Book+Reviews


 * Book Review (Required for students contracting for an A)** :
 * For this assignment, you may work with a partner or independently. Select a high quality book related to the psychology of gifted, talented, and creative children. Choose a book that has meaning and interest to you. Summarize the main ideas in the book. What do you think are the most important ideas to share with the class in order to further our learning? If the book deals with a specific theory such as aesthetic theories of education, explain how the author makes his/her case for the merits of the theory or ideas presented. Analyze how the book complements or opposes your thoughts on gifted education. Explain how you will internalize your learning and use it to help you succeed as an educator. The review should be no more than three pages. Be prepared to present your review on  **August 1, 2009**.**

In addition to the books that NAGC offers through its [|online store], there are dozens of high quality books that you might be interested in. The book summaries provided here are from a wide range of resources for parents, teachers, counselors, and educators. We include publisher and ISBN information so that you may obtain a copy from your library or bookstore. By Carol Ann Tomlinson & Kristina Doubet Audience : Middle Level Educators Summary : Tomlinson and Doubet present a comprehensive look into the educational needs of Middle Schoolers. The text begins with a discussion of the nature of these students and offers advice on creating positive classroom environments. Offered next are models of curriculum delivery filled with instructional strategies grounded in theory and research. The book concludes with presentations of authentic scenarios and a chapter answering some of the most commonly asked questions. Chock full of resources, innovative ideas, and vibrant testimonials, __SMART In The Middle Grades__ is a must for any educator, new or veteran, that works with students in the middle grades. Using this book: a practical resource which addresses the educational, curricular, and intellectual needs of middle level students of high ability and high potential. // NMSA (2006)  // Softcover/136 pages ISBN: 1-556090-195-0 By Judy Galbraith & Jim Delisle Audience: Parents, educators, counselors, gifted coordinators Summary: Galbraith and Delisle address the social and emotional needs of gifted children in When Gifted Kids Don't Have All the Answers. This book goes beyond meeting the academic needs of gifted children and examines the unique social and emotional issues that sometimes come from being gifted. Specific topics include what is giftedness, identification of gifted children, emotional dimensions, the "gifted" teacher, understanding gifted kids, underachievement, and gifted friendly classrooms. Galbraith and Delisle go one step further by providing exercises on reproducible pages in order to gain a better understanding of topics discussed. They also offer advice, strategies, activities, guided discussions, and additional resources. Using this book: a resource to help meet the social and emotional needs of gifted students. // Free Spirit Publishing (2002)  // Softcover/277 pages ISBN: 1-57542-107-0 By Joan Franklin Smutny, Sally Yahnke Walker, and Elizabeth A. Meckstroth Audience: Gifted coordinators, regular classroom teachers Summary: Smutny, Walker, and Meckstroth have specifically written this book for regular classroom teachers of young gifted students ages 4-9. Topics include identifying giftedness in young learners, creating environments supportive of all students, presenting curriculum in innovative ways, evaluating products in authentic ways in conjunction with standardized instruments. Also provided are ways to compact curriculum in specific subject areas such as math, science, language arts, and social studies. The authors close with practical examples, references, and extensive resource section expressly aimed at young gifted learners. Using this book: A resource to address the academic needs of young gifted students in the regular classroom. // Free Spirit Publishing (1997) //  Softcover/230 pages ISBN: 1-57542-017-1
 * Possibilities (from NAGC website): **
 * //[|SMART in the Middle Grades Classrooms That Work for Bright Middle Schoolers] //**
 * [|//When Gifted Kids Don't Have All The Answers//]**
 * //[|Teaching Young Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom] //**

Frances A. Karnes & Suzanne M. Bean (Eds.) Audience: Parents, educators, counselors, gifted coordinators Summary: Leading researchers and practitioners in the field of gifted education extend their expertise, encompassing a wide-range of topics. Topics include varied characteristics of gifted students, learning environments, curricular models, including differentiated curricula for gifted learners, critical thinking skills, product development, program evaluation, creative thinking, independent study, research skills, social and emotional needs, leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and networking. Using this book: A comprehensive resource for higher education professionals; a practical guide for gifted coordinators and teachers serving gifted and talented learners' academic needs. // Prufrock Press (2004) //  Hardcover/734 pages ISBN: 1-59363-022-0 By Diane Booth & Julian C. Stanley (Eds.) Audience: Higher education professionals, gifted educators Summary: This collection of manuscripts takes direct aim at encouraging the identification of a more diverse population of gifted and talented students. Race, gender, and socioeconomic status and their impact on the current lack of diversity are also taken into consideration. Topics include identification of diverse populations, curricular and pedagogical modifications, counseling strategies, and addressing social and emotional issues. Written by some of the most important scholars in the field, such as Donna Y. Ford, Joseph Renzulli, Sally Reis, Joyce VanTassel-Baska, and Robert Sternberg, this book begins a dialogue in hopes of increasing the sensitivity to the needs of special populations. Using this book: A text used to explore diversity issues in gifted education. // Prufrock Press (2004) //  Softcover/323 pages ISBN: 1-59363-004-2 By Nicholas Colangelo & Gary A. Davis (Eds.) Audience: Parents, educators, counselors, gifted coordinators Summary: A quintessential collection of topics central to the field of gifted education from contributors such as Abraham J. Tannenbaum, Joseph Renzulli, Robert J. Sternberg, James Kulik, Miraca U. M. Gross, Barbara Kerr, and Jim Delisle. Research and practical applications address issues such as conceptions and identifications of giftedness, instructional models and practices, creativity, thinking skills, and eminence, psychological and counseling issues, populations of giftedness, and special subtopics to the field. Questions are also provided at the end of each chapter to facilitate discussion in a seminar or classroom setting. This is reference text that belongs on the shelf of all gifted education professionals. Using this book: A course text for university professionals containing a comprehensive collection of topics in the field of gifted education; a reference book for gifted coordinators and teaching professionals covering many of the most pertinent topics in the field of gifted education. // Allyn & Bacon (2003)  // Hardcover/622 pages ISBN: 0-205-34063-6 By Ted George Goertzel & Ariel M. W. Hansen Audience: Parents, educators, counselors, gifted coordinators Summary: Cradles of Eminence is a revision of the 1962 classic by Victor and Mildred Goertzel, which studied the childhoods of 400 eminent men and women. The 2nd edition updated by Ted Goertzel and Ariel Hansen includes 300 additional biographical sketches of eminent persons that emerged during the later half of the twentieth century. Book chapters such as "Homes that Respect Learning and Achievement," "Opinionated Parents," "Troubled Homes," and "Early Agonies" recognize similar life experiences of the eminent. The chapters also provide insight into the early lives and development of these gifted individuals. This publication is not only fascinating but can also be used as a bibliotherapy tool when working with gifted youngsters. Using this book: A resource to explore the development and lives of eminent individuals. // Great Potential Press (2004) //  Softcover/456 pages ISBN: 0-91707-57-X By Nathan Levy & Janet Pica Audience: Parents, educators, children Summary: A classic, originally published in 1982, Levy and Pica through poetry offer an alternative way to explain giftedness. Jan Edwards vivid abstract pictures add to the portrayal of giftedness and how gifted children and adults see the world differently. Using this book: A resource to address giftedness in the form of poetry. // N. L. Associates (2002)  // Softcover/30 pages ISBN: 1-878347-49-7 By James Borland (Ed.) Audience: Higher education professionals, gifted education professionals Summary: A timely and needed critical examination of the field gifted education written by some of the most prominent researchers in the field. Commentary on the current state of gifted education encourages debate, dialogue, and discussion amongst those in and outside the field. Borland divides the book into three sections. "Reconceptualization of Giftedness" speaks to the actual construct of giftedness. "Gifted Education and Equity" addresses the ideas of equity versus excellence and in the inability of the field to serve a population more representative of the country as a whole. And the final section, "Practice of Gifted Education -Identification, Curriculum, and Programming" seeks to answer questions of identification instrumentation and the best practices for gifted learners. This text challenges professionals in the field to rethink their own views and policies on gifted education. Using this book: A collection of pieces written by experts in the field of gifted education to critically examine the current state of the field. // Teachers College Press (2003) //  Hardcover/293 pages ISBN: 0-8077-4303-6 By Susan K. Johnsen (Ed.) Audience: Teachers, administrators, counselors, gifted coordinators Summary: This practical guide for practitioners in the field of gifted education aids in the identification and service of gifted and talented students. In an effort to identify a more diverse population, special attention is given to the use of multiple methods. This includes qualitative and quantitative assessments such as standardized measures (e.g. intelligence, aptitude, and achievement tests), interviews, portfolios, and observations. A particularly useful tool is the review of technical qualities of over 40 tests. Understanding and knowing a test's technical qualities helps in choosing a test that best matches a district's student population. Statistical tools and checklists are also provided to help ensure correct placement decisions. A section is also devoted to evaluation of current identification procedures. Using this book: A guide to serving and identifying gifted and talented students. // Prufrock Press (2004) //  Softcover/163 pages ISBN: 1-59363-003-4 By Susan Winebrenner Audience: Gifted coordinators, regular classroom teachers Summary: This perennial book offers regular classroom teachers field tested strategies and techniques to serve gifted and talented students in the regular classroom. Winebrenner discusses a variety of strategies for teachers in order to adapt and plan work for gifted and talented learners. These strategies include compacting, extending activities, planning curriculum, grouping, and working with parents. To support these approaches, reproducible handouts are provided to guide teachers in curriculum planning and development. Using this book: A resource for classroom teachers and gifted coordinators to address the academic needs of gifted students in the regular classroom. // Free Spirit Publishing (2001) //  Softcover/243 pages ISBN: 1-57542-089-9 By Karen B. Rogers Audience: Teachers, administrators, counselors, gifted coordinators Summary: Based on an analysis of a centuries worth of research, Rogers presents information in an easily understood format on the following topics, types of giftedness, gifts versus talents, assessment measures, parental guidance, acceleration, enrichment, group learning, independent study, education plans, working with schools, monitoring progress, and outside of school options. Parents and teachers are also given practical tools to develop and maintain programs that best meet the needs of bright students. Using this book: A guide to matching identification and services to gifted and talented students. // Great Potential Press (2002) //  Softcover/504 pages ISBN: 0-910707-46-4 By Thomas S. Greenspoon Audience: Parents, counselors Summary: Perfectionism as a group of personality characteristics can affect one person in a family and at the same time affect the family as a whole. Greenspoon offers a definition of perfectionism, how perfectionism can evolve, the culture of perfectionism, and when is appropriate to seek professional help. An entire section is devoted to dealing with perfectionism within a family including acceptance, power struggles, empathy, and family dynamics. When not dealt with properly, perfectionism can hamper a person's capabilities and this book is a tool to combat its sometimes crippling behaviors. Using this book: A resource to investigating perfectionism and finding help to coping with its behavioral manifestations. // Free Spirit Publishing (2002)  // Softcover/115 pages ISBN: 1-57542-103-8 By Tracy L. Cross Audience: Parents, educators, counselors, gifted coordinators Summary: This book, which is a collection of Tracy Cross' work originally published in //Gifted Child Today//, presents the complex array of issues gifted children encounter and ways in which teachers, parents, and other adults can help guide and support their development. Specific topics include the myths about gifted and talented students, coping strategies, advocacy, suicide awareness and prevention, bullying, communication, and relationship building. A comprehensive resource and reference section is also provided for those living both in the United States and Canada. Using this book: A resource to help meet the social and emotional needs of gifted students. // Prufrock Press (2006) //  Softcover/183 pages ISBN: 1-59363-157-X By Nathan Levy, Amy Burke, & Emily Fisher Audience: Parents, educators Summary: 180 activities designed to stretch the minds and creative thinking of children and adults. Questions include "What would happened if time stopped today?", "Who is person who sets a good example for you?", and "What would you rather be a pencil or an eraser?" Prompts are designed to get individuals to think in exceptional and creative ways. Teachers may use the prompts to begin essays. Or families may use them as a springboard for discussions. The variety of prompts appeal to a wide range of interests and age levels. Using this book: a tool to jump start creative thinking. // N. L. Associates (2004)  // Softcover/185 pages ISBN: 1-818347-58-6 By Douglas Block & Jon Merritt Audience: Parents, teachers, educators Summary: Bloch and Merritt teach parents the techniques and principles of positive talk or affirmations to a child. This is a self-help or reference guide aimed at teaching adults to speak more affirmatively to the children in their lives, children to speak more affirmatively to themselves, children to speak more affirmatively to their peers, and adults to themselves. Experiential and classroom exercises move the theory in to practice. Topics such as self-esteem, emotional well-being, developmental stages, and special needs are also addressed. Suggested readings and resources are provided to continue the affirmative self-talk in a variety of situations and emotional states. Using this book: to better communicate and affirm one's child. // Free Spirit Publishing (2003)  // Softcover/355 pages ISBN: 1-57542-127-5 By Laurie Steding Audience : Parents, counselors Summary: //Bright Kids Who Can’t Learn// is a beginning guide or reference tool for parents of bright children with ADD who are struggling in school. Steding addresses key issues including initial signs of ADD, definitions, evaluations, and alternative treatments. Further advice is given for children who have been formally diagnosed on familial relationships, schooling, behavior management, medications, and strategies to help your child succeed in various environments. A reference section provides contact information for support organizations and a list of suggested readings. Using this book: a resource to understanding ADD and giftedness. //Vital Public Information (1999)// Softcover/96 pages ISBN: 60480 22015
 * //[|Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted (2nd Ed.)] //**
 * //[|In the Eyes of the Beholder: Critical Issues for Diversity in Gifted Education] //**
 * //[|Handbook of Gifted Education] //**
 * //[|Cradles of Eminence (2nd Ed.)] //**
 * //[|There are Those] //**
 * //[|Rethinking Gifted Education] //**
 * //[|Identifying Gifted Students: A Practical Guide] //**
 * //[|Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom] //**
 * //[|Re-forming Gifted Education] //**
 * //[|Freeing Our Families from Perfectionism] //**
 * //[|On The Social And Emotional Lives Of Gifted Kids: Understanding And Guiding Their Development (3rd Ed.)] //**
 * //[|Creativity Day-By-Day (Stimulating Activities For Kids And Adults)] //**
 * //[|The Power of Positive Talk] //**
 * //[|Bright Kids Who Can’t Learn] //**

By Elaine Hightower & Betsy Riley Audience : Parents Summary: This workbook is designed to initiate family meetings in order to increase communication and engage in goal setting, problem solving, planning, and sharing of concerns and accomplishments. Specific issues to effect change as a family goal range from friendship to tolerance. The flexible layout of the book allows parents to choose topics in the book according to the each individual family’s needs. The planners also provide space for note taking, menu planning, and scheduling appointments and activities. Using this book: a tool toward starting meaningful conversations geared toward addressing real life issues. //Free Spirit Publishing (2002)// Softcover/129 pages ISBN: 1-57542-120-8 By Judy Galbraith Audience : Parents Summary: A primer written in easily understood language for those parents looking to navigate the world of a gifted child. It could be considered a launching pad from which to pursue topics more in depth. Galbraith explains giftedness through the characteristics that gifted children most exhibit. These characteristics include high verbal ability, curiosity, creativity, high energy, sensitivity, sense of humor, and problem solving. A resource guide is also provided including additional readings and support organizations. Using this book: a resource to initial understanding of giftedness // Free Spirit Publishing (2000)  // Softcover/119 pages ISBN: 1-57542-076-7 ©2008 National Association of Gifted Children All rights reserved. Amen, Daniel G. 2008. // Magnificent Mind at Any Age //. New York, NY: Harmony Books. Costa, Arthur L. & Kallick, Bena. 2008. // Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind //. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Covey, Stephen R. 2008. // The Leader in Me //. New York, NY: Free Press. Dweck, Carol S. 2006. // Mindset //. New York, NY: Ballantine Books. Gladwell, Malcom. 2008. // Outliers //. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. Johnston, Peter H. 2004. Choice Words. Portland, MA: Stenhouse Publishers. Kohn, Alfie. 1999. The Schools Our Children Deserve. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. Maxwell, John C. 2008. // Leadership Gold //. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. Senge, Peter M. 2006. // The Fifth Discipline //. New York, NY: Doubleday.
 * [|//Our Family Meeting Book//]**
 * [|//You Know When Your Child Is Gifted When. . .//]**
 * Additional Possibilities: **