best books on gifted education

5 Books Every Gifted Program Educator Should Read

Table of Contents

I love to learn through reading books and so over the course of my 22-year career in education, I have read lots of them; many are books for student success – some good, some bad, and some that are so important that everyone should be reading them.

There are some general education books that fall under this category, such as “Most Likely to Succeed” by Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith, “The Courage to Teach” by Parker Palmer, or “Mindset” by Carol Dweck. What follows are the 5 books that not only educated me, they enlightened me to a whole different way of thinking about gifted education.

Books for Student Success: And Still We Rise – Miles Corwin

Even though this book is over 20 years old, it still remains very powerful and relevant. It follows the journey of 12 inner-city gifted students and how they must contend with much more than just grades and school. I cannot tell you how many times my heart broke while reading this book, knowing that the only way for these students to have a better life was to stay in school, but dealing with issues that your average person is not burdened with. It really gives you a glimpse into the lives of smart kids who, because of the environment they live in, are not provided the same opportunities as others.

Books for Student Success: The Overachievers – Alexandra Robbins

This book follow five high school students who are considered “overachievers”. These students who have been given the gift of learning, struggle because of issues that plague many students such as underachievement, overbearing parents, perfectionism, or peers.

This is a great book for educators to read to remind them of what it is like to be in the shoes of a student. The pressure they put on themselves, the pressure from parents, and the pressure from school amounts to a lot of stress and anxiety for this generation of learners. This is also a good book to recommend to parents of gifted to help them gain a perspective of what it is like to be a high achieving student in today’s school.

Books for Student Success: Dumbing Down America – James Delisle

Delisle has written over 20 books on gifted education. More importantly, unlike some university academics who write about how to best teach gifted children without actually teaching gifted children, Mr. Delisle has always made an effort to work with gifted children as well as preparing teachers of gifted at the university level. This book is his treatise about gifted education and how he has spent a lifetime supporting this special group of children.

The central message is that there need to be advocates for gifted education and how we cannot let districts dismantle their programming at the risk of not allowing these children to reach their potential. It is surprisingly easy for districts to overlook this population of students due to focusing on problems they deem more pertinent. This book seeks to show you how to shine the spotlight on these students so that they are not forgotten.

Books for Student Success: Grit – Angela Duckworth

Not necessarily specific to gifted students, but its message has great resonance for that group of children. Gifted kids are born with the ability to achieve at a high level, but this does not necessarily mean they are going to have the perseverance to use this when things get tough.

In fact, in all of her research, Angela Duckworth has discovered what those who work with gifted have known for a long time; that a bright child who works hard will often go farther than a gifted kid who tries to get by on his smarts and not his effort.

What is important about this book is that Duckworth provides strategies for how to overcome this lack of grit that can be used with your gifted students. This is a powerful tool to develop with them so that when students meet a challenge, and they will, they have the coping mechanisms for pushing past and succeeding.

Books for Student Success: The Smartest Kids in the World: and How They Got that Way – Amanda Ripley

This book follows three American students who decide to get their education overseas, one going to Finland, one South Korea, and a third Poland. You get a real perspective on the global community students in today’s day and age are contending with. You are no longer competing with people from your town or even state for a good job; you may be going up against young adults from all over the globe.

One message that seemed clear to me was that no matter how different the schools in these different countries are, the problems the students face are pretty much universal. It is also interesting that some of these countries, such as Finland were not that successful a couple of decades ago, made changes to their educational systems to elicit reform. This means educational philosophies need to change if we expect success to follow suit.

How These Books Impact Student Success

If it were up to me, I would have every teacher, not just gifted ones, read these five books. The reason being that colleges and teacher training programs spend little to no time on how to work with this special population of students. More important is that these books humanize these students so that they are not just a type of kid, but you actually see them for what they are, which is kids.

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Todd Stanley is the author of several education books including Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students and Performance-Based Assessment for 21st-Century Skills, both for Prufrock Press.

