Best Workbooks for Homeschooling (2026): 5 Books Compared
Five homeschooling workbooks compared by grade level, subject coverage and page count, from preschool readiness puzzles to comprehensive first grade and math practice.
On this page
When planning a homeschool year or supplementing daily instruction, the best workbooks for homeschooling give students structured, age-appropriate practice across core subjects. We compared five workbooks by grade level, page count, publication date and subject coverage, evaluating both multi-subject volumes and single-subject math workbooks. Whether teaching a preschooler early letters or helping an elementary student master multiplication, choosing the right workbook keeps daily lessons focused and engaging.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall Brain Quest Grade 1 by Workman: 320 pages across multiple subjects with coding, sticker map, and question deck Check price
- Best for Preschool Preschool Big Fun by Highlights: 256 pages of puzzles and games covering early letters, numbers, and shapes Check price
- Best for 3rd Grade Math IXL 3rd Grade Math by IXL: 224 pages covering multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry Check price
- Best for 2nd Grade Math IXL 2nd Grade Math by IXL: 224 pages covering addition within 1000, place value, time, and money Check price
- Best with Answer Key First Grade Big Workbook by Gold Stars: 320 pages of first grade reading and math practice with an answer key included Check price
Compare the picks
| Book | Shelf Score | Pages | Reading age or grade | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brain Quest Grade 1 by Workman | 9.3/10 | 320 | Grade 1 – 2, age 5 – 6 | May 9, 2023 |
| Preschool Big Fun by Highlights | 8.9/10 | 256 | Preschool – Kindergarten, age 3 – 4 | April 4, 2017 |
| IXL 3rd Grade Math by IXL | 8.5/10 | 224 | Grade 3 and up, age 8 – 9 | December 1, 2019 |
| IXL 2nd Grade Math by IXL | 8.3/10 | 224 | Grade 2 and up, age 7 – 8 | December 1, 2019 |
| First Grade Big Workbook by Gold Stars | 7.7/10 | 320 | Age 5 – 6 (listing lists ages 3 – 5) | October 15, 2019 |
Book details as published on each listing, collected 15 October 2026.
The picks
| # | Product | Shelf Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Brain Quest Grade 1 by Workman | 9.3/10 | Buy |
| 2 |  Preschool Big Fun by Highlights | 8.9/10 | Buy |
| 3 |  IXL 3rd Grade Math by IXL | 8.5/10 | Buy |
| 4 |  IXL 2nd Grade Math by IXL | 8.3/10 | Buy |
| 5 |  First Grade Big Workbook by Gold Stars | 7.7/10 | Buy |
Brain Quest Grade 1 by Workman
A multi-subject first grade workbook with 320 pages covering phonics, math, science, maps and coding basics.
Pros
- Covers multiple subjects including phonics, spelling, vocabulary, time, money, maps and science
- Includes a technology section introducing computer science, coding and logic concepts
- Features a progress sticker map with stickers, a completion certificate and a mini question deck
- Provides 320 pages aligned with national and state standards
Cons
- The listing gives a reading age of 5 to 6 years, marked as from customers, which is young for first and second grade
- Part of a series of 8 books, marked as Book 3 of 8
- The listing does not state whether a separate answer key is bound at the back
- At 320 pages, it is thick and heavy for a small child to hold flat without a table
Detailed Review
The description presents an all-in-one first grade workbook covering phonics, spelling, vocabulary, time, money, maps, science, and a newer technology section for early coding and logic. The listing gives a print length of 320 pages, grade level 1 to 2, and a publication date of May 9, 2023. It notes the book is Book 3 of 8 in the Brain Quest Workbook series, and gives a reading age of 5 to 6 years, marked as from customers.
Who it's for: a first grade homeschool student who needs a comprehensive curriculum workbook covering multiple subjects in one volume. Who should skip it: a family looking only for single-subject intensive drills, or a child who struggles with dense, multi-topic workbooks.
Its Shelf Score of 9.3/10 comes from fit 33/35, contents and edition 24/25, value 22/25 and reading age or level 9/10.
