Fictional Peers and Mentors: Affirming Giftedness Through Literature and Film

The presenter, working with a Javits’ Grant team, was asked to assemble “an extensive annotated bibliography/bibliotherapy document including fictional titles that would result in an ‘affective curriculum’ for use with gifted advocates and their gifted children.” This presentation will reflect that work, and will include “reflection” guides to prompt discussion and introspection along with recommendations of the best current literature for use with gifted students at home and in the classroom, with a special focus on twice-exceptional figures in children’s and adolescent literature.

The first item listed in “The 8 Great Gripes of Gifted Kids” is “No one explains what being gifted is about – it’s kept a big secret.” Realistic, affirming portrayals of giftedness in literature and film can an excellent means of de-mystifying asynchronous development and intensities as well as addressing several of the other “great gripes” such as feelings of alienation, peer relations and perfectionism. The effectiveness of this “bibliotherapeutic” approach will be demonstrated during this presentation.