more engaging.
eBooks & Read-Aloud Stories
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The free Storyline Online website features celebrated actors reading children's books aloud, providing an engaging way for kids to enjoy literature. The site includes videos with accompanying illustrations and lesson plans, making it an excellent resource for both educators and parents looking to foster a love of reading.
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This site offers a collection of original children's stories that are free to read online. The stories are categorized by age group and are designed to promote literacy and a love for reading in young children. The site regularly updates its library with new tales.
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OverDrive / Libby / Sora / Kanopy / Teaching Books
The Overdrive website has several Apps which provide access to a vast digital library of eBooks, audiobooks, and videos through local public libraries. Users can borrow digital content anytime, anywhere, using their library card. This platform supports reading and learning by offering a wide range of genres and educational materials.
Overdrive supports the following apps:
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Libby, by OverDrive, is a user-friendly app that allows users to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their local libraries. The app provides an easy and intuitive way to access digital collections, with features like offline reading and customizable text sizes, enhancing the reading experience for all ages.
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Sora is an educational reading app designed by OverDrive specifically for schools, enabling students to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from their school library's digital collection. It includes tools for note-taking, dictionary lookup, and reading progress tracking, supporting both learning and leisure reading. Homeschoolers who are registered with a local school board may be able to gain access to Sora if their board subscribes.
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Kanopy offers a streaming service with a rich collection of films, documentaries, and educational videos. Accessible through public and academic libraries, Kanopy provides users with high-quality content on a wide range of subjects, making it a valuable resource for students, educators, and lifelong learners.
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TeachingBooks provides multimedia resources to enhance the teaching of children's and young adult books. The platform includes author interviews, lesson plans, and interactive activities, designed to deepen students' understanding and enjoyment of literature. It's an invaluable tool for educators seeking to integrate diverse and engaging literary experiences into their curriculum. Check your local public library to see if they subscribe!
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Open Culture e-Books
Open Culture's free K-12 educational resources provide homeschool parents with an extensive collection of free high-quality educational materials, including online courses, textbooks, and multimedia content. The site covers a broad range of subjects, ensuring comprehensive support for various learning needs and interests. Its user-friendly layout allows easy navigation to find relevant resources quickly. This platform is an excellent tool for enhancing your homeschool curriculum with free, diverse, and credible educational content.
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Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg offers an extensive collection of over 60,000 free eBooks, focusing on classic literature and historical texts, making it an invaluable resource for homeschool parents. The site provides easy access to a wide range of genres and subjects, allowing for a diverse and enriching reading experience. Its user-friendly interface enables quick downloads of eBooks in various formats, compatible with most devices. This platform is excellent for expanding your homeschool library with timeless literary works and educational materials.
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Standard Ebooks
This site provides meticulously formatted, high-quality digital editions of public domain books, enhancing the reading experience with carefully crafted typography and layout. The site offers a wide range of classic literature, all freely available and compatible with various eReaders. Each ebook is proofread and edited to remove errors, ensuring a polished and professional presentation. This platform is ideal for homeschool parents seeking reliable and well-presented literary works for their educational resources.
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Obooko
Obooko offers a diverse collection of free eBooks spanning various genres, making it a valuable resource for homeschool parents seeking to supplement their child's reading material. The site provides both fiction and non-fiction titles suitable for all age groups, ensuring a broad selection for different interests and educational needs. Its user-friendly interface and free membership allow easy access to a wide range of books without any cost. This platform is excellent for enriching your homeschool library with high-quality, accessible literature.
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This site offers a seamless digital borrowing experience, providing access to eBooks and audiobooks through local libraries. Users can browse, borrow, and read or listen to their favorite titles across various devices with an easy-to-use interface. This platform supports offline reading and syncs across devices, making it convenient for readers on the go.
Hoopla Digital
Hoopla provides instant access to a vast collection of eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, TV shows, and comics through public libraries. With no waitlists, users can borrow and enjoy content immediately on their preferred devices. Hoopla also offers offline access, making it a versatile tool for entertainment and learning.
African Storybook offers a vast collection of free, openly licensed picture books aimed at fostering literacy among African children. The platform provides books in multiple African languages, allowing educators and parents to access culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate materials. Additionally, users can search for books in a particular language, create, translate, and adapt stories, promoting engagement and learning across diverse communities.