Book Details
| Publisher | Workman Kids |
|---|---|
| Author | Workman Publishing |
| Print length | 320 pages |
| Grade level | 1 - 2 |
| Published | May 9, 2023 |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. Grade level 1 to 2 and a reading age of 5 to 6 years, marked as from customers, so reading age or level scores 9 of 10. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Check the grade and the answer key. Workbook levels differ between publishers. Confirm the grade level and whether answers are included in the book or sold separately.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
Preschool Big Fun by Highlights
A 256-page preschool workbook blending puzzle-based play with early language arts, math and fine motor skills.
Pros
- Over 250 practice games and puzzles including hidden pictures, mazes and dot-to-dot activities
- Builds core early skills in letters, sight words, handwriting, numbers, counting and shapes
- Includes parent tips, a Certificate of Achievement and links to online learning activities
- 256 colorful pages designed for preschool and kindergarten readiness
Cons
- Published April 4, 2017, making it an older edition than others in this list
- The listing gives a reading age of 3 to 4 years, marked as from customers
- Focuses on preschool and early kindergarten readiness rather than elementary grades
- The listing does not state whether it includes an answer key
Detailed Review
The maker describes a puzzle-based preschool workbook that teaches uppercase and lowercase letters, sight words, counting, patterns, shapes, colors and sequencing through mazes and matching games. The listing gives a print length of 256 pages, grade level Preschool to Kindergarten, and a publication date of April 4, 2017. The listing gives a reading age of 3 to 4 years, marked as from customers.
Who it's for: parents beginning homeschool preschool who want gentle, play-based skill building before formal kindergarten work. Who should skip it: a child who has already mastered letter formation and basic counting, or anyone seeking upper-grade academic instruction.
Its Shelf Score of 8.9/10 comes from fit 32/35, contents and edition 21/25, value 22/25 and reading age or level 9/10.
Book Details
| Publisher | Highlights Learning |
|---|---|
| Author | Highlights Learning |
| Print length | 256 pages |
| Grade level | Preschool - Kindergarten |
| Published | April 4, 2017 |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. Grade level Preschool to Kindergarten and a reading age of 3 to 4 years, marked as from customers, so reading age or level scores 9 of 10. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Check the grade and the answer key. Workbook levels differ between publishers. Confirm the grade level and whether answers are included in the book or sold separately.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
IXL 3rd Grade Math by IXL
A 224-page math workbook dedicated to third grade skills including multiplication, division, fractions and geometry.
Pros
- Extensive coverage of multi-digit arithmetic, multiplication, division, fractions and word problems
- Covers measurement, geometry, perimeter, area, graphing and formal math vocabulary terms
- Printed on 60 lb smooth paper sized at 8.5 in x 10.875 in for durable writing
- Pairs workbook practice with optional online practice through the IXL website or mobile app
Cons
- Math only, leaving out reading, language arts, science and social studies
- Spec table contains a contradiction, stating Grade 2 and ages 7 to 8 instead of third grade
- Published December 1, 2019, without a stated newer edition
- The listing gives a reading age of 8 to 9 years, marked as from customers
Detailed Review
The maker describes a targeted third grade math workbook covering multi-digit operations, multiplication and division fact families, fraction concepts, measurement, perimeter, area and data charts. The listing gives a print length of 224 pages, grade level 3 and up, and a publication date of December 1, 2019. The listing gives a reading age of 8 to 9 years, marked as from customers, but the spec table mistakenly lists Grade 2 skills and ages 7 to 8 despite the third grade title.
Who it's for: a third grade homeschooler who needs systematic math practice and clear topic-by-topic progression. Who should skip it: a family seeking an all-in-one workbook that covers reading and science alongside math.
Its Shelf Score of 8.5/10 comes from fit 29/35, contents and edition 21/25, value 21/25 and reading age or level 9/10.
Book Details
| Publisher | IXL Learning, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Author | IXL Learning |
| Print length | 224 pages |
| Grade level | 3 and up |
| Published | December 1, 2019 |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. Grade level 3 and up and a reading age of 8 to 9 years, marked as from customers, so reading age or level scores 9 of 10. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Check the grade and the answer key. Workbook levels differ between publishers. Confirm the grade level and whether answers are included in the book or sold separately.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
IXL 2nd Grade Math by IXL
A 224-page second grade math workbook focused on addition and subtraction within 1000, place value, time and money.
