Homesteading Books We Recommend
Whether you’re dreaming about starting a homestead or have been living this life for decades, one of the best ways to learn and stay inspired is through quality homesteading books. These books allow us to gain wisdom from those who’ve gone before us.
At Homesteaders of America, we’re blessed to be surrounded by a community of authors, educators, and doers who not only talk the talk but live the life they teach about. Many of them have poured their knowledge into books that help you cultivate a thriving, intentional homestead.
Here are some of our favorite homesteading books written by HOA staff, speakers, and sponsors.
Homesteading Books from the HOA Community
The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion | Amy Fewell
Founder of Homesteaders of America and lifelong homesteader, Amy Fewell has a gift for connecting faith, family, and farming in a way that’s both inspiring and practical.
Amy’s first book has become a staple in many homestead libraries. It’s a deep dive into growing, preserving, and using herbs for both people and livestock. You’ll learn how to create tinctures, teas, salves, and more.
The Homesteader’s Natural Chicken Keeping Handbook | Amy Fewell
For those raising (or wanting to raise) chickens naturally, this guide is pure gold. Amy covers everything from chick care and coop design to herbal health remedies and predator protection, blending science and old-fashioned common sense.
The Farm Girl’s Guide to Preserving the Harvest | Ann Accetta-Scott
Known for her practical teaching style and wisdom rooted in experience, Ann Accetta-Scott of A Farm Girl in the Making helps modern homesteaders preserve the harvest and live more seasonally.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by canning, fermenting, dehydrating, or freezing, Ann’s book breaks it all down in approachable, step-by-step detail.
Homestead Tsunami: Good for Country Critters and Kids | Joel Salatin
Few names are as synonymous with modern homesteading as Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm. His words challenge, inspire, and equip.
In his latest book, Joel explores the growing movement of families returning to the land. It’s not a how-to; it’s a “why-to,” looking into the cultural and spiritual impact of homesteading in today’s world.
Joel’s earlier books (You Can Farm, Polyface Micro, and Salad Bar Beef) are also invaluable for practical homestead wisdom.
The Heart of the Homestead | RuthAnn Zimmerman
RuthAnn Zimmerman is known for her heart-centered approach to homemaking and faith-filled family life.
In her debut book, RuthAnn encourages readers to build homes and families rooted in simplicity, stewardship, and grace. It’s part devotional, part homestead handbook.
The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep | Rachel Hester
From Whoopsy Daisy Farm, Rachel Hester brings a fresh perspective to homestead dairy and multi-purpose animals.
Rachel’s book (and her HOA podcast episode) makes a strong case for adding sheep to your homestead. She shares practical guidance for milking, breeding, and using every part of your flock with intention.
The Independent Farmstead | Shawn and Beth Dougherty
If you’ve ever wondered what it means to truly live off the land, Shawn and Beth Dougherty are the ones to learn from. Their farm, The Sow’s Ear, in Ohio is a model of low-input, high-resilience homesteading.
This book is a masterclass in regenerative, sustainable farming. The Doughertys share how they manage pasture-based livestock, restore soil health, and create a diversified, self-sufficient system.
Natural Dyes on Wool | Janet Garman
A fiber farmer, shepherd, and teacher, Janet Garman of Timber Creek Farm has long been a voice in sustainable livestock care and homestead craftsmanship.
Janet teaches the lost art of natural dyeing with plants. Her beautiful work encourages us to view every element of the homestead as connected, from pasture to yarn to handmade goods.
50 Do-It-Yourself Projects for Keeping Goats: Fencing, Milking Stands, First Aid Kit, Play Structures, and More! | Janet Garman
And 50 Do-It-Yourself Projects for Keeping Chickens: Chicken Coops, Brooders, Runs, Swings, Dust Baths, and More!
These companion books are filled with hands-on ideas for improving your barnyard setup—from building feeders to crafting enrichment projects for your animals.
Keeping Sheep and Other Fiber Animals | Janet Garman
This book covers everything from selecting breeds to shearing, spinning, and managing pastures. It’s perfect for anyone interested in fiber arts or small livestock that serve a dual purpose.
The Tiny But Mighty Farm | Jill Ragan
This book walks readers through building a profitable, community-oriented microfarm. Jill shares how to grow abundantly on a small footprint, market your produce, and maintain joy and balance along the way.
Bee Kept- With Wild and Free Honey Bees | Adam Martin
Adam Martin invites readers into the fascinating world of wild bee stewardship. Rather than focusing on modern commercial beekeeping, Bee Kept focused on a hands-off, natural approach that honors the honey bee’s instincts and rhythms. This book blends practical advice with heartfelt philosophy, encouraging homesteaders to protect and coexist with these vital pollinators.
