Several years ago, I thought I would help out the parents of my gifted and talented students by writing about some games, toys, or books that I thought might make good purchases during the holiday season. I called the series of posts, “Gifts for the Gifted,” and I have continued to do it annually (except for 2019) on every November and December. These gifts are suggestions for any child – not just those who qualify for a GT program. Sometimes I receive a free product for review, but I am not paid for these posts, and I never recommend a product that I wouldn’t buy for my own child. For past “Gifts for the Gifted” posts, including my 2021 list, you can visit this page. I also have a Pinterest Board of Games and Toys for Gifted Students.
Aaron Slater, Illustrator is yet another fantastic book from the writer/illustrator team of Andrea Beaty and David Roberts. Ada Twist, Scientist (don’t forget you can now watch this series on Netflix!) was a recommendation I made on my 2016 list, and I could really have included all of the succeeding books from this duo in lists since then, but I didn’t want it to look like I was playing favorites 😉 I think that I find Aaron Slater particularly special because the main character is dyslexic, and I have taught so many amazing children with dyslexia throughout the years. At the end of the book, it’s explained that the typeface is a font called, “Dyslexie,” which was designed for people with dyslexia, and the “Illustrator’s Note” explains that David Roberts, too, experiences problems with reading and spelling. Another thing I applaud about this book is that Aaron Slater’s problems don’t immediately get rectified even once he encounters a teacher who recognizes his struggle. I also love that Andrea Beaty named her character after artist Aaron Douglas, who was an African American who contributed largely to the Harlem Renaissance.
As you may know, I am trying to support independent stores as much as I can now on my blog. You can purchase Aaron Slater, Illustrator from Black Pearl Books in Austin, a Black-owned bookstore. Here are some more Black-owned independent bookstores. You can also go to Bookshop.org to search for independent stores.
