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Books: Non-Fiction

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  21st Century Violinists

  This book by String Letter Publishing offers a rare glimpse into the world of the classical violin soloist, whether they're child prodigies just coming onto the stage or cultural icons whose careers have had a lasting influence on generations of players. In this collection of in-depth interviews, today's leading violinists discuss making music on one of the world's most beloved instruments. How they practice, how they work with other musicians, their performance secrets and anxieties, and what moves and inspires them.

  A Forgotten Voice: A Biography of Leta Stetter Hollingworth

  This book by author A.G. Klein, is about Leta Stetter Hollingworth, the mother of gifted education. Hollingworth has been forgotten, even though her words of 100 years ago are still as relevant today as they were back then. Born in 1886 in rural Nebraska, Leta Hollingworth rose above an abusive childhood and strong prejudice to become an influential psychologist, feminist, educator, author, and advocate for gifted children.

  A Gifted Life Cut Short: The Jeffrey Peck Story (a memoir)

  Follow Jeff: From his birth to home schooling. Entering college at age 11. Graduating college with honors one week after his 15th birthday. Entering med school at 18. Being naturally brilliant (gifted) isn't easy. Jeffrey Peck was about to find his doorway to happiness wanting to marry the woman of his dreams, buy a home, have children and a normal life. But, 21st century technology in the hands of an evil stranger gave a sudden shocking twist to his life. Follow his mother's mission to find the truth: Who, what, when, where, and why his gifted life was cut short.

  A History of US: 11 Volume Set

  This 11-volume overview of American History goes into much greater depth than the typical history book. Joy Hakim does an excellent job of telling both sides of issues and placing people in the context of their times. The text itself is very readable, aimed at middle school levels, with interesting sidebars. Each book has a comprehensive bibliography of other readings, both fiction and non-fiction, that reinforces the material.
  

  Accidental Genius

  The story of homeschooled profoundly gifted child, Michael, who attended kindergarten at age 3 and graduated from high school in only one year at the age of six. He graduated from college at 10; holds four Guinness World Records; and, graduated with a master's degree in chemistry at 14.

  Accidents May Happen (50 Inventions Discovered By Mistake)

  This book offers inspiring and often funny stories of 50 mistakes and misunderstandings that helped bring about life as we know it, from Wheaties to telephones and microwave ovens to yo-yos. With hilarious cartoons and wacky facts, this fascinating compendium illustrates the adage "If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them."

  Adventures and Challenges: Real Life Stories by Girls and Young Women

  Eighteen women share inspirational stories of how they used adventure to challenge themselves beyond their perceived limits. Frances Karnes and Suzanne Bean end their book with a sequential listing of significant accomplishments women have made throughout history. This provides a valuable reminder that women have been accomplishing amazing things for hundreds of years and will continue to do so.

  And Still We Rise: The Trials and Triumphs of Twelve Gifted Inner-City High School Students

  Miles Corwin's book is a narrative account of twelve gifted students who live and learn in distressed neighborhoods and the AP teachers who have helped them. This book can enlighten readers about the gifted and emphasizes that gifted children are not a socio-culturally homogeneous population.
  

  And the Skylark Sings with Me: Adventures in Homeschooling and Community-Based Education

  This book documents the home education of a musically talented, highly intellectually gifted child, from the perspective of her father. An interesting, detailed account of the child's musical development within the context of the total educational program is included.

  Annemarie Roeper: Selected Writings and Speeches

  This book contains articles, essays, and addresses spanning Dr. Roeper's life and work. The articles encompass education, psychology, and Dr. Roeper's philosophy of global awareness, all of which she believes are closely interconnected.

  Archimedes and the Door of Science

  This book is about the life and works of Archimedes, the Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. The author discusses Archimedes work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The book includes simple and humorous illustrations and diagrams enhancing the reader's understanding of Archimedes' concepts.

  Asimov's Guide to Shakespeare: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Works of Shakespeare

  This guide supplies the modern reader with background information on topics which Shakespeare assumed were familiar to Elizabethan audiences. Shakepeare provided "horseplay and slapstick comedy for the less educated in his audiences, while providing a wealth of allusion for the more educated." He assumed the educated members of his audiences were thoroughly grounded in Greek & Roman mythology and history; that they were knowledgeable about England's history and the geography of 16th century Europe.

  Assistive Technology in Special Education: Resources for Education, Intervention, and Rehabilitation (2nd ed.)

  Families, teachers, and therapists who are searching for an update about how to use the latest technologies to help individuals who struggle with communication, literacy, and learning will benefit from the wealth of practical, well-organized information in this second edition of this book by author Joan Green.

