How Children Succeed - Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

Why do some children succeed while others fail?

The story we usually tell about childhood and success is the one about intelligence: Success comes to those who score highest on tests, from preschool admissions to SATs.

But in How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues for a very different understanding of what makes a successful child. Drawing on groundbreaking research in neuroscience, economics, and psychology, Tough shows that the qualities that matter most have less to do with IQ and more to do with character: skills like grit, curiosity, conscientiousness, and optimism.

How Children Succeed introduces us to a new generation of scientists and educators who are radically changing our understanding of how children develop character, how they learn to think, and how they overcome adversity. It tells the personal stories of young people struggling to say on the right side of the line between success and failure. And it argues for a new way of thinking about how best to steer an individual child – or a whole generation of children – toward a successful future.

This provocative and profoundly hopeful book will not only inspire and engage readers; it will also change our understanding of childhood itself.

Hardcover: 231 pages

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (September 4, 2012)

Language: English

Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches

Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces

Reviews

"This is a great book. It's well researched and written in a readable style. The entire faculty of my sons school were required to read it last year and I was thrilled. The author takes a genuine look at what makes school work for some kids and not for others."

- Kate

"This book takes a unique perspective on the topic of children's success in education and in life. Admittedly, I picked up the book thinking that I'd get some additional insights on parenting. In fact, the book looks at child success from a unique 360-degree perspective, exploring research ranging from child trauma and background to standardized education metrics. I was pleased to see as much analysis given to children from the "haves" side of society as that for the children from the "have nots" side. In either instance, the conclusions are eye-opening and thought-provoking.The one down side is that the chapters are quite lengthy; one chapter in particular goes 50 pages and gets bogged down in journalistic facts for too long in making its point. Otherwise, it is a quick read, if not a completely easy read. It leaves the reader, whether parent, teacher, or someone who just wants to make a difference in a child's life, with lots to consider about their path to success."

- C.R. Morton

"I am a member of our community school district's school board and this book has changed my understanding and perspective on the work still needed by our community to assure each child's potential. This is not a "how to" book for local school district governance; it is a "you should know this before you consider any programs, policies or other questions regarding education, children and cognitive learning". This is without question a seminal piece of work that should be required reading for all persons considering parenthood or finding themselves compelled into such a state. I someday hope to meet Mr. Tough in person and thank him personally for this endeavor. I am running for re-election to my local school board and this book has not only inspired me to serve my community better, but to endeavor to provide each child in the district the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential. "

- George R.

"Paul Tough in describing the struggles intensely disadvantaged children have speaks to me because these are the children I teach at my high school. He claims that character qualities are often the missing ingredients in their development that denies their success. I see the truth of this in my student's behavior. We should be implementing his recommendations in our school district."

- Prof. Centennius

"Every teacher and parent should read this book. Just as a grandparent of 3 toddlers, I found it fascinating to learn what a huge role nurture and lifestyle plays, apart from test scores and raw intellect. Anyone, anywhere who is involved in intervention programs for troubled youth should absolutely have the knowledge and experience Mr. Tough provides in this book. I bought a copy for my son who is a high school teacher, and loaned my copy to my daughter who is a full time Mom, planning to home school."

- Urban Ennui

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About The Author

Paul Tough is the author, most recently, of "Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why." His previous book, "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character," was translated into 27 languages and spent more than a year on the New York Times hardcover and paperback best-seller lists. His first book, "Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America," was published in 2008. He is a contributing writer to the New York Times Magazine, where he has written extensively about education, parenting, poverty, and politics. His writing has also appeared in the New Yorker, the Atlantic, and GQ and on the op-ed page of the New York Times. He has worked as an editor at the New York Times Magazine and Harper's Magazine and as a reporter and producer for the public-radio program "This American Life." He was the founding editor of Open Letters, an online magazine. He lives with his wife and two sons in Montauk, New York.