Additionally, he wrote a series of workbooks for them entitled  10 Performance-Based Projects for the ELA / Math /Science Classroom. He wrote  Creating Life-Long Learners  with Corwin Press and is a regular contributor of blogs to Corwin Connect which can be accessed at  https://corwin-connect.com/author/toddstanley/ .

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Introduction to Gifted Education

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Now in its Second Edition, Introduction to Gifted Education presents a well-researched yet accessible introduction to gifted education, focusing on equity and supporting diverse learners. Inclusive in nature, this essential text is filled with varied perspectives and approaches to the critical topics and issues affecting gifted education.

Chapters cover topics such as gifted education standards, social-emotional needs, cognitive development, diverse learners, identification, programming options, creativity, professional development, and curriculum. The book provides a comprehensive look at each topic, including an overview of big ideas, its history, and a thorough discussion to help those new to the field gain a better understanding of gifted students and strategies to address their needs.

Filled with rich resources to engage readers in their own learning, Introduction to Gifted Education, Second Edition is the definitive textbook for courses introducing teachers to gifted education.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter | 2  pages, introduction, part section i | 77  pages, getting started, chapter chapter 1 | 13  pages, conceptual frameworks in gifted education as the foundation for services, chapter chapter 2 | 15  pages, history of gifted education, chapter chapter 3 | 23  pages, standards in gifted education, chapter chapter 4 | 21  pages, characteristics of gifted learners, part section ii | 32  pages, the gifted learner, chapter chapter 5 | 13  pages, social and emotional development, chapter chapter 6 | 16  pages, development of children with superior cognitive abilities, part section iii | 86  pages, the basics for advanced learning, chapter chapter 7 | 17  pages, best practices in gifted identification, chapter chapter 8 | 17  pages, transforming potential into exceptional achievement, chapter chapter 9 | 18  pages, assessment for gifted students, chapter chapter 10 | 13  pages, designing the learning environment for gifted students, chapter chapter 11 | 16  pages, the learning environment at home, part section iv | 88  pages, programming for advanced learning and talent development, chapter chapter 12 | 26  pages, chapter chapter 13 | 15  pages, acceleration, chapter chapter 14 | 23  pages, effective differentiation for continuous progress, chapter chapter 15 | 20  pages, talent development as a framework for the delivery of services to gifted children, part section v | 150  pages, diversity of learners, chapter chapter 16 | 11  pages, chapter chapter 17 | 22  pages, understanding underachievement, chapter chapter 18 | 20  pages, margins no more, chapter chapter 19 | 24  pages, students with gifts, creativity, and talents from low-income families, chapter chapter 20 | 17  pages, the interplay between geography and giftedness, chapter chapter 21 | 17  pages, resisting the void, chapter chapter 22 | 17  pages, multilingual learners with high academic potential, chapter chapter 23 | 16  pages, meeting the needs of students who are twice-exceptional, part section vi | 45  pages, improving services for gifted learners, chapter chapter 24 | 18  pages, professional learning, chapter chapter 25 | 16  pages, policy in gifted education, chapter chapter 26 | 9  pages.

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Discover 100 Books for Gifted Learners

Books for gifted children, their parents, and educators.

When I really began to embrace the fact that I have a child with gifted, talented and advanced learning abilities, I began researching. I didn’t always understand or find exactly what I was looking for but over time I began to have a general understanding of gifted education.

Books for Gifted Parenting

Books for gifted educators/homeschool parents, books for gifted twice exceptional (2e), books for gifted children, non-fiction, books for gifted learning, language arts.

There you have it 100 books for gifted learners. Young Man and I have read or used many of these but we are just getting started so I can’t say that I’ve used them all. However all of them are from publishers I trust or are recommended by pillars in the gifted education community. I hope you find just what you need for gifted homeschooling success.

This post is a part of the iHomeschool Network 100 Things Link Up . 

This post is part of the iHN Massive Guide to Homeschool Reading Lists .

7 Replies to “ Discover 100 Books for Gifted Learners ”

Thanks Marie-Claire. I found quite a few kids books I didn’t know about. My son and I are currently reading The Mysterious Benedict Society and are loving it.

What a great list of resources for those of us with gifted children!

