I'm sure, you will find it helpful to discover characteristics of introverts so you can support your child in a positive self image. Here are 20 characteristics universal to introverts.

Introverts ... 1. love to read 2. have a few close, true friends 3. are excellent listeners 4. do not like to contribute in class 5. give people energy (extroverts take energy) 6. love to go to their room and close door 7. may be exhausted by social interaction required during a typical day at school 8. do not like group work 9. do not learn by repeating things out loud 10. like to connect dots and insist on turning information in to knowledge 11. are very territorial 12. like to know about expectations well ahead of time 13. suffer from feelings of humiliation if they make a mistake in public 14. are intense 15. hate small talk 16. prefer to write rather than talk and especially don’t like talking on phone 17. have a private and a public personality 18. say what they mean 19. prefer not to say anything unless it is significant 20. need time alone to recharge their batteries

It is reassuring to know that higher up IQ, greater percentage of introverts. As your child progresses in life, chances are they will encounter a more friendly environment but you can help them while they’re small to develop a positive self image. Raising consciousness whenever possible among teachers and school administrators is also going to help your child, and other introverted children, to love and understand themselves better.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Comments: A well-loved classic and 1963 Newberry Medal winner. Ages 9 and older learn about personal power as they travel with children of a gifted scientist and a missing physicist through time and space to triumph over evil. Especially a great book for gifted introverts. This was my daughter's very most favorite book in 5th grade.

The Silver Pony: A Story in Pictures by Lynd Ward Comments: Told only in pictures, this is story of a lonely farm boy who confuses his dreams of adventure on a winged pony with reality. Loneliness is a concept that is imposed on introverts by concerned extroverts. This book helps to make a bridge between your child's reality and that which will be imposed on him or her from outside. It is another book that deals with "loved real" reality of introverts.

Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech Comments: For that special quiet middle child by a Newberry Prize Winner. Zinnia's life begins to change when she stumbles upon a hidden, overgrown pathway that stretches from edge of her family's farm into great unknown. The journey begins this way for introverted child. Grades 4-6.

The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg Comments: This book centers around a group of four brilliant introverted 12-year-olds and tea party they have each Saturday morning. Ages 8-12.

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende Comments: Small and insignificant Bastian Balthazar Bux is nobody's idea of a hero, least of all his own. Around 12.