Media Kit Viewer - Some of My Best Friends Are Books (3rd Edition)


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Book Reviews
Anne Flick, Ohio Association for Gifted Children


"...lovers of books and gifted children alike will want to invest in the third edition of the bibliotherapy Bible and award it a place of bookshelf honor beside the previous editions."

Jackie Drummer, Past President, WI Association for Talented and Gifted


"Author Judith Wynn Halsted, M.S. is a former director of gifted programs at Pathfinder School in Michigan, and has worked with gifted children as a parent, teacher, librarian and consultant. In the introduction to the third edition of her much loved book, Some of My Best Friends Are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers, Halsted asserts that 'by reading and discussing well-chosen books with children, adults can encourage youngsters’ optimum development in two areas – emotional and intellectual – through one pleasurable activity: reading.'

"Those of us who work with and love gifted children know that they are often voracious readers, and require books that pique their curiosity, cause them to think, and help them navigate the emotional issues that confront gifted learners. Halsted’s book is designed to help adults and children find the optimal match for these intrepid readers.

"In part one, 'The Children,' Halsted offers background information on the emotional and intellectual development of children of high ability. In part two, 'The Process,' she discusses typical reading patterns and the importance of reading guidance, including the use of bibliotherapy (reading to enhance emotional development). In part three, 'The Books,' Halsted offers criteria for selecting challenging books for students, as well as annotated bibliographies of hundreds of selections. The bibliography is arranged according to grade level: Preschool (for the very young, two and three years old, and four years old), Early Elementary: Kindergarten to Grade 2, Upper Elementary: Grades 3-5, Middle School: Grades 6-8, and Senior High School: Grades 9-12.

"Over the years, I have used this book (in its various editions) with my own children and with my students, and find this updated version has arrived just in time to help guide our 21st century readers. I highly recommend it to educators, librarians and parents who love children and books!"

Jim Delisle, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Education (Retired), Kent State University


“Halsted describes how books can be used to meet both the emotional and intellectual needs of high ability youngsters. Her extensive selection of wonderful books is well thought out and practical.”

Lisa Rivero, M.A., Author of Creative Home Schooling: A Resource Guide for Smart Families


“So much more than a 'what to read' when list, this book explains emotional and intellectual needs of both young and older readers, shows how to organize book discussions, and offers hundreds of ideas for using books to address issues of identity, difference, growth, and intellectual passions.”

Lorel Shea, BellaOnline Gifted Education Editor


"With the newest edition, chapters have been substantially reworked and given additional substance. The bones are the same, and the core message about promoting reading and bibliotherapy for gifted children has not changed. It is significantly longer (574 pages as opposed to 430 pages) and contains the latest industry terminology and information. The typeface is also cleaner and easier on the eyes. I love the new cover art- the last version had only text on the cover. The new book has a lovely color photo of a young girl reading.

"The author builds a strong case for differentiation in reading starting as early as kindergarten. Those children who enter school already reading may lose their love of reading if forced to follow a typical kindergarten or first grade reading program. Children who don't get challenged in school miss out on learning study skills and perseverance. They may get to high school or college and struggle with actually having to work at academics for the first time.

"The part of the book which I know I will return to again and again is the annotated bibliography. Of course, this section has been brought up to date and now contains information on all sorts of recently published books. The first Harry Potter book hadn't yet hit the shelves when the last edition was written! Books are arranged here by approximate grade level and noted for what issues it raises. 'Shadow of a Bull' for instance, is described with a brief synopsis, and noted for the following discussion points: drive to understand, identity, intensity, using ability. Each of these points has a few lines of comments and questions to ask.

"This is a terrific resource and I'm quite pleased to recommend it. Fans of the older editions should put it on their wish lists, as it has a great deal of valuable new content."

Lori Lewis, G/T Specialist, TX


"(This book) offers a reasonable list of books for G/T students. However, as a G/T specialist, I bought this book because I will be using the information it provides as a resource for my career. I like that the lists are leveled since so many are not. On the parent's side...I wrote down some suggestions for my son's teacher as I was not well versed in young adult literature and she was welcoming of another resource. I gave it four stars as it was a five star for me, but, as a parent, the average shopper, it would not be as appreciated on the same level."

Michael F. Shaughnessy, Senior Columnist, EducationNews.org


"(This book) is now in its third edition and with good reason. It is a good book. It is also an important book that parents of gifted children need to read and reflect on and understand. It is a great book for any parent that wants to give their child the greatest gift imaginable- the gift of reading and the pleasure and enjoyment of reading.

"I believe that good books help to encourage and nurture potential. Good Books help students become better learners and better scholars and better writers and thinkers. The subtitle of the book is Guiding Gifted Readers. I think any concerned parent would do well to get this book or encourage the local school library or the local library to purchase this book.