  Barefoot Irreverence: A Guide to Critical Issues in Gifted Child Education

  This book is a collection of the most popular writings from the past two decades of esteemed gifted education researcher Dr. James R. Delisle and includes more than 50 articles and essays from such publications as Education Week, Parenting for High Potential, Understanding Our Gifted and more.
  

  Black Genius and the American Experience

  In this collection of essays and interviews journalist Dick Russell examines the role of African Americans through two centuries of American history. He focuses primarily on the role of blacks in the cultural life of the United States. Black Genius and the American Experience, with an introduction by Alvin F. Poussaint, takes a thoughtful and fascinating look at the contributions to U.S. history made by Americans of African decent.

  Boy: Tales of Childhood

  In this book, the author, Roald Dahl recounts his days as a child growing up in England. From his years as a prankster at boarding school to his envious position as a chocolate tester for Cadbury's. His boyhood was full of excitement and the unexpected.

  Bright, Talented, & Black: Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners

  This book provides helpful information about the parenting and education of black gifted children. The author, Dr. Joy Davis, offers practical information based on her personal experience as a parent, as well as a gifted education professional. This book will help African American parents, as well as educators who work with these bright, talented, gifted children.

  Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture

  During the 25 years he spent building the monument that defines the city of Florence, Filippo Brunelleschi lost his bed in a freak flood and accidentally sank 100 tons of fine, white marble in a riverboat of his own design. Author Ross King deftly lays a score of these high Renaissance adventures into the brickwork of the rising dome.

  Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty
  

  This first book by the author of Zen and the Brain examines the role of chance in the creative process. James Austin tells a personal story of the ways in which persistence, chance, and creativity interact in biomedical research; the conclusions he reaches shed light on the creative process in any field.

  Computers as Tutors: Solving the Crisis in Education

  In this book, Frederick Bennett lays out the difficulties present in contemporary American education and reveals why the millions of newly added computers in schools have been largely ineffectual. Bennett describes how computers, if used differently, will enable every student without exception to succeed in school. The key is individualized instruction. A private tutor in the form of a computer will allow each pupil to learn at his or her own comfort rate.

  Cradles of Eminence: Childhoods of More Than 700 Famous Men and Women

  Covering such personalities as Aretha Franklin, Pablo Picasso and Frank Lloyd Wright, authors Goertzel and Hansen remember their incredible contributions to our world. We wonder whether today's world will nurture and support the emergence of great potential to the same extent as previous decades. Click here to read a review of this book.

  Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World

  This book by Tony Wagner addresses issues of innovation, such as why innovation is so crucial to America's future, how innovation can be fostered, and how young innovations can get the support they need. This book examines these issues through in-depth profiles of young innovators and the adults who have made a difference in their lives, as well as offers descriptions of innovation-driven classrooms and places of work.

  DK Atlas of World History

  A visual chronology of world history, spanning more than 20,000 years-from the first humans to the dawn of the new millenium.

  Doing School: How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed-Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students

  Named as a 2001 Notable Book in Education by the American School Board Journal, this book by Denise Clark Pope offers a highly revealing - and troubling - view of today's high school students and the ways they pursue high grades and success. Pope, a veteran teacher and curriculum expert, follows five motivated and successful students through a school year, closely shadowing them and engaging them in lengthy reflections on their school experiences.

  Dysgraphia: Why Johnny Can't Write

  Written by Diane Walton Cavey, this book is about dysgraphia, a term applied to the symptom of writing difficulty. It is estimated that there is at least one student with dysgraphia in every classroom in the United States. Unfortunately, many of these students are misdiagnosed, or, simply overlooked. In a society in which reading and writing skills are necessities, this is devastating for thousands of youngsters and their families.

  E = mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

  This book is a thoroughly researched and documented "biography" of the equation E=mc^2, written for the lay person with an interest in science. It starts with the history of each term of the equation and the equation's "ancestors".

  Eccentrics: A Study of Sanity and Strangeness

  This book by David Weeks and Jamie James presents the findings from the first systematic study of "eccentrics": highly talented and unusual people who don't feel the need to conform to the norms of society. The conclusion reached is that these people tend to be happier, healthier and more creative than the "conformists."

  Educating the More Able Student: What Works and Why

  This book by Martin Stephen and Ian Warwick discusses the education strategies utilized to advance gifted and talented young people throughout the world. This comprehensive guide provides a first person view into the intricacies of various gifted program practices, their effectiveness and implications.

