Educators, students, and parents alike agree that the COVID-19 pandemic changed education forever. While all students struggled to find their identity as learners and individuals within the chaos, gifted students who understood the complexities of such dramatic changes especially struggled. In her book, Dr. Quinlan clearly presents the issues with which many gifted students continue to grapple and how they, as deep thinkers with exceptional needs, have navigated their school experiences throughout this unique time. Gifted or Just Plain Smart? is a ‘must read’ for anyone who works with gifted students, post-pandemic!

Constance DeMore Savine, EdD, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Trinity Area School District

Dr. Audrey Quinlan has written a wonderfully comprehensive and practical book, Gifted or Just Plain Smart?, to better help teachers, parents and any interested persons understand and educate our gifted children. She provides necessary background information on the definition and traits of the gifted while also sharing the myths and stereotypes that still exist in this day and age! Every chapter starts with applicable quotes framing the topics and ends with Food for Thoughts for discussion, review and springboards for further discussions. Honorable educators are presented with their theories, models, positions and attitudes, while models of gifted educations are also shared and reviewed. Special populations - twice exceptional (2E) and under-served populations are not forgotten. The final two chapters "Building on Experience" and "Resources" sum up the excellence presented in this very thorough book... a superb blend of theory, practice, thought provoking ideas and experience! It is a treasure!

Rosemary S. Callard-Szulgit, EdD,University at Buffalo; author, "Perfectionism and Gifted Children"

Today’s teachers and future teachers are faced with this wicked question: “In our effort to leave no child behind, have we left some children, those who are proficient or advanced, simply standing still?” Dr. Quinlan provides a “Swiss Army Knife” of research based, practical strategies and resources that can be adapted to the needs of educators and parents, as they plan and implement instructional activities that will promote progress among all students, including those who are “gifted or just plain smart”.

Richard King, PhD, former elementary principal and university director of student field placements and teaching

Gifted or Just Plain Smart presents the reader with an emphatic, historical, and theoretical understanding of the gifted student. For teacher educators and teachers in the classroom the book provides practical understanding and strategies for effectively meeting these learners’ needs. Quinlan shares her love of teaching and the range of gifted students that will be met in the classroom with humor and wisdom.

Mary Ann Gawelek, EdD, president, Lourdes University, Sylvania, Ohio