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Paul Tough
Photo Credit: Mary McIlvaine Photography


Paul Tough is the author of Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America and the author of a series of acclaimed articles on character and childhood in the New York Times Magazine and the New Yorker. He is a contributing editor to the New York Times Magazine and a frequent contributor to the public-radio program This American Life. He lives with his wife and son in New York.

Books by Paul Tough

The Inequality Machine

A damning exposé of how the university system ingrains privilege and injustice at every level of American society.

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Helping Children Succeed

A handbook to guide parents and teachers through the science of helping children succeed

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How Children Succeed

Why character, confidence, and curiosity are more important to your child’s success than academic results. The New York Times bestseller. For all fans of Oliver James or Steve Biddulph’s Raising Boys, Raising Girls, and The Complete Secrets of Happy Children.

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