Talented Children and Adults: Their Development and Education

This is an excellent introductory text for helping educators and parents understand gifted and talented children and adults. Piirto's writing is clear and understandable. Her text provides a comprehensive examination of not only the development of gifted and talented individuals, but also strategies for meeting these individuals' needs. One of the strengths of the book is Piirto's examination of stages of development encompassing birth to grade 2, elementary and middle school years, high school and college years, and adulthood. Such an examination allows educators and parents alike a way to understand the complete developmental cycle of a gifted individual. In addition, Piirto provides information about appropriate curriculum practices, social-emotional counseling needs and identification of creativity. All in all this is a book well worth the price.