52 pages • 1 hour read
Paul ToughHow Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues that noncognitive skills like perseverance, resilience, and self-control are critical to children's success, more so than traditional cognitive skills measured by IQ. Using narratives from diverse educational settings and research from neuroscience, psychology, and education, Tough underscores the importance of early interventions and supportive relationships in overcoming adversity and cultivating character. The book includes discussions on the impacts of early-life stress and adversity on child development.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Paul Tough's How Children Succeed receives praise for its compelling argument on the role of character traits in a child's success. Critics value its emphasis on grit, curiosity, and perseverance over traditional metrics like IQ. Some, however, argue it leans too heavily on anecdotal evidence and lacks sufficient scientific rigor. Overall, it's an insightful read on educational development.
Who Should Read How Children Succeed?
Readers who appreciate investigative narratives like Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell or Grit by Angela Duckworth will be drawn to How Children Succeed by Paul Tough. This book appeals to educators, parents, and anyone interested in child development, focusing on the impact of character and resilience over IQ for success.