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Hot Topics! Reading List for
Gifted Children
On Being Gifted...

On Being Gifted...
Non-Fiction
-
101
Success Secrets for Gifted Kids: The Ultimate Handbook
by Christine Fonseca (or from
Amazon) - A must-read for gifted kids ages 8 to 12 who want to find
success in school and life. If you know gifted kids, they will love the 101
awesome secrets, tips, and tricks included in this book!
-
And
Still We Rise: The Trials and Triumphs of Twelve Gifted Inner-city High School
Students by Miles Corwin
- In this troubling yet uplifting book, the ills of the inner city have not
completely defeated Toni Little's advanced-placement students at Crenshaw
High School...
-
Bookmarked:
Teen Essays on Life and Literature from Tolkien to Twilight
by Ann Camacho
-
Young people from a wide range of backgrounds reflect on how
words from literature connect with and influence their
lives, goals, and personal philosophies. Topics include
suffering the death of a parent, facing a life-threatening
illness, letting go of perfectionism, making friends,
realizing goals, and grappling with questions of faith and
sexuality. Books cited range from The Grapes of Wrath
and The Great Gatsby to Twilight and Lord
of the Rings.
Teachers, guidance counselors, and parents working with
teens on personal essays— including for college
applications—will find useful samples, models, and
inspiration. Teachers of literature, writing, and language
arts classes can also use these essays as a way to help
teens explore literature—and their own responses to
it—through writing...
-
The
Gifted Kids' Survival Guide (For Ages 10 and Under)
by Judy Galbraith Also available from
Amazon.co.uk and
Amazon.ca
-
The
Gifted Teen Survival Guide: Smart, Sharp, and Ready for (Almost) Anything
by Judy Galbraith and Jim Delisle (or from
Barnes & Noble)
- Updated 4th version is better than ever, keeping the best themes from the
older versions but in a readable new format, and including lots of new
stuff, too. The ultimate guide for teens includes "discover virtual
learning, find a cure for the common college, learn the value of mistakes,
manage expectations and embrace your passions!"
-
Mistakes
that Worked by Charlotte Jones, illustrated by John Obrien - For those
readers who feel as though they've yet to accomplish anything in life, these
discoveries will come as a great relief. None of the inventions described in
these pages were planned; in fact, some of the inventors had no idea they'd
stumbled on something useful until years later, when their works became
popular...
-
More
Than a Test Score: Teens Talk About Being Gifted, Talented, or Otherwise
Extra-ordinary
by Robert A. Shultz and James R. Delisle
- What is giftedness all about? What's it like to be smarter than some of
your friends? What about expectations, mistakes, getting along, gifted
programs, and dull days at school? Includes hundreds of quotes from teens
ages 13-19, brief biographies, and activities. Essential reading for gifted
teens...
-
Philosophy
for Kids: 40 Fun Questions That Help You Wonder ... About Everything! by
David A. White (or from
Amazon)
- "What does it mean to be fair?" "How do you know who your friends are?"
"What is time?" "Are you the same person you were five years ago?" "Can
something logical ever not make sense?" If you have ever wondered about
questions like these, you are well on your way to becoming a philosopher!
Become acquainted with the wonders of philosophy... (or from
Amazon)
-
The
Examined Life: Advanced Philosophy for Kids by David A. White
- Delves deeper into the
philosophical questions kids (and adults) care about deeply. Through vibrant
discussions and debate, the book offers ways teachers can help students
grapple with age-old questions about the nature of friendship (Aristotle),
time (Augustine), knowledge (Plato), existence of God (Aquinas), perception
(Berkeley), freedom and society (Rousseau), and many more (or from
Amazon)
-
Philosophy
for Teens: Questioning Life's Big Ideas by Sharon M. Kaye and Paul
Thompson
- "What is love?" "Is lying always wrong?" "What is discrimination?" "Do
you think about weird things?" What a perfect opening line for our
kids! Lots of ideas, to help teens (and gifted pre-teens) think about the
big questions that they have. Full of "thought experiments" to keep
them thinking after they put the book down... (or from
Amazon) Also
More
Philosophy for Teens: Examining Reality and Knowledge (or from
Amazon)
-
If
I'm So Smart, Why Aren't the Answers Easy?
by Robert A. Shultz and James R. Delisle
(or from
Amazon) -
Sheds light on the
day-to-day experiences of those growing up gifted. In their own enlightening
words, teens share their experiences with giftedness, including friendships
and fitting in with peers, school struggles and successes, and worries about
the future...
-
Smart
Teens' Guide to Living with Intensity: How to Get More Out of Life and
Learning
by Lisa Rivero
- A guide for pre-teens and teens who are a little more... more intense,
more creative, more interesting, and yes, sometimes even called "more
difficult." A teen's perspective into growing up as a gifted teen
today. And for the parents,
A Parent's Guide to Gifted Teens: Living with Intense and Creative
Adolescents
-
What
Do You Do With an Idea?
by Kobi Yamada
- This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring
it into the world. As the child's confidence grows, so does the idea itself.
And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at
any age, who s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too
difficult. It s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some
space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn t going
anywhere. In fact, it's just getting started...
Fiction
For the Youngest Gifted Child...
-
Love
Big and
Dream Big by Kat Kronenberg
- Set long ago in the heart of the African savanna, Dream Big--a mythological
fable--follows moody Baboon as he discovers a powerful secret. One by one,
Caterpillar, Tadpole, and Flamingo gaze up at the night sky and wish upon a star
for their wildest dreams. Baboon insists these dreams could never come true. But
when he sees Caterpillar turn into a winged butterfly, Tadpole into a dancing
frog, and Flamingo into a beautiful pink bird, Baboon realizes that a
transformative power exists between the stars and the animals once they truly
believe in themselves and their dreams...
-
Little
Zebra is Gifted by Corinne Grandclément
- Little Zebra is at kindergarten. He reads and he has an amazing memory. The
teacher wonders if Little Zebra is gifted. She talks to his parents. Then Little
Zebra will meet a psychologist with whom he will have fun activities to
determine if he is gifted. The psychologist will also explain to Little Zebra,
his parents and the teacher what intellectual giftedness is...
-
The
Gifted Kid Books Series... by Gloria van Donge (or from
Royal Fireworks
Press)
- Picture books for kids 1-8 and older introducing Dabrowski's 5
Overexcitabilities. (Australia) Available in physical book set or digital
download animated videos
-
There
Were Those by Nathan Levy (also available directly from Nathan Levy
There Were Those)
- A picture book for those young gifted children in our lives!
For Younger Gifted Kids...
-
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
- Clementine tries to help out her friend Margaret, but ends up in a lot of
trouble for it. Things get worse each day of the week, until finally she's
worried that Margaret is right: Clementine's parents might consider her "the
hard one" in the family. They're up to something mysterious...are they thinking
they'd be better off if they only had her little vegetable-named brother..."the
easy one"? Check out the
Teachers
Activity Guide, and the rest of the series...
For Older Gifted Kids....
-
All
the Answers by Anne C. Lemieux
- Jason Hodges is having problems on all fronts. His accountant father is
under a lot of stress at work, and the boy's messy room and failing grades in
math have become sore spots in their relationship. He is smitten with Phelicia
Nevimore, but can't get close to her because of her bullying twin brother.
Jason's narration is filled with humor and great vocabulary, like Jason's
excuses. Mrs. Meehan, the boy's math teacher, tells him he has "shown quite an
epistolary talent"...
- Black
Powder by Staton Rabin
- Langston Davis loves to go to his science class, where he studies astronomy.
He and Neely Neubart have been best friends forever, and Langston becomes
concerned when his pal starts running with a gang and lets his grades fall. Then
Neely is gunned down by his own gang, and Langston will go to any measures to
get him back. When Mrs. Centauri, his science teacher, shows him the time
machine she's invented, the 14-year-old uses it to go back to the 13th century
so he can convince Dr. Roger Bacon to destroy his formula for gunpowder, thus
preventing Neely's murder. A touching story of two great
scientific minds discovering the humanity behind the ideas. Langston is
well-developed as an intelligent, mostly responsible
African-American finding his way...
-
Callahan's
Con by Spider Robinson
- Barkeep Jake's scientifically precocious daughter, Erin, comes to the rescue
with a scheme to sell Tony the fabled Fountain and "prove" its existence with
increasingly youthful incarnations of herself conjured through time travel.
Mishaps involving Erin's uptight truant officer, misuse of a timehopping gizmo,
and-in the tale's soberest moment-terminal illness for one of the regulars,
steer the story down fantastically unpredictable avenues...
-
Carry
On, Mr. Bowditch by Dr. Mel Levine and Jarvis Clutch
- Fictionalized biography of the mathematician and astronomer who realized his
childhood desire to become a ship's captain and authored The American Practical
Navigator (Also
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch Study Guide)
-
Deliver
Us From Normal by Kate Klise
- Charles Harrisong is obsessed with the idea that he is strange and can't fit
in with the sixth grade in Normal, IL. He feels that he possesses a special
talent, the ability to know what people are really saying and thinking, all of
which, he is sure, is directed at him and is negative to the extreme...
- The
Demon Headmaster by Gillian Cross (or from the Amazon.co.uk
The
Demon Headmaster)
- Dinah moves in with the Hunter family and starts going to the same school as
her foster-brothers Lloyd and Harvey. It's not easy, as they seem to hate her,
and school is really strange. Pupils suddenly talk like robots and do weird
things - even Dinah finds herself acting oddly. She's sure the headmaster has
some kind of power over them, and is determined to find out more. But the Demon
Headmaster is equally determined to stop her. And it's sequels...
-
Demon Headmaster and the Prime Minister's Brain (or from the Amazon.co.uk
Demon Headmaster and the Prime Minister's Brain)
The Revenge of the Demon Headmaster (or from the Amazon.co.uk
The Revenge of the Demon Headmaster)
Facing the Demon Headmaster (or from the Amazon.co.uk
Facing the Demon Headmaster)
The Demon Headmaster Takes Over (or from the Amazon.co.uk
The Demon Headmaster Takes Over)
The Demon Headmaster Strikes Again (or from the Amazon.co.uk
The Demon Headmaster Strikes Again)
-
Dogs Don't Tell Jokes
by Louis Sachar
- Gary Boone (who calls himself "Goon") is the self-proclaimed clown of his
seventh-grade class. He never stops joking, despite the fact that nobody laughs
much, and he has no real friends at school. Entering a talent contest as a
stand-up comedian forces him to look more closely at the effect his humor has on
others and on himself...
-
Evil
Genius by Catherine Jinks
- A genius IQ, hacking into computers by age 7, grooming for world domination
by age 14... sound like anyone we know? A complex tale, fun to read...
-
The
Girl with the Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts
- Katie is used to being alone. She would rather read a book than deal with
other people. Other people don’t have silver eyes. Other people can’t make
things happen just by thinking about them! But these special powers make Katie
unusual, and it’s hard to make friends when you’re unusual. Katie knows that
she’s different but she’s never done anything to hurt anyone so why is everyone
afraid of her? Maybe there are other kids out there who have the same silver eye
and the same talents, and maybe they’ll be willing to help her....
-
The
Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
- Gilly Hopkins is a determined-to-be-unpleasant 11-year-old foster kid, who
scored the highest in her school's history on a national aptitude test, and who
you can't help but like by the end. Gilly has been in the foster system all her
life, and she dreams of getting back to her (as she imagines) wonderful mother.
Gilly is all the more determined to leave after she's placed in a new foster
home with a "gross guardian and a freaky kid." But she soon learns about
illusions--the hard way. ...treats a somewhat grim, and definitely grown-up
theme with love and humor, making it a terrific read for a young reader who's
ready to learn that "happy" and "ending" don't always go together...
-
Ida B: . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save
the World by Katherine Hannigan
- Ida B lives life to the fullest, firmly believing there is never enough time
for fun. When her mother develops cancer, her parents sell part of the orchard
and send Ida B to public school rather than homeschooling her. The changes leave
her feeling fiercely angry and betrayed. With the help of a wise and caring
fourth-grade teacher and the enduring love of Mama and Daddy, the girl slowly
begins to heal. Ida B is a true character in every sense of the word...
-
In
Search of Molly Pitcher by Linda Grant De Pauw
- When Peggy McAllister learns about the Rattletop Award for
"excellence in eighth grade social studies," she is determined to win it
with a research paper on a Great American Hero. But when she chooses
Molly Pitcher, the famous Revolutionary War heroine of the Battle of
Monmouth, as her subject, she runs into difficulties. With the help of
her Greatgramps, a retired private investigator, his lady friend Mrs.
Spinner, a local historian and secret author of historical romance
novels, and Ms. Guelphstein, a dedicated reference librarian, Peggy
sorts through a maze of confusing and contradictory evidence to identify
the "real" Molly Pitcher...
-
Jarvis
Clutch - Social Spy by Dr. Mel Levine and Jarvis Clutch
- Jarvis Clutch—Social Spy is mainly about something very important called
social thinking, which most likely is a term you’ve never heard before, even
though it’s something you use all day long. Even most grownups don’t know
exactly what it means. Let me explain... (See
All
Kinds of Minds for a complete review)
-
Letters
from Rapunzel by Sara Lewis Holmes
- Cadence sees her life as a modern-day fairy tale in which she is Rapunzel,
alone, abandoned, and waiting for answers. Her father's clinical depression she
terms the Evil Spell; the teacher at the after-school Homework Center is dubbed
the Wicked Witch. Through a series of journal-like writings to the elusive owner
of box #5667, she comes to terms with her life and begins to understand her
father's illness...
-
Matilda by
Rald Dahl
- Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents think of her
only as a nuisance. When one day she is attacked by her odious headmistress,
Miss Trunchbull, Matilda suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with
which to avenge herself!...
-
Mildew
on the Wall by Suzanna E. Henshon
- At one time, fifth grader Millie had a lovely bedroom, but she had
created apparent chaos in it. It became the room that defined her
identity. To the outside world, it was a mess; but Millie simply could
not bring herself to clean her room, no matter how her mother insisted.
Finally, her allowance was cut off until the room was cleaned. But,
rather than capitulate, Millie began to run secret guided tours to her
room for money. Carried away, Millie called a radio talk show
during its Promotion Hour, and 'promoted' her room. The DJ thought it
was great fun, and a huge crowd showed up on Saturday for a viewing. Bad
things happened... Finally, a state of cease-fire began. Millie
gained insight, realizing that it has been her personality, not her
room, that had made her unique, that in meeting some of society’s
standards (cleaning her room up), she didn’t have to sacrifice her own
essential uniqueness... Read the sequel,
Spiders on the Ceiling
-
Millicent
Min, Girl Genius
by Lisa Yee
- Yee's first novel examines child prodigies from a refreshing angle, showing
the ups and downs of being a whiz kid. An excellent job of showing Millie's
grown-up brain and her decidedly middle-school problems...
-