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Gifted Education Books from Prufrock Press

Helping gifted, advanced, and special needs learners succeed.

NAGC Pre-K–Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards: A Guide to Planning and Implementing Quality Services for Gifted Students

A Field Guide to Gifted Students (Set of 10): A Teacher's Introduction to Identifying and Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners

Thinking Like a Lawyer: A Framework for Teaching Critical Thinking to All Students

Talent Development as a Framework for Gifted Education: Implications for Best Practices and Applications in Schools

Classroom Management for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Students Using Functional Behavior Assessment: A Step-by-Step Professional Learning Program for Teachers

Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education: Building Cultural Competence and Serving Diverse Student Populations

Handbook for Counselors Serving Students With Gifts and Talents: Development, Relationships, School Issues, and Counseling Needs/Interventions

Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Gifted Education: Professional Learning Modules on Universal Screening, Grouping, Acceleration, and Equity in Gifted Programs

Talent Development in School: An Educator's Guide to Implementing a Culturally Responsive Talent Identification and Development Program

Young Scholars Model: A Comprehensive Approach for Developing Talent and Pursuing Equity in Gifted Education

A Meaningful Mess: A Teacher's Guide to Student-Driven Classrooms, Authentic Learning, Student Empowerment, and Keeping It All Together Without Losing Your Mind

Achieving Equity in Gifted Programming: Dismantling Barriers and Tapping Potential

Assessment of Gifted and High-Ability Learners: Documenting Student Achievement in Gifted Education

Autonomous Learner Model Resource Book

Beyond Gifted Education: Designing and Implementing Advanced Academic Programs

Collaboration, Coteaching, and Coaching in Gifted Education: Sharing Strategies to Support Gifted Learners

Designing Gifted Education Programs and Services: From Purpose to Implementation

Dumbing Down America: The War on Our Nation's Brightest Young Minds

Exploring Critical Issues in Gifted Education: A Case Studies Approach

Educator's Quick Reference Guide to Curriculum Compacting

Educator's Quick Reference Guide to Differentiation

Educator's Quick Reference Guide to Grit in the Classroom

Educator's Quick Reference Guide to Growth Mindsets

Gifted Education and Gifted Students: A Guide for Inservice and Preservice Teachers

Gifted Program Evaluation: A Handbook for Administrators and Coordinators

Grit in the Classroom: Building Perseverance for Excellence in Today's Students

Identification: The Theory and Practice of Identifying Students for Gifted and Talented Education Services

Identifying and Serving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Gifted Students

IIM: Teaching Research Skills in Grades K-12

IIM: Student Booklet Grades K-5

Leadership for Kids: Curriculum for Building Intentional Leadership in Gifted Learners (Grades 3-6)

Organic Creativity in the Classroom: Teaching to Intuition in Academics and the Arts

Performance-Based Assessment for 21st-Century Skills

Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning: Practical Strategies for Developing Students' Critical Thinking

Proven Strategies That Work for Teaching Gifted and Advanced Learners

Recruiting and Retaining Culturally Different Students in Gifted Education

Serving Gifted Students in Rural Settings

Specialized Schools for High-Ability Learners: Designing and Implementing Programs in Specialized School Settings

Suicide Among Gifted Children and Adolescents: Understanding the Suicidal Mind

Systems and Models for Developing Programs for the Gifted and Talented

Talent Development for English Language Learners: Identifying and Developing Potential

Talented Young Men Overcoming Tough Times: An Exploration of Resilience

The Underachieving Gifted Child: Recognizing, Understanding, and Reversing Underachievement (A CEC-TAG Educational Resource)

What to Expect When You're Expected to Teach Gifted Students: A Guide to the Celebrations, Surprises, Quirks, and Questions in Your First Year Teaching Gifted Learners

When Smart Kids Underachieve in School: Practical Solutions for Teachers

Wholehearted Teaching of Gifted Young Women: Cultivating Courage, Connection, and Self-Care in Schools

Being Gifted in School: An Introduction to Development, Guidance, and Teaching

Talented Children and Adults: Their Development and Education

Reluctant Disciplinarian: Advice on Classroom Management From a Softy Who Became (Eventually) a Successful Teacher

Successful Inclusion Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers

Introduction to Gifted Education

Identifying and Serving Diverse Gifted Learners: Meeting the Needs of Special Populations in Gifted Education

Preventing Challenging Behavior in Your Classroom: Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support

Smart Kid Terminology: 25 Terms to Help Gifted Learners See Themselves and Find Success

Building Successful Extracurricular Enrichment Programs: The Essential How-To Guide for Schools and Communities

Gifted education textbooks.

Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted

Alternative Assessments With Gifted and Talented Students

Best Practices in Gifted Education: An Evidence-Based Guide

Conceptual Frameworks for Giftedness and Talent Development: Enduring Theories and Comprehensive Models in Gifted Education

Curriculum Planning and Instructional Design for Gifted Learners

Educating for Creativity and Innovation: A Comprehensive Guide for Research-Based Practice

Educating Gifted Students in Middle School: A Practical Guide

From Giftedness to Gifted Education: Reflecting Theory in Practice

The Handbook of Secondary Gifted Education

Introduction to Curriculum Design in Gifted Education

Modern Curriculum for Gifted and Advanced Academic Students

Multicultural Gifted Education

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10 Awesome Books for Parents of Gifted Kids

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I’m passionate about gifted children. They are special, challenging, unique, and have special needs. I’m equally passionate about parents of gifted children. They are special, challenged, unique, and live with intense special needs. It’s a tough job…and thankfully there are some great resources available to help.

At least two of my kids are gifted, and I suspect the third might blow them out of the water, so I am constantly reading books, articles, and websites about parenting gifted kids. I may have a master’s degree in gifted education, taught gifted kids, and offered presentations and workshops on teaching them, but parenting gifted kids 24/7 is a totally different ballgame. I need all the help I can get.

Here are some wonderful books I’ve found helpful:

In Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students , Christine Fonesca writes an amazing, conversational guide for parents raising gifted kids with emotional intensities. Intensity is a characteristic that is common among gifted kids, but SO frustratingly difficult to discipline, mentor, and parent effectively. Christine offers practical advice and support for any parent of gifted kids.

James T. Webb provides a wonderful overview of twice-exceptionalities in gifted kids in Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults . Often kids are misdiagnosed because they have another, more visible, issue like ADHD, SPD, anxiety, etc. This doesn’t make them less gifted, it makes them twice-exceptional. There are two special needs that must be addressed – the giftedness and the exceptionality.

I’m a little biased about Jim Delisle’s work because he was my advisor at Kent State University. I really like him and what he has to say about gifted kids – he gets them and he cares about them. This is one of my favorite parenting books by Jim. Parenting Gifted Kids: Tips for Raising Happy and Successful Children is as wonderful as it sounds.

Honestly, I haven’t read Bright Not Broken by Diane M. Kennedy yet, but it’s been on my wish-list for awhile. I have twice-exceptional kids, and while I know that they are very bright and have special needs, I still have trouble not believing something’s wrong with them or with my parenting. This book sounds like it’d be a great resource for parents like me – who doubt it’ll all turn out for the good.

Smart but Scattered is another book that’s been on my wish-list. Difficulties with executive functioning skills – you know, those things that help you get from point A to point B seamlessly – are very common among gifted kids…and very frustrating to deal with. While it seems silly to have a pictorial checklist for a ten-year-old with an above-average IQ to remind him to get dressed, put his PJs in the laundry, brush his teeth, and go into the kitchen for breakfast each day, kids with executive functioning skills issues need this level of specificity.

Carol Fertig, author of Raising a Gifted Child , has blogged successfully for years about parenting and teaching gifted children. Her book is a wonderful resource for parents looking for ways to maximize their kids’ potential.

In Raisin’ Brains: Surviving My Smart Family , Karen L.J. Isaacson gives readers a lighthearted glimpse into her super-creative, bright family. It’s funny, but reassuring as some of the scenarios just might be similar to those you find yourself in as a parent of a gifted kid.

Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is a great book to read if you struggle with an emotionally intense child. It provides tools to help you understand your child’s temperament and your own, and to see how the two work together or fight against each other.

