Book Review: Asia, It's People and History by Bonnie Rose Hudson

It's not often a curriculum moves you. To tears, to prayer, to action. However, "Asia, It's People and History by Bonnie Rose Hudson" just happens to be one of those. From the very first story, I was hooked. By the second story I was ugly crying. In fact, I read it cover to cover in my first sitting with it. And my children are mesmerized.

Although written for ages 8 to 12, it really fits well for families. Broken down to be a 16 week course studying 6 countries, this unit study is easily adapted to expand or condense to meet your families needs.  I enjoyed the story sections and used them as read-alongs for the whole family. They captured us, connected us to the people of these countries, yet weren't so long that the littles got restless.

Our family especially enjoyed the links to Voice of the Martyrs, and connecting further ways to pray for people around the world. As a homeschool parent, I found the history sections to be a great way to continue learning, as well as using the Activities for each section. But I think what was most enjoyable, and altering, were the discussion questions at the end of each part. After feeling so connected to the people in the stories, and then asking questions that make it so real to you, you cannot walk away without DOING something. Questions like, "Have you ever felt like no one cares about you? What made you feel that way? What helped you remember how much God-and many other people-care about you?". Or even "How would you feel it you had to move away because your neighbors didn't want you to love Jesus?"

I encourage you, homeschooling family or not, to prayerfully consider this book. It is a wonderful way for you as a family to set your hearts and minds on brothers and sisters around the world who are in need of our prayers and our actions.