Some of My Best Friends Are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers (3rd edition)

This book is divided up into two parts. The first is a roughly 200 page introduction to giftedness which is great but not at all helpful in finding books for a gifted child.The second part of the book is an annotated collection of books that talks about different emotional development needs that gifted kids might have an books that might help that.What is completely missing and should be the primary focus of any book on this subject is how to find books appropriate for gifted readers. Most of the high school level books listed are middle school level for gifted kids. There is a huge differentiation in gifted children depending on if they have an IQ of 120 or 160+. Saying that a given book is good for gifted kids it’s like saying a given book is good for all of humanity. I’m sure it’s a good book but when looking for a recommendation on a specific sub population that’s not what I want.I am looking for a collection of books that would be good for children of different intellectual abilities based on common emotional development for a child of that age.For example Matilda, which is not listed anywhere in this book, is good for gifted children. Matilda is a book written for about a sixth grade audience but has an emotional level, being a story about a five-year-old, for a much younger audience. Additionally the girl in the story is gifted her self.I appreciate the work the author did but I believe she fails to understand the great differences between children in the gifted community and a collection of books that may have themes that help a gift a child is not what I’m looking for. I’m looking for a collection of books that would actually appeal to gifted children and help inspire them towards learning. This is not it.

This book has a wealth of information for educators of gifted students and school librarians (as well as public librarians). Though the first two parts are only 74 pages, there is a lot of condensed and easily digestible information and background knowledge in these portions. As a school librarian, I was a bit afraid that these two portions would outweigh the bibliography portion, but I was wrong. The information provided is in brief parts that really hits the important details without going on too much about them. I found myself placing over 15 sticky notes through the first two parts of the book for important notes. I highly recommend this book for those with an interest in selecting reading material for gifted students of all ages. The book often breaks out the subject matter based on age level, especially helpful since reading development and recommendations change so much as kids grow. The bibliography doesn't have the brand newest materials as it's bibliography was created in 2009, but the recommendations are all solid choices and provide a description of the books, some guiding questions, and moral discussions to accompany each title. Well worth the investment and will become a referenced book on my shelf.

I originally checked this book out from the library and probably would not have done more than that as a parent of a g/t student. It offers a reasonable list of books for g/t students. However as a g/t specialist, I bought this book because I will be using the information it provides as a reasource for my career. I like that the lists are leveled which so many are not. On the parents side...I wrote down some suggestions for my son's teacher as I was not well versed in young adult literature and she was welcoming of another reasource. I gave it four stars as it was a five star for me, but, as a parent, the average shopper, it would not be as appreciated on the same level.

I was really just wanting the list of books in the latter chapters. BUT, I read it. Shocking, I know! I think this is a valuable book for any parent, gifted child or not. Why? Because it encourages parents, or any supportive adult, to help their child dig deeper and develop on a level that isn't necessarily required in the classroom setting. The book demonstrates appropriate ways to ask questions, encourage emotional and intellectual growth, build groups, and touches on bibliotherapy as well. This is a very simplified view, just know that as a parent of a gifted child I spend a large amount of time wondering what to even do with her to keep her busy. This book helped me feel like I am moving in a good direction.

Well written, easy to read, backed by science and personal experience. Teaches how to use stories to facilitate non threatening discussions about a child’s difficult emotions and other challenges. Great resource whether the children you love are gifted or not. Has specific book suggestions from youth through High School.

I found the psychology portions of this book the most helpful. Prior to reading this book, I thought we were failing our son because he seemed to need so much alone time. Now I realize he needs this time to process his thoughts and unwind. Once we relaxed and let him do his own thing, his confidence soared and he is now spending more time with friends and enjoying his peer group.I haven't found the bibliography of books to be very helpful yet, but will definitely look to it for help when an issue arises.Great guide for how to navigate the waters with a child that is driven by academia, not sports. I highly recommend it.

Great book if you struggle to find good quality books that are age appropriate for your gifted child. There are books listed I would never have known about or found that were great for my child. I have shared this book with several friends with gifted children and have even bought a second copy for a close friend. Well worth it.

It is wonderful to find a book that helps you guide your child - ANY child, gifted or not - to exceptional reading material. I loved the books it recommended for my 4 yr old - we picked up several of them at the library and some here on Amazon. The book also pointed out what the exceptional qualities for each book were, so that you could have a better discussion about the book with your child. It was worth the money, since it gives recommendations for ALL ages of child and I will reference it as he grows older.

Excellent book, ideal to help and better know gifted children's needs !