-
The
Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart
- After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted
children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world
of mystery and adventure... Collect
The Mysterious Benedict Society Complete Collection
-
The
Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
by Trenton Lee Stewart
- A new adventure, full of brain teasers and adventures...
-
The
Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma
by Trenton Lee Stewart
- A daring new adventure threatens to force the kids apart from their
friends, families, and even each other...
-
The
Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict
by Trenton Lee Stewart
- Now Nicholas Benedict is being sent to a new orphanage, where he will
encounter vicious bullies, selfish adults, strange circumstances--and a
mystery that could change his life forever. On his quest to solve the
mystery, Nicholas finds enemies around every corner, but also friends in
unexpected places -- and discovers along the way that the greatest
puzzle of all is himself...
-
The
Mysterious Benedict Society: Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles,
Elusive Enigmas, and Curious Conundrums
by Trenton Lee Stewart
- Companion book to the Mysterious Benedict Society series, a
mind-bending collection that will put YOU to the test! With full-color
artwork throughout, features ingenious new puzzles, riddles, and
brainteasers compiled by Mr. Benedict himself, with the help of Reynie,
Kate, Sticky, Constance, and other Society associates...
-
The
Mysterious Benedict Society Complete Collection
by Trenton Lee Stewart
- New to The Mysterious Benedict Society? Get all five!
-
No
More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
- Tired of school-assigned novels where the dog always dies, Wallace tells the
teacher how he feels... and ends up kicked off the football team and into
detention, along with an English teacher doing a dramatic production of the
novel Wallace hates. By the end of the production, the tables are turned
and the dog pulls through... Great for our sensitive readers!
-
 Orientation
(The School for Gifted Potentials) by Allis Wade (or
Kindle)
- One hundred years in the future, Government Observers roam the classrooms of
average learners, looking for the rare gifted learners still left in the general
population. One gifted child, who has been carefully coached by his mother to
appear average, is unaware that his abilities have been documented by an
Observer for years, until he is tricked into showing his mathematical strengths.
He is devastated to receive a letter requiring him to test at The School for
Gifted Potentials... Orientation is a great way to introduce Dabrowski's
Overexcitabilities to gifted kids. Don't miss the sequel,
Revelations (The School for Gifted Potentials) (or
Kindle)... I can't wait to read it!
-
Saving
Lilly by Peg Kehret
- A gifted girl takes on the project of saving an elephant from an abusive
circus. One child can make a difference...
-
Some Day Angeline
by Louis Sachar
- Nobody understands why Angeline is so smart. But being smart is causing
Angeline nothing but trouble. The mean kids in school call her a freak, her
teacher finds her troublesome, and even her own father doesn't know what to do
with an eight-year-old girl who seems to be a genius. Angeline doesn't want to
be either a genius or a freak. She just wants the chance to be herself and be
happy
-
Squirrels
in Deer Land: A Novel celebrating those with ADHD, Giftedness, and other
things that make us, well, squirrelly... by Susie Binkley
- a novel with a purpose: to use the power of storytelling to help people
with any kind of differences feel good about themselves. It is a story of
heroes for those who are squirrelly - people who don't always color inside
the lines or think inside the box, such as those with ADHD, giftedness, or
learning or behavioral differences. Instead of focusing on the problems
associated with being "different", it is a celebration of the wonderful
skills and abilities that energetic, creative, squirrelly people have and
the talents they contribute to our world...
-
Stargirl
by Jerry Spinelli
- "She was homeschooling gone amok." "She was an alien." "Her parents were
circus acrobats." These are only a few of the theories concocted to explain
Stargirl Caraway, a new 10th grader at Arizona's Mica Area High School who wears
pioneer dresses and kimonos to school, strums a ukulele in the cafeteria, laughs
when there are no jokes, and dances when there is no music. The whole school,
not exactly a "hotbed of nonconformity," is stunned by her...
-
And
the sequel... Love,
Stargirl
by Jerry Spinelli
- Picking up a year after the end of Stargirl, Love, Stargirl is the diary of
the next year in Stargirl's life, with the past and her new present mixed in her
memories, including her thoughts on life, and love...
-
Surviving
the Applewhites
by Stephanie S. Tolan
- Newbery Honor title! When Jake
Semple is kicked out of yet another school, the Applewhites, an eccentric family
of artists, offer to let him live with them and attend their unstructured
Creative Academy...
-
Weslandia
by Paul Fleischman
- What do the children you know usually do when school is out for the
summer? Go crazy with boredom? Head poolside with friends? Plan a
self-sufficient civilization with its own staple food crop? That is
precisely how Wesley decides to spend his summer vacation. Wesley is not an
ordinary boy...
-
by
Carole Hamburger
-
Wonderful stories of a family of dots, and their adventures. Picture
books, but for older kids, full of great vocabulary and idiomatic
phrases and
more!
The
Star Pupil: A Dot's Quest to Find His Place in the World

