Paul Tough. How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character. New York, Mariner Books, 2013.

From the award-winning journalist Paul Tough, a provocative and profound examination of child development, success, and character—an insightful study that reveals the power to transform young people’s lives. 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. In How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues that success has more to do with character—a set of noncognitive skills that includes perseverance, curiosity, optimism, and self-control. In this groundbreaking study grounded in psychology and neuroscience, Tough introduces us to key researchers and educators, who, for the first time, are using the tools of science to peel back the mysteries of character. Through their stories—and the stories of the children they are trying to help—Tough reveals how developing character strengths like grit has the power to transform young people’s lives. This provocative and profoundly hopeful book will not only inspire and engage readers—it will also change our understanding of childhood itself.