The author, a journalist, reviews psychological, sociological, educational, and medical literature and makes conclusions about what is needed to close the gap in educational gains between poor and rich children. His most compelling assertion is that a nurturing relationship between a child and at least one parent in the first year of life is a catalyst for emotional and physiological brain development for learning, stress management, and successful living which he defines as completing a high school or college degree, career, avoidance of incarceration, and a lasting marriage. Another interesting section compares Grade Point Average with ACT scores as predictors of college graduation with surprising conclusions.
How Children Succeed is a compelling and optimistic interpretation of American education in a time when legislatures are slashing funding for education.