-
A dot's quest to find his special calling. After excelling in school, he heeds
his parents' advice to follow his heart and to always be himself
-
The Zippity-Do-Dot: The Dot Who Dared to Pick Her Knows

-
The escapades of a feisty little dot who pursues her dreams...
For Our Teens....
-
Heart
of a Warrior: 7 Ancient Secrets to a Great Life
by James Langlas
- Presents seven principles that are rooted in the long tradition of Taekwondo
and are also tied to modern character education: courtesy, integrity,
perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, community service, and love.
Explore each through a mix of storytelling and writing from the author's former
students, describing ways in which they’ve applied these principles to their own
lives and inspiring readers to do the same. Includes questions to spur
reflection, discussion, and action. This story—and especially the enduring
appeal of traditional master/student tales—will resonate with teens of all
backgrounds...
-
Welcome to the Ark
by Stephanie S. Tolan
- In a world of random violence and multiplying militias, four brilliant young
misfits are thrown together in a group home for troubled youth. Isolated by
their special abilities, Miranda, Doug, Taryn, and Elijah are unable to cope in
a society that regards them as freaks. But in the experimental program they dub
the Ark, the four discover they are not alone... (young adult)

Social Stuff...
These fun books for kids and teens are full of great ideas and information!
-
Bullying. Also visit
Bullies and Bullying...
-
The Weird Series true-to-life stories of bullying told from all
perspectives: the target, the bystander, and the child doing the
bullying (ages 5-9)
DARE! by Erin Frankel, Illustrated by Paula Heaphy
- When Jayla witnesses her friend being bullied, she is too scared to
stand up for her. Then someone dares her to take part in the
bullying. Will she find the courage to do what's right?
-
TOUGH! by Erin Frankel, Illustrated by Paula Heaphy
- Sam picks on kids at school sometimes, but she's not really being
mean... or is she? Caring people want to help Sam change. Will she
let them?
-
WEIRD!
by Erin Frankel, Illustrated by Paula Heaphy
- Louisa changes everything about herself--including her colorful polka
dot boots--to avoid being called weird. But it doesn't work.
What else can she possibly do?
-
Good-Bye
Bully Machine by Debbie Fox and Allan L. Beane
- Kids can see how bullying makes the machine grow more imposing, while kind
behaviors dismantle it. Through the machine, kids gain awareness of their
role in bullying, whether they are targets, bullies, bystanders—or all three...
- Teen
Cyberbullying Investigated: Where Do Your Rights End and Consequences
Begin? by Thomas A. Jacobs
- A powerful collection of landmark court cases involving teens and charges
of cyberbullying and cyberharassment. This riveting, informative guide will
help young people understand what cyberbullying is and is not, recognize
when they may be its victims or perpetrators, and learn tactics for
successfully dealing with it...
-
-
Self-help for kids...
-
100
things guys need to know by Bill Zimmerman
- It can be tough being a guy--but this book will definitely help. It's
fun and easy to read, and has lots of great tips and resources for
guys...
-
Why Do You Love Me? by Laura C. Schlessinger
- A real-life lesson, presented in cartoons... a mother's love is
forever, no matter what!
-
the
Zabbit by Jim Walkow (ages 4-12 plus) (or from
Amazon)
- The story of Abbott, an extraordinary and most unusual looking rabbit,
who learns many important values from his parents, including, "Keep the
love in your heart and always be kind. Create your own luck by using
your mind." the Zabbit includes lessons on self-esteem,
self-empowerment, diversity, and more. Differences are good!
To purchase this book, do not use the Zabbit website (in flux)
but e-mail Jim at zabbitucsb@aol.com
Also author of
- The Learning to Get Along Series for Young Kids by Cheri J. Meiners (ages
4-8)
Hands
Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi Offers youngsters an
alternative to hitting and other forms of hurtful behavior...
Words
Are Not for Hurting by Cheri J. MeinersHelps preschoolers focus
on the fun of it, with words that are super short, really long, or just
plain silly. She reminds young children that their words belong to them;
they choose what to say and how to say it...
For the youngest kids, picture books by Rosemary Callard-Szulgit
Molly
Rose Baxter... An Almost Perfect Little Girl
Molly Rose Baxter illustrates how extreme perfectionism can get in
children's way of enjoying life. This book provides a wonderful gift to
young children, helping them understand that mistakes are a normal part of
life and everything they do simply does not have to be perfect. A delightful
story intertwining a caring family, loving kitty cats and almost perfect
Molly Rose, who learns a very important lesson!
Oliver
K. Brand...A Very Kind and Intelligent Little Boy
Oliver K. Brand is a wonderful little boy who only wants to share all the
magnificent love in his heart and all the brilliance in his brain with
everyone he meets. This is fine, until Oliver enters kindergarten and gets
rebuffed by his classmates who resent his intelligence and social
excitement. He becomes very sad and unhappy in school until, with the help
of the teacher, their parents and other school officials, Oliver and a
classmate, Theo, help kids learn to share their happiness and intelligence
in school and also better understand the feelings of others who might be
different!
Be the Boss of Your Pain by Timothy Culbert and Rebecca Kajander
Be the Boss of Your Sleep by Timothy Culbert and Rebecca
Kajander
Be the Boss of Your Stress by Timothy Culbert and Rebecca Kajander
Written by a pediatrician and a nurse practitioner, these upbeat
books help children discover the body’s natural healing abilities. Kids
explore how their body, mind, and spirit work together...
The Adding Assets Series for Kids (ages 9-12)
Doing And Being Your Best: The Boundaries And Expectations Assets by Pamela Espeland and
Elizabeth Verdick
Helping Out and Staying Safe: the Empowerment Assets by Pamela Espeland and
Elizabeth Verdick
uses pictures and stories to help you remember the meanings of five hundred of
the words that appear most frequently on the SAT. Learning is fast, fun, and
forever
Knowing And Doing What's Right: The Positive Values Assets by Pamela Espeland and
Elizabeth Verdick
Loving
to Learn: The Commitment to Learning Assets by Pamela Espeland and
Elizabeth Verdick
Making Choices And Making Friends: The Social Competencies Assets by Pamela Espeland and
Elizabeth Verdick
People Who Care About You: the Support Assets by Pamela Espeland and
Elizabeth VerdickKids learn how to build the six Support Assets: Family
Support, Positive Family Communication, Other Adult Relationships, Caring
Neighborhood, Caring School Climate, and Parent Involvement in Schooling.
Stories, tips, and ideas bring them closer to their families and strengthen
other important relationships in their lives...
Proud to Be You: The Positive Identity Assets by Pamela Espeland and
Elizabeth Verdick
Smart Ways To Spend Your Time: The Constructive Use Of Time Assets by Pamela Espeland and
Elizabeth Verdick
The Laugh & Learn Series.. (ages 9-12)
Bullies
Are a Pain in the Brain by Trevor Romain
For kids and teens blends humor with serious, practical suggestions for coping with
bullies - And if bullies happen to read this book, they'll find ideas they
can use too!Cliques,
Phonies, & Other Baloney by Trevor Romain
Reassuring and humorous treatment of
cliques versus friendship groups, phonies versus real friends, and
popularity versus being popular with yourself. With a sense of ease and
lighthearted humor (sometimes bordering on the truly silly), the author
serves up solid advice in a friendly, reassuring voice...
Don't
Behave Like You Live in a Cave by Elizabeth Verdick
Full-color cartoons and humorous, teaches kids how to make smarter choices
about how they behave at home and at school to stay out of trouble, feel
good about themselves and their choices, and get along better with family,
friends, and teachers. Better behavior isn’t just about making adults happy:
it means self control, awareness, and a positive outlook, so things go
better for kids. Lighthearted yet supportive and frank...
Get
Off My Brain: A Survival Guide for Lazy* Students (*Bored, Frustrated, and
Otherwise Sick of School) by Randall McCutcheon
Aimed at bright, talented kids who are bored, frustrated, and otherwise
sick of school, including so-called "underachievers," Get Off My
Brain is an offbeat, unconventional study guide
Get
Organized Without Losing It by Janet S. Fox
Starts by defining the problem, and then offering great suggestions for
solutions, all in a humorous voice that makes it easy to read and actually
DO...
How
to Do Homework Without Throwing Up by Trevor Romain and Elizabeth
Verdick
Contrary to what children believe, homework is not meant to make them
miserable. It is a serious business, however, and one of the great things
about it is that "you get to do it at home." Designed to make kids laugh
while recognizing the importance of school assignments...
How
to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie
Lisovskis
Anger is a part of life. We can’t avoid it, we shouldn’t stuff it, and we
can’t make it go away. This book speaks directly to kids and offers
strategies they can start using immediately. Blending tips and ideas with
jokes and funny cartoons, it guides kids to understand that anger is normal
and can be expressed in many ways—some healthy, some not...
See
You Later, Procrastinator! by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick
Kids today are notorious for putting things off—homework and chores take a
backseat to playing video games, hanging out with friends, watching
television, or surfing online. Full-color cartoons and text teach kids how
to get motivated, stay motivated, and get things done. Kids learn 12 reasons
why people procrastinate and 12 Procrastination Busters that can help; 20
ways to kiss procrastination good-bye; tips for avoiding the dreaded Domino
Effect...
Siblings: You’re Stuck with Each Other, So Stick Together by
James J. Crist and Elizabeth Verdick
Turn sibling rivalry into positive sibling relationships with this fun,
humorous pocket guide...
Stress
Can Really Get on Your Nerves! by Trevor Romain and Elizabeth
Verdick
Uses silly jokes and light-hearted cartoons along with serious advice to
help readers recognize the causes of stress and its effects and learn how to
handle worry, anxiety, and stress...
True or False? Tests Stink! by Trevor Romain and Elizabeth
Verdick
No matter how kids (and parents, and teachers) feel about tests, they’re
part of life. To succeed in school, kids need to ask, “How can I be a better
test-taker?”
The How Rude! Handbook of... (ages 9-12)
How Rude!: Family Manners for Teens: Avoiding Strife in Family Life by Alex J. Packer
The basics of creating the civilized home—a place where people talk instead
of yell, pick up after themselves, respect each other, fight fair, and don’t hog
the bathroom. And it’s not all about the traditional family. Tips also cover the
blended, shaken, stirred, and extended family...
How Rude!: Friendship & Dating Manners for Teens: Surviving the Social Scene by Alex J. Packer
Is there a proper way to make new friends? Is teasing always rude? What can
you do about friendship problems? How can you show a girl (or guy) that you like
her (or him)? Find answers to these questions, and more basics of polite
