Summer Reading Lists for Gifted Children
As summer approaches each year, parents ask for summer reading suggestions for their children and teachers ask for suggestions for their students. Precocious readers look forward to blocks of time when they can pursue their interests with fewer interruptions.
When helping gifted readers choose books, whether fiction or non-fiction, include the following:
- Enriching vocabulary
- Books that cause the reader to ponder issues
- Ethnic diversity of subjects and authors
- Creative approaches to topics
The following are booklists you may want to consider:
- The Newberry Medal—most distinguished contribution to American literature for children
- The Caldecott Medal—artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children
- Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal—an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children
- Mildred L. Batchelder Award—an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States
- Pura Belpré Award—a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose works best portray, affirm, and celebrate the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth
- Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal—the author of the most distinguished informational book published during the preceding year
- Alex Awards—adult books that appeal to teen readers
- Best Books for Young Adults—annual recommendations for this age group
- Margaret A. Edwards Award—recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world
- Michael L. Printz Award—an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature
- Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong Learners—books on this list offer opportunities to discover new ideas, and provide an introduction to a fascinating variety of subjects within an academic discipline. Readers gain an understanding of our diverse world and build a foundation to deepen their response to that world.
Gifted Kids, Gifted Characters, and Great Books—compiled by Bertie Kingore, these books are written by authors of merit. Each book contains well-developed characters who display gifted behaviors. The stories include thought-provoking problem situations, issues, or personal needs with which gifted students can identify.
Good Books for Good Readers—books are grouped into categories such as Books with Gifted Characters,
Long Books and Long Books with Sequels for Kids who read too fast, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Real History, Science Fiction, Survival, Math, Poetry, Biographies, etc.