  Effective Program Models for Gifted Students From Underserved Populations

  This book provides coordinators, teachers, administrators, and other interested parties information about effective program models for underserved gifted students. The book highlights eight successful programs that have been designed to use with low-income, high-ability students. Each chapter focuses on a specific program and includes an introduction and brief overview of a model, how students are identified for the program, what talents are valued, the goals of the project, a description of the model, difficult issues and how they are addressed, important contributions of the program, research findings, how the program is sustained, and contact information.

  English from the Roots Up (Book Series)

  By Joegil K. Lundquist, the English from the Roots Up book series explores a simple, multi-sensory teaching system for the etymologies of the English language, focusing on Greek and Latin roots. Much of the program uses colored, bordered cards, which may either be made by the student or teacher, or purchased separately for use with the program. All teaching tips are included for instruction in 63 Latin root words and 37 Greek root words. The word roots can be mixed and matched to make new words.

  Everything You Need To Know (Book Series)

  Written by Anne Zeman and Kate Kelly, this book series includes titles such as Everything You Need To Know about American History; about World History; about Geography; about Math Homework; about English; and many more.

  Exceptionally Gifted Children

  This book by Dr. Miraca Gross provides an account of the development of 15 children with IQs exceeding 160. Gross examines indepth the children's developmental and educational history, and common characteristics. As well, it identifies educational strategies and adaptations for exceptionally gifted students. This book is must read for anyone raising, teaching, counseling, or assessing highly and profoundly gifted children.

  Ex-Prodigy: My Childhood and Youth

  Norbert Weiner's out of print partial autobiography of his childhood, youth and education. Includes long discussions and reflections on what it is like to be a child prodigy; radical acceleration; parenting styles; family relationships; publicity; and the social development of child prodigies.

  Extraordinary Young People

  In the pages of this fine collective biography, readers meet more than 50 children and adolescents who made a mark on the world while very young. Historically, figures such as Genghis Khan, Joan of Arc, John Stuart Mill, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are profiled. Chronologically, the panorama of youthful heroes moves forward to examine the accomplishments of Rachel Carson, Pele, and Maria Tallchief. More recent people such as Tiger Woods, Midori, Nawrose Nur, and Ryan White are also profiled. Coverage is brief but informative and lively.

  Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense

  This book discusses how a public high school English teacher homeschooled his own children. It touches on the primarily child-led curriculum he used, the reluctance of his peers to accept his choice to homeschool, and the common question of socialization. He makes a strong argument about why homeschooling makes sense through research as well as example.

  Famous Violinists Of Today And Yesterday

  There is no instrument of music made by the hands of man that holds such a powerful sway over the emotions of every living thing capable of hearing as the violin. Author Henry Lahee compiles information about famous violinists dating back to 1899.

  Fermat's Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem

  This popular account tells the story of the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, sometimes called the mathematical event of the century. Andrew Wiles' solution in 1993 (after seven years of solitary work) electrified the world of mathematics. After a flaw was discovered in the proof, Wiles had to work for another year to correct it.

  First Words: Earliest Writing from Favorite Contemporary Authors

  Forty-two writers were brave and generous enough to send Paul Mandelbaum their childhood manuscripts, which he compiled in this book. Each of the chapters cludes a brief introduction to the author, the juvenilia with commentary by writer and editor linking the childhood and adult work, photographs of the author (then and now) and, in some cases, reproductions of the original manuscripts and drawings. It includes John Updike, Amy Tan, and Michael Crichton.

  Freedom Challenge: African American Homeschoolers

  Written by Grace Llewellyn, this book features descriptions of daily life in the homeschools of a number of African American and biracial families. Several of the vignettes include homeschools with extremely gifted children. The volume provides an excellent perspective on what it's really like to homeschool, day in and day out, with bright, curious children.

  Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet out of Idaho

  Author Jon Katz documents the lives of two 19-year-old boys who are computer "geeks." The boys grew up in the middle of nowhere, Idaho and use their computer knowledge to get them to Chicago as professionals in the computer field.

  Genius Came Early

  In this book, author Lee Cullum explores the 20th century with its spirit of relentless innovation. She discovered that the 20th century, even with its power to appall, has been animated by creative wonder. Freud, Franklin Rossevelt, Picasso, Virginia Woolf, Gershwin, and Charlie Chaplin all brought forth new worlds and shaped them by the light of their own genius.

  Genius Denied: How to Stop Wasting Our Brightest Young Minds

  This book tells the stories of gifted children who have suffered the tedium of classes years behind their ability level, and others who have excelled while learning in an enriching academic environment. Authors Jan and Bob Davidson, with Laura Vanderkam, explore the impact of gifted education policy and advocacy efforts in various locations around the United States. Click here to read a review of this book.

