Paul Tough is an author, journalist, and speaker, whose work focuses on the challenges and dynamics of education, child development, and poverty in America. He draws on his own educational journey, professional experiences, and personal explorations of the themes of adversity and resilience in How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, a book that delves into the noncognitive qualities that contribute to a child’s success in life.

Tough’s educational path followed a non-traditional trajectory. In the fall of 1985, he enrolled as a freshman at Columbia University, but, much like the subjects of his later writings, he faced challenges and decisions that led him to drop out of college not only once but twice. The decision to step away from the safety net of institutional learning to explore life’s broader lessons provided Tough with a firsthand perspective on the value of character traits like resilience and grit.

Tough is a journalist and author with a keen interest in education, poverty, and policy. Before his work on How Children Succeed, Tough was an editor at The New York Times Magazine and a contributor to public radio’s This American Life, showcasing his ability to engage with complex social issues in a manner that is both accessible and informative.