Yes, gifted kids are different, and need their own guidebook in life and school. As you are already aware, they usually work faster, go deeper, and remember more than the average learner. So, how does your smart child learn to adjust to a world that appears, in her eyes, to be too slow, too repetitions, and too “dumb”?

First of all, he or she should get identified as early as possible. You already know he is a bright and shining star, but teachers need to think so as well, to get him the proper attention he needs to begin to fulfill his academic potential, feel happy and productive, and be on the road to making a positive contribution to society. Make sure Johnny is getting the help and recognition he needs and deserves.

So, what else is covered in this book? What survival skills are important? The major sections of the book let you know:

1. On being Gifted includes definitions and identifying criteria beyond IQ testing.

2. Intelligence covers the top 10 questions about intelligence and giftedness.

3. IQ, Tests, and Testing discusses, besides the obvious, when your child is not a good test taker, and 12 tips for better test taking

4. Taking Charge of Your Life includes goal setting, time management, assertiveness, multi-potential, gender/ethnic issues, and more.

5. Taking Charge of Your Education reminds your child to chart her own course, yet be flexible and explore the options.

6. Relationships are crucial to all people, and GATE kids have special needs because they are obviously “unique.”

7. On Being a Teenager covers the difficult years of transition to adulthood, including drugs, sex, death and suicide.  

My favorite feature in this book, written for young adults and parents alike, is the many contributions from gifted kids called, Gifted People Speak Out. This allows you to “hear” the gifted speak out on issues in their own words.

The back of the book contains a Gifted Kids survey to help the authors learn more and improve on an already great book.

In short, this book is a resource that combines just about everything your gifted child needs in one readable volume. It is truly one stop shopping.

David L. Jones, GATE parent