  Genius: The Natural History of Creativity

  In this book, author H. J. Eysenck considers the role of intelligence, social status, gender, and many other factors that have been linked with genius and creativity. His theory traces creativity from DNA through personality to special cognitive processes to genius. Eysenck puts forth the argument is that it may be the fact that they believe that they are geniuses that make them so.

  Gifted Children and Legal Issues: An Update

  This book addresses options for parents and teachers alike in the advocacy process for gifted children in schools. Learn about legal issues and school policies of gifted education in the new millennium. Our brightest children are often neglected or even hindered by school structures and policies. This book reports court cases brought against schools since 1991 in areas such as appropriate curriculum, civil rights, and home schooling.
  

  Gifted Kids Speak Out

  Hundreds of kids ages 6 to 13 talk about school, friends, their families, and the future. In the introduction, Dr. Jim Delisle writes that he hopes that his book will provide young readers with "a feeling that you are not alone.'' Delisle has listened to young voices speak out about understandings of giftedness; adult expectations of gifted kids; parent, sibling, and peer relationships; schooling; and future hopes and dreams.

  Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid

  Interdisciplinary book explores the patterns and symbols in the works of mathematician Kurt Godel, artist M.C. Escher, and composer Johann Sebastian Bach--and more. Pulitzer Prize winner. Topics Covered: artificial intelligence (AI) history and theories, strange loops and tangled hierarchies, formal and informal systems, number theory, form in mathematics, figure and ground, consistency, completeness, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, recursive structures, theories of meaning, propositional calculus, typographical number theory, Zen and mathematics, levels of description and computers; theory of mind: neurons, minds and thoughts.

  Great Books of the Western World

  This collection of books represents a large portion of the Western canon: Homer, the Athenian playwrights, the early Greek philosophers, Rome, early Christianity, Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, early American political philosophy, and Victorian literature up until the end of the 20th century. This series provides extensive original documents on science, mathematics, government, philosophy, literature, and much more.

  Greek Mythology for Teens: Classic Myths in Today's World

  This book takes classical mythology to a new level by relating ancient stories to the culture, history, art, and literature of today. The book uses the innovative approach of reader's theater to teach mythology to teens, asking them to act out the stories and become engaged in a common learning experience. By looking at topics instrumental to both mythology and modern culture, teens are encouraged to question topics such as heroism, foolishness, love, and more. Each chapter builds on a particular theme found in the central myth and includes activities, discussion questions, and exercises that connect the myth to the modern world and everyday life.

  History of Art for Young People

  This is a 1,000 page book dedicated to art history. Art is depicted from the Stone Age to the 20th century in 865 color reproductions. Included in the book is a timeline that charts landmarks in art alongside scientific accomplishments. Additionally, each historical period has its own world map and excerpts from original sources.

  Homeschooling Our Children Unschooling Ourselves

  This book is a compelling story about one family's journey into the unknown territory of homeschooling, told with skill by Alison McKee, a gifted teacher with a wide experience in traditional education and a special sensitivity to the individual needs of children. Trusting her own children to 'show me the way' was a difficult challenge, but one that gave unexpected and rich rewards.

  How Do You Spell God?: Answers to The Big Questions From Around The World

  The authors - a rabbi and a priest - collaborate to present the predominant world religions in an easy to read format. They are able to compare and contrast Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Filled with interesting stories, the book works to answer all the big questions about religion that the kids might have. This book addresses, "How should we live, What happens to us after we die, Why does bad stuff happen to good folks and How can we talk to God?" among other questions.

  How Jane Won

  See Jane Win was propelled to the bestseller list by girls and parents seeking advice on how modern women can achieve success and happiness. How Jane Won, its companion, tells the stories of some 50 women who have been successful both at work and at home. Ranging in age from 30 to 80--some famous, some not--these women speak in their own voices about how their girlhoods sowed the seeds for their success, and how they coped with society's prejudices, triumphed despite discouragement, and found inspiration.

  How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day

  Michael Gelb's book, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, is an inspiring and inventive guide that teaches readers how to develop their full potential, using the principles of da Vincian thought identified by the author.

  If I’m So Smart, Why Aren’t the Answers Easy?

  Based on surveys with more than 5,000 gifted young adults, this book 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.

