How Children Succeed

Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

by Paul Tough

4.4(2,665 ratings)

14 min read

Brief overview

This book shows how qualities beyond simple intelligence can powerfully shape a child’s future. It explores how personal traits, challenging environments, and family support combine to foster academic and life success. Readers can expect to understand the importance of grit, resilience, and character in a more holistic view of children’s achievement.

Introduction

We often think that top grades and high test scores are the key to a child’s success. However, new research suggests that qualities like determination, self-awareness, and adaptability matter just as much—if not more—when it comes to real achievement. This book reveals that it’s not just about how smart kids are, but how they respond to life’s ups and downs.

When children learn to face setbacks head-on, they cultivate the resilience that real life demands. Instead of viewing challenging situations as roadblocks, they see them as chances to learn. That shift in mindset can propel them to try again, work harder, and ultimately master skills that might have seemed impossible at first.

Across diverse settings—urban schools, community centers, chess clubs—young people achieve remarkable growth when guided to develop confidence and self-control. It’s not about pampering or handing out participation trophies; it’s about helping them discover the value of effort and perseverance in shaping their futures.

In these pages, you’ll see why a supportive environment, combined with high expectations, can shift a child’s perspective from feeling stuck to seeing possibility. By appreciating the role of character strengths in shaping each child’s story, we begin to redefine the real meaning of success.

Nurturing More Than IQ

Traditionally, society placed a premium on test scores and IQ as the passport to success. But educators and psychologists now emphasize the power of noncognitive strengths: qualities like grit, curiosity, and social intelligence that guide us when raw intellectual ability alone falls short.

One groundbreaking study showed that children’s self-discipline predicted school performance more strongly than their IQ. This opened the door to rethinking education policy: perhaps equipping students with determination and focus could pay off more than drilling test prep ever could.

Even the brightest students may struggle if they haven’t built the capacity to handle frustration or persist through challenges. Teachers sometimes see top performers fall behind when faced with new material that demands sustained effort rather than easy rote memorization.

When kids learn to push themselves in tricky moments—especially when it’s not fun—they gain a lifelong advantage in resilience.

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What is How Children Succeed about?

How Children Succeed by Paul Tough challenges the conventional wisdom that academic success is determined solely by intelligence. By intertwining real-world examples, cutting-edge research, and personal stories, this book delves into the pivotal role of grit, curiosity, and character in shaping a child's future. Tough argues that qualities beyond IQ play a critical role in overcoming life's challenges, and he demonstrates why fostering these attributes can be as influential as traditional educational achievements.

Written in an engaging and accessible manner, How Children Succeed demonstrates that adversities can shape resilience, and how caring, supportive environments produce better long-term outcomes for children. This holistic view of education highlights the essential role of emotional intelligence and perseverance in achieving success, offering tangible insights for educators, parents, and policymakers alike.

Paul Tough masters the art of storytelling to illustrate complex themes with clarity, thereby transforming how we understand the key ingredients for a child's success. By placing emphasis on character development, the book redefines educational success and inspires readers to nurture these qualities in future generations.

Review of How Children Succeed

Paul Tough's How Children Succeed is an insightful exploration into the underappreciated elements of child development that extend beyond cognitive skills. One of the key strengths of this book is its ability to weave research with compelling narratives, making it accessible and informative. Readers will uncover how traits such as grit and self-control are powerful predictors of success, serving as a practical guide for educators and parents keen to foster these qualities.

Delving into case studies from varied educational environments, the book demonstrates effective real-world applications, from character-building practices in schools to handling adversity in homes. Tough presents success stories from schools like KIPP Academy, where character education has transformed academic outcomes. His writing, both clear and engaging, illuminates complex concepts while maintaining a conversational tone.

For parents, educators, and those working with children, How Children Succeed provides invaluable insights into raising confident, resilient young people. Tough recommends nurturing character strengths alongside traditional academics, underscoring the importance of environments that support emotional growth. This book comes highly recommended for anyone looking to understand the nuanced pathways to raising successful, well-rounded individuals.

Who should read How Children Succeed?

**Educators**: Teachers and school administrators who want to implement character-based education programs and utilize research-backed techniques to enhance students' emotional and social development.
**Parents and Caregivers**: Those interested in fostering their children's character development, resilience, and emotional intelligence beyond the confines of traditional academics.
**Policymakers**: Individuals involved in crafting educational policies who wish to support initiatives that integrate emotional and academic growth.
**Child Psychologists and Counselors**: Professionals seeking research-based insights into the non-cognitive factors that influence children's development and success.
**College and Graduate Students in Education**: Aspiring educators and researchers interested in understanding the broader impact of non-cognitive skills on academic and life success.

About the author

Paul Tough is a Canadian-American writer and broadcaster known for his extensive work on education, poverty, and politics. He is the author of "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character," which spent more than a year on the New York Times hardcover and paperback bestseller lists and was translated into 27 languages. Tough 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 has also written for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, GQ, and Esquire, and has received the Livingston Award for his journalism.