annegirl,
As kiddos get older, the amount of material covered definitely grows, hence the additional literature as scheduled in "Preparing...". So, we will continue with that level of study in additional guides. Once the kiddos can read their own books, it is also easier to schedule more readings, which is why the there are additional book packages scheduled in "Preparing...".
In our future guides, the literature read-alouds may or may not all match the history. We are still deciding on that. The students will definitely have their scheduled readings as well. I do have a plan in mind, but it often changes as I write, so I can't tell you for sure right now.
You can be sure that the literature scheduled in our future guides will be of excellent quality, be carefully selected with purpose, and will use living books. I wish I could give you a clearer answer, but that's the best I can do at this point!
Blessings,
Carrie