Dreamers, Discoverers & Dynamos: How to Help the Child Who Is Bright, Bored and Having Problems in School (Formerly Titled 'The Edison Trait') (Paperback)

~ (Author) "He was a boy who learned only by doing..." (more)
Key Phrases: normed for children ages, disinhibition model, convergent thinker, United States, Thomas Edison, Bill Gates (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Psychologist Lucy Jo Palladino claims that 20 percent of children have what she calls the Edison trait: "dazzling intelligence, an active imagination, a free-spirited approach to life, and the ability to drive everyone around them crazy." She named the trait after Thomas Edison, who flunked out of school despite his obvious brilliance. Palladino says that Edison-trait children think divergently, while the routines and structure of schools are more geared toward convergent thinking, or focusing on one idea at a time. The incompatible school environment, she says, usually leads divergent-thinking children to act out, receive poor grades, and often be labeled as strong-willed and disruptive.

These symptoms may sound similar to those of ADD, but Palladino says that's an overused term often mistakenly applied to Edison-trait children. "In most cases," she says, "ADD behavior patterns are comparable to but more extreme than the typical patterns of an Edison-trait child who does not have ADD." A diagnosis of ADD does not take into consideration factors such as "intelligence, perceptiveness, sensitivity, creativity, and wit."

With many references to scientific studies, Palladino helps you decide whether your child is one of the three types of Edison-trait children: dreamer, discoverer, or dynamo. She also gives pointed, practical advice regarding such controversial topics as diet, neurofeedback treatment, and psychological testing. For frustrated parents and educators, Dreamers, Discoverers, and Dynamos will be a rich source of both help and hope.

Review

"Parents and educators alike will find this compelling reading."
--Publishers Weekly

"BRILLIANT . . . ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOKS IN THIS FIELD . . . Parents will find in Dreamers, Discoverers, and Dynamos real-world solutions and the light of hope; professionals will discover a thought-provoking new view of these exceptional children."
--THOM HARTMANN
    Author of ADD: A Different Perception
    and The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight -- Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; Ballantine Books ed edition (January 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345405730
• ISBN-13: 978-0345405739
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,686 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish this book had existed 50 years ago!, October 24, 2002

By	P. Lozar "plozar" (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I approached this book with some skepticism because it sounded like yet another excuse for bad parenting ("My child isn't an undisciplined brat, he's a GENIUS"). Instead, I was amazed to read the story of my life. I was in trouble for my entire elementary school career for being "distracted" and "uncooperative" and not completing my assignments. But my grades steadily improved as I became interested in my subjects for their OWN sake; also, in college and graduate school my offbeat way of thinking actually contributed to my academic success, whereas my elementary and high school teachers rewarded conformity. Based on my own experience, I feel that the author's recommendations are right on the button: instead of considering "divergent thinkers" a problem and trying to force them to conform, parents should value them for their strengths, communicate with them in a way they understand, and guide them in forming the self-discipline they need to achieve academic and personal success. It's clear to me, from many of the author's examples, that parents' problems with these children often arise from the PARENTS' expectations of themselves as much as from the child's behavior ("if I were a good parent, my child wouldn't act this way"). So I feel that the author's emphasis on trying to understand your child's thinking and putting yourself in his/her shoes was salutary: you can't change the way your child's mind is wired, but you *can* make a big difference in how your child feels about him/herself and whether your child can make the most of his/her strengths. I turned out OK in the long run, but many "Edison trait" children have problems all their lives; and I know that my childhood and adolescence would have been far less stressful if this book had existed then. I think it provides helpful guidance for anyone who works or lives with children, and it's absolutely essential reading for anyone with a "difficult" child.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent encouragement and suggestions for parents, October 11, 1999

By A Customer

This book, along with Armstrong's "The Myth of the A.D.D. Child" may literally "save the souls" of many non-conforming children (and adults). Instead of pitting parents against their children as so much of the A.D.D. literature does, Palladino puts them on the same team, helping parents recognize their child's strengths. What a world we would have if individuals were appreciated for their diversity and individuality, instead of labeling them as deficient. I hope many other parents and educators will read this book, and let it affect how they treat children.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unique insight and techniques that brings amazing result., September 15, 1999

By A Customer

I was at my wits end when I accidently picked up this book. Thank God! I have benefited by the methods suggested by Lucy. I am seeing breakthrough in my relationship with my 2 boys.

My son has demonstrated a lot of the behaviour traits as highlighted in the book. Before I gained the understanding on his gift, I was adopting the traditional methods to "help" him be more disciplined. Not only did I bring out the worst of both my sons, I was seeing a downhill pattern on our relationship with one another. Thank God! I was introduced to the concept of Divergent by a friend. And one day while I was browsing in a book store, I came across this book. I have never finished a book from back-to-back without stopping. And this is probably the first within a short time. I've tried some of the methods adopted by Lucy in my interaction with my sons. Especially when I am coaching him to do his school works. I am more than pleased with the results I am seeing. I often catch myself smiling within when I observe the improvement in my children.

I have one request. I really like to be in touch with the author Lucy to explore any opportunity for her to share her experience outside of the US. I really wish more parents can benefit from her works. Appreciate if you can provide me with her correspondance address.