Reading List for Parents of Gifted Children

Earlier this year with the publication of my new book Raising Creative Kids (with my co-author Dr. Susan Daniels) I did a little research into what other good reading materials existed on the horizon for parents of gifted and twice-exceptional children. My results informed the following list, a primer of some worthwhile books that anyone with a gifted child should read to get a comprehensive view of the issues and challenges that may arise or to find great tools and guidance.

A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children
James T. Webb, Janet L. Gore, Edward R. Amend and Arlene R. DeVries

These four authors, who have decades of professional experience with gifted children and their families, provide practical guidance in areas such as peer relations, motivation, depression, parenting concerns and more.

Different Minds: Gifted Children with Ad/Hd, Asperger Syndrome and Other Learning Deficits
Dee Lovecky

Recognizing the different levels and kinds of giftedness, this book provides an insight into the challenges and benefits specific to gifted children with attention difficulties.

High IQ Kids: Collected Insights, Information and Personal Stories from the Experts
Kiesa Kay

This mix of personal stories and essays from parents, educators, authors, researchers, and other experts addresses the joys and challenges of raising gifted kids of all ages.

A Love for Learning: Motivation and the Gifted Child
Gretchen Hirsch

Spark the motivation in your gifted child or student! Keep them eager and excited at home and in the classroom!  Gifted children are susceptible to many de-motivating factors, which can lead to depression and academic underachievement. This book discusses the four C’s of motivation including: creating challenge, creating control, creating commitment and creating compassion.

Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, Ocd, Asperger’s, Depression and Other Disorders
James T. Webb, Edward R. Amend, Nadia E. Webb, Jean Goerss, Paul Beljan, F. Richard Olenchak

Our brightest, most creative children and adults are often being misdiagnosed with behavioral and emotional disorders such as ADHD, Oppositional-Defiant Disorder, Bipolar, OCD, or Asperger’s. This book describes ways parents and professionals can distinguish between gifted behaviors and clinical behaviors.

Dreamers, Discoverers, and Dynamos: how to help a child who is
bright, bored, and having problems in school.
Mary Jo Palladino

Formerly titled The Edison Trait, this book explores the imagination, energy, and passion that drives kids to explore, wonder, and push limits, and discusses the challenges of parenting and education them, along with recommendations to keep them engaged.

Living With Intensity
Susan Daniels and Michael Piechowski

Gifted children (adults) seem to come with intensities and sensitivities, also known as "overexcitabilities." This book describes a theory of personality development applied to gifted individuals and offers understanding for the gifted child’s drive and passion, and suggestions for accepting them and helping a child to learn to live with them.

Raising a Gifted Child: A Parenting Success Handbook
Carol Fertig

This book offers a large menu of strategies, resources, organizations, tips, and suggestions for parents to find optimal learning opportunities for their gifted kids.

All of these books can easily be found on Amazon.com.

Dr. Dan Peters, Ph.D., is co-founder of the Summit Center, which provides psychological and educational assessments and counseling for children and adolescents, specializing in the gifted, creative, and twice-exceptional.