Customer Reviews
Good reference but not a cure-all 
2004-04-11
Despite the lofty praise heaped on Dreamers, Discoverers, and Dynamos, this book is neither a cure-all or all-in-once resource. On the other hand, Dr. Pallandino has rounded up plenty of good information and strategies for motivating children to complete tasks, pay attention in school, and essentially get their heads out of the clouds.
Part of the problem here is that this book essentially categorizes children as either having an Edison-trait---that is being very smart, imaginative, and free-spirited---or not. While I think most parents would like to associate their children with Edison, the roles of self-discipline, focus, and, extra effort in improving learning and performance are downplayed. And most parents already know that those ingredients have to be part of the mix.
But there are enough positives here to make this book worth a read. Learning how to teach children how to break down tasks into components, striving to improve one's patience, working as a team, and remembering to reward achievements are all good things. Although such advice is certainly valuable for helping any child, not just those who have this Edison-trait.
The dichotomy between convergent thinking and divergent thinking, a core idea in this book, seems a bit artificial and a bit too clear-cut to me (true, I'm only a parent and former teacher) but I find most real-life issues a bit more blurry. But this model does illustrate to a good degree the serious "dumbing down" problems inherent in our education systems.
The sections on therapy, ADD, and professional diagnosis were the least intriguing and least inspiring.
Realizing that there are different ways to approach a situation has its value, and the author's greatest success here is reminding readers to step back and consider the options.
Parents of Divergent/Gifted Children: This is a MUST-READ 
2004-02-03
Dr. Palladino has captured the essence of the "divergent" child and shattered the ADD/ADHD myth.
Does your child seem to always have his head in the clouds? Have trouble remembering to do what he has been told? Can't seem to sit still? Talk incessently about whatever subject he's currently passion-filled?
In short, does he drive you crazy and you're at the end of your rope?
This book is for you. Dr. Palladino does a beautiful job describing the divergent mind (that is, the mind that can think of "many things at once"), how it works, why it usually DOESN'T work in a traditional public school setting, and how to deal with the divergent child who just doesn't seem to "fit in." According to Dr. Palladino, many children are misdiagnosed as having ADD or ADHD when they actually have a certain personality trait that she has coined, "The Edison Trait" after Thomas Edison. These Edison Trait children are divergent thinkers -- and are usually bright, gifted children.
Read this book BEFORE you talk to your pediatrician. Read this book BEFORE you talk to your child's teacher. The insight and helpful information within this pages make this book an invaluable tool in the hands of any parent with an "Edison Trait" child.
(And yes, I am mother to three such children myself.)
I wish this book had existed 50 years ago! 2002-10-24
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.
Mother of a Dreamer in Tennessee 2002-04-26
Excellent book for understanding your gifted and difficult child! This book helped us identify certain behaviors and ways of dealing with them - it's made our homework sessions with our 8 year old daughter much easier, and more pleasant for all of us!
This book helps you figure out what type of child your gifted child is, and gives you methods for improving school performance and behavior. Now, if we could just get all the school teachers to read it!
For all new parents out there 2001-10-05
What a book!!! I am the mother of 4 precious kids, one is a combination discoverer-dynamo (see explanation in the book), one is dyslexic and the two others will be a surprise. This book covers it all and the best part is that it is all positive. Dr. Palladino gives us a taste of the futur in our children and it's fantastic. She explains how to get there without going ballistic and the examples of Edisonian traits adults i.e. Henry Ford, and Edison himself among others. What an inspiration to my child!!!Thanks so much. The advice can be used even if you don't have an Edison trait child. It's great and doable.
Ok 
2008-02-24
Most of this book was good. It was more of an explanation and reassurance than any kind of solution.
"D" for disappointed 2007-09-27
While the basic premise is good, the book feels thin--as if it should have been a magazine article. Too general and it seems as her examples are not well supported. Better to read a Mel Levine book or Driven to Distraction
Finally positive news 2007-05-08
This is a wonderful book. After hearing about all the things my son wouldn't be able to do, and how he'll never fit in etc. Here's a book that takes those "bad" traits and shows me how he can be sucessful with them. This book gave me hope for my son who was diagnosed very late (age 9) with Aspergers Autism. I now have a powerful ally to take to my family and his school that is based on hope and not on negitivity. It's changed my life and is changing the life of my son. How cool is that!!!
Interesting book! 2006-08-08
This book first lists traits that may or may not fit your child, but are considered to be part of "The Edison Trait". Then, they give ideas on how to deal with children who think differently than many other children.
This book was formerly titled _The Edison Trait_ 2005-01-28
We have been searching for _The Edison Trait_ online today since the copy we are using is due back at the library. We found it online at around $50 a copy to buy it used! Fortunately we discovered that it has been retitled and is now sold as _Dreamers, Discoverers and Dynamos : How to Help the Child Who Is Bright, Bored and Having Problems in School_.
My wife has kept the library copy until it is overdue and has a hold on it. This is the most excited I have seen her about a book since we were married. She has found some very practical tools to help us with our children.
