What Kids Want in Books
Across all ages, a majority of kids say they would read more if they could find more books they like.
Children’s Agreement with Statement: “I would read more if I could find more books that I like” Base: Children Ages 6–17
Children of all age groups agree: their favourite books–and the ones they are most likely to finish–are the ones they pick out themselves.
Children’s Agreement with Statements Base: Children Ages 6–17
Above all, children want books that make them laugh.
Things Children Look for When Picking Out a Book to Read for Fun Base: Children Ages 6–17
“I like reading because books are funny and I like the way the characters behave.”
— 6-year-old boy, Wales
Boys and girls agree that they want books that make them laugh, but girls are more likely to want books about things they experience, have characters they wish they could be like, let them forget about real life, and let them use their imaginations.
Things Children Look for When Picking Out a Book to Read for Fun Base: Children Ages 6–17
“I like reading books a lot because I can get away from reality for a while and enjoy myself. This is also why I like fiction best.”
— 12-year-old girl, West Midlands
What children want in books varies by age, with younger kids more likely to want to read books that let them use their imagination, have character role models, and are fiction or teach them something new. When selecting books, older kids are the most likely to want to forget about real life for a while.
Things Children Look for When Picking Out a Book to Read for Fun Base: Children Ages 6–17
“Reading makes me use my imagination and can take me to a completely different world that I’ve never been to before.”
— 10-year-old boy, North East
Parents often want the same things in books for their children as kids want for themselves.
Comparison of Things Children Want in Books with Things Parents Want in Books for Their Kids Base: Children Ages 6–17 and Parents of Children Ages 6–17
“Reading is very important–even just to make her laugh.”
— Mother, 4-year-old girl, Greater London
Nearly four in 10 parents (38%) agree that their child has trouble finding books he or she likes, especially as their child grows older.
Parents’ Agreement with Statement: “My child has trouble finding books he/she likes” Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17
“If she enjoys reading, she is more likely to continue.”
— Mother, 8-year-old girl, North West
Overall, one-third of parents (33%) agree they need help finding books their child likes, with parents of kids ages 12–14 feeling this the most strongly.
Parents’ Agreement with Statement: “I need help finding books my child likes” Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17
“It’s difficult to find books that keep them interested as they get older.”
— Mother, 14-year-old girl, West Midlands
Parents are most likely to encourage their child to read by making sure print books are always accessible, suggesting books their child will enjoy, and letting their child choose and browse books.
Things Parents Do to Encourage Their Child to Read Books for Fun Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17
“I try to give books I enjoyed when I was younger.”
— Mother, 7-year-old girl, Scotland
As children grow older, parents are less likely to engage in activities that encourage reading overall, but more likely to make ebooks available.
Things Parents Do to Encourage Their Child to Read Books for Fun Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17
“I think electronic and digital devices encourage him to read more, as they allow reading to be more interactive, modern and fun for kids.”
— Mother, 12-year-old boy, North West
Parents of older children are more likely to say they do not have a preference as to whether their kids read books for fun in print vs. ebooks. However, about two in three parents (67%) of kids ages 6–8 prefer that their children read in print.
Parents’ Book Preferences for Their Child: Print Books vs. eBooks Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17
“Although he mainly reads—or is read—print books, I expect that the vast majority of his reading will eventually be on electronic devices.”
— Father, 5-year-old boy, South East
SPOTLIGHT: Print Books in a Digital World
More than four in 10 children (43%) have read an ebook; this percentage does not vary significantly by age.
Percentage of Children Who Have Read an eBook Base: Children Ages 6–17
A majority of children who read ebooks (56%) say that most of the books they read for fun are in print, but three in 10 (30%) kids read half ebooks and half print books.
How Children Read Books for Fun Base: Children Ages 6–17 Who Have Read an eBook
“She reads as she wants, when she wants, however she wants.”
— Father, 15-year-old girl, Scotland
Nearly half of children who have read ebooks (49%) prefer to read print books, with children younger than 12 being more likely to say so than those 12 and older.
How Children Prefer to Read Books: Print vs. eBooks Base: Children Ages 6–17 Who Have Read an eBook
“It’s nice that she can take a break from electronic devices to take the time to read an actual print book.”
— Mother, 6-year-old girl, Northern Ireland
Children agree they will always want to read print books, even though there are ebooks available.
Children’s Agreement with Statement: “I’ll always want to read books printed on paper even though there are ebooks available” Base: Children Ages 6–17
Among children who have not read an ebook, more than one-third (35%) express interest in reading an ebook, with younger children being more interested than older children.
Interest in Reading eBooks Base: Children Ages 6–17 Who Have Not Read an eBook
“eBooks don’t hold his attention anywhere near as much as a real book.”
— Mother, 10-year-old boy, Yorkshire and the Humber
Home libraries are predominantly composed of print books, many of which are children’s books. In homes with ebooks, six in 10 parents (60%) say the ebook collection is mostly books for adults.
Average Number of Print and eBooks in Home Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17
“Reading is dreaming with open eyes.”
— 17-year-old girl, South East
Percentage of Children’s vs. Adult Books in Home Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17 Who Say There Are Print Books and eBooks in Their Home
Books Or Series 6–8 Year-old Children Consider Their Very Favourite
Books Or Series 9–11 Year-old Children Consider Their Very Favourite
Books Or Series 12–14 Year-old Children Consider Their Very Favourite
Books Or Series 15–17 Year-old Children Consider Their Very Favourite
