Books that include gifted girls are few enough. Modern books that feature the real struggle that "smart girls" go through, especially in the tween years, number only one.
Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee is the story of a gifted girl going through exactly the sort of pain that mainstream literature tends to ignore. Other kids think that Millicent is too smart, a know-it-all, lacks a sense of humor, and is always the teacher's pet.
But the one thing Millicent has never had is a friend who is also a child her age.
Millicent Min is a lovely little book, exploring the pain and confusion of being a child who, on the one hand, adores learning and treasures her friendships with adults, but on the other hand, knows she is also a kid.
Although Millicent is an usually gifted girl -- at eleven she is a high school senior and taking a college poetry class -- young readers will recognize her struggles. Why do other kids assume she doesn't want to be friends with them? Does she really have to dumb herself down to get accepted?
Millicent is lucky enough to find a true friend, someone she enjoys being with, who thinks she is funny, and who has a knack for turning negative interactions with other kids positive. But Millicent is worried that her friend won't accept her once she finds out Millicent is a genius, so she lies.
How Millicent works out her problem, and the understanding she gains when her friend points out just how "dumb" she is, points to the growth that all gifted kids have to go through in order to come to terms with their gifts and their imperfections. This book gives gifted girls a role model they can really relate to.
If Millie can do it, so can they.
For more information: Purchase this book online. Learn more about this book and its author. More book recommendations for pre-teen gifted readers.
Comments