Perfectionism and other paralyzing challenges can keep even our brightest children from reaching their potential. Smart Parenting for Smart Kids helps parents recognize, anticipate, and overcome common pitfalls to parenting gifted kids. It truly can help you help your child succeed.

While not technically books about parenting gifted children, I think it’s important to mention two of my favorite books – The Out of Sync Child and The Out of Sync Child Has Fun because so many gifted kids suffer from sensory issues that increase their struggles and these books can help you help them focus. Both share practical tools and resources for diagnosing and determining what your child needs in terms of sensory input, and The Out of Sync Child Has Fun gives parents hundreds of activities, games, and challenges that will help meet your child’s unique sensory requirements – whatever they are.

Did I miss any? What are YOUR favorite books about gifted kids?

For more information on Gifted Kids, Check Out:

Best Gifted Students Education Books of 2024

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Gifted students require specialized education to ensure that they are challenged and stimulated in their learning. Gifted Students Education Books offer a variety of resources for educators and parents to support the development of these exceptional learners. These books provide strategies for differentiation, enrichment, and acceleration in various subject areas. They also offer guidance on how to identify and assess giftedness, as well as how to create a positive learning environment for gifted students. With these books, educators and parents can equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to help gifted students reach their full potential.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Gifted Students Education Books

Cursive handwriting workbook for kids: cursive for beginners workbook. cursive letter tracing book. cursive writing practice book to learn writing in cursive (beginning cursive handwriting workbooks).

This cursive handwriting workbook for kids is an excellent tool for beginners. With over 100 pages of guided writing practice, children can learn how to write in cursive while also improving their penmanship. The book starts with tracing uppercase and lowercase cursive letters and progresses to writing sentences. The dot-to-dot tracing method is easy to follow, and the bonus coloring section and traceable jokes make it fun for kids. The large size and premium cover design add to the appeal of this independently published book. Overall, it's a great resource for parents and teachers looking to help kids develop their cursive writing skills.

Teacher Gift: Never Forget The Difference You've Made ~ Blank Pages Notebook or Journal: Great as Teacher Appreciation Gift (Year End/Retirement/Thank You)

This teacher's notebook is a thoughtful and beautiful way to show appreciation for the educators who have made a difference in your life. Its soft matte cover and 120 lined pages make it a practical and sentimental gift for teachers of all levels. The book's title, "Never Forget The Difference You've Made," serves as a reminder of the impact that teachers have on their students. The size of the notebook is perfect for carrying around in a bag or purse. Overall, this notebook is a unique and heartfelt way to express gratitude to the teachers who have made a positive impact on your life.

I Choose to Calm My Anger: A Colorful, Picture Book About Anger Management And Managing Difficult Feelings and Emotions (Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose)

"I Choose to Calm My Anger" is a colorful and engaging picture book that teaches children coping mechanisms to deal with big emotions like anger. Through Jackson's story, children will learn how to change their mindset and deal with life's setbacks. This book is part of the Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose series, which aims to empower young children to become aware of their big emotions and teach them that they hold the power to choose their actions and reactions. Developed alongside counselors and parents, this book is an excellent resource for a social-emotional curriculum. Overall, "I Choose to Calm My Anger" is an excellent tool to help children manage their difficult feelings and emotions."

Gifted and Talented COGAT Test Prep Grade 2: Gifted Test Prep Book for the COGAT Level 8; Workbook for Children in Grade 2

This Gifted and Talented COGAT Test Prep Grade 2 book from Gateway Gifted Resources is an excellent resource to prepare children for the COGAT Level 8 exam. It provides 190+ practice questions, a COGAT Level 8 Practice Test, and a practice test answer key to help children pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses. The book's colorful illustrations, fun characters, and child-friendly themes make it engaging for young minds. This book is an important tool to help parents ensure their children are well-prepared for the COGAT exam and can achieve their dreams.

