Ordinary Magic

“Masten presents an impressive array of the knowledge that she has gained through her years in the field in a clear and concise manner….Broadly accessible and applicable for researchers, professionals, and students alike.”

—Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (on the first edition)


“Sheer joy….All scholars wishing to better acquaint themselves with the resilience in development literature would do well to pick up Masten’s book and read it….Applicable for scientists, practitioners, family members, teachers, early interventionists, policymakers, and countless others who genuinely strive for equity and equanimity among all—especially the vulnerable.”

—Infant Mental Health Journal (on the first edition)


“Masten's book deserves reading because of its extraordinary synthesis of selected theories and research….Masten has pulled together the wide range of approaches to the concept and its empirical grounding to this date.”

—PsycCRITIQUES (on the first edition)


“Ann Masten writes in an accessible narrative style while drawing on her vast personal and professional experience as a professor and international resilience expert….An illuminating and useful text for students, researchers, and anyone interested in this field.”

—Therapy Today (on the first edition)


“Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.”

—Choice Reviews (on the first edition)


“As the science of resilience moves toward a more systemic, culturally relevant understanding of human thriving, the timely second edition of this groundbreaking text introduces readers to the latest innovations in positive human development. With her vast experience on a global scale, and the gift of excellent storytelling, Masten will continue to influence the field of psychology now and far into the future. This book is a 'must read' for everyone who wants to better understand the complexity of the many factors present in the lives of children who do better than expected. The second edition will contribute greatly to discussions of trauma and vulnerability in a world confronting crises like climate change, pandemics, and the breakdown of social relationships and trusted institutions.”

—Michael Ungar, PhD, Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience, Dalhousie University


“There are concepts in psychology—resilience, among them—that underscore its special status among the sciences. Masten’s work on resilience extends the boundaries and precision of psychological science and communicates the humanity emanating from this concept. Her work demonstrates how scientific rigor can enlighten our quest to understand the pliability of humans and the sustainability of humanity.”

—Elena L. Grigorenko, PhD, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Houston


“Masten is an internationally known, pioneering expert on resilience in human development. The second edition of this book, written in an accessible style, updates the evidence about resilience and its implications for policy and practice. The book includes international perspectives, as well as compelling individual life histories of resilience drawn from non-Western cultures and countries. Ordinary Magic is a 'must read' for a broad audience interested in improving the lives of children at risk due to exposure to trauma, war, displacement, natural disasters, and other adversities.”

—Frosso Motti-Stefanidi, PhD, Professor Emerita of Psychology, University of Athens, Greece; President-Elect, International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development


“Much of the progress in understanding resilience over the past few decades can be attributed to the visionary influence of Ann Masten’s theoretical, empirical, and intervention work. The second edition of this classic book integrates ideas from multiple areas of inquiry, including molecular genetics and epigenetics, general systems theory, ecological theory, systems thinking in biology, immunology, stress neurobiology, and developmental psychopathology. Ann Masten shows that resilience factors and processes vary by context, domain, and level of analysis, and that efficacious interventions can generate positive effects over time, domains, and generations. This iconic book teaches us that in order to comprehend fully how individuals achieve resilience in the face of adversity, we need to investigate resilience in its full complexity.”

—Dante Cicchetti, PhD, Institute of Child Development (Emeritus), University of Minnesota