Global Foundations Resource List
These are the books and resources with which we’ve built the Global Foundations course framework. You will notice we’ve selected many secularly published resources (like DK, BBC, Lonely Planet) along with many books from Christian publishers (like YWAM, AIG, ICR). You are in control of your children’s education and have the freedom to choose what information you will use from each resource, or whether to include those resources at all. The structure of Pando is flexible enough that you may add or remove resources at your own discretion. You are in the driver’s seat, we’re just providing the framework.
Required Spine Books for Geography, History, & Science
These books are required to complete the Global Foundations course as it is written.
Optional Draw the World Books for Geography
These books are kind of pricey, but if you can swing it, you’ll hand-draw every country in the world on a map by the end of the year.
Draw Africa by Kristin J. Draeger
Draw Asia Vol 1 by Kristin J. Draeger
Draw Asia Vol 2 by Kristin J. Draeger & Glen Draeger
Draw Europe by Kristin J. Draeger
Draw Canada & Greenland by Kristin J. Draeger
Draw the USA by Kristin J. Draeger
Draw Mexico Central & South America by Kristin J. Draeger
Draw Oceania by Kristin J. Draeger
Draw Antarctica by Kristin J. Draeger
Optional Add-On Books for Geography & Science
These books are not required for the completion of the course, but they’re beautiful, rich resources and I highly recommend them for your home library and to add extra depth to Global Foundations, especially for older students.
Wildlife of the World by DK
Animal Behavior by DK
The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country of the World by Lonely Planet
The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country of the World by Lonely Planet Kids
The Flag Book by Lonely Planet Kids
DK Africa: The Definitive Visual History of a Continent
Required Books for Bible
These are the required books to complete the Bible section of Global Foundations as the course is written. Please note that the Answers Books 4 Teens address some more mature topics, but those topics are not included in the course assignments. Also note that in our homeschool, we include the creation books as part of science, but I am including them here for those that wish the use a more secular approach to science.
Suggested Books for Read Aloud Literature
These are the books listed in Global Foundations as it is written. There is a mix of missionary biographies and historical fiction. You may choose these books or substitute your own choices. You may choose to read some of these and not others. Totally up to what works for your family! These books are meant to be read aloud together as a family.
Lillian Trasher: The Greatest Wonder in Egypt by Janet & Geoff Benge
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
David Livingstone: Africa's Trailblazer by Janet & Geoff Benge
King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry
Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China by Janet & Geoff Benge
Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
George Müller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans by Janet & Geoff Benge
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose by Janet & Geoff Benge
David Bussau: Facing the World Head-On by Janet & Geoff Benge
Suggested Books for Middle School Literature (Grades 6-8)
These are the books listed in Global Foundations as it is written for approximate grade levels 6-8. These are intended for the student to read independently. You may choose these books or substitute your own choices.
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed
Journey to Jo'Burg by Beverley Naidoo
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez
Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson
Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry (*Does mention cannibals & idol worship, but not central to the book's theme or characters)
Suggested Books for Intermediate Literature (Grades 4-5)
These are the books listed in Global Foundations as it is written for approximate grade levels 4-5. These are intended for the student to read independently. You may choose these books or substitute your own choices.
The Lion Who Stole My Arm by Nicola Davies
Journey to Jo'Burg by Beverley Naidoo
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
The Land I Lost by Hutch Quang Nhuong
Snow Treasure by Mari McSwigan
Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry (*Does mention cannibals & idol worship, but not central to the book's theme)
Suggested Books for Primary Literature (Grades 3-4)
These are the books listed in Global Foundations as it is written for approximate grade levels 3-4. These are intended for the student to read independently. You may choose these books or substitute your own choices.
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
The Adventure Globe by Sarah Lorimer DeSanti
The Story of Jane Goodall by Susan B. Katz
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptol
The Adventure Globe: The Asia Escapade by Sarah Lorimer DeSanti
The Library Bus by Bahram Rahman
The Story of Malala Yousafzai by Joan Marie Galat
Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins
Two Bicycles in Beijing by Teresa Robeson
The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren
The Adventure Globe: Secrets of Europe by Sarah Lorimer DeSanti
Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco
Journey by Emma Bland Smith
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina
I Escaped the Saltwater Crocodile by Juliet Fry & Scott Peters
Suggested Streaming Platforms for use throughout course
The course (as it is written) suggests several online video resources including YouTube videos, nature documentaries, and films. These are the streaming platforms referenced in the course, but are not required for course completion.
Used frequently for BBC nature documentaries
Used sparingly for optional shows & films
Used sparingly for documentaries and films
Used frequently for supplemental learning videos
Optional supplies that enhance the experience
You will need a 1.5-inch notebook/binder for the year. Additional needs like art supplies, ingredients for recipes, lab supplies, etc are also listed in the platform throughout the year. But these are a few optional supplies that can make your year a little richer, if desired.