Five years on from the disruption of lockdown, young readers are engaging with more challenging books—and understanding them better – according to a new study authored by a University of Dundee education expert.

The 2025 What Kids Are Reading report, published by leading edtech provider Renaissance, includes data from over 40,000 pupils in Scotland and reveals how children’s reading habits are evolving. The study assessed the reading habits of nearly 1.3 million pupils across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Although the number of books read has declined slightly year-on-year, pupils still read on average 20.7 books a year—far more than the median UK adult, who reads just three. The data was analysed by Keith Topping, Professor of Educational and Social Research at the University.

In schools using Accelerated Reader, a structured programme that supports reading practice and comprehension, quiz scores have improved since last year. Primary pupils are now achieving 80% accuracy on reading quizzes (up from 77% last year), while secondary pupils have reached 72% (up from 69%).

Pupils are also scoring highest on their favourite books, many of which are more challenging than their most-read titles. In Year 5, for example, favourite books had a reading level nearly two years above the average for that age group, with quiz accuracy reaching 94%. These patterns suggest that when pupils are given the freedom to choose books they love, they rise to the challenge—and understand them deeply.

Professor Topping said:

“This year’s findings are encouraging. The narrowing of the enjoyment gap, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, suggests that structured reading time and access to tools like Accelerated Reader are making a real difference. When pupils enjoy reading, they read more—and when they read more, they achieve more.”

Additional insights from the National Literacy Trust’s Annual Literacy Survey, included in the report, show that while overall reading enjoyment has declined to 35%, its lowest level since 2005, Accelerated Reader users buck the trend.

Among pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), 37% of those using Accelerated Reader say they enjoy reading, compared to 32% of their peers. A similar pattern appears among boys, with 31% of Accelerated Reader participants reporting enjoyment, versus 27% of non-participants—suggesting structured support may be helping to close the enjoyment gap.

This year’s What Kids Are Reading report also shows how children’s reading habits are changing. Jeff Kinney remains the most-read author across UK schools, with Diary of a Wimpy Kid still topping the charts. But newer voices are gaining ground, with titles by Marcus Rashford, Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and Matt Oldfield now among the most-read books in schools.

Books such as The Breakfast Club Adventures, Little People, BIG DREAMS, and Black Men in Science mean more pupils are seeing their experiences reflected in the stories they read—supporting not only literacy development but also helping pupils see themselves in the stories they read—fostering confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of reading.

Crispin Chatterton, Director of Education at Renaissance, said:

“This year’s What Kids Are Reading report highlights the real progress schools are making in helping children read with greater understanding."

“It’s especially encouraging to see disadvantaged pupils reporting higher enjoyment of reading in school—showing how targeted support can help more children build confidence and enjoyment in reading. At Renaissance, we’re proud to work alongside schools to create inclusive, engaging reading experiences that help all pupils succeed.”