Reading for pleasure builds empathy in children, but fewer kids are picking up books just for the fun of it

As schools focus more on evidence-based reading instruction, less time is available for children to practice reading for pleasure.

By: William Dee Nichols, University of Maine and Michelle Kearney, University of Maine, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 7, 2026

Words: 1,263

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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By William Dee Nichols, University of Maine and Michelle Kearney, University of Maine

Reading allows children to live in a vibrant world, surrounded by fairies, elves and talking animals, transporting them to places where the impossible becomes real. But reading for pleasure also helps children learn more effectively and broadens how they view, interpret and interact with the world. It gives them a form of expression that fuels their imagination and empathy for themselves …

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