Pros
- Covers addition and subtraction within 1000, place value, skip counting and problem solving
- Includes measurement with rulers, elapsed time on analog clocks, coins and dollar bills
- Features geometry exercises on shapes, angles, cubes and introductory equal fraction parts
- Printed on 60 lb smooth paper measuring 8.5 in x 10.875 in for pencil work
Cons
- Covers only mathematics and does not include language arts or other subjects
- Spec table contains an internal contradiction, listing Grade 1 skills and ages 6 to 7
- Published December 1, 2019, with no newer edition listed
- The listing gives a reading age of 7 to 8 years, marked as from customers
Detailed Review
The maker describes a second grade math workbook covering multi-digit addition and subtraction, place value, elapsed time, money, measurement, graphing and introductory geometry. The listing gives a print length of 224 pages, grade level 2 and up, and a publication date of December 1, 2019. The listing gives a reading age of 7 to 8 years, marked as from customers, although the spec table incorrectly mentions Grade 1 skills and ages 6 to 7.
Who it's for: a second grader needing structured, page-by-page math practice to build computational accuracy and number sense. Who should skip it: families wanting a single workbook to serve as a complete multi-subject curriculum.
Its Shelf Score of 8.3/10 comes from fit 28/35, contents and edition 21/25, value 21/25 and reading age or level 9/10.
Book Details
| Publisher | IXL Learning, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Author | IXL Learning |
| Print length | 224 pages |
| Grade level | 2 and up |
| Published | December 1, 2019 |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. Grade level 2 and up and a reading age of 7 to 8 years, marked as from customers, so reading age or level scores 9 of 10. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Check the grade and the answer key. Workbook levels differ between publishers. Confirm the grade level and whether answers are included in the book or sold separately.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
First Grade Big Workbook by Gold Stars
A 320-page first grade workbook with over 220 activities across phonics, reading, math, time and measurement.
Pros
- Includes more than 220 colorful activities spanning phonics, spelling, reading, math and time
- Provides an answer key at the back of the book for quick lesson checking
- Features parent tips and tricks notes to help guide each homeschool lesson
- Provides 320 pages of progressive skill exercises across language arts and math
Cons
- Spec table contains a contradiction, listing ages 3 to 5 while the title specifies ages 6 to 7
- The listing gives a reading age of 5 to 6 years, marked as from customers
- Spec table lists publisher as Lodi Publishing while the author is given as Gold Stars
- Published October 15, 2019, and the listing does not state whether content is updated
Detailed Review
The description outlines a first grade workbook combining phonics, spelling, reading, language arts, math problems, space, measurement and time with progressive exercises. The listing gives a print length of 320 pages and a publication date of October 15, 2019, and notes an answer key at the back. However, the listing shows clear internal contradictions, giving a customer reading age of 5 to 6 years and a spec table age of 3 to 5 years against a title specified for ages 6 to 7.
Who it's for: a first grade homeschooler who wants a mix of reading and math practice with an included answer key for parent grading. Who should skip it: parents seeking an error-free product listing, or families needing a subject-specific workbook.
Its Shelf Score of 7.7/10 comes from fit 27/35, contents and edition 20/25, value 21/25 and reading age or level 5/10.
Book Details
| Publisher | Lodi Publishing |
|---|---|
| Author | Gold Stars |
| Print length | 320 pages |
| Activities | 220+ |
| Published | October 15, 2019 |
Details as published on the retailer listing, collected 15 October 2026. Editions and formats change; check the listing before you buy.
Reading Age and Edition
What this listing states. Reading age of 5 to 6 years, marked as from customers; spec table lists ages 3 to 5 while title specifies ages 6 to 7, so reading age or level scores 5 of 10. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not part of the score. See How We Pick.
Check the grade and the answer key. Workbook levels differ between publishers. Confirm the grade level and whether answers are included in the book or sold separately.
Listed reading ages and grade levels are a guide, not advice about a particular reader. Editions and formats change, so check the listing before you buy. See our Reading Age Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How we scored them
The Shelf Score weighs fit for homeschool instruction, contents and edition, value, and the listed grade level or reading age where one is given. All five listings publish a customer-marked reading age, and four explicitly list a grade level in their specifications. Page counts range from 224 to 320 pages, and titles with recent revisions or broad multi-subject coverage score higher on contents. How we pick explains the weights.
| Book | Shelf Score | Fit /35 | Contents /25 | Value /25 | Age/level /10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brain Quest Grade 1 by Workman | 9.3 | 33 | 24 | 22 | 9 |
| Preschool Big Fun by Highlights | 8.9 | 32 | 21 | 22 | 9 |
| IXL 3rd Grade Math by IXL | 8.5 | 29 | 21 | 21 | 9 |
| IXL 2nd Grade Math by IXL | 8.3 | 28 | 21 | 21 | 9 |
| First Grade Big Workbook by Gold Stars | 7.7 | 27 | 20 | 21 | 5 |
Scores run from 0 to 10. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.
