Be honest: what's the first thing you think of when you hear the word homeschooler? I know, I know—probably the Duggars. But how about in books? How often do you see homeschool kids in the books you read? And, if you do see them, how are they portrayed?
As a homeschool parent, my biggest beef with fictional homeschool characters is that, quite simply, they don't feel believable to me. Most fall into three categories: the love child of some hippie, commune-living family; the troubled loner who can't handle the pressures of school and socialization; or the uber-smart child prodigy who needs more than what traditional school can offer. None of those descriptions fit my kids, or the oodles of homeschool kids my family knows. Like a regular school environment, we are a blend of all kinds of people.
We are religious, secular, rich, poor, liberal, conservative. Just like school kids. We are artists, athletes, musicians, poets, gamers, and more. Just like school kids. We have field trips, tests, gym days, extracurriculars, and dances. Just like school kids. We have crushes and fights. Just like school kids. We listen to Nicki Minaj and play on Facebook and—heaven forbid—watch Dance Moms. Just like school kids.
Like other stereotypes, ideas about homeschoolers persist, both in real life and in fiction. The real-world beliefs are disappearing, mostly because homeschooling is becoming more prevalent in mainstream society. But in books? The trend has been slower to change. There are some books out there, especially middle grade offerings. But I'm hungry for more.
Now, just so you know, I didn't set out to create and include homeschool characters in Set in Stone. I knew Valerie would go to school—one of the main settings is her very elite private school—so it wasn't like I thought, “Hey, I need to figure out a way to get a homeschool kid in this book!” But, as the story unfolded and Valerie sought help and Geoff appeared, I just knew he was going to be different. He needed a lifestyle to support being able to help her—in unusual ways. And because his personality was so strong, he needed someone else to balance him. Someone not quite so logical, someone passionate and warm and altogether different from Geoff. Fanchon, his pixie-ish homeschool friend, who knows more about auras and magic than science and SATs.
And, like a lot of her real-life counterparts, Valerie is quick to judge. Quick to dismiss them as different. A little weird.
But as the story progresses and she gets to know Geoff and Fanchon, she realizes what homeschoolers around the world have known all along.
We're just like everyone else. :)
As a homeschool mom—and author—I'm curious: do you buy into the homeschool stereotypes? Do you have homeschoolers in your life whom you call friends?
About the author:
Beth Balmanno is the author of Set in Stone. She has a BA in English from San Diego State University but freely admits she has learned more in the years after college than she ever did in school. When she isn't writing, traveling or serving as her children's chauffeur, she spends her time molding the youth of America -- as an alternative-learning educator and as a leader in scouting and 4-H. World, look out.
You can find out more about Beth Balmanno and how to connect with her on her website.
Set in Stone by Beth BalmannoPublished: February 4, 2012
Fifteen year-old Valerie is used to losing things–she lost her dad to his job ages ago and her best friend moved with no warning...and hasn't been heard from since. During a weekend camping trip with her emotionally distant parents, she stumbles upon a hidden, mysterious stone and she finds herself desperate to keep it, to possess it. Two strange and beautiful boys have other plans, however. They follow her home–Leo, warm and seductive, who covets the stone and will stop at nothing to get it; and Noel, dark-haired and wise, who pledges to protect her and keep her safe.
As she delves deeper into the magic of the stone and the Celtic lore that surrounds it, Valerie realizes that she's losing. Again. But this loss might involve more than a magical stone – this time, she just might lose her heart.
As she delves deeper into the magic of the stone and the Celtic lore that surrounds it, Valerie realizes that she's losing. Again. But this loss might involve more than a magical stone – this time, she just might lose her heart.