  Imponderables (Book Series)

  Imponderables is a series of eleven books written by David Feldman. The books examine, investigate, and explain common, yet puzzling phenomena. Examples include "Why do your eyes hurt when you are tired?", "Why do judges wear black robes?", and "Why do you rarely see purple Christmas lights?", among many others. The books are effectively a frequently asked questions list for people who wonder why and how the world works as it does.

  In Search of Genius

  More than a collection of conversations, this is an investigation of creativity - an investigation conducted by the investigated. Here, men around whom we structure the word "genius" itself, men whose minds have helped shape the genius of this century, men like Picasso, Cocteau, Chagall, Dali, and Marceau, reveal and define the genius that moves them.

  Invention by Design: How Engineers Get from Thought to Thing

  Author Henry Petroski conveys the pleasures and processes of engineering. Using real world examples from the invention of the paper clip and zippers to aircraft and skyscrapers, he explains "how engineers get from thought to thing." Petroski shares his perspective on how environment, politics, economics, and culture in addition to design and engineering affect the way things look and work. Anyone interested in the evolution of a product from the invention, to design, development, production and construction will find this book fascinating.

  Lives of Promise: What Becomes of High School Valedictorians

  This book provides a vivid picture of the challenges talented young people must navigate in translating academic ability and achievement into successful adult careers and lives.

  Makers of Modern England: The Force of Individual Genius in History

  From Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill to Winston Churchill, a distinguished historian tells the life stories, delving deeply into the psychological background as well as the accomplishments, of eight men and one woman whose ideas and actions epitomize the essential development of British political and social life for the past 150 years.

  Marienau: A Daughter's Reflections

  In 1929, Max and Gertrud Bondy opened the doors to Marienau, a progressive boarding school in rural Germany. After fleeing the Nazis in 1939, their daughter Annemarie and her husband George founded The Roeper School, still thriving today. These are Annemarie’s intimate memories of her childhood at Marienau. They render a portrait of the milieu that would birth the Bondy/ Roeper family’s humanitarian philosophy—one that would evolve to profoundly impact the history of gifted education.
  

  Mathematicians Are People, Too: Stories from the Lives of Great Mathematicians

  For grades 3-7, the stories in Volume One of this series focus on moments of mathematical discovery experienced by Thales, Pythagoras, Hypatia, Galileo, Pascal, Germain, and still others. There is also a Volume Two. Fifteen illustrated vignettes per book introduce students to great mathematicians from various cultures.

  Mathematicians Are People, Too: Stories from the Lives of Great Mathematicians, Vol. 2

  This nonfiction chapter book highlights a different mathematician in each chapter. It relates the humanness of the individual as well as the mathematical discovery or theory associated with the individual. The book features both men and women equally, including Omar Khayyam, Albert Einstein, Ada Lovelace, and others.

  Men of Mathematics

  This book provides a classic introduction to the history of mathematics and lives of great mathematicians from Zeno to Cantor.

  Mozart: Portrait of a Genius

  This is a brilliant study of the great composer's life and creative genius, written by one of the most important social thinkers of our time. In this haunting portrait, Elias examines the paradoxes of Mozart's short existence - his creativity and social marginality, his musical sophistication and personal crudeness, his breathtaking accomplishments and psychological despair.

  Multicultural Gifted Education, 2nd ed.

  This book bridges the gap that exists between educating advanced learners and educating culturally different learners. It addresses various topics, including racially and culturally diverse students and families, historical and legal perspectives on educating gifted and minority students, culturally responsive curriculum and assessment, and counseling students from a multicultural perspective.
  

  Musical Prodigies - Perilous Journeys, Remarkable Lives

  Written by Claude Kenneson, this book traces the stories of 44 musical prodigies over three centuries, drawing on historical sources as well as personal accounts and interviews. It includes fascinating information about their lives and careers, and their attitude toward the struggles, tribulations, and triumphs of the prodigy experience.

  My First 79 Years

  Isaac Stern is a great performing artist, famous for his profound music-making, and his dedication to sharing his knowledge and wisdom with younger musicians. He began performing publicly while still very young, and was soon touring across the country and around the world. His fame escalated when he led the fight to save Carnegie Hall, and again when he was the subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary film From Mao to Mozart. In this book he shares his personal and artistic experiences.

  Mysteries of the Universe Book Set

  Written by a member of Mensa, these hardcover books are jam-packed with the how’s and why’s behind some of the world’s most puzzling phenomena.

  Neil Armstrong: Young Pilot

  This book is one of the Childhood Famous American biographies. It covers Neil Armstrong's life from early childhood until after Apollo 11.

