Welcome to Gifted by Juxtabook

Welcome! Having begun a reading group with some very bright 9-11 year olds I have realised how this group brings special challenges. Often by increasing the langauage difficulty you increase the chances of the child reading something someone considers unsuitable. I have realised how little there is in reviews that tells you what you really need to know as a teacher, parent, librarian or book group leader: not only is it any good but is the content suitable. This blog is not aimed at children, but at the adults who might buy or pass on the books to what educationalists currently call the 'gifted and talented'.

I don't intend to write full blown reviews but to flag up books that I think are entertaining and well written with, and this the important bit, notes on watch points. I'll be noting levels of violence, how relationships are handled, how death is handled, and how religion is handled.

The lastest post will be below this welcome. You can see a list of the most recent few posts in the column on the right, or you can browse the Authors A-Z page.

You as a teacher, parent or guardian, can then make a judgment as to whether it might be suitable for your child/children but of course the only real test is to read it yourself first! I make no guarantees that my judgements are the same as yours, obviously, and these notes are meant as starting guide for you only. Having said that all feedback is of course welcome.

A note on spoilers: in order to assess the watch points of each book I may need to include spoilers. I will try and do this as little as possible, but you have been warned!

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy the site!

 

Comments

[Kristen M.]

Fantastic! Z just turned 8 1/2 and is a very high level reader but, as you say, concerns about content suitability and subject interest come up regularly. This is a great idea!

[Juxtabook]

Thank you Kristen! If you and Z have any suggestions for books that I should cover then please let me know.

[GeraniumCat]

What a brilliant idea! I'll put a link to it from my children's book blog, which is also aimed at adults (mainly the nostalgic kind, I my case) and I'll follow with interest.

[Juxtabook]

Thanks GeraniumCat. I have added Hurlyburleybus to the blog roll here too.