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Arbordale Publishing's free digital library offers a wide range of interactive eBooks designed to enhance children's learning through engaging stories and educational content. The platform includes features like read-aloud narration, auto page-turning, and interactive quizzes, making it a valuable tool for both educators and parents. The collection covers various subjects, including science, math, and language arts, promoting comprehensive literacy development. With its user-friendly interface and rich educational resources, Arbordale's digital library is an excellent choice for fostering a love of reading and learning in children.​
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The International Children's Digital Library (ICDL)
The ICDL is an online platform that offers a vast collection of children's books from around the world, available in multiple languages. The site aims to promote tolerance and respect for diverse cultures by providing free access to high-quality literature for children. It features a user-friendly interface with various search options, allowing users to find books by age, language, length, and more. ICDL is an excellent resource for educators, parents, and children seeking to explore global literature and foster a love of reading.
Audiobooks
​Pinna is an audio streaming service designed specifically for children, offering a wide range of podcasts, audiobooks, and music to keep young listeners engaged and entertained. It provides high-quality, ad-free content that caters to various interests and age groups, making it an excellent resource for parents seeking educational and entertaining audio options. Additionally, parents can sometimes find discounts for summer listening, enhancing the value of this service during the vacation months. We recommend that you check out their series called "Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest" for an original take on the Grimm's Fairytales!
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Chirp offers discounted audiobooks with no subscription fees, allowing users to purchase and own audiobooks at low prices. The platform features a wide range of genres and regularly updates its selection with new deals. Chirp's user-friendly app makes listening to audiobooks easy and accessible for all.
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This website offers a collection of audiobooks focused on realistic young adult fiction, addressing important themes such as family, friendship, and personal growth. Each audiobook is free and easily accessible through the site, allowing listeners to engage with the series' compelling stories and relatable characters. Stories can also be purchased, if desired. This resource is ideal for students, educators, and anyone interested in powerful, engaging narratives that reflect the challenges and triumphs of adolescence.
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​Open Culture's free K-12 educational resources provide homeschool parents with an extensive collection of free high-quality educational materials, including audiobooks, online courses, textbooks, and multimedia content. The site covers a broad range of subjects, ensuring comprehensive support for various learning needs and interests. Its user-friendly layout allows easy navigation to find relevant resources quickly. This platform is an excellent tool for enhancing your homeschool curriculum with free, diverse, and credible educational content.
Lit2Go is a valuable resource for teachers and homeschool parents, offering free access to a vast collection of literature in audiobook format. The site includes works across various genres and grade levels, complete with supplemental materials like reading passages, student activities, and discussion questions. These resources are ideal for enhancing literacy instruction and providing students with engaging, high-quality audio content. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive offerings, Lit2Go is an excellent tool for enriching language arts education.
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Homeschool Podcasts
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​Honey I'm Homeschooling the Kids
The "Honey, I'm Homeschooling the Kids" podcast offers insightful and supportive content for homeschooling parents and educators. Through interviews with seasoned homeschoolers, educational experts, and thought leaders, the podcast provides practical tips and valuable perspectives on various homeschooling topics. Episodes cover curriculum choices, lifestyle management, and effective teaching strategies, aiding listeners in their homeschooling journey. With its engaging discussions and expert advice, this podcast is an excellent resource for the homeschooling community.
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Kitchen Table Homeschool
​The Kitchen Table Homeschool Podcast provides valuable insights and practical advice for homeschooling families, with a strong focus on academics. Hosts review various curricula, helping parents make informed decisions about their educational resources. Each episode covers strategies for effective teaching, managing homeschool routines, and fostering a love of learning in children. This podcast is an excellent resource for homeschool parents seeking academic guidance and curriculum reviews. The hosts of this podcast have also written a book, entitled How to Homeschool the Kids You Have which offers great advice!
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Home.School.Life
​The Homeschool Life Magazine podcast offers insightful discussions and practical advice for secular homeschooling parents and educators. Each episode features interviews with experienced homeschoolers and experts, covering a range of topics from curriculum choices to managing daily routines. This podcast is a valuable resource for those seeking to enrich their homeschooling experience with expert guidance and community support.
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