  No Regrets: How Homeschooling Earned Me a Master's Degree at Age 16

  This book is Alexandra Swann's personal story of her homeschooling career and her very early entrance into college via a distance learning/independent study bachelor's degree program. It espouses a philosophy of homeschooling called "accelerated academics." Alexandra and her nine siblings were all homeschooled and completed high school work by the ages of 11 or 12. Although the "gifted" word is never mentioned in this book, it is obvious that this is a very gifted girl with very gifted siblings. This book also tells the story of how a homeschooling family stuck together in good times and bad. At 16, with a master's degree in hand, Alexandra became a community college instructor.

  Once Upon a Mind: The Stories and Scholars of Gifted Child Education

  This book presents students with a unique introduction to the field of gifted education. The history and curriculum of gifted education are intermingled with interviews and stories highlighting the lives and words of educators and researchers who have devoted their time and energy to gifted children.

  One Child

  One Child is the story of Sheila, an emotionally disturbed, profoundly gifted child who ended up assigned to teacher Torey Hayden's classroom because there were no beds in the children's unit of the state psychiatric hospital. Sheila, 6 years old, and the daughter of an economically disadvantaged migrant worker, had tried to kill a three-year-old. This is the story of how Torey "tamed" Sheila, discovered her extraordinarily high IQ, and eventually helped her to change her behavior enough so that she was able to be accelerated and mainstreamed into a regular third grade classroom.

  Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges get the most out of their Relationships

  A nuts-and-bolts guide for anyone who wants to create a connection with a protégé or mentor, or to improve a current mentoring relationship. This book contains illustrative examples and candid insights from fifty of America's most successful mentors and protégés. It shows how anyone (including those who are well established in their careers, or those who are just starting out) can become a successful mentor or protégé.

  Profiles of Influence in Gifted Education: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions

  In this National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) publication, editors Frances Karnes and Stephanie Nugent, provide a retrospective review of events and milestones that have shaped the field of gifted education. Through individual profiles, more than 50 influential people in the gifted education field share their insights of where gifted education has been and where it is going.

  Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Challenges: Overcoming Adversity Around the World

  This book provides inspirational short stories of young people who overcame adversity and persevered in the face of extreme challenges. Soosan Firooz broke barriers to become Afghanistan’s first female rapper and speaks out about the oppression and hardships women in her country must overcome. Kelvin Doe in Sierra Leone built his own radio station despite a lack of resources. And Kevin Breel speaks out about his own depression to help save lives. Note: Several stories in this book address intense and serious situations, which some readers may find unsettling.
  

  Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Character: Choices That Matter Around the World

  A follow-up to the popular Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Change, this inspiring sequel spans the globe again with true accounts of ordinary kids showing extraordinary character. Thirty short inspirational stories are divided into six character traits (courage, creativity, kindness, persistence, resilience, and responsibility) and feature kids facing adversity from bullying in an American middle school to surviving persecution in the war-torn streets of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Readers will see how every choice they make is a chance to build character and show the world who they really are.

  Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey

  As Jane Goodall's autobiography, this book addresses her childhood, her sensitivity to nature and the events and beliefs that shaped her life. It also includes how she was invited to Africa. At one with nature and challenged by the man-made dangers of environmental destruction, nequality, materialism and genocide, Dr. Goodall offers insight into her perceptions of these threats and celebrates the people who are working for earth's renewal.

  Science Fair Season

  In Science Fair Season, Judy Dutton follows twelve teens looking for science fair greatness and tells the gripping stories of their road to the big competition. Some will win, some will lose, but all of their lives are changed forever.
  

  See Jane win for girls: A smart girl's guide to success

  Noted child psychologist Sylvia Rimm, along with her daughters, a research psychologist and a pediatric oncology researcher, conducted a three-year survey of more than a thousand successful women to uncover what elements of their childhood and adolescence contributed to their success -- and how today's parents can give their own daughters the same advantages. Click here to read a review of this book.

  Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues

  The original Son-Rise (1976) described the family trauma of the author, his wife Samahria and their son Raun, who had been diagnosed as autistic, mentally retarded and untreatable. Rather than relegating Raun to permanent institutionalization, the Kaufmans designed a program of their own, which provided intensive therapy on a rigorous schedule that changed all of their lives. Did Raun continue to progress? In this book, that question is answered not only by the parents and extended family but also by Raun himself, now a college student and a participant in the family's educational foundation, The Option Institute and Fellowship.

  Special Populations in Gifted Education: Understanding Our Most Able Students From Diverse Backgrounds
  

  Chapters in this book focus on topics such as gifted education in rural environments, highly gifted learners, twice-exceptional children, gifted females, gifted and talented students on the autism spectrum, English language learners, underachievement, and students from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds. Special Populations in Gifted Education is a must-have for educators working with students from diverse backgrounds.
  