COGAT Test Prep Grade 3 Level 9: Gifted and Talented Test Preparation Book - Practice Test/Workbook for Children in Third Grade

The COGAT Test Prep Grade 3 Level 9: Gifted and Talented Test Preparation Book is an essential guide for parents who want to help their children prepare for the COGAT exam. The book includes two practice tests and covers all nine question types, ensuring that children can focus and perform their best on test day. The book also includes an answer key to help parents pinpoint their child's strengths and weaknesses. This book is an excellent resource for parents who want to help their children succeed and achieve their dreams.

TODDLER WORKBOOK (75+ worksheets), Kids activities, Preschool Learning, Alphabet, Tracing, Numbers, Shapes, 2-4 year old

The TODDLER WORKBOOK is an excellent resource for parents looking to keep their toddlers entertained and learning at the same time. With over 75 worksheets, this book covers a wide range of topics such as alphabet, tracing, numbers, shapes, and more. It is perfect for children aged 2-4 years old who are just starting to learn. The worksheets are easy to follow, and the colorful illustrations make them fun and engaging. The book falls under the category of Children's Test Preparation Books, and it is an excellent way to prepare your child for preschool. Overall, this workbook is a great investment for parents and caregivers looking to give their child a head start in learning and development.

Gifted and Talented COGAT Test Prep: Gifted Test Prep Book for the COGAT Level 7; Workbook for Children in Grade 1

This Gifted and Talented COGAT Test Prep book by Gateway Gifted Resources is a comprehensive workbook for children in Grade 1. It helps parents prepare their children for the COGAT test by providing more than 200 practice questions and a practice test. The book covers all the sections of the COGAT Level 7 test and features engaging illustrations and fun characters to keep children interested. This book is a great resource for parents who want to ensure their children are prepared and confident on test day.

Behavior Solutions: Teaching Academic and Social Skills Through RTI at Work (A guide to closing the systemic behavior gap through collaborative PLC and RTI processes)

Behavior Solutions by Solution Tree is an essential resource for educators who want to close the systemic behavior gap in their schools or districts. The book provides a practical guide to implementing a three-tiered system of supports that is collaborative, research-based, and effective. Readers will learn how to use the PLC at Work® and RTI at Work processes to foster social-emotional learning and support students' behavioral success. The book includes real-world examples and case studies of schools that have implemented effective multitiered systems of behavior supports. Overall, this book is a valuable tool for educators who want to improve the social-emotional well-being of their students.

Teacher Gift: Things My Students ...: Notebook for Teachers to Document Their Students' Funniest and Most Memorable Remarks - Great as Teacher Appreciation Gift

"Quotes and Sayings from My Students" is a wonderful notebook for teachers to document their students' funniest and most memorable remarks. The journal captures the special bond between teachers and their students, and it makes for a great end-of-school-year, birthday, anniversary, or Teacher Appreciation Day gift to thank your teacher for all the hard work they put into shaping your class. This notebook is a must-have for teachers who want to cherish and remember the special moments they shared with their students. The cover finish is matte, and it has dimensions of 6" x 9" with 110 pages of black and white paper. A great addition to children's journal writing books category.

Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts

Uniquely Wired is a heartwarming children's book that features Zak, a young boy with autism, who explains how he experiences the world around him. Despite his atypical behaviors, Zak's desires and disappointments are as ordinary as any child's. The book teaches important lessons about fairness, patience, curiosity, and independence, making it an excellent resource for K-6 students and anyone who lives, works, or plays with children on the autism spectrum. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand more about autism and appreciate the unique gifts that kids with autism have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. what education is best for gifted child.

The most appropriate learning environment could include anything from a gifted program in the school the child is already attending, to a public school with a self-contained gifted program, to a school specifically for profoundly gifted students, and many more.

2. What is curriculum for gifted students?

The Gifted Kids Curriculum (GCACT, 2010) equips students with skills, knowledge, and self-understanding, using a framework that develops talents, conceptual learning, thinking skills, and the affective domain.

During our gifted students education book research, we found 1,000+ gifted students education book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 47,871 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gifted students education books list. We found that most customers choose gifted students education books with an average price of $7.09.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.

