Barefoot Irreverence: A Collection of Writings on Gifted Child Education (Paperback)

~ James R. Delisle (Author) "To me, one of the hardest parts of writing a book is determining its title..." (more)
Key Phrases: gifted child educators, gifted child education, talent developers, Annemarie Roeper, Uncle Ray, Howard Gardner (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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 Irreverence is a collection of more than 50 outstanding essays from esteemed publications such as Education Week, Parenting for High Potential, Gifted Child Quarterly, and Roeper Review, as well as his popular “Au Contraire” column in Gifted Child Today. Each article includes a new introduction by the author, and the book also debuts three never before published essays.

Always diverse in the breadth of his topics, but consistent in his philosophical outlook, Delisle takes on such crucial issues as standardized testing, differentiation, the theory of Multiple Intelligences, the social and emotional lives of gifted children, character education, and the portrayal of gifted children in the media.

Whether tackling heated controversies, offering advice to parents of gifted children, or making suggestions for how teachers can design a respectful classroom, Delisle’s experiences as a scholar, classroom teacher, and parent make him one of the most widely read and respected writers in the field of gifted education. Barefoot Irreverence is the definitive collection of his work and a must-have for anyone involved in educating or parenting gifted children.

About the Author

Dr. James R. Delisle is a professor of education at Kent State University, where he coordinates the undergraduate and graduate programs in gifted child education. Jim is the author of 14 books, including the best-selling Gifted Kids Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook (with Judy Galbraith) and Once Upon a Mind: The Stories and Scholars of Gifted Child Education. In addition, Jim directs a program for gifted students in grades 7-8 in Twinsburg, Ohio. Jim is married to Deb Delisle, and they have a son, Matt, who lives and works in northern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Prufrock Press (January 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882664795
• ISBN-13: 978-1882664795
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,073,650 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Guiding, but not a Guide, July 13, 2002

By	Laura Lynn Walsh "gt-teacher" (Fairbanks, AK USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational , June 30, 2008

By	Daniel J. Anderson "The Man 47" (UT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE this book!, July 1, 2009

By	JZ - See all my reviews

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!!!