  Strange Beauty: Murray Gell-Mann and the Revolution in Twentieth Century Physics

  In George Johnson's biography of Nobel Prize-winner Murray Gell-Mann, we see Gell-Mann as a child prodigy; Gell-Mann entering Yale at 15; Gell-Mann the world traveler and master of particle physics.

  Teaching Genius: Dorothy Delay and the Making of a Musician

  The late Dorothy DeLay taught violin at Juilliard for more than 50 years, and a list of her pupils - from Itzhak Perlman and Kennedy to Midori and Sarah Chang - reads like a who's who of the violin world. For 10 years, the author was granted access to DeLay's classes at Juilliard and the Aspen School, allowing her to write this fascinating book. Click here to read a review of this book and here to read an excerpt.

  The Awesome Egyptians

  This is a paperback book in the Horrible History series that highlights Egyptian History in a lighthearted way. It is a supplementary resource, not a main text.

  The Character of a Genius: Beethoven in Perspective

  Beethoven's often-discussed "dark side"--marked by paranoia, narcissism, and obsession--is brought into focus by author Peter J. Davies, who examines both the composer's genetic roots, and the familial cruelty and neglect that defined his childhood. More than a biography, this book eschews facile psychoanalysis in favor of a real exploration of how Beethoven's character shaped the work that is now universally regarded as among the best music ever written. Davies acutely observes the ways in which suffering can bring, at the same time, both madness and genius.
  

  The Diverse Schools Dilemma: A Parent's Guide to Socioeconomically Mixed Public Schools

  This book discusses the concerns and considerations associated with educating one's children in a socioeconomically diverse community, including common quandaries such as how to select a school that is both progressive and high-achieving.

  The Dysgraphia Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Help Your Child

  This book will give you the tools needed to help your child. This includes causes, treatment options for the three types of dysgraphia, a software review for dozens of free and paid programs, suggestions for working with your child’s school, and specific techniques to help your child overcome their dysgraphia.

  The Educational Entrepreneur: Making a Difference

  Celebrate the lives of 22 educational entrepreneurs who have made a difference. Learn how these men and women have turned their dreams into significant benefits for children. Share in their passion for education and learning. Follow them as they take ordinary educational concepts and make them extraordinary. Use these successful case histories to build your own success.

  The First Americans (A History of US Series #1, Vol. 1)

  According to the publisher, thousands of years--way before Christopher Columbus set sail--wandering tribes of hunters made their way from Asia across the Bering land bridge to North America. They didn't know it, but they had discovered a New World. The First Americans is a fascinating re-creation of pre-Columbian Native American life, and it's an adventure of a lifetime! Hunt seals with the Inuit; harvest corn on a cliff-top mesa; hunt the mighty buffalo; and set sail with Leif Erickson, Columbus, and all the early great explorers--Cabot, Balboa, Ponce de Leon, Cortes, Henry the Navigator, and more--in this brilliantly told story of America before it was America.
  

  The Genius of Science: A Portrait Gallery

  It could be argued that the 20th century was the century of theoretical physics. The Genius of Science is a portrait gallery of 16 of the most interesting international physicists who helped change our view of the world--from Niels Bohr to Eugene Wigner. Author Abraham Pais, an eminent American theoretical physicist and professor at Rockefeller University, has written acclaimed biographies of Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr, two of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. Pais was acquainted with many of the people he writes about.

  The Monk in the Garden: The Lost and Found Genius of Gregor Mendel, the Father of Genetics

  The Moravian monk and naturalist Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) labored quietly over the years in his abbey's garden, becoming known locally as a reliable meteorologist with an unusually green thumb. He was much more than that, of course, but his transforming experiments in what a later acolyte would call "genetics" were less well known.

  The Neighbor's Kid A cross-Country Journey in Search of What Education Means to Americans

  The Neighbor's Kid tells the story of what 24-year-old Philip Brand discovered regarding American education when he drove his car cross-country during the 2008-09 school year visiting two schools in each of forty-nine states. The schools were public and private, religious and secular, urban and rural, typical and unusual. The Davidson Academy is mentioned on pages 147-149.

  The Pretenders: Gifted People Who Have Difficulty Learning

  This book tells the stories of eight people who never stopped trying. From humiliation in school and the anxiety of coping with everyday life unable to read street signs and menus, to shopping, driving, and working, these people lived in a world of dashed hopes and dreams--regardless of outward appearances--until, with help from Dr. Barbara Guyer, they discovered their learning disability and unlocked their true gifts.

