Summer is the ideal
time for your gifted child to indulge their love for reading with a huge stack
of books. Since gifted learners tend to read well above their age level, it can
be hard as a parent to know which books are best for their reader. As summer
approaches, here are some suggestions for books that will stimulate your
child’s interest while strengthening their reading skills.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Children who enjoy science fiction and superhero stories will enjoy diving into
this book that combines both elements while inviting kids to explore the
concept of what could happen if a tesseract (or wrinkle in time) exists. As the
two main characters Meg and Charles attempt to cope in a world where they don’t
fit in, their misfit status will resonate with gifted learners who often feel
out of place among their peers. This classic book is also required reading in
many schools, which will put your child a step ahead for upcoming years.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Gifted children tend to be very socially aware, and Lowry has written one of
the most influential books of our time. In “The Giver”, everything seems ideal
in the perfect society where everyone knows their role and there is no pain
until Jonas becomes the Receiver of Memory and learns that there is a dark side
to their community. Although this book tackles some tough subjects, it is done
in a way that encourages children to develop their opinions about how much is
worth sacrificing to live in a state of contentment and if a utopian society is
even possible.
The Gifted Kid’s Survival Guide by Judy Galbraith, M.A.
The Gifted Kid’s Survival Guide by Judy Galbraith, M.A.
This book comes in two versions to meet the needs of both teens and kids who
are 10 years old and younger. In the book, tips and advice are offered on
topics such as handling perfectionism, coping with bullies and dealing with
high expectations from others. Fun facts, quizzes and notes from real children
are all interspersed with factual information that helps kids feel less alone
as they learn more about what it means to be gifted and talented.
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
In a series of vignettes, Esperanza, a young Hispanic girl tells of her life
living in an impoverished portion of Chicago. In many ways, it is a coming of
age story as Esperanza begins to realize and yearn for a life better than that
what she has seen in her community. Cisneros writes in simple everyday language
that feels as though Esperanza is sitting right there, telling you about her
observations on Mango Street. For gifted learners, the book pulls together
themes such as feminism, poverty and free will while demonstrating how creative
writing can veer from the traditional rules of language to evoke an emotional
response from the reader.
On summer break, there is no greater joy than settling in to a stack of books. Whether your child is into science fiction or prefers to learn more about what it means to be gifted and talented, there are tons of books that you can add to their reading list. As you explore books to keep your child stimulated this summer, be sure to give them a read through too so you can enjoy lively discussions of the topics you discover together.
On summer break, there is no greater joy than settling in to a stack of books. Whether your child is into science fiction or prefers to learn more about what it means to be gifted and talented, there are tons of books that you can add to their reading list. As you explore books to keep your child stimulated this summer, be sure to give them a read through too so you can enjoy lively discussions of the topics you discover together.
