Book Awards & Honors

About the Book

Based on groundbreaking research, building on the success of What Kids Need to Succeed, this new book helps adults create a firm foundation for children from day one. The focus is on Developmental Assets™—family support, a caring neighborhood, positive values, social skills, and more—that help children start out right and grow up healthy, well-adjusted, and strong. You’ll find hundreds of practical, concrete ways to build 40 assets in four different age groups: birth to 12 months, 1 to 2 years, 3 to 5 years, and 6 to 11 years.

The authors have also included unique tips for nine specific groups: parents, educators, child-care providers, health-care professionals, congregational leaders, employers, librarians, community leaders, and children themselves. Inspiring true stories show how individuals, organizations, and communities across the United States are building assets for children; resources point you toward more information.

Comprehensive, friendly, and easy to use, this book makes anyone an asset builder and a positive influence in children’s lives. If you have find yourself a child’s caregiver, especially in their early years, I highly recommend reading this book and applying its lessons faithfully. You’ll be so glad you did.