Children, reading and e-books


The popularity of e-booksThe digital landscape for children and young adults is changing rapidly. Research from Digital Book World and PlayScience is aiming to monitor these fast moving trends in 2013.  In the latest report, The ABC of Kids & E-books: understanding the e-reading habits of children aged 2-13, the researchers have discovered:

  • 54% of children are reading e-books (double the number of adults)
  • 85% of them are reading digital books at least
  • Tablets are the preferred device for e-reading
An increase in e-reading is also explored in another recent study, this time by Scholastic.  Focusing on a different age group (9-17 year olds) Scholastic's key findings include:
  • 51% in their age range report they have NOT read an e-book - and have no interest in doing so
  • 58% said they always wanted to read paper books, even if e-books are available
  • Interestingly, children prefer e-books if they don't want friends to know what they are reading.  Hard copy books are preferred for bedtime reading
The popularity of reading schemes and the importance of librariesIn the UK, according to The Reading Agency (TRA) a record number of young people are involved in local library-led reading schemes.  750,000 children have participated in TRA's Summer REading Challenge, supported by over 4,000 volunteers.However, a report from Bowker Market Report notes that libraries in the US have lost the top spot when it comes to young people finding reading recommendations, with family and friends becoming the most important source.  The library retains the top spot for the place where children obtain their reading for pleasure books.The future of children's publishingAccording to an expert panel speaking at Children's Publishing Goes Digital, platforms are growing in importance and popularity with children, parents and teachers.

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