  The Road to Success is Paved with Failure: How Hundreds of Famous People Triumphed Over Inauspicious Beginnings, Crushing Rejection, Humiliating Defeats and Other Speed Bumps Along Life's Highway

  This is a collection of failures that many historical and present-day people experienced before becoming successful and famous. Contains example after example of people who went on to succeed after experiencing setbacks.

  The Sky is not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist

  Inspiring memoir by the Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York. He is a wonderful role model for young people considering a career in science. This book is very readable and humorous.

  The Story of Science Series by Joy Hakim

  The Story of Science series by Joy Hakim begins with The Story of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way. Readers of this book will travel back in time to ancient Babylonia, Egypt and Greece to meet the world's first astronomers, mathematicians, and physicists, and explore the lives and ideas of such famous people as Pythagoras, Archimedes, Brahmagupta, al-Khwarizmi, Fibonacci, Ptolemy, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle.

  The Three R's at Home

  Howard and Susan Richman wrote this book about homeschooling their four children in the early elementary years. The Pennsylvania homeschooler's site says, "Here's a great help for parents for teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic at home. Helps beginning homeschoolers see how home education can be different from schools. Inspiration and ideas for the experienced homeschooler as well."

  The Web of Life: A New Scientific Understanding of Living Systems

  The Web of Life offers a synthesis of recent scientific breakthroughs including the theory of complexity, Gaia theory, chaos theory, and other explanations of the properties of organisms, social systems, and ecosystems. Its surprising findings stand in stark contrast to accepted paradigms of mechanism and Darwinism and provide a new foundation for ecological policies that will allow us to build and sustain communities without diminishing opportunities for future generations.

  The Who's Who of Nobel Prize Winners 1901-2000

  A fascinating record of human achievement, this collection is a one-stop source of detailed information on the men and women who earned the Nobel Prize during the 20th century.

  Think Fast!: The ADD Experience

  In this book the reader will find a collection of expert opinions on ADD plus the real-life everyday experiences of people living with this disorder. Editors Thom Hartmann, Janie Bowman and Susan Burgess.

  Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece

  This book explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

  Uncommon Genius: How Great Ideas Are Born

  In this searching look into the essence of creativity, 40 winners of the coveted MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, the so-called “genius award”, provide a glimpse inside their own experience of the creative process.

  Watersheds 2: Ten Cases in Environmental Ethics

  Newton and Dillingham's Watersheds 2 is the only environmental casebook of its kind. This book offers discourse on environmental issues from the Exxon Valdez to the population explosion, and includes study questions at the end of each chapter. The authors present cases of immediate interest in a balanced and impartial manner, with an engaging style that will encourage critical thinking and discussion.

  Writing Your Own Script: A Parent’s Role in the Gifted Child’s Social Development

  In their latest book, Corin Barsily Goodwin and Mika Gustavson, explore a parent's role in their child's social development and how to know when you are doing too much or too little to create age- and intellectually appropriate social opportunities for your child. The book aims to show parents how to help their child to discover the joy of true friendships based on common interests, shared values, and mutual understanding—and help you understand your role in guiding them!

  Young Nietzsche; Becoming a Genius

  Pletsch offers the reader the fruits of his long and creative journey into Nietzshe's world of ideas and humanity, which have broad implications for intellectual history, human development and creativity.

  Young, Triumphant and Black: Overcoming the Tyranny of Segregated Minds in Desegregated Schools

  This book offers answers to important questions about how educators can meet the needs of gifted Black students in desegregated, predominantly White schools by sharing the lived experiences of gifted Black students from different backgrounds. The book discusses questions such as: How do gifted Black students survive and thrive in de facto segregated Black schools? What barriers faced by gifted Black students from predominantly Black neighborhoods must be torn down? How do culturally responsive parents, teachers, and other educators confront racism and discrimination that impact gifted Black students? Through personal narratives and biographical accounts, this book reveals the triumph of gifted Black students as they and their families confront segregated minds in desegregated racially divisive institutions.

  Your Creativity: Creativity Inspiration, Activities, and Tips

  Creativity Inspiration, Activities, and Tips offers inspiration, tips, and amusing activities that are designed to blow out your fear, boost your creativity, and move you closer to the life you dream of.

• Websites & Other Media: Learning Tools

  Open Culture

  Open Culture compiles free cultural and educational media resources for public use. Some resources include over 950 free online courses, 550 free audio books, 600 free eBooks, free language learning resources, and more.