Mountain Medicine: The Herbal Remedies of Tommie Bass | Darryl Patton
In this book, herbalist Darryl Patton shares the wisdom of his mentor, Tommie Bass, a legendary folk healer from the Southern Appalachians. Through storytelling and detailed plant profiles, Mountain Medicine preserves a way of life steeped in tradition and self-reliance.
Journey Back to Health | Kim Fuhrmann
Kim Fuhrmann shares her personal path to healing through real food, holistic living, and faith-based renewal. Journey Back to Health is part memoir, part manual; a story of overcoming chronic illness through nutrition, natural remedies, and intentional living.
The Warrior Poet Way | John Lovell
In The Warrior Poet Way, John Lovell calls readers to a life of courage, humility, and purpose. With his signature balance of grit and grace, Lovell, a former Army Ranger and founder of the Warrior Poet Society, explores what it means to be both protector and servant. This book is perfect for men who long to lead their families and communities with strength grounded in faith.
Boyhood Resurrected | Rebekah Lovell
Written by John Lovell’s wife, Rebekah, Boyhood Resurrected offers a powerful reflection on raising boys into honorable, grounded men in today’s culture. Through stories, Scripture, and personal insight, Rebekah encourages mothers to nurture their sons’ God-given masculinity while guiding them toward kindness, purpose, and self-control.
The Frugal Homesteader | John Moody
A practical guide to building a thriving homestead without breaking the bank, The Frugal Homesteader is packed with real-world tips from John Moody’s own experience. Readers will find creative, budget-friendly ways to start projects, reuse materials, and make do with what they have.
The Elderberry Book | John Moody
In this in-depth guide, John Moody explores every facet of the elderberry, from wild foraging to homemade syrups and remedies. Backed by research and rooted in practicality, The Elderberry Book helps readers harness the plant’s powerful health benefits while learning sustainable ways to grow and preserve it.
The Rooted Life | Justin Rhodes
Homesteader and filmmaker Justin Rhodes shares his family’s journey from burnout to abundance through the simple act of growing food. The Rooted Life blends storytelling, practical gardening wisdom, and faith-filled encouragement for those seeking a slower, more intentional way of living.
The Manbook: A Point-by-Point Guide to Sucking It Up and Getting the Job Done | Nick Freitas
Direct, bold, and deeply grounded in traditional values, The Manbook (coming in April 2026) is a call to responsibility and resilience. Nick Freitas challenges men to embrace hard work, discipline, and moral clarity in a world that often discourages them from doing so.
Soaping Clean with Dairy and Fats from the Homestead | Wendy Hartman
Wendy Hartman brings the art of traditional soapmaking back to the farmhouse kitchen. Soaping Clean teaches readers how to use raw milk, tallow, and other homestead fats to create nourishing, natural soaps free from harsh chemicals and full of goodness. From recipes to troubleshooting tips, this is a beautiful, practical resource for makers who value resourcefulness and old-fashioned craftsmanship.
The Art of Clabber | Katya Luniova
Katya Luniova revives a nearly lost art in The Art of Clabber, guiding readers through the process of fermenting raw milk into this rich, probiotic staple. With clear instructions and cultural insight, she connects modern homesteaders to a timeless practice that promotes health, flavor, and self-sufficiency.
Herding on the Homestead: Start Where You Are | Jordyn Kelly
This book is a practical, encouraging guide for homesteaders who want to introduce herding dogs into their lifestyle. It walks you through choosing the right breed, foundational training steps, and how to integrate the dog with your livestock and daily routines.
Other Valuable Homesteading Books
While the books above come directly from the HOA community, every homesteader’s shelf should also include a few timeless classics that have inspired generations:
- The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery: The ultimate reference book for nearly every self-reliant skill imaginable.
- Storey’s Guides: Practical, straightforward manuals for everything from raising rabbits to making cheese.
Tips for Building Your Homestead Library
Start small. Choose one or two books that speak to your current season. Maybe that’s learning herbal medicine, raising chickens, or growing food on a quarter acre. As you grow, your library can grow with you.
And remember: books are more than reference material. They’re encouragement when the tomatoes fail, wisdom when the goat gets loose, and companionship during those long, quiet winter nights.
The authors above are more than writers; they’re part of the same community that makes Homesteaders of America what it is: a family of people learning, growing, and sharing the hard work and joy of self-sufficiency.
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