The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn

I web-stalked as many of this kids as possible (they're all a few years older than I am, and their experiences unschooling before the rise of the internet seem almost quaint). This book is about unschooling, not homeschooling with a curriculum.

From gaining admission to an Ivy League institution without taking the SAT to crafting a simple life centered on writing and gardening, they tell where life has taken them and where they have taken life, and offer hindsight and advice for others choosing to learn outside of school. Now those eleven homeschoolers have grown up and engaged the territory of adulthood, college, and career and the new edition of Real Lives includes updates from all of them.

Vallie answered questions at a marine science center Tabitha answered the phone at a crisis line, and helped midwives at births. Amanda performed with a violin quintet and worked through the mail with her writing mentor. Ayanna kept pace with 50 pen-pals mostly in Africa while Kevin talked with people all over the world on his ham radio. Anne tended honeybees and plucked a bluegrass banjo. Rebecca worked at homeless shelters and, through Habitat for Humanity, built houses for people in need. Patrick, who hoped someday to design video games, had spent the past few years compiling portfolios of his writing and artwork. Jeremiah and his sister Serena published a newsletter on peace issues. Kyla flew to South America in September of what would have been her senior year alone, except for her mountain bike. Erin's favorite teacher was her horse Nick, blind in one eye. The new edition is loaded with updated resource sections, a thoughtful new introduction, and refreshed text throughout.In 1993, eleven homeschooled teenagers described their lives in rich detail, and Real Lives quickly became a homeschooling classic. Devoted fans of the Handbook include not only teenagers and college students but also thousands of parents, teachers, young adult librarians, school counselors, and college professors. It tackles everything from why to consider self-directed education, to communicating with reluctant parents, to “getting a social life without proms,” to designing a “tailor-made intellectual extravaganza” and getting into college, to finding great mentors, apprenticeships, and volunteer positions. The Teenage Liberation Handbook is (still) the only complete guide to unschooling written for youth. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or want to connect with the author. Thank you so very much for your interest in The Teenage Liberation Handbook!

The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn