A concerning trend has emerged among children and young people in the United Kingdom, highlighting a growing disparity in access to books. According to a recent survey by the National Literacy Trust, more children who receive free school meals (FSMs) reported that they did not have a book of their own compared to the previous year. The figures reveal that 12.4% of children in this category lacked a personal book in 2023, up from 9.7% in 2022.

These findings are a cause for concern as they underscore the importance of book ownership for children’s development and well-being. Reading for pleasure not only has lifelong academic and economic benefits but also enriches a child’s imagination and cognitive skills. Research shows that children and young people who have books of their own at home tend to read more frequently, enjoy reading more, and perform better academically in reading.

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A study conducted in 2023 even identified book ownership as one of the top three predictors of children’s reading performance. This correlation between book ownership and educational success highlights the pressing need to ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to books.

The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has directly affected families’ ability to support reading at home. Over one-third (36.1%) of parents who were struggling financially due to the cost-of-living crisis reported buying fewer books for their children earlier this year, compounding the issue further.

Key findings from the survey include:

• In 2023, over 9 in 10 (91.4%) children and young people aged 5 to 18 reported having a book of their own at home, while 1 in 12 (8.6%) did not.
• Among children aged 8 to 18, 92.9% claimed to have a book of their own at home in 2023, with 7.1% lacking personal books. This percentage has slightly decreased since 2021 and is currently at its lowest level in five years.
• Among children aged 5 to 8, 80.8% reported having a book of their own in 2023, while 19.2% did not. This represents a marginal increase compared to 2019 when it stood at 18.6%.
• Socio-economic background played a significant role in access to books. In 2023, 12.4% of 8- to 18-year-olds receiving free school meals (FSMs) did not have a book of their own, marking an increase from 9.7% in 2022. This figure is double that of their peers who do not receive FSMs (12.4% vs. 5.8%). The gap in book ownership between these groups is now at its widest point in a decade, standing at 6.6 percentage points.

Recognising the undeniable link between book ownership and reading enjoyment, academic achievement, and long-term outcomes, it is imperative that efforts to support book ownership are targeted at groups with the greatest need, including children and young people from lower-income backgrounds. Bridging this gap is not only a matter of educational equity but also a means to empower the future generation with the tools for success.

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Sarah Williams, a child literacy advocate, commented on these findings, saying, “Access to books is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental right for every child. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that no child is left behind when it comes to the joys and benefits of reading.”

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The call to action is clear: addressing this disparity in book ownership is crucial to fostering a more equitable and promising future for the UK’s children and young people.