One question often asked of the Enrichment team is around the topic of books for Gifted and Talented readers. “What do you do with a child who reads 2 - 3 books each weekend?” “How do I choose books that are an appropriate challenge yet not too sophisticated emotionally?” “What resources are available for finding good books?” These are just some of the challenges present for parents of exceptional readers.
As a group, talented readers are characterized by
- reading earlier than their peers,
- comprehending reading materials that are two or more years above grade level,
- spending more time reading,
- reading a greater variety of literature, even into adulthood (Collins & Kortner, 1995; Halsted, 1990).
- knowing, understanding, appreciating, and using advanced vocabulary,
- retaining what they read for a long time,
- perceiving relationships between and among characters,
- grasping complex ideas (Catron & Wingenbach, 1986; Dooley, 1993; Levande, 1999)
There are many sources of lists and recommendations for these readers. The suggestions below are not exhaustive, but we do hope to provide some places to begin. A parent’s best resource is often a children’s librarian. Once your librarian knows your child’s preferences, s/he will be on the lookout for new titles that fit your reader’s profile!
The Monarch Award: Illinois' K-3 Readers' Choice Award The Monarch is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors and illustrators
The Bluestem Award: Illinois Grades 3-5 Readers’ Choice is designed for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list, but not quite ready for the sophistication of some of the Rebecca Caudill titles.
The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award is an annual award given to the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools.
The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
A reading list with a twist! Children themselves evaluate the books and write reviews of their favorites. Since 1974, Children’s Choices have been a trusted source of book recommendations used by teachers, librarians, parents—and children themselves.The project is co-sponsored by IRA and the Children’s Book Council.
Since 1987, the Young Adults' Choices project has developed an annual list of new books that will encourage adolescents to read. The books are selected by the readers themselves, so they are bound to be popular with middle and secondary school students. The reading list is a trusted source of book recommendations, used by adolescents, their parents, teachers, and librarians.
The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth identifies and develops the talents of the most advanced K-12 learners worldwide. They have many reading lists on their website.
Hoagies Gifted Education Page also has many lists.
Following is a listing of books recommended by members of MCGT for children.
Sources Cited
Winebrenner, Susan, and Dina Brulles. Teaching Gifted Kids in Today's Classroom: Strategies and Techniques Every Teacher Can Use. Rev. & Updated Third ed. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit, 2012. Print.
"National Association for Gifted Children | Supporting the Needs of High Potential Learners." National Association for Gifted Children | Supporting the Needs of High Potential Learners. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. <http://www.nagc.org/>
