I knew this was going to be something special as I began to read the introduction to TruthQuest History: Middle Ages. It is obvious that the author is excited about her subject, history, and enthused about sharing that excitement with others. Best of all, TruthQuest approaches history from a solidly Biblical worldview, using as a point of reference the "two great questions of life: Who is God? and Who, then is Mankind?"

A friend called me a few weeks before the school year was scheduled to start, asking about history resources. She'd been using a curriculum I wanted to know more about, and she was curious about what we'd used the previous year, and what I had planned for the upcoming year, since both of us are drawn to the "living literature" approach. I told her I'd bring over everything I had and we could go over it together, since I'm something of a "collector." (Some people collect figurines, some collect baseball cards; I collect books.) While the children played in the summer sun, we sat down on the floor and spread "history" around us, taking up books and leafing through them, looking at study guides, teachers' guides, activities guides, book lists...

She picked up one of the TruthQuest guides, opened it and began to read. "This looks promising," she said. A moment later she laughed and began to read aloud. I listened in delight.

One thing Frederick Barbarossa did achieve in German lands was the redevelopment of towns. I can imagine what you're saying: "Towns?! Haven't there always been towns?"

Actually, you already know the answer! Just think about what you've learned!

"I thought this was a booklist," I said, taking the book from her. Further investigation showed that, while there are pages upon pages of booklists suited to set any bibliophile drooling, there are also introductory notes written in a conversational style, set to whet the appetite as each booklist is introduced.

The study guide is arranged in chronological order, from the time of the barbarians to the Renaissance, covering such diverse topics as King Arthur and William Tell along the way.

Each section contains a thoughtfully-written and thought-provoking introduction in a conversational style that sets you at ease and seeks to kindle a fire of "interest." Then follows a list of books related to the historical period covered in the section. Books include general resources, histories, activity books, historical fiction, some books labeled "Overview" and others "In-depth study." Many of the books listed have a brief description for the parent's or student's convenience. Looking at the books listed, I saw a number of "old friends," living books that make history, instead of a dull and dusty recitation of dates and facts, a fascinating study of what has gone on before.

In addition to taking in information, students are also encouraged to internalize concepts and express their understanding in their own words through "ThinkWrite" exercises sprinkled throughout the text. One purpose of these exercises is to "focus students on the deepest spiritual issues and consequences." Sample ThinkWrite responses and a resource list are included in the back of the guide for convenience in planning and in using the guide.

Throughout this guide the student is brought back to the precept that history is God's story, and that all we do must be viewed through a lens of Biblical thinking. This focus, along with the use of "living books," makes this a most attractive resource for homeschoolers following the Christian Classical method or the Charlotte Mason method, for example.

If this were a garden, the profusion of blooms might be bewildering until you noticed the careful organization and helpful and informative signposts sprinkled throughout. This is not just a booklist; it is a complete course of study!

The TruthQuest History: Middle Ages is designed for Grades 5-12, but include resources and suggestions for parents of younger students to allow the study of history to be a family affair, spanning a range of ages.

An online discussion group is available. Simply send an email to Historyquesters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

I have always loved reading. I have not always loved history. But just in the last few years, I've found that history can be a fascinating subject when pursued through the medium of living books.

Just the other day, I asked our girls what their favorite subject in school was. (Mine, so long ago now, were reading, and recess!) They all answered enthusiastically that their favorite subject was History.

There must be something to this "living books" approach.