How to choose the best workbooks for homeschooling
All-in-one curriculum or single-subject focus
A major choice in homeschooling is whether to use a comprehensive multi-subject workbook or separate books for each topic. The Brain Quest Grade 1 workbook covers phonics, spelling, vocabulary, time, money, maps, science and coding across 320 pages, making it a complete core review. Similarly, the Gold Stars First Grade Big Workbook combines English, math and science in 320 pages. In contrast, the IXL series focuses solely on mathematics, providing 224 pages dedicated to topics like multi-digit operations and fractions. For families building a broader home program, explore our homeschool curriculum guide to decide whether an all-in-one volume or subject-specific workbooks fit your routine.
Check grade levels and reading ages
Listing details can sometimes disagree, so homeschool parents should verify both grade recommendations and customer ages before buying. For example, the IXL 3rd Grade Math Workbook specifies grade 3 and up with a customer-listed reading age of 8 to 9 years, yet its spec table mistakenly references Grade 2 skills. Similarly, the Gold Stars First Grade workbook lists ages 6 to 7 in its title but ages 3 to 5 in its specifications. When early handwriting or phonics is the primary goal, comparing dedicated handwriting workbooks can ensure fine motor drills match your student’s developmental stage.
Page counts and subject practice
| Workbook | Pages | Primary Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Brain Quest Grade 1 | 320 | Language arts, math, science, maps, coding |
| Highlights Preschool Big Fun | 256 | Letters, numbers, shapes, colors, puzzles |
| IXL 3rd Grade Math | 224 | Multi-digit math, fractions, geometry |
| IXL 2nd Grade Math | 224 | Addition within 1000, place value, time, money |
| Gold Stars First Grade | 320 | Phonics, reading, math, measurement, time |
A 320-page book like Brain Quest or Gold Stars offers enough material for an entire school year of daily warm-ups. If your child already reads fluently but needs intensive computation practice, a 224-page focused workbook like IXL delivers deeper single-discipline practice. See our guide to math workbooks for more dedicated practice options.
Before you buy
- Check whether an answer key is included: the Gold Stars First Grade Big Workbook states it includes an answer key at the back, while other listings do not specify.
- Confirm the publication date: the Brain Quest Grade 1 workbook is a revised edition published May 9, 2023, while the Highlights Preschool workbook was published April 4, 2017.
- Verify grade levels against spec table discrepancies: both IXL listings contain spec table descriptions that cite a lower grade level than their cover titles.
- Inspect customer-marked reading ages: all five listings cite reading ages marked as from customers rather than publisher declarations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which workbook covers the most subjects for first grade homeschooling?
The Brain Quest Grade 1 Revised Edition covers phonics, spelling, vocabulary, time, money, maps, science and coding across 320 pages. It also includes stickers, a progress map and a mini question deck to support daily lessons.
Do these homeschooling workbooks include an answer key?
The listing for the Gold Stars First Grade Big Workbook states that an answer key is included at the back of the book alongside parent tips. The listings for Brain Quest, Highlights and IXL do not state whether an answer key is bound into the volume.
What age group does the Highlights Preschool Big Fun Workbook suit?
The listing gives grade level Preschool to Kindergarten and a reading age of 3 to 4 years, marked as from customers. It features 256 pages with over 250 practice games and puzzles designed for school readiness.
Can IXL math workbooks replace a full homeschool curriculum?
IXL workbooks provide 224 pages dedicated exclusively to mathematics, such as multi-digit arithmetic and fractions. They serve as thorough math practice but do not cover reading, writing, science or social studies.
Related lists
See every Homeschool Curriculum list and all Workbooks and Homeschool lists. Also see our best history books for homeschool. Also see our best homeschool books for preschool.
More lists: browse reading and phonics workbooks, math workbooks, and our best workbook for handwriting guide.
