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A recent study has highlighted a concerning trend among teenage boys in the UK, who are predominantly reading lower-level books, particularly those from Jeff Kinney’s *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* series. The findings indicate that while boys aged 11 to 14 gravitate towards a narrow selection of literature, their female peers are exploring a much broader spectrum of authors and genres.
Boys’ Reading Preferences Dominated by a Single Series
The annual *What Kids Are Reading* report, released by education technology firm Renaissance, revealed that eight out of the ten most popular books among boys in this age group belong to the *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* franchise. In stark contrast, the reading choices of girls in the same age bracket encompass a diverse array of titles, including Alice Oseman’s *Heartstopper*, Holly Jackson’s *A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder*, and Suzanne Collins’ *The Hunger Games*.
This disparity underscores a significant divergence in reading habits as children transition to key stage 3. The report, which analysed over 23 million reading quizzes from around 1.1 million students across the UK and Ireland during the 2024-25 academic year, suggests that boys are becoming increasingly “stuck” in their reading preferences, limiting their exposure to more challenging literature.
Decline in Reading Engagement
The report’s findings correlate with previous research conducted by the National Literacy Trust, which indicated that by the ages of 14 to 16, fewer than 10% of boys engage in daily reading outside of school, compared to 18% of girls. This trend is exacerbated by a noticeable decline in dedicated reading time as students progress through their education. According to a separate survey by Renaissance, only 28% of secondary schools allocate at least 15 minutes a day for reading, a stark contrast to the 62% of primary schools that do so.
Bernadetta Brzyska, head of research at Renaissance, emphasised that while popular series can draw in reluctant readers, it is crucial for educators to guide students towards new authors and more complex texts. “Children read best when they read what they love,” she stated. “The question is what comes next.”
The Importance of Choice in Reading
The study also revealed that pupils who selected their own books demonstrated significantly better comprehension abilities. Students scored an average of 92% on quizzes about their preferred titles, compared to just 76% for all books. This suggests that fostering a love for reading through personal choice is paramount for academic success.
Martin Galway, head of professional learning and partnerships at the National Literacy Trust, pointed to the widening gap in reading engagement, particularly among teenage boys, as a pressing issue. “Too many young people are ‘stuck’ or disengaging from reading altogether, often because they have not yet found books that feel relevant, accessible, or inspiring,” he noted.
The report’s findings come in the context of the government’s National Year of Reading campaign, which has identified teenage boys as a key demographic requiring additional support. Alarmingly, the enjoyment of reading among children has reached its lowest levels on record, heightening the urgency for targeted interventions.
A Closer Look at Reading Choices
The most-read books among boys in years 7 to 9 reflect a troubling trend:
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
6. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown
10. The Hunger Games
Conversely, girls in the same age group are drawn to a more varied selection:
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
2. The Hunger Games
3. Heartstopper Volume 1
4. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
5. The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks
6. Heartstopper Volume 2
7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
8. The Catastrophic Friendship Fails of Lottie Brooks
9. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
10. Lottie Brooks’s Totally Disastrous School Trip
Why it Matters
The stark differences in reading habits between boys and girls are not merely statistics; they reflect deeper societal issues regarding literacy and engagement with literature. As boys increasingly favour familiar, simplistic narratives, there is a pressing need for educators and parents to foster a more diverse reading culture that encourages exploration beyond the familiar. Addressing this imbalance is crucial, not just for fostering a love for reading, but also for ensuring that young people are equipped with the critical thinking and comprehension skills essential for their future academic and professional success.