I don't like books that have no real plot and just poke along.

I have to completely disagree with you about this book not having a plot. It's hard to tell the plot without sharing spoilers but this book definitely had a plot. It came highly recommended to me from one of my fifth grader's moms and after I read it, I read it to my class. It crosses generations and had about half of my students in tears. When I had them write a paragraph about what they got from the book, they shared some very poignant feelings. I love that it was entertaining and that it prompted my students to want to improve the lives of those around them.

I know that much of book reviewing is subjective, but I find it unfortunate that there will be some who choose not to read this beautiful book because of your review.

My class and I loved it.

Actually, ALL of book reviewing is subjective. A book that speaks to a class of fifth graders and their teacher might not speak to me at all and vice versa. That's why I appreciate comments like yours, even when the opinions expressed aren't the same as my own (maybe ESPECIALLY when they aren't) because it helps give potential readers a more rounded view of the book.

That being said, I stand by my opinion of GIFTED. The writing, to me, seemed dull and lifeless, with stiff dialogue, (way) more showing than telling and a contrived plotline. All of these things got in the way of the message the author was trying to get across. I agree the moral of the story is a good one, but without dynamic writing, a book like this just comes across as preachy and sappy. That's my opinion, anyway :)