Dangerous and Daring Books

"The Dangerous Book for Boys" was conceived by brothers Conn and Hal Iggulden, who aimed to revive a world filled with adventure, away from digital screens. The book revisits timeless skills and knowledge, aiming to foster a sense of adventure and curiosity. Following its success, "The Daring Book for Girls" was created by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz, focusing on empowering girls through practical skills and historical insights. Both books have been highly successful, receiving numerous accolades including the 2007 Galaxy British Book Awards for "The Dangerous Book for Boys"​ (Wikipedia)​.

Differentiation These books distinguish themselves by blending educational content with adventure, teaching practical skills through activities that engage children in hands-on, experiential learning. "The Dangerous Book for Boys" includes activities like building go-carts, while "The Daring Book for Girls" covers topics such as playing basketball and learning about influential women. This approach not only educates but also instills a sense of resilience and independence​ (Wikipedia)​​ (BookBrowse.com)​.

How to Get Started Parents and educators can integrate these books into their curriculum by using them as supplements for hands-on activities related to broader educational themes. They offer flexibility, allowing users to choose activities that fit their educational goals, making them a valuable resource for fostering practical skills alongside academic learning.

Educational Content and Foreign Languages

What Users Love These books are praised for their effective blend of practical knowledge and engaging activities. They are seen as tools that revive traditional play and learning, providing a balance to the prevalent digital-focused education methods today​ (BookBrowse.com)​.

Areas for Improvement Critiques suggest that both books could benefit from incorporating more diverse perspectives and updating some content to reflect modern, globalized skill sets. Additionally, moving towards a less gendered approach could broaden their appeal​ (BookBrowse.com)​.

Ideal Fit These books are perfect for homeschoolers who value a blend of academic and practical education. They are particularly suited for those who prefer active, hands-on learning and have a keen interest in broadening their practical skills through engaging, adventure-filled activities​ (BookBrowse.com)​.

Non-Ideal Fit They might not suit learners who prefer a strictly traditional academic focus or those who are more inclined towards digital learning tools rather than physical, active learning. The gender-specific titles and content may also deter some who are looking for a more inclusive approach​ (BookBrowse.com)​.

Comparison Between the Two Books "The Dangerous Book for Boys" focuses on traditional outdoor and building activities, while "The Daring Book for Girls" is more centered on empowerment through historical knowledge and a wide range of skills, from sports to crafts.

Grades Suitable for children aged 8 and above, these books cater to a wide age range by offering a variety of activities that can be adapted to different skill levels.

Cost and Availability Priced between $12 to $25, these books are accessible through various retailers, including online platforms and bookstores worldwide, making them an affordable option for many families​ (HarperCollins Canada)​.

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Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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