behavior with friends and more-than-friends—and laugh out loud while learning...
How
Rude!: The Teenagers' Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not
Grossing People Out by Alex J. Packer
Includes an extensive section on ways to deal with teasing, or verbal bullying
More on Manners...
School Manners for
Teens: Civility In The Hallowed Halls by Alex J. Packer
What counts as rude behavior in school? What can you do when a teacher is
rude? When someone tries to copy off of your paper during tests, should you rat
or not? What’s the best way to handle bullies, bigots, bashers, and harassers?
School can be cruel. Here’s sound advice (touched with humor) for teens who want
to make it more bearable...
What To Do series... from Free Spirit Press
What to Do When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough: The Real Deal on
Perfectionism: A Guide For Kids by Tom Greenspon
Written for young people, preteens and teenagers about what perfectionism
is and learning how to deal with it. Emphasizes that perfectionism isn't
just wanting to do well - it's an obsessive fear of performing
less-than-perfect in any way, and is always harmful...
Also adult title,
Moving Past Perfect: How Perfectionism May Be Holding Back Your Kids (and
You!) and What You Can Do About It
(Kindle
or
Paperback)
What
to Do When You're Cranky & Blue: A Guide for Kids by James J. Crist
Everyone feels “down” sometimes. Kids learn 10 “Blues Busters” to help
shake those unhappy feelings. They also discover lots of ideas they can use
to talk about feelings, take care of themselves, boost their self-esteem,
make and keep friends, and enjoy their alone time. A special section
addresses hard-to-handle problems like grief, roller-coaster feelings, and
depression...
What
to Do When You're Sad & Lonely: A Guide for Kids by James J. Crist
Growing numbers of children are living with depression, a disease often
mistaken for sadness. This reassuring book offers strategies and tips kids
can use to beat the blues...
What
to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids
by James J. Crist
From a fear of spiders to panic attacks, kids have worries and fears, just
like adults. But while adults have access to a lot of helpful information,
that hasn’t been true for kids—until now. Drawing on his years of experience
helping children deal with anxiety, Crist gives kids a place to turn to when
they need advice, reassurance, and ideas...
What To Do When series... from Magination Press
(grades 1-6)
by
Dawn Huebner, Illustrated by Bonnie Matthews
What
to Do When You Dread Your Bed: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems With
Sleep
Guides children and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral
techniques used to treat problems with sleep. Fears, busy brains, restless
bodies, and overdependence on parents are all tackled as children gain the
skills they need for more peaceful nights. This interactive self-help book
is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering children
to fall asleep and stay asleep--like magic!
What
to Do When You Grumble Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Negativity
Guides children and their parents through cognitive-behavioral
techniques used to treat negative thinking. Lively metaphors and
illustrations help kids see life's hurdles in a new way, while drawing and
writing activities help them master skills to get over those hurdles. And
step-by-step instructions point the way toward becoming happier, more
positive kids...
What
to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety
Anxiety has a way of growing, spreading, shifting in form, and generally
resisting efforts to talk it out of existence. But there is hope. This book
will teach you and your child a new and more successful way to think about
and manage anxiety. The techniques described in this book will help your
child take control...
What
to Do When Your Bad Habits Take Hold: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Nail
Biting and More
Guides children and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral
techniques used to treat a variety of habits. This interactive self-help
book is the complete resource for empowering children to set themselves
free...
What
to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming OCD
Interactive self-help book turns kids into super-sleuths who can
recognize OCD's tricks. Engaging examples, activities, and step-by-step
instructions help children master the skills needed to break free from the
sticky thoughts and urges of OCD, and live happier lives, using
cognitive-behavioral techniques and empowering children to work toward
change
What
to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems with
Anger
If you're a kid whose temper quickly flares, a kid whose anger gets too
big, too hot, too fast, this book is for you. What to Do When Your Temper
Flares guides children and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral
techniques used to treat problems with anger. Engaging examples, lively
illustrations, and step-by-step instructions teach children a set of "anger
dousing" methods aimed at cooling angry thoughts and controlling angry
actions, resulting in calmer, more effective kids...
Middle School Confidential (ages 9-14)
Be
Confident in Who You Are by Annie Fox
Meet new challenges and survive the social scene - without losing sight of
who you are. Offers practical advice for being healthy, feeling good about who
you are and staying in control of your feelings and actions...
Real
Friends Vs. the Other Kind by Annie Fox
Forge friendships while navigating tough social situations. Offers insider
information on making friends, resolving disputes, and dealing with common
middle school concerns—like gossip, exclusion, and cyberbullying...
What’s
Up with My Family? by Annie Fox
Part graphic novel, part nonfiction advice, the third book in the Middle
School Confidential series follows these six characters as they deal with tween
and teen issues that can come up in any home...
More self-help for kids...
Character
Building Day by Day by Anne D. Mather & Louise B. Weldon
180 vignettes to read and talk about, on topics including acceptance,
gratitude, honesty, self-respect, and lots more...
Do
Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex Harris
& Brett Harris
Rebelling against low expectations, Alex & Brett offer sound advice
for teens: Do Hard Things. Find five ways to change your life and
the world around you...
If
Your Could See the Way I Think: A Handbook for Visual-Spatial Kids by
Alexandra Shires Golan (available only from the GDC)
A celebration of the gifts of kids who prefer a visual-spatial learning
style. The 21st century adult world will demand their skills; here's
how to help them be successful in their left-hemispheric classrooms...
Jarvis
Clutch - Social Spy by Dr. Mel Levine and Jarvis Clutch
Jarvis Clutch—Social Spy is mainly about something very important called
social thinking, which most likely is a term you’ve never heard before, even
though it’s something you use all day long. Even most grownups don’t know
exactly what it means. Let me explain... (See
All
Kinds of Minds for a complete review)
No
B.O.!: The Head-to-Toe Book of Hygiene for Preteens by Marguerite Crump
This frank, reassuring, humorous book covers the physical changes boys
and girls experience during puberty and offers tips on caring for oneself
from head to toe. Fascinating facts, friendly suggestions, and funny
illustrations...
No
More Stinking Thinking by Joann Altiero
Be a wizard of positive thinking! Easy to use workbook that provides for
parents, teachers, and therapists to teach children to think healthily and
confidently, in a magical world in which children learn magic powers of
positive thinking in order to defeat the evil Lord Stinker. Chapters focus
on specific skills for topics such as jumping to conclusions, looking at the
big picture, critically examining the details of a situation, learning how
to have more positive thoughts, and the dangers of "all or none" thinking...
The
Power to Prevent Suicide: A Guide for Teens Helping Teens by Richard E.
Nelson & Judith C. Galas
Written for teens who may find themselves helping a friend, with easy to
remember ideas and suggestions about suicide, and about how to be a "suicide
preventer"...
Speak
Up And Get Along!: Learn The Mighty Might, Thought Chop, And More Tools To Make
Friends, Stop Teasing, And Feel Good About Yourself by Scott Cooper
If getting along were easy, everyone would do it. Here's a toolbox of
ways to get along with others, that you can use at home and school.
Anti-bullying and social skills...
Stick
Up for Yourself: Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power & Positive Self-Esteem
by Gershen Kaufman, Lev Raphael, and Pamela Espeland
A self-help guide to positive thinking, high self-esteem, and responsible
personal power. Based on a program originally developed for adults, the
book's premise is that all young people can and should be taught the skills
necessary to face common issues, such as making choices, liking themselves,
and solving problems...
The
Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD
by
John F. Taylor
Great guide to ADHD and what it means (and doesn't mean!) to your life at
home and school. How to deal, and how to succeed!
The
Unwritten Rules of Friendship: Simple Strategies to Help Your Child Make Friends
by
Natalie Madorsky Elman & Eileen Kennedy-Moore
With chapters including The Vulnerable Child, The Intimidating Child, The
Different Drummer, The Little Adult, and The Pessimistic Child, among
others, this is a great tool for parents to help their gifted kids learn and
understand the subtle art if being a friend!
What
in the World Do You Do When Your Parents Divorce?: A Survival Guide for Kids
by Kent Winchester, Roberta Beyer, and Elizabeth Verdick
Explains divorce, new living arrangements, and other basics to help
children understand what's happening in their lives. With honesty and
simplicity, the authors help kids realize that divorce isn't their fault,
strong emotions are okay, and families can survive difficult changes...
Also in a Parent's Guide:
Speaking of Divorce: How to Talk with Your Kids and Help Them Cope by
Roberta Beyer and Kent Winchester
Self-help for teens...
Fighting
Invisible Tigers by Earl Hipp
Covers everything from being assertive to building relationships, taking
risks, making decisions, staying healthy, dealing with fears, using positive
self-talk, & even growing a funny bone. There is also a "Self-Care for Tiger
Bites" section which offers ready "first aid" for teens who need quick relief.
Also available
A
Leader's Guide to Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for
Teens: 12 Sessions on Stress Management and Lifeskills Development
The
Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get
Along by Naomi Drew
Effective tools for improving conflict-resolution skills, based on survey
responses from more than 1000 middle school students. Scenarios are
presented with tips on how to keep calm and become a problem solver...
Also
A Leader's Guide to The Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep
Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along
Mad:
How to Deal With Your Anger and Get Respect by James J. Crist
Teens get angry. And teen is a great age to learn how to deal
with that anger, and avoid the poor decisions and actions that can create
life-long consequences. It's ok to get mad, and it's good to be heard.
Learn healthy ways to express and deal with your anger...
More
Than a Test Score: Teens Talk About Being Gifted, Talented, or Otherwise
Extra-ordinary
