Side-by-side comparison
BookShark vs Build Your Library
A side-by-side from BookShark and Build Your Library.
BookShark and Build Your Library are the two leading secular literature-based homeschool curricula — a small and valuable category. Families searching this comparison are usually secular, interfaith, or worldview-neutral homeschoolers who want a book-rich Charlotte Mason or literature-based approach without religious content, and they're trying to figure out which of the two real options on the market fits their family.
BookShark launched in 2014 as the secular spinoff of Sonlight, using the same Instructor's Guide format with religious content stripped out. Coverage is K through 8 across nine levels (A–I). All-Subject Packages run $500–$1,045 per level and include the full set of trade books, the Instructor's Guide, and coordinated science and language arts. The format is parent-led with significant read-aloud time and structured daily lesson plans. Book selections emphasize diverse perspectives and world cultures. The community is smaller than Sonlight's but active. The largest limitation: no high school program — families transition out after Level I.
Build Your Library, by Emily Cook (co-founder of SEA Homeschoolers), follows a historical timeline across Levels 1–6 (cycling ancient to modern over six years), with Level 0 for kindergarten and extending through Level 12 for high school. Charlotte Mason methods — narration, copywork, dictation, and living books — are the philosophical backbone. The teacher's guide PDFs are remarkably affordable at $30–$60 per level, but you'll spend $300–$600 per year on the required reading list books (library access reduces this significantly). BYL does not include math, spelling, grammar, or phonics — families pair with Math Mammoth, IEW, All About Spelling, etc.
The honest difference: BookShark sells you a curated package with books included. Build Your Library sells you the plan and you source the books.
At a glance
The specifics
| BookShark | Build Your Library | |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | BookShark | Build Your Library |
| Established | 2014 | 2012 |
| Price | $500–$1045/year | $30–$60/grade |
| Grades | K–2, 3–5, 6–8 | PreK, K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12 |
| Subject | Language Arts, Science, History, Full Program | Language Arts, Science, History |
| Method | Literature Based | Charlotte Mason, Literature Based |
| Format | Print, Digital | |
| Worldview | Secular | Secular |
The verdict
How to choose
Choose BookShark if you want a complete package with books shipped to your door, you don't want to track down 30+ titles per year, your child is K–8, or you value the integrated science and language arts components. The convenience is real and the package savings are about 20% versus buying parts separately.
Choose Build Your Library if budget matters and you have library access, you want flexibility in book sourcing, your child is in high school (BYL extends; BookShark doesn't), or you appreciate the historical-timeline cycle. BYL is also the better fit for purist Charlotte Mason families because the method is implemented more thoroughly. Either choice puts you in the small club of secular literature-based homeschoolers — both are legitimate options in an otherwise thin category.
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