When I first started out on my homeschooling journey, a well-seasoned, experienced, and generous homeschool mom met with me at a local park to tell me about her experience (she also brought along a bag full of resources that she freely bestowed on me!) She stated that there are three books that she returns to at the beginning of every school year for guidance and encouragement. I have kept these three books by my side over the last ten years as well, and yes, they provide me with renewed direction and affirmation of this educational choice whenever I turn to them at the end of summer:
The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer