Books on Giftedness

Books I Recommend for Indigo Parents
This is my list on Amazon. If you click here and then buy any on my list you're also making a donation to Metagifted at no extra charge to you.

The Gifted Kids Survival Guide : A Teen Handbook
y Judy Galbraith, James R. Delisle, Pamela Espeland (Editor), Jim Delisle
published October 1996
"Written with help from hundreds of gifted teenagers, The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide is the ultimate guide to surviving and thriving in a world that doesn't always value, support, or understand high ability. Full of surprising facts, step-by-step strategies, and practical how-tos, and inspiring quotations, featuring insightful essays contributed by gifted young people and adults, The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide gives the gifted young reader the tools needed to understand their giftedness, accept it as an asset, and use it to make the most of who and what they are. Of special value is the section on dealing with a troubled gifted youngster contemplating suicide, how to be "net smart" and have safe, fun online relations, and how to handle teen angst." (from Midwest Book Review) I have used the book for children ages 10 and under by the same authors and I think it is incredibly good. I imagine this would be just as useful.


The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide for Ages Ten & Under
by Judy Galbraith, Pamela Espeland, Albert Molnar (Illustrator)
published November 1998
"First published in 1984, newly revised and updated, this book has helped countless young gifted children realize they're not alone and being smart, talented and creative is a bonus--not a burden. It answers their questions about why they think and learn the way they do, and what "giftedness" and IQ really mean, and how to handle high expectations." (book Synopsis) "Examines the problems of gifted and talented students and explains how they can make the best use of their educational opportunities, get along better with parents and friends, and better understand themselves." (Card catalog description) This book helps gifted children learn to understand and accept themselves. I highly recommend it!


The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids : How to Understand, Live With, and Stick Up for Your Gifted Child
by Sally Yahnke Walker, Susan K. Perry
published March 1991
I highly recommend this one, too. It gives good information about gifted children and suggestions on working with them.


Managing the Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted: A Teacher's Survival Guideby Connie C. Schmitz, Judy Galbraith
published February 1985
Characteristics of gifted children are explained as well as emotional and social needs of gifted students. Particularly good for new teachers of the gifted who may be unfamiliar with the particular needs of these students.


Bringing Out the Best : A Resource Guide for Parents of Young Gifted Children
by Jacquelyn Saunders & Pamela Espeland
published Feb. 1991
A must read according to several reader reviews. Includes both research based information and anecdotal info. Extensive resource and further reading list.



Guiding the Gifted Child : A Practical Source for Parents and Teachers
by James T. Webb, Elizabeth A. Meckstroth, Stephanie S. Tolan (Contributor), published March 1989
Mixed reviews - the negative ones say it is alarmist and talks about problems of gifted children. I have this and have found it useful, but it's a bit boring. I think it is important to be aware of the dangers of not supporting a child's talents.


You Know Your Child Is Gifted When... :: A Beginner's Guide to Life on the Bright Side
by Judy Galbraith, Ken Vinton (Illustrator), Pamela Espeland (Editor)
published June 1000
From the publisher - Free Spirit Publishing - "Got a Young Harry Potter? Every child does and says things that are surprising to parents and teachers. But some kids are clearly bright. They demonstrate an understanding for concepts beyond their years. They're nimble with numbers or are whizzes at putting things together (as well as taking them apart). Welcome to life with a gifted child. Five percent of today's kids are gifted. Think of them as young Harry Potters: smart, curious, imaginative, and ready to be challenged. Author Judy Galbraith, a leader in gifted education, has gathered the wisdom of educators, researchers, parents, and kids in this easy-to-use "beginner's guide to life on the bright side." Full of useful information, from jargon-free explanations of current concepts and theories, to hands-on tips for coping with school, teachers, and testing, this is the perfect book for parents who suspect their child is gifted and who want to help their gifted child shine!" A reader reviewer on Amazon disliked it because it only talks about kids identified as gifted in preschool or earlier. It is probably good to help with early identification.


Helping Gifted Children Soar : A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers
by Carol A. Strip, Gretchen Hirsch (Contributor)
published October 2000
Highly recommended by parents.





Gifted Grownups: The Mixed Blessings of Extraordinary Potential
by Marylou Kelly Streznewski, published March 1999
"The shelves are full of advice on nurturing gifted kids, but Streznewski is alone in addressing, for the general reader, what happens to those kids after high school. Writer-educator Streznewski interviewed a highly diverse collection of 100 gifted adults to see what her own gifted children--and her --> --students--would face in the "real world." The author chose many --> --interviewees according to informal criteria for giftedness that she developed as a teacher: curiosity and energy, speed, sensitivity, heightened perception, sophistication and humor, and some acceptance of the reality that one is "different." After defining giftedness, Streznewski examines old and new research on the nature of intelligence and other gifts and explores ways gifted people hide their talents. Other topics include special challenges within families, at school, as young adults, and in seeking challenging work; the plight of gifted dropouts and criminals; and how giftedness affects relationships, roles available to women, and the capacity of seniors to continue to contribute. Thanks to Streznewski's generous quotations from her interviewees, it is an involving study." by Mary Carroll of Booklist


The Indigo Children : The New Kids Have Arrived
by Lee Carroll and Jan Tober, published May 1999
Essays by many sources about the Indigo Children. Have you heard about the Indigo Children? This is very interesting and IMPORTANT information for parents of gifted children! This is THE main book on Indigo Children. Most Indigos are gifted children - and that's why it's in this section.





Perfectionism: What's Bad About Being Too Good
by Miriam Adderholt-Elliott and Jan Goldberg
(re)published in July 1999
Is your child a perfectionist? Is he panicking about getting an A-? This is an outstanding reference for parents who think their bright child should be getting all A's and can't understand why they are procrastinating on doing assignments or are very nervous about tests. This will give you effective ways of helping your child. This is my favorite book on the topic of perfectionism that I have read so far. I highly recommend this one!! When I was first in graduate school (1990 - so this must be a republication) and extremely perfectionistic myself, this little book helped me IMMENSELY to overcome the intensity and tone it down to where I could accept myself. I learned to prioritize and put the appropriate amount of effort into things. The book presents it in a fun and understandable way - so much that they list this book as a children's book - Well, I think it would be good for any readers.


The Gifted & Talented Question & Answer:For Ages 4-6 (Gifted and Talented Series)
by Susan Amerikaner, Larry Nolte (Illustrator), published November 1995
A children's book. I don't have any information about this one.