Product Description
For more than 25 years, Jim Delisle, Ph.D., consistently has been one of the most unique and influential voices in gifted education. Never afraid to question longstanding orthodoxies and speak out on controversial issues, Delisle also is notable for his empathetic and compassionate views on the many difficulties faced by gifted youth.
For the first time, his most popular writings from the past two decades have been compiled into one volume. Barefoot Irreveren… More >>
Barefoot Irreverence: A Collection of Writings on Gifted Child Education
I’m not even into writing reviews, but I couldn’t resist. This is my first on Amazon after many years as a customer. To give you an idea of how great this book is, I got it in the mail on the last day of the school year for teachers and I couldn’t put it down. As a teacher, this is a time when I want to redirect my thoughts and recharge my “batteries” from the marathon pace of the year. Reading educational writings is the furthest thing from my mind at this time. But Dr. Delisle has a way of saying the things that need to be said and he is unapologetic in his advocacy for the special needs of gifted students. The articles in this book are a true pleasure to read and I learned a lot along the way. Often I would find myself re-reading articles (for pleasure). Furthermore it helped to increase my passion for further inquiry and advocacy (many topics are addressed). If you are a teacher of the gifted or have an interest in issues concerning gifted education, READ THIS BOOK!!!
Rating: 5 / 5
Jim Delisle gets it. He understands the pangs of an everyday teacher because he’s not nearly as distant as most college professors. He has left Kent State (twice) to go back into the public schools (the articles from these experiences are my favorite). He also works part time with Gifted Students and swears he will for the rest of his career. He is an amazing writer who will make you laugh and cry in the same two page article. He truly inspires me to be better. This is absolutely a brilliant book. I was sad to see it end.
Rating: 5 / 5
While I have enjoyed and appreciated the articles in this book, I would not consider it to be a Guide to the Critical Issues in Gifted Education. I would expect a guide to be more organized and focused than this seems to be. It is more like a philosophical ramble through issues in gifted education.
I also purchased When Gifted Kids Don’t Have All the Answers (Delisle and Galbraith) and it seems more like the Guide I was expecting, although I think it, too, is misnamed. This latter book should have something in the title to indicate how helpful it can be for TEACHERS, who seem to be its intended audience.
I love the title Barefoot Irreverence, and the book is a worthwhile compilation of Delisle’s work, which I respect very highly. It is nice to have it collected in one volume.
Rating: 4 / 5