Public school books have elements that some people find to be less than moral. Math books, for example, might mention dice throwing when discussing ratios and statistics. For reading comprehension, there might be stories involving witchcraft.
Homeschool books are likely to include more innocent subjects for examples and story topics, such as character training. In cases where quality homeschool books have included subject matter that was deemed questionable, parents have requested changes, and the publishers have usually granted these changes.
Public school books are usually devoid of Christian themes. You may find a bit of information on Judaism, Hinduism, or other religions, but these are few and far between. Christianity and Christian themes have been stripped from modern-day public school books.
Homeschool books likely include Christian materials. A good portion of homeschooling families are Christian, so they tend to gravitate to books that teach using Christianity as a base and reject books that mention themes such as Greek gods, fairies and ghosts.
Public school science books are based on scientific theory such as evolution. This is rare in homeschool books.
Many homeschool science books are based on creationism; the argument is that the beginning of the world did not start with a big bang but was created by the hands of God. One popular line of science books for homeschoolers includes the "Exploring Creation Through...Zoology, Biology, Chemistry, etc." There is also God's Design science curriculum and Intelligent Design books and DVDs.
Public school books are designed to be taught by teachers. Most public school books come with a teacher's edition that the student's books do not have, so the student will have a difficult time learning from the book without a teacher's help.
Homeschool books are more likely to be more comprehensive with explanations better explained in the text so that a motivated or autodidact student can easily get through the book with minimal instruction. Teaching Textbooks math, for example, comes with video instruction to accompany the math books. The Robinson curriculum is also designed to help students learn all subjects on their own.
When it comes to public school books, instruction is generally one-size-fits-all. The books are typically designed for left-brain students who can process material by listening to a teacher. Students who have other learning styles have a hard time doing well in school.
Homeschool books are designed with different learning styles in mind. For example, some of the math books come with manipulatives for the kinesthetic learner. Science books come with CD-ROMs for auditory learners. There are websites that help you choose which books to buy based on the child's learning style. In addition, many homeschool book companies use placement tests to help parents choose the books that meet the students' level of progress.
Public school books are typically composed of textbooks with optional workbooks. There is no mistaking a public school book.
Not all homeschool books are text books. Homeschoolers use a wide range of books and curriculum materials to teach children. Under the umbrella of homeschooling books or curriculum, you will find textbooks, workbooks, living novels, CD-ROMs, dictionaries, encyclopedias and online texts.