by Robert A. Shultz and James R. Delisle
What is giftedness all about? What's it like to be smarter than some of
your friends? What about expectations, mistakes, getting along, gifted
programs, and dull days at school? Includes hundreds of quotes from teens
ages 13-19, brief biographies, and activities. Essential reading for gifted
teens...
Maxed
Out: Hard Times in the Age of Easy Credit by James D. Scurlock
An adult subject, that's best to learn about before you get trapped
in it. Worth reading and discussing with your teens, or teens, with
your parents! Accompanying book to the movie,
Maxed Out
The
Power to Prevent Suicide: A Guide for Teens Helping Teens by Richard E.
Nelson & Judith C. Galas
Written for teens who may find themselves helping a friend, with easy to
remember ideas and suggestions about suicide, and about how to be a "suicide
preventer"...
Respect:
A Girl's Guide to Getting Respect & Dealing When Your Line Is Crossed
by
Courtney Macavinta and Andrea Vander Pluym
Smart, savvy book helps teen girls get respect and hold on to is no
matter what—at home, at school, with their friends, and in the world. Tips,
activities, writing exercises, and quotes from teens keep readers involved.
Girls learn respect is connected to everything, every girl deserves respect,
and respect is always within reach because it starts on the inside. Your
guide to getting respect and keeping it...
The
Teenagers' Guide to School Outside the Box by Rebecca Greene, Elizabeth
Verdick
Great ideas for learning outside of the four walls of a school, including
volunteering, summer programs, mentorships, study abroad, and much more.
Questions are answered, and ideas planted...The
Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and
Education by Grace Llewellyn
For adolescents (and their parents), discusses the differences between
education and schooling with an emphasis on how to get the former even if
you eschew the latter
Teen
Cyberbullying Investigated: Where Do Your Rights End and Consequences
Begin? by Thomas A. Jacobs
A powerful collection of landmark court cases involving teens and charges
of cyberbullying and cyberharassment. This riveting, informative guide will
help young people understand what cyberbullying is and is not, recognize
when they may be its victims or perpetrators, and learn tactics for
successfully dealing with it...
A
Teen's Guide to Getting Published: Publishing for Profit, Recognition And
Academic Success by Jessica Dunn & Danielle Dunn
How and where to get published, pitfalls to avoid, and success strategies
to follow, from poetry to prose, puzzles, and more!
Too
Stressed To Think?: A Teen Guide To Staying Sane When Life Makes You Crazy
by Annie Fox and Ruth Kirschner
Basics on stress and stress management, then details on the most stressful
stuff in teen lives: family, friends, school, and boyfriends / girlfriends...
The
Turning Hour by Shelley Fraser Mickle
With impressive credibility, and even humor, The Turning Hour explores the
tragic and potentially maudlin subject of teen suicide, creating an engrossing
narrative that manages to avoid sentimentality and bathos. Based on a real
incident, the novel interweaves the story of Bergin Talbot, a smart, popular
17-year-old whose attempt at suicide initially seems inexplicable, with that of
her mother, Leslie, a public defender who's found contentment in a second
marriage. Having survived physically (she's discovered by her stepbrother),
Bergin must confront a soul-searing spiritual question, "how do I get back?" The
background to her desperate act and her struggle to return to a normal life, to
bond again with her mother and the rest of the family, and to fit in again with
her peers, are detailed with psychological acuity and genuine feeling...
What
Do You Really Want? by Beverly K. Bachel
A teen guide to figuring out what you really want to do. What are
you interested in? How can you set goals to achieve the things you
want? How can you celebrate your accomplishments? Full of quotes
from real teens, plus reproducible forms to help figure it all out...
When
Living Hurts: what-to-do book for yourself or someone you care about who feels
discouraged, sad, lonely, hopeless, angry or frustrated, unhappy, bored,
depressed, suicidal by Sol Gordon
Insightful, direct book, written for young people who are in trouble or for
those who wish to help those in trouble. Identifies early warning signs of
suicide, suggests how to get help for different kinds of problems, and offers
ways to cope creatively with anxiety, anger frustration, sadness, loneliness or
depression...
When
Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens by Bev Cobain
Teens learn how to recognize depression in themselves and others, understand
its effects, and take care of themselves by relaxing, exercising, eating right,
and talking things over with people who care. For some teens, self-help isn't
enough, so Bev also tells about treatment options, presents the facts about
therapy, explains the differences between various types of helping professionals
(psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, physicians, counselors, etc.), discusses
medications, and more. This book is for any teen who feels hopeless,
helpless, and alone. It's also recommended for parents, teachers, and counselors
who want to know more about teen depression...
When
Something Feels Wrong: A Survival Guide About Abuse for Young People by
Deanna S. Pledge
Teens who have experienced physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse need
information and support to begin the healing process. They may not know how to
start coping with the effects of these traumatizing events. This empowering book
is a safe first step toward recovery...
Real Teen Voices (ages 13+)
Pressure:
True Stories by Teens About Stress edited by Al Desetta of Youth
Communication
Stress hits these teen writers from all angles; they're feeling the pressure
at school, at home, and in their relationships. The young writers describe their
stress relief techniques, including exercise, music, writing, and more. The
collection includes tips for cooling down and inspiring examples of
perseverance...
Rage:
True Stories by Teens About Anger edited by Laura Longhine of Youth
Communication
The teen writers in Rage have plenty street violence, peer pressure, feeling
powerless, and more. The writers give honest advice and talk about their anger
management skills as they struggle to gain control of their emotions and stop
hurting others - and themselves...
Vicious:
True Stories by Teens About Bullying edited by Hope Venderburg of Youth
Communication
Essays by teens address bullying: physical, verbal, relational, and cyber.
These stories will appeal to readers because the cruelty and hurt are
unmistakably real - and the reactions of the writers are sometimes
cringe-worthy, often admirable, and always believable...
S-e-x Ed... consider opening the discussion early and
honestly, instead of a single high-stakes conversation at puberty!
The
Guy Book: An Owner's Manual by
Mavis Jukes
Car-related chapter headings including "Under the Hood," "Yielding the Right
of Way: Consent," and "Avoiding Hazardous Conditions: STDs," full of friendly,
accurate, and up-to-date advice for pre-teen and teen boys... (pre-teen and teen
boys)
How
to Talk With Teens About Love, Relationships, & S-E-X by Charles D. Miron &
Amy G. Miron
A guide for parents, whether you're ready for "that talk" or preparing for
the future. Covers all the subjects in depth, organized to pick what you
need right now, with plenty of room for your own family values... (parents of
teens)
How
Your Body Works by
Judy Hindley and Christopher Rawson
Cartoon guide, with real life facts presented in just the right language for
young kids asking those questions. Covers all the details of the
body, including impregnation - with cute little cartoon train cars for
illustration - and gestation. Even fathers won't mind reading this book
aloud! (elementary)
It's
So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families by
Robie Harris
Neatly distilling various aspects of sex, reproduction and love, with the
guidance of an inquisitive, loquacious bird and an embarrassed bee acting as
comic and straight man... (elementary)
It's
Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by
Robie Harris
What's happening to my body, and the other girls and boys bodies, what do I
need to know? Geared for late-elementary and older, with cartoon bird and
bee adding unique commentary from both the actively curious and the
uncomfortable and shy perspectives... (upper elementary / middle school)
Our
Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era by
Boston Women's Health Book Collective
An updated version of the classic volume from the 70's, including chapters
on relationships, safety, diet, women's health, pregnancy & childbirth, abuse
and much more... (teen to adult women)
Understanding
the Facts of Life by
Susan Meredith and Robyn Gee
A double title: one side is about the Facts of Life, and the other about the
responsibilities of raising Babies... good things to know, before you
accidentally have one... (upper elementary)
What's
Happening to Me? by Peter Mayle
Describes the mental and physical changes of puberty, in non-threatening but
complete detail... (upper elementary)
Where
Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
Describes the reproductive process to answer those very early questions,
with adorable cartoon illustrations. I still remember the sperm in top hat
and tails from when I was a kid... (lower elementary)
Helping others through Service...
The
Complete Guide to Service Learning: Proven, Practical Ways to Engage Students in
Civic Responsibility, Academic Curriculum, & Social Action by
Cathryn Berger Kaye
Service learning in the curriculum, including ideas, activities, quotes, and
books to read... (grades K-12)
Each of the individual books below may be used with or without
The Complete Guide...
A
Kids' Guide to Climate Change & Global Warming by
Cathryn Berger Kaye
service learning activities and projects for middle and high
school kids that make a difference on the local, national, and
global scene (middle school and up)
A
Kids' Guide to Helping Others Read & Succeed by
Cathryn Berger Kaye
Learn about literacy, and how you can help! (ages 6 and
up)
A
Kids' Guide to Hunger & Homelessness by
Cathryn Berger Kaye
Learn causes and effects, and what you can do to help... (ages 6 and
up)
A
Kids’ Guide to Protecting & Caring for Animals by
Cathryn Berger Kaye and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals
Learn about welfare around the world, including cruelty prevention,
emergency readiness, wildlife rehabilitation, animal advocacy habitat
preservation, and shelter volunteering
Get
Out!: 150 Easy Ways for Kids & Grown-Ups to Get Into Nature and Build a
Greener Future
by Judy Molland
Want to learn more about nature? Experience the world in new ways? Go
green and make the world a better place? Want the same things for the kids
in your life? Get Out! is chock full of ideas to help families,
classroom teachers and group leaders achieve these goals and more!
The
Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect With Others (Near & Far) to Create
Social Change by
Barbara A. Lewis
Teens are acting to fight hunger and poverty, promote health and human
rights, save the environment, and work for peace. Young people can make a
difference on a global scale. Real-life stories inspire young readers, plus
opportunities for service, fast facts, hands-on activities, user-friendly tools,
and up-to-date resources kids can use to put their own volunteer spirit into
practice...

