Talk About a Family tells of an older brother’s homecoming from the military in the midst of a family crisis: the parents are moving toward a break-up. Genny, the main character, takes the lead in preparing a homecoming party for her brother Larry. She tries to get everyone involved in the planning of the celebration, hoping to get them to focus on the party instead of the parents’ continuing arguments. Genny’s brother Mac agrees to help, but her sister Kim spends much of her time alone and is more reluctant to help with the celebration. Throughout the story, Genny shares her concerns with a sympathetic neighbor, who helps her come to new understandings about individuals, families, and how people respond to difficult situations.
COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY
The Center for Gifted Education (CFGE) at William & Mary University (College of William & Mary), is a research and development center providing services to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, and parents in support of the needs of gifted and talented individuals.
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, the CFGE has established an international reputation for excellence in research, curriculum development, and service. Several major grants, including funding from the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, have provided significant support for the work of the Center. In 2012, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation awarded CFGE the funds needed for a summer residential camp for low income, high-ability children, for four consecutive years. In 2015, William & Mary alumni, Mike and Nancy Petters, through the Petters Family Foundation, provided additional financial support to the program. In 2016, the Petters Family Foundation has committed to fully fund the program for the next four years. Camp Launch is only the beginning of the Center for Gifted Education’s goal to bring educational equality to all gifted students.