Exceptionally Gifted Children examines the origin, development and school histories of 15 Australian children who are amongst the most intellectually gifted young people ever to be identified and studied. The first phase of a longitudinal research project which will trace the children through to adulthood, the book looks in detail at the children's early lives and influences, their families and personal characteristics. More importantly, it explores the school experiences of the children, the opportunities offered and denied to them and the effects of their early school life on their educational development - how the school environment can affect self-esteem, self-concept, motivation, capacity to find and form friendships, and the children's own attitudes towards their own abilities and achievements.