Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best
nonfiction · First published 2026
Author guide
Angela Duckworth Books in Order
Angela Lee Duckworth is an American psychologist and the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research examines grit, self-control, character development, achievement, and the ways environments shape behavior and outcomes. She is the author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance and Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, and is a MacArthur Fellow and founder of Character Lab.
psychologypopular scienceself-helpnonfiction
Catalog record updated .
Angela Duckworth's Newest Book
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Angela Duckworth's foundational book and best entry point to her work on grit, achievement, and perseverance.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (2)
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
nonfiction · 2016
In this instant New York Times bestseller, Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” “Inspiration for…
- Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best
nonfiction · 2026
Frequently asked questions about Angela Duckworth
Who is Angela Duckworth?
Angela Lee Duckworth is an American psychologist, author, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She is known for studying grit, self-control, motivation, and achievement.
Sources: gse.upenn.edu (opens in a new tab)macfound.org (opens in a new tab)
Where did Angela Duckworth study?
She earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard, a master’s degree in neuroscience from Oxford as a Marshall Scholar, and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.
What did Angela Duckworth do before becoming a professor?
She worked as a McKinsey management consultant, taught math and science in public schools, and founded a summer school for underserved children.
What inspired Angela Duckworth to study grit?
While teaching seventh-grade math in New York City, Duckworth observed that effort mattered greatly and that IQ was not the only difference between successful and struggling students. This experience led her to pursue doctoral research in psychology.
Sources: gse.upenn.edu (opens in a new tab)ted.com (opens in a new tab)
What is Angela Duckworth’s legacy in education and psychology?
Her research helped focus attention on grit, self-control, and other personal qualities involved in educational achievement. She also co-founded Character Lab to connect researchers with educators and translate character research into practical tools for helping children thrive.
Sources: macfound.org (opens in a new tab)characterlab.org (opens in a new tab)