Gifted Girls
-
The
Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed-Up World
by Christine Fonseca (or from
Amazon)
- Finding your unique voice in a noise world can be hard, but not if you've
got a great guide. A must read for girls entering adolescence. Stress
management, relational aggression, online safety, mother-daughter
relationships, and more...
-
No
B.O.!: The Head-to-Toe Book of Hygiene for Preteens by Marguerite Crump
- This frank, reassuring, humorous book covers the physical changes boys
and girls experience during puberty and offers tips on caring for oneself
from head to toe. Fascinating facts, friendly suggestions, and funny
illustrations...

Gifted Boys
No
B.O.!: The Head-to-Toe Book of Hygiene for Preteens by Marguerite Crump
This frank, reassuring, humorous book covers the physical changes boys
and girls experience during puberty and offers tips on caring for oneself
from head to toe. Fascinating facts, friendly suggestions, and funny
illustrations...

Gifted and LD...
-
ADHD
in HD: Brains Gone Wild
by Jonathan Chesner
- A kinetic collection of frank personal stories of failure and success,
hilarious anecdotes, wild ideas, and blunt advice that will resonate with
teens and young adults. While most ADHD books are written to parents and
educators, this is written to hold the attention of the teen and young adult
reader with ADHD: more than 60 short essays, relevant topics, wacky
illustrations—all stamped with Jonathan’s irresistible humor. Addresses the
four main characteristics of ADHD: hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention,
and indecisiveness. It provides positive advice about school, family life,
social life, dating, careers, medicine. Warning: it's a colorfully
distracting book...
-
Keeping
a Head in School: A Student's Book About Learning Abilities and Learning
Disorders by Mel Levine
- Designed to help students with a wide range of learning disorders "gain
a realistic insight into their personal strengths and weaknesses."
Levine heartens his readers -- not only by demonstrating a clear
understanding of their difficulties but also by providing hope for the
success that everyone needs...
-
Putting
on the Brakes by Patricia O. Quinn and Judith M. Stern
- Simple presentation explaining what ADHD is and offers ways for its
victims to gain control of their lives. Short chapters, numerous
black-and-white photographs and drawings, lists, wide margins, and large
type will entice children to read the book from cover to cover. The authors'
suggestions are practical and clearly described...
Also Putting on the Brakes Activity Book for Kids with ADD or ADHD
-
Squirrels
in Deer Land: A Novel celebrating those with ADHD, Giftedness, and other
things that make us, well, squirrelly... by Susie Binkley
- a novel with a purpose: to use the power of storytelling to help people
with any kind of differences feel good about themselves. It is a story of
heroes for those who are squirrelly - people who don't always color inside
the lines or think inside the box, such as those with ADHD, giftedness, or
learning or behavioral differences. Instead of focusing on the problems
associated with being "different", it is a celebration of the wonderful
skills and abilities that energetic, creative, squirrelly people have and
the talents they contribute to our world...
-
Take
Control of ADHD: The Ultimate Guide for Teens With ADHD by Ruth Spodak
and Kenneth Stefano (or from
Amazon)
- Helps teens take control of their disorder and find success in school
and in life. By creating the “ADHD Attention Profile” discussed in the book,
readers will recognize how ADHD affects them, discover coping strategies and
technology tools to improve their focus, and develop a self-advocacy plan
they can use immediately...
-
Take
Control of Asperger's Syndrome: The Official Strategy Guide for Teens With
Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorders
by Janet Price and Jennifer Engel Fisher
(or from
Amazon)
- Handbook for kids and teens on living successful lives with these
disorders by taking control of their strengths to overcome their weaknesses,
including tips on understanding the disorders, living with the symptoms,
succeeding in school, completing homework, talking to others about strengths
and needs, making friends and socializing, and using technology to connect
with other kids and teens with these disorders. Includes ideas, information,
and advice for students, by students just like them...
-
Take
Control of Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties
by Jennifer Engel Fisher & Janet Price (or from
Amazon)
- Guidebook written especially for kids with dyslexia and other
reading difficulties to help them overcome their reading struggles and find
success in school and beyond. Addresses the fundamentals of reading for
elementary and middle school students, speaking to students directly in
easy-to-understand language with charts, graphs, and illustrations...
-
Take
Control of OCD: The Ultimate Guide for Kids with OCD
by Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (or from
Amazon)
- Guide just for kids ages 10–16 with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to help
them take control of their disorder and find success in school and in life.
Using a cognitive-behavioral therapy method to stress gradual exposure to
students' obsessive thinking patterns, the book takes kids step-by-step
through a ladder-based process to conquer their fears and demolish their
worries...
-
What
to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming OCD by
Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews
- Designed to help students with a wide range of learning disorders "gain
a realistic insight into their personal strengths and weaknesses."
Levine heartens his readers -- not only by demonstrating a clear
understanding of their difficulties but also by providing hope for the
success that everyone needs...
- The Adventures of Everyday Genius...
by Barbara Esham, illustrated by Mike Gordon

