Modern Kids Cannot Read Entire Books
When I was first learning how to read, I gravitated toward the popular 70s children’s books by authors like Richard Scarry and Dr. Seuss. Reading these basic books was challenging, but over time, I was able to read larger books like The Hardy Boys. This was a big leap because the local library only lent out books for seven days, and these big books took so long to read.
As I grew, reading became easier, and one day an older book became popular among my classmates: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I was about seven, and because the book was so in demand, the local library’s wait list was several weeks long. I had to have it and begged my mother to pick up a copy.
Right away, I had trouble following the story because there were too many characters and the plot was ultra-complex. I tried my best, but I could not get past the second chapter. A year later, I found it at the bottom of a drawer and read it cover to cover without issue. My life experience is not exactly inspirational, but it leads into the topic I wanted to cover. I recently came across this article, and it reminded me of my early reading experience:
As I grew, reading became easier, and one day an older book became popular among my classmates: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I was about seven, and because the book was so in demand, the local library’s wait list was several weeks long. I had to have it and begged my mother to pick up a copy.
Right away, I had trouble following the story because there were too many characters and the plot was ultra-complex. I tried my best, but I could not get past the second chapter. A year later, I found it at the bottom of a drawer and read it cover to cover without issue. My life experience is not exactly inspirational, but it leads into the topic I wanted to cover. I recently came across this article, and it reminded me of my early reading experience:
The article points out that some teachers are no longer assigning entire books. Instead, they let kids read a few pages. This is not because reading (or absorbing) an entire book is too difficult; it is because modern children lack the focus or desire to finish. Meaning, it is too tough a challenge. I have difficulty relating to this because I still remember the thrill of finishing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This was a challenge that I overcame, and understanding the story had huge rewards. It was like an enormous puzzle that only revealed itself when the last piece was put in.
Even today, I enjoy reading all kinds of books. Adventure, romance, drama, how-to, history, and biography. Bring it! This makes it difficult to relate to the problems teachers are facing, but I do sort of understand. A book like Animal Farm, with all its complex themes, would have been impossible for me at age eight. Even now, such a book is a challenging read.
Still, many books should be a breeze for kids. Treasure Island, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Watership Down, White Fang, and even the highly symbolic Great Gatsby. They all have an easy-to-understand beginning, middle, and end. Plus, there are only a few characters, basic themes, and an engaging plot. A fun read! Yet… No.
It is a sad state of affairs that reading is in major decline among kids, but you may know that my articles usually focus on writing. The tie-in is that this article officially points out that it is panic time for authors. To put it simply, we have no financial future because adults of the near future will have no desire to read. Yikes!
But wait a moment. Things will probably change. After all, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a darn funny book. Surely there will be a book renaissance. Plus, there will always be bookworms. Curl up with a good book. Right?
Alas, I do not think reading will recover in my lifetime. The reason is simple. Books will never be able to compete with one-minute TikTok dance videos. Any entertainment that cannot immediately grab attention is a firm pass. Bummer.
You’re the best -Bill
February 11, 2026
Even today, I enjoy reading all kinds of books. Adventure, romance, drama, how-to, history, and biography. Bring it! This makes it difficult to relate to the problems teachers are facing, but I do sort of understand. A book like Animal Farm, with all its complex themes, would have been impossible for me at age eight. Even now, such a book is a challenging read.
Still, many books should be a breeze for kids. Treasure Island, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Watership Down, White Fang, and even the highly symbolic Great Gatsby. They all have an easy-to-understand beginning, middle, and end. Plus, there are only a few characters, basic themes, and an engaging plot. A fun read! Yet… No.
It is a sad state of affairs that reading is in major decline among kids, but you may know that my articles usually focus on writing. The tie-in is that this article officially points out that it is panic time for authors. To put it simply, we have no financial future because adults of the near future will have no desire to read. Yikes!
But wait a moment. Things will probably change. After all, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a darn funny book. Surely there will be a book renaissance. Plus, there will always be bookworms. Curl up with a good book. Right?
Alas, I do not think reading will recover in my lifetime. The reason is simple. Books will never be able to compete with one-minute TikTok dance videos. Any entertainment that cannot immediately grab attention is a firm pass. Bummer.
You’re the best -Bill
February 11, 2026
