How children succeed: grit, curiosity, and the hidden power of character

Abstract

Reviews the book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough (see record 2012-23827-000). Tough argues that children’s success cannot be measured by IQ tests or improved by more schooling; instead, to help our kids succeed, the people need to focus on the set of less precisely measured, but possibly more important, noncognitive skills. To help children succeed, we need to help them build character. The book is laid out in several chapters, and within each chapter are smaller segments, most of which describe a researcher’s work, a visionary’s determination, or the personal narrative of a youth who by traditional measures of success falls short but who nevertheless succeeds. Tough’s book is a thoughtful, optimistic, and inspiring “must read” for anyone who interacts with kids. The hidden message is really an empowering call to action, and there is a subtle sense of urgency to change the sociopolitical tide, even if it will take grit and determination, because change can occur one child at a time. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)