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

In How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues that character, not just academic performance, is crucial for success in life. Tough introduces readers to a new generation of researchers and educators who are studying the importance of non-cognitive skills for success. The book presents compelling stories of children who have overcome adversity, highlighting the importance of traits such as perseverance, self-control, optimism, and curiosity. Tough also delves into the topic of childhood trauma and its impact on brain development, explaining how educators and doctors are using this knowledge to develop innovative interventions to break the cycle of poverty. He argues that character traits can be developed, and provides valuable insights into how parents, teachers, and policymakers can support children in this process. Overall, How Children Succeed is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges conventional wisdom about what it takes to succeed. It offers practical advice for anyone interested in helping children develop the skills they need to thrive.