Book Lists for Gifted and Avid Readers

Have you ever had a conversation with your five-year-old about quantum mechanics, medieval Europe, or the connection between dinosaurs and birds? If so, you are probably a parent of an avid reader. For many of our families, the challenge is finding age-appropriate reading material for young and advanced readers. Whether you’re building a homeschool literature curriculum, supplementing a favorite subject, or just looking for fun reads, we hope the following ideas help you and your reader find your next book!*

Adopt one of our favorite books.   Some of My Best Friends Are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers from Pre-School to High School  by Judith Halsted is wonderful bookshelf addition for many families. A significant portion of the book focuses on choosing books that challenge gifted readers. Halsted provides book suggestions across developmental levels and literary types, in addition to opportunities for critical thinking. In addition to plot summaries and discussion ideas based on the characteristics of gifted young people, these bibliographies are also categorized by themes such as achievement, fitting-in, moral concerns, and perfectionism, to name a few.

Consult your local librarian . Librarians are valuable resources for identifying age-appropriate material and are also knowledgeable about how to make your local library system work for you. Not to mention the books, audiobooks, and other resources are free of cost to your family! You might also check out the annual  Notable Children’s book list  published by the committee of the Association for Library Service to Children.

Explore book lists from some of our friends in the gifted community.  It certainly does take a village to satiate the reading appetites of precocious kids! Why stand on the shoulders of others who have already selected some great titles. Some of the book lists we enjoy follow:

• Gifted Reading List – Davidson Institute
• Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page Reading Lists
• Lexile Book Search
• Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading
• A Mighty Girl
• Scholastic Book Wizard
• “Finding Age Appropriate Books for Gifted Readers” from Gifted Parenting Support
• What We Do All Day 100+ Book Lists

Try a book-themed subscription box.  There are also many services today that offer a twist on the book-of-the-month idea, including  Once Upon a Book Club ,  The Book Drop , and  GiftLit . These might help your reader discover new books or read something outside their comfort zone. The nice surprise of receiving a package may also inspire them to read even more!

Magazines can be a great reading supplement . Sometimes it is hard to want to pick up book when you’re short on time or quickly lose interest in a subject, which is why magazines can be a way to engage with advanced reading with fewer time commitments.  Cricket magazines , in particular, are very popular within the Young Scholar community. In addition to magazines written for young people, many profoundly gifted children enjoy magazines written for the general public such as  Astronomy ,  Make:Magazine ,  Natural History , and  Scientific American .

Join an online reading group or reading course.  Online courses can connect your child to other advanced readers throughout the country. You could also try a  Popular Young Adult Fiction class from Davidson: Explore , one of the  Classical Literature courses from the Lukeion Project , many  unique literature themed courses from OnlineG3 , or  a Reading for Deep Thinkers course from Athena’s Academy .

Because many children in our community read so voraciously, the struggle to find good book recommendations is ongoing. We like to think that running out of books is a “good problem” when it comes to raising a gifted child! While there are many resources for advanced readers available online, parents may still want to preview these to make sure that are appropriate in terms of reading level and content. We encourage you to add a comment below to this article to trade titles with the community on any of your favorite books for gifted and advanced readers!

* Some links on this page go to Bookshop.org and are affiliate links. While these books are available from many retailers, all links that go to Bookshop.org help support the Davidson Institute’s mission and continuing work to support profoundly gifted students and their families.

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Meeting Expectations –Your Gifted Child and Yourself

This article has been adapted from a virtual event presented by our Family Services team. Members of our Young Scholars…

Communication in the Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Family

The profoundly gifted brain.

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Top 10 Books on Giftedness

Noreen h. joslyn, lisw, acsw.

1. Bringing Out the Best: A Resource Guide for Parents of Young Gifted Children by Jacqulyn Saunders with Pamela Espelund. Free Spirit Publishing A highly practical book. Gives suggestions for enriching home learning plus advice on choosing preschools.

2. The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids by Sally Y. Walker. Free Spirit Publishing Good advice written with a sense of humor. I've read it many times over!

3. The Gifted Kids Survival Guide: For Ages 10 and Under by Judy Galbraith. Free Spirit Publishing Written for the younger gifted student, this helpful book explains giftedness clearly. Gives many suggestions to help make the school experience more positive.