Visit Mainstream
Connections for many great reviews and endorsements by the Eides,
Silverman, Reis, Baum, and many more!
-
If
You're So Smart, How Come Can't You Spell Mississippi?

- Katie always thought that her dad was smart; he is one of the busiest
attorneys in town! People are always asking him for advice! She has been a
bit confused since asking for help with her weekly spelling list. How can
her "very smart" dad struggle with one of her spelling words? This
definitely did not make sense. The word "Mississippi" had changed
everything...
-
Stacey
Coolidge's Fancy Smancy Cursive Handwriting

- How does Stacey do it? How can Carolyn not do it? Carolyn has been
practicing cursive handwriting every day for weeks, but she is not getting
any closer to Frederick, the class guinea pig. It's a good thing her
teacher, Mrs. T., is able ot turn her frustration into confidence...
-
Mrs.
Gorski, I Think I Have The Wiggle Fidgets

- David doesn't know how he ends up in such "situations." At the time, it
just seems like such a great idea. His teacher, Mrs. G., has had about
enough; he can tell by the way her voice changes when she speaks to him.
This time, he believes that he has come up with the best idea yet - the
perfect plan to make everything better...
- Last
to Finish: A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math

- One by one, Max's classmates turn in their finished papers before the
timer rings. Not Max, as soon as the teacher starts the timer, "it"
happens! His heart begins to pound. Once his heart begins to pound, his
hands begin to sweat and his brain freezes! Math must not be his
thing...

Gifted and Dyslexic...
-
How
to Write Really Badly by Anne Fine (or from Amazon.co.uk
How to Write Really Badly)
- Chester Howard's seatmate at his new school is Joe, a boy who has a tough
time learning anything in school. He knows he's clever - Joe can build
incredible models - but he can't get to grips with his school work and his
desk is a mess beyond belief...
-
My
Name is Brain Brian by Jeanne Betancourt
- Brian and his fellow members of the Jokers Club hate school. To make it
more fun, they create a secret game, winning points for making other people
laugh during the day. Brian wins the first point when he writes his name as
"Brain" on the blackboard. But it's no joke. (grades 4-6)
-
Pony
Pals series by Jeanne Betancourt
- Lucinda (Lulu) Sanders has always wanted a pony, and now that she's forced
to stay in the small town of Wiggins with her Grandmother... A
fantastic series for young horse lovers, with a dyslexic as one of the three
main characters, and the difficulties facing her woven into each book
(ages 9-12)
Spellwright
by Blake
Charlton
The story of a young man searching for his place in the world. Would-be
spellwright (i.e., wizard) Nicodemus Weal may be the only person able to prevent
a magical apocalypse. Or maybe he’ll bring about the end of magic. He
desperately wants to become a wizard but has a big problem: he’s a cacographer.
For Nico, anything he touches is instantly misspelled, and when this happens
with magical texts, the consequences can be deadly...
Take
Control of Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties
by Jennifer Engel Fisher & Janet Price (or from
Amazon)
Unlike most books that focus on the "how-to's" of reading, this book
teaches kids what reading is all about. Learn about the different skills
involved in the reading process, why learning how to read can be difficult,
tips for studying and completing homework more easily, and what kinds of
strategies and technologies might help improve their reading abilities.
Interviews with other kids with dyslexia and reading difficulties offer
insight into the frustrations that come with reading difficulties and
provide encouragement to push forward to reading success...

Gifted and Aspergers / High
Functioning Autism (HFA)...
-
All
Cats Have Asperger Syndrome
by Kathy Hoopman
- This touching picture book explains the joys and challenges of raising a
"different" child. Good for kids and adults alike, leaving the reader
with a sense of the dignity and potential of the Aspergers child...
-
The
Asperkid's (Secret) Book of Social Rules: The Handbook of Not-so-obvious
Social Guidelines for Tweens and Teens With Asperger Syndrome
by Jennifer Cook O'Toole
- Being a teen or tween isn't easy for anyone -- but it's especially tough
for Asperkids. I know. I was one, I taught a whole bunch, and I am going to
be raising three! Asperkdis deserve their very own guide to all of the
hidden social rules that are awfully confusing to us, even if they seem
obvious to everyone else. This isn't your momma's Emily Post, and there is
no "don't do this" finger-wagging or patronizing "high and mighty preaching"
here. The "Secret" Book gives Asperkids (aged 10-17) respectful, funny
insights written "for Aspies by an Aspie." Full of illustrations, logic and
even a practice session or six (in comic strip style, thank you very much!),
this is the handbook every adult Aspie wishes we'd had growing up, but never
did...
-
The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
- A murder mystery of sorts -- told by an autistic boy. Fifteen-year-old
Christopher John Francis Boone is mathematically gifted and socially hopeless,
raised in a working-class home by parents who can barely cope with their
child's quirks. He takes everything that he sees (or is told) at face value,
and is unable to sort out the strange behavior of his elders and peers...
-
How
to Talk to an Autistic Kid
by Daniel Stefanski
- Who better to explain the challenges of typical kids communicating with
autistic kids than 14-year-old Daniel Stefanski, who has autism? “Even
though my brain is different, I’m still a kid.” And like any kid who’s been
ignored, Daniel can often feel lonely. Through his casual and frank
narration, he recognizes that autistic kids may look and sound different
when trying to communicate, but they still want to be included...
-
The
Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents)
by Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve
- Have a child just diagnosed with Aspergers or other Autism Spectrum
Disorder or Nonverbal Learning Disorder? This book should be your first
purchase. Real problems are answered with real solutions shared by kids, and
illustrated cheerfully with drawings of kids of every gender and race. An
appealing and valuable read for kids and the adults who love them...
-
Take
Control of Asperger's Syndrome: The Official Strategy Guide for Teens With
Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorders
by Janet Price and Jennifer Engel Fisher
(or from
Amazon)
- A unique handbook for kids and teens on living successful lives with these
disorders by taking control of their strengths to overcome their weaknesses,
including tips on understanding the disorders, living with the symptoms,
succeeding in school, completing homework, talking to others about strengths
and needs, making friends and socializing, and using technology to connect
with other kids and teens with these disorders. Includes ideas, information,
and advice for students, by students just like them...

