The Bookshelf: April 28, 2016

Trib+Edu is joining with respected books authority Kirkus Reviews to bring you select reviews of books of note in the field of education. For more book reviews and recommendations, visit Kirkus.com.

HELPING CHILDREN SUCCEED: What Works and Why

by Paul Tough

In this sequel to How Children Succeed (2012), Tough moves beyond the question of why children from affluent families fare better than those who grow up in poverty. ... Poor health, neglect, abuse, and deficiencies in early cognitive stimulation are just a few of the reasons why children fail to thrive. Backed by his intensive research, Tough outlines many simple and effective methods currently in use at day care centers, preschools, and schools that counteract the effects of an environment that is unstable, chaotic, and unpredictable. … By helping children be engaged in learning that, even when challenging, is meaningful, informative, and fun, children drop their fight-or-flight stress responses and perform better on all levels: academically, socially, and emotionally.

For the full review, visit kirkus.com.