Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why - Softcover

“Tough’s research demonstrates that all children have the capacity for self-control, grit, and success if given the right tools to work with from birth. Informative and effective methods to help children overcome issues and thrive at home and in school.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The good news is that attention is finally turning to the psychic and emotional qualities our students bring to the classroom. No one is better at chronicling this shift than Paul Tough. In Helping Children Succeed, he asks how, concretely, we can improve students’ noncognitive skills.” —David Brooks, New York Times

“Tough (contributing writer, New York Times Magazine) builds on the research he outlined in his book How Children Succeed to address at great depth the ways adults can build success for children who face the greatest adversity. Contending that it is the environment that shapes children’s ability to develop significant noncognitive skills such as perseverance and optimism, Tough presents research that shows success in these areas is possible for all children. Diving into studies and supporting their conclusions by defining real-life examples, Tough convincingly argues that classroom climate is what needs to be changed in order to shape students’ experiences. While advocating for transformation of a broken system that could turn disadvantaged kids’ lives around, the author also acknowledges the small things that make a difference. Tough calls upon individuals to make those small steps and shows that by looking through a different lens it is possible to see how education can be better structured for the future. Verdict: For readers concerned with finding practical ways to engage with and improve education for those children with the most to lose.” — Rachel Wadham, Brigham Young University, Library Journal