Gifted Young Authors...
-
The
Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner
- "John Gardner was famous for his generosity to young writers, and (this
book) is his . . . gift to them. The Art of Fiction will fascinate anyone
interested in how fiction gets put together. For the young writer, it will
become a necessary handbook, a stern judge, an encouraging friend." -- The
New York Times Book Review.
-
The
Book of Story Beginnings by Kristin Kladstrup
- Oscar Martin was fourteen when he mysteriously disappeared from his Iowa
farmhouse in 1914. His sister claimed Oscar had rowed out to sea — but how
was that possible? Nearly a century later, when Lucy Martin moves with her
parents to that same Iowa farmhouse, she discovers the strange and dangerous
Book of Story Beginnings, and soon Oscar himself reappears in a bizarre
turn of events that sends the two distant relatives on a perilous journey.
From a first-time author comes an intricate, spellbinding fantasy that lures
you in and won’t let go...
-
On
Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner
- John Gardner understands the poor, young, serious-fiction writer.
Gardner's sympathetic On Becoming a Novelist is the novelist's ultimate
comfort food--better than macaroni and cheese, better than chocolate.
Gardner, a fiction writer himself (Grendel), knows in his bones the
desperate questioning of a writer who's not sure he's up to the task. He
recognizes the validation that comes with being published, just as he
believes that "for a true novel there is generally no substitute for slow,
slow baking." Gardner also has strong feelings about what kinds of workshops
help (and whom they help), and what kinds hinder. But a full half of
Gardner's book is devoted to an exploration of the writer's nature...
-
Seize
the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write
by Victoria Hanley (or from
Amazon)
- Elements of fiction, from creating believable dialogue to exciting plots,
laid out clearly and illustrated with examples taken straight from story
excerpts by excellent writers, writing exercises designed to encourage teens
to tell the stories that are theirs alone, plus other published authors of
young adult literature share their insights about the writing life. Teens
gain firsthand advice from T. A. Barron, Joan Bauer, Hilari Bell, Chris
Crutcher, David Lubar, Lauren Myracle, Todd Mitchell, Nancy Garden, and
more...
-
Spilling
Ink by Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer
- Practical advice in a perfect package for young aspiring writers. After
receiving letters from fans asking for writing advice, accomplished authors
Mazer and Potter joined together to create this guidebook for young writers.
The authors mix inspirational anecdotes with practical guidance on how to
find a voice, develop characters and plot, make revisions, and overcome
writer’s block. Fun writing prompts will help young writers jump-start their
own projects, and encouragement throughout will keep them at work...
-
Your
Life in Comics: 100 Things for Guys to Write and Draw by YOU, created by
Bill Zimmerman, artwork by Tyler Page
- Great kick-start for reluctant writers, this make-your-own take on comic
books will appeal to tweens—both boys and girls, and never mind the title...
With oh-so-right topics—such as music, texting, and school lockers—the book
offers lots of cool links for online exploration, too...

Anxiety...
-
From
Worrier to Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Fears
by Dan Peters
Make
Your Worrier a Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Child's Fears
by Dan Peters
- From Worrier to Warrior, a companion book to Make Your Worrier a Warrior
(for parents), is designed to teach you how to conquer the Worry Monster.
This book shows you how to overcome worry and fear using several
easy-to-follow strategies. Read the book and learn the strategies yourself,
or read along with a parent or other adult. From Worrier to Warrior will
teach you how to create your very own "toolbox" of ways to combat fear and
anxiety to carry with you and conquer the Worry Monster at any time. With
these tools, you will be able to overcome whatever challenges come your way!...
-
Letting Go: A Girl's Guide to Breaking Free of Stress and Anxiety
by Christine Fonseca
- Do you ever feel like you'll never be perfect? Do you worry that what you
say or do or wear will be how people remember you? It's time to let go of
those worries and embrace who you are. Letting Go: A Girl's Guide to
Breaking Free of Stress and Anxiety has everything you need to help you
understand and manage the very real pressures you're facing from life.
Designed to provide strategies for managing stress and anxiety, this book is
filled with practical evidence-based advice and stories from teen and young
adult women like you who have found ways to manage their anxieties. Every
chapter features a discussion of different types of stress and anxiety so
you can understand better what you're experiencing, activities to help you
remember all the things you love about yourself and to help you understand
yourself better, strategies for combating both stress and anxiety, and a
stories of other girls who've learned to move past their stress and love
their lives― and themselves ― to the fullest...
-
My
Anxious Mind: A Teen's Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic by Michael A.
Tompkins
- helps teens take control of their anxious feelings by providing cognitive
behavioral strategies to tackle anxiety head-on and to feel more confident
and empowered in the process. It also offers ways for teens with anxiety to
improve their inter-personal skills, manage stress; handle panic attacks;
use diet and exercise appropriately; and decide whether medication is right
for them...
-
No
More Stinking Thinking by Joann Altiero
- Be a wizard of positive thinking! Easy to use workbook that provides for
parents, teachers, and therapists to teach children to think healthily and
confidently, in a magical world in which children learn magic powers of
positive thinking in order to defeat the evil Lord Stinker. Chapters focus
on specific skills for topics such as jumping to conclusions, looking at the
big picture, critically examining the details of a situation, learning how
to have more positive thoughts, and the dangers of "all or none" thinking...
-
Stressed
Out!: Solutions to Help Your Child Manage and Overcome Stress by James
Forgan and Mary Anne Richey
- Easy-to-read guide for parents to help their children understand stress,
its effects on kids' day-to-day lives, and how to handle it. Stress
management solutions that can be implemented by even the busiest parents and
kids, focusing on a variety of common stressful situations that are grouped
according to three categories-school, family, or environmental. Strategies
include sample dialogues parents can use in conversation with their child
and activities to help children gain insight and understanding into the
nature of their stress, such as worksheets, role-play scenarios, or
children's stories...
-
Too
Stressed To Think?: A Teen Guide To Staying Sane When Life Makes You Crazy
by Annie Fox and Ruth Kirschner
- Basics on stress and stress management, then details on the most stressful
stuff in teen lives: family, friends, school, and boyfriends / girlfriends...
- What
to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids
by James J. Crist
- From a fear of spiders to panic attacks, kids have worries and fears, just
like adults. But while adults have access to a lot of helpful information,
that hasn’t been true for kids—until now. Drawing on his years of experience
helping children deal with anxiety, Crist gives kids a place to turn to when
they need advice, reassurance, and ideas...

Perfectionism...
-
Aiden
McGee Gets A Case of the "Actuallys"
by by Aaron McGinley
- Aiden has a case of the "Actuallys," and just can't help but correct
others on the most trivial of facts. Is it a turtle or a tortoise? Is it a
tomato a fruit? With every misspoken word, Aiden just has to interject, and
often, it embarrasses the people around him. One day, someone gives him a
piece of advice that could change everything. Come find out how to cure the
"Actuallys"...
Beautiful
Oops!
by Barney Saltzberg
A life lesson that all parents want their children to learn:
It’s OK to make a mistake. In fact, hooray for mistakes! A
mistake is an adventure in creativity, a portal of
discovery. A spill doesn’t ruin a drawing—not when it
becomes the shape of a goofy animal. And an accidental tear
in your paper? Don’t be upset about it when you can turn it
into the roaring mouth of an alligator... (board book)
The
Book of Mistakes
by Corrina Luykin
Memorable picture book about the creative process and the
way in which "mistakes" can blossom into inspiration. One
eye was bigger than the other. That was a mistake. The weird
frog-cat-cow thing? It made an excellent bush. And the inky
smudges… they look as if they were always meant to be leaves
floating gently across the sky. As one artist incorporates
accidental splotches, spots, and misshapen things into her
art, she transforms her piece in quirky and unexpected ways,
taking readers on a journey through her process. Told in
minimal, playful text, this story shows readers that even
the biggest “mistakes” can be the source of the brightest
ideas—and that, at the end of the day, we are all works in
progress, too.
Bookmarked:
Teen Essays on Life and Literature from Tolkien to Twilight
by Ann Camacho
Young people from a wide range of backgrounds reflect on how
words from literature connect with and influence their
lives, goals, and personal philosophies. Topics include
suffering the death of a parent, facing a life-threatening
illness, letting go of perfectionism, making friends,
realizing goals, and grappling with questions of faith and
sexuality. Books cited range from The Grapes of Wrath
and The Great Gatsby to Twilight and Lord
of the Rings.
Teachers, guidance counselors, and parents working with
teens on personal essays— including for college
applications—will find useful samples, models, and
inspiration. Teachers of literature, writing, and language
arts classes can also use these essays as a way to help
teens explore literature—and their own responses to
it—through writing...
What to Do When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough: The Real Deal on
Perfectionism: A Guide For Kids by Tom Greenspon
Written for young people, preteens and teenagers about what perfectionism
is and learning how to deal with it. Emphasizes that perfectionism isn't
just wanting to do well - it's an obsessive fear of performing
less-than-perfect in any way, and is always harmful...

Underachievement...
Get
Off My Brain: A Survival Guide for Lazy* Students (*Bored, Frustrated, and
Otherwise Sick of School) by Randall McCutcheon
Aimed at bright, talented kids who are bored, frustrated, and otherwise
sick of school, including so-called "underachievers," Get Off My
Brain is an offbeat, unconventional study guide
Get
Organized Without Losing It by Janet S. Fox
Starts by defining the problem, and then offering great suggestions for
solutions, all in a humorous voice that makes it easy to read and actually
DO...
How
to Do Homework Without Throwing Up by Trevor Romain and Elizabeth
Verdick
Contrary to what children believe, homework is not meant to make them
miserable. It is a serious business, however, and one of the great things
about it is that "you get to do it at home." Designed to make kids laugh
while recognizing the importance of school assignments...
See
You Later, Procrastinator! by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick
Kids today are notorious for putting things off—homework and chores take a
backseat to playing video games, hanging out with friends, watching
television, or surfing online. Full-color cartoons and text teach kids how
to get motivated, stay motivated, and get things done. Kids learn 12 reasons
why people procrastinate and 12 Procrastination Busters that can help; 20
ways to kiss procrastination good-bye; tips for avoiding the dreaded Domino
Effect...
Purchases made through Amazon links benefit Hoagies' Gifted Education Page -
thanks!
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