4. The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook by Judy Galbraith and Jim Delisle, PhD. Free Spirit Publishing Recently updated, this valuable book covers topics such as how to relate with peers, devising your own curriculum, and college planning. An important chapter covers depression and suicide risks. My own kids have read this.

5. Keys to Parenting the Gifted Child by Sylvia Rimm, PhD. Barron's Publishing Part of the Barron's Parenting Keys Series, this helpful book examines questions many parents of gifted children have, such as when to start school, grade-skipping, and homework habits. Very readable.

6. Perfectionism: What's Bad About Being Too Good? By Miriam Adderholdt-Elliot, PhD. Free Spirit Publishing The title says it all. Though directed towards any perfectionist you know -- older middle-school age and up -- this book will also help parents understand and cope with their own gifted perfectionist child.

7. The Roller-Coaster Years: Raising Your Child through the Maddening yet Magical Middle School Years by Charlene Gianetti and Margaret Sagarese. Broadway Books Though not written specifically for parents of gifted kids, this is a very helpful book for parents of an often overlooked age group. There is also a comprehensive list of resources for every chapter!

8. College Planning for Gifted Students by Sandra L. Berger. The Council for Exceptional Children A book that takes you from choosing middle-school courses to the college-application process. Recently updated, it also includes data on gifted-teen summer programs and state gifted associations.

9. The Over-Scheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap by Alvin Rosenfeld, MD and Nicole Wise. St. Martin's Griffen Press Gifted kids often want to put themselves in too many activities. Though not specifically directed at parents of gifted, this book examines this concern and makes recommendations for putting on the brakes.

10. The Gifted Adult: A Revolutionary Guide for Liberating Everyday Genius by Mary-Elaine Jacobsen, PsyD. Ballentine Books You didn't think you stopped being gifted when you grew up, did you? Insightful writing examines issues that gifted adults may face if they don't successfully incorporate their "differentness" into their personality. Since many parents of gifted kids are gifted themselves, this book is highly recommended.

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Tim Walz’s Long Relationship With China Defies Easy Stereotypes

Mr. Walz, the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee, taught in China and has visited the country around 30 times. But he has also been critical of the Chinese government’s human rights record.

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By Amy Qin and Keith Bradsher

Amy Qin reported from Washington, and Keith Bradsher reported from Foshan, China.

In the summer of 1989, Tim Walz faced a difficult choice.

A newly minted college graduate from small-town Nebraska, he had just turned down a stable, 9-to-5 job offer and moved across the world to teach at a local high school in China. He had made it as far as Hong Kong, just across the Chinese border, when People’s Liberation Army tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square to crush pro-democracy protests.

Rumors were flying about a possible civil war in China. Many foreigners, including most American teachers, had fled the country. Should he go back home or continue his journey into China?

He decided to go in.

“It was my belief at that time that the diplomacy was going to happen on many levels, certainly people to people,” Mr. Walz recalled in 2014 during a congressional hearing marking the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. “The opportunity to be in a Chinese high school at that critical time seemed to me to be really important.”

The one year that Mr. Walz spent teaching English in southern China was the start of what would become a decades-long relationship with the country. As high school teachers in Nebraska and Minnesota, Mr. Walz and his wife, Gwen, regularly led trips to China in the 1990s and early 2000s to introduce students to China’s history and culture. Mr. Walz has said that he has traveled to China some 30 times, including for his honeymoon.

That deep history of engagement with China reflects a lesser-known international dimension of the Democratic vice-presidential candidate. If elected vice president, Mr. Walz would bring to the White House unusually extensive personal experience in China — a history that supporters say could be an asset at a time of volatile relations between Washington and Beijing.

But the campaign has so far made little mention of Mr. Walz’s experience there, even as it has leaned into depictions of the Minnesota governor as an avuncular Midwestern dad, coach and teacher. And it has yet to lay out how Vice President Kamala Harris or Mr. Walz would handle China, which both the Biden and Trump administrations have treated with toughness.

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