"Some of My Best Friends are Books contains information about the social, intellectual and emotional needs of children and adults of high ability and giftedness. The author describes various patterns of students from kindergarten to 12th grade- and how to meet those needs. The book is full of robust ideas and methods for adults to prompt, encourage, and guide kids to good books and good reading habits.

"Books can help kids develop their ideas, their identity, and their idealism. Books can help kids deal with the arrogance and pomposity of others as well as identify the great themes of being human. Books can help with the cognitive and intellectual ability of the child as well as with their vocabulary, writing, grammar and syntax. The issue of choosing books that help students deal with specific issues is extensively addressed. Creativity, achievement, aloneness, intensity, moral concerns, introversion, extroversion and perfectionism – there are suggestions for books that will assist elementary, middle school, and high school students.

"Good books are often the best of friends in the worst of times. And in the best of times, good books can make our times memorable. I can’t say enough about this book and it’s importance in encouraging kids to read—both for pleasure, and learning. And the more children read, the richer their educational experience is supplemented. Teachers simply can’t do it alone. They need to rely on parents to encourage reading, and librarians to help children find 'just the right book' for them to enjoy and to benefit from.

"It is important to get kids reading. It will always be important to keep kids reading. This book will help and provide the guidance that parents, teachers, and yes, even librarians may need."

Midwest Book Review


"A good book can give a child so much. Now in a newly published third edition, (this book) is an advice manual for parents and educators of gifted and talented children who have taken a liking to the world of reading. Aimed primarily at parents, it discusses the social and emotional needs of these children, as well as ways to mentor them and help them find more books that they would enjoy. Well-organized with indexes for easy reference, Some of My Best Friends Are Books is a fine and very much recommended read."

Susannah Richards, Associate Professor, Eastern Connecticut State University


"It’s been more than 20 years since Halsted wrote the ground breaking, Guiding Gifted Readers. With two later editions titled Some of My Best Friends are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers from Preschool to High School (1994 and 2002), she expanded and updated sections on many dimensions of the highly able reader. Her most recent (2009) edition elaborates on the needs of students who see books as their lifeline. With an easy to read narrative and informative overview and suggestions for supporting these readers to be lifetime readers, this book is a must for teachers, parents, and librarians. Although I already have copies of all the older editions, I will DEFINITELY add this most recent edition to my collection!!!

"Each book in the annotated bibliography has suggested ideas and questions for discussion. The expanded table of contents makes it easy to navigate for information and quickly find suggestions for how to create reading experiences that are meaningful for these readers. With more than 300 entries in the annotated booklist, there is something for the reader who finds satisfaction in a classic read or wants to discover a new friend within the pages."

Thomas P. Hébert, Ph.D., Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Georgia


"Reading Judith Halsted’s work means having a heart to heart conversation with a woman who is passionate about good books for young people. She shares her extensive expertise and shows us how books are used to support the intellectual and emotional development of gifted children and teenagers. Her eloquent and thoughtful discussion is reassuring to educators, counselors, and parents who want to use high quality literature to guide gifted students. Judith’s work obviously brings her great joy and we are happy to celebrate her major contribution."

Tom Padwa, underAchievers' Special Interest Group, Mensa


"The title of Some of My Best Friends are Books is the answer a boy gave who was reading when his mother told him to go out and play with his friends. Years ago, I fell down the rabbit hole with Alice, searched Pan Island with the Rat and the Mole, and stood, sword in hand, back to back with d’Artagnan, so this resonated with me.

“(This book) begins with a discussion of emotional and intellectual development, before dealing with the role of books and how they help shape that growth. The largest chapter in 'Best Friends' is the last one, taking up over half of the book. This chapter offers suggested reading, with a precis of the story and some 'English-class' type questions. The book list is sorted by readers’ age and grade level. It is comprehensive enough to require its own indexes, both by author and by title, which are provided.

"I spent some time with the list, of course, to see if my favorites were present. As with any reading list (the 100 Greatest American Novels, etc.), some of my prized books were there, and some of my dearest choices were mentioned, but did not make the recommended list. Halstead does include a list of books that were listed in previous editions, but have been deleted to make room for new titles. In a sense these deleted book titles are still included, though minus the synopsis and comments.

"Each suggested book is identified with the uplifting categories (e.g. Aloneness, Resilience, Moral Concerns, Introversion, Differentness) it addresses. A separate index allows one to select books by these topics. The text also offers some 'readers’ guide'-type questions, but when promoting reading, I would avoid being too obviously admonitory. Digging to find a moral in stories can kill the reading experience. That said, the list does have some good books, old and new, and the suggested questions are worth looking over, since student readers will raise their own questions, and if you’ve thought about the topics raised in 'Best Friends', you will be better prepared for discussion."