Despite the sixteen-word title, this 265-page book is not a long-winded academic treatise on the gifted. The authors could have called it simply “Being there for Gifted Kids,” because that is what the book is really about. This book contains an amazing amount of information and is written primarily for GATE teachers; the book has dozens of suggestions on how to understand, teach -- council and coach gifted students at all grade levels.

I will go out on a limb here and say, “If you only read one book this year on teaching gifted kids, make it this one.” Practical, knowledgeable and friendly are words I would use to describe this very readable teacher’s reference guide and idea machine for interacting with gifted children. (My 13 year-old daughter even picked up this book and read it one weekend of her own volition.)

I especially liked the group discussion topics the book contained to help gifted children express their frustrations with being gifted. The chapter titles quickly summarize the contents and give an inviting sneak preview: What is Giftedness? Identifying Gifted Kids, Emotional Dimensions of Giftedness; Being a Gifted Teacher, and so forth. My personal favorite is Chapter 6, Underachiever or Selective Consumer. This chapter puts forth the premise that your underachievers may be gifted kids who select only those subjects that interest them. I highly recommend this book to all GATE teachers and parents.  

Reviewed by David L. Jones, GATE parent