Christine Fonseca - 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids: The Ultimate Handbook

Prufrock Press, Inc.
Waco, Texas

Copyright 2011, Prufrock Press Inc.

Edited by Lacy Compton

Layout Design by Raquel Trevino

ISBN-13: 978-1-59363-546-6

No part of this book may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

At the time of this books publication, all facts and figures cited are the most current available. All telephone numbers, addresses, and website URLs are accurate and active. All publications, organizations, websites, and other resources exist as described in the book, and all have been verified. The author and Prufrock Press Inc. make no warranty or guarantee concerning the information and materials given out by organizations or content found at websites, and we are not responsible for any changes that occur after this books publication. If you find an error, please contact Prufrock Press Inc.

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To my mom, whose constant love and
support taught me that everything
is possible.

Part I:

Chapter 1:

Chapter 2:

Chapter 3:

Part II:

Chapter 4:

Chapter 5:

Chapter 6:

Part III:

Chapter 7:

Chapter 8:

Chapter 9:

Part IV:

Chapter 10:

Chapter 11:

Chapter 12:

Writing a book is always a journey. With this book, I had a lot of people along for the ride. To start, my agent, Krista Goering, really ignited this idea on our first phone conversation. She asked about an advice book for kids. A few months later, this book was born. My amazing editor, Lacy Compton, stretched me to make this book so much more than the original idea. The team at Prufrock Press gave substance to my dreams and created something so much more than I could have wished for this book.

Also on this journey were my writing budsElana Johnson, Michelle McLean, Danyelle Leafty, Julie Butcher-Fedynich, and Ali Crossgiving me the support I needed to see this book through. They kept me going, helped me when I got stuck, and provided the air I needed when things got tough.

So many parents and gifted kids journeyed with me on this book. Antoinette Dunbar and Cherie Lewis helped shape many of the aspects of this book, including the idea of having the quotes from parents and kids. The entire GATE community of the Temecula Valley Unified School District, as well as literally hundreds of gifted and talented kids from 50 states and three countries and dozens of parents, provided the real-life stories and quotes that run throughout the book. I am sincerely humbled by each and every one of you. Your stories and advice are a source of inspiration that extends beyond the pages of this book.

Finally, my family and their daily sacrifices made the writing of this book possible. Dirck, I promise Ill be around a bit more to help with the daily grindat least until the next book. Fabiana and Erika, thanks for reading and making sure Mom was really speaking to gifted kids. Thanks also for sacrificing the card games and everything else. I guess I owe you a lot of game time now, dont I? Remember how much I love and appreciate all three of you.

Why This Book

Being identified as gifted means a lot more than being smart. For most kids, it means being good in school, even though you get bored easily. It may also mean that you can figure things out really fastmaybe even faster than your parents or teachers. But, being bright also means feeling stressed out. A lot. Peers, the pressures of school, the expectations of parents, and the feeling that no one understands you are enough to make most kids wish that the label of giftedness never existed.

Thats where this book comes in. 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids: The Ultimate Guide is full of the tips kids need to understand and make the most out of the gifted label. Advice and ideas from hundreds of kids just like you fill the pages, giving you everything you need to be a successin school, with friends, and at home.

101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids begins with an overview of giftedness that covers what it means to have the gifted label, the characteristics of giftedness, and the emotional aspects of being an exceptional learner.

The next three sections discuss specific problems that arise in your unique world, separated into the areas where you spend most of your timeschool, friends, and family.

How to Use This Book

This book was designed to be used as you need it. Read the section that relates to whatever it is you are going through at the time. Got a problem with school and homework? Turn to that section. Want to know how to deal with your parents or siblings? Check out what others did. Friendship dilemmas? No problemjust refer to that section. The point is to use the book as you need it and use it often. What makes sense today may change as you get older.

101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids was also designed with your parents in mind. Even though they probably understand what youre going through, parents sometimes forget what it is to be young. This book can help them remember all of the issues that creep up in your world. Dont be afraid to share parts of this book with them!

And finally, if you find the book helpful and want to offer your own advice to kids like you, please e-mail me at . Im always looking for great tips and more ways to help kids. Sharing your own experiences is a great way for you to give back to others. Your advice may even end up in the next edition of this book!

Christine Fonseca

Growing up with a gifted label can be hard work. Typically blessed with highly intelligent and intuitive minds, gifted kids are confronted with intense emotions that change rapidly, leaving them feeling confused, frustrated, and alone. Thats where this book comes in. Packed with advice and success secrets from other children, 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids sheds light on the world of giftedness. By offering practical advice for kids from the ones they listen to the mostother kidsit is my hope that this book can be a resource for both children and parents as they navigate through the sometimes treacherous waters of giftedness.