Only 1 in 3 kids, aged 8-18, say they enjoy reading in their free time. Reading — for enjoyment — is at its lowest point in 20 years. Interestingly, children’s overall health is also at it’s lowest point. (54% of US kids have at least one chronic disease)

This should come as a “canary in the coal mine” warning for parents, teachers and… children’s authors.

Furthermore… according to the National Literacy Trust… many children associate reading with endurance rather than enjoyment. Reading! A drudgery! How is that even possible?

Additionally, it’s not only about how often kids read. It’s more about a lack of motivation and emotional connection with books.

Again—as an early warning—kids losing their love for fiction indicates a larger, more serious problem. Could this issue parallel their general declining energy and health?

Question: Why is this growing lack of interest in reading, and declining health among today’s youth happening now?

Too Much Screen Time

• Digital influences are constant distractions for kids.
• Bite-size posts and videos provide instant gratification
• Reading – by comparison – seem tedious and less stimulating
• To Do: Provide structured environment. Set daily limits, establish screen-free zones (before bed, during meals, face-to-face conversation), physical screen-free-zones (kid’s bedroom), stop non-stop background TV. Encourage new habits. Promote hobbies, sports, encourage reading time. Plan family time, and get outdoors.

Too Hard to Connect With Literary Content

• Reading feels like schoolwork
• Books might not connect with their interests
• Books mean searching and searching takes time and effort
• To Do: Help kids find books on topics they like. Read aloud, even as they get older. Use, but limit time spent on audiobooks to build vocabulary.

Too Difficult/Too Frustrating

• Reading requires comprehension and can be embarrassing or frustrating for kids who do not reach their age levels
• Feeling overwhelmed if content is too complex for their reading abilities
• Feel defeated before they even start
• To Do: Let kids pick books they enjoy. Set up a quiet time to read with them. Do not criticize. Instead, celebrate achievements regardless how small. If possible create a comfortable reading space.

Too Busy

• Kids have schedules and extracurricular activities that compete with reading time
• Homework takes up valuable time away from reading for enjoyment
• To Do: Keep interesting books handy. Encourage some reading as part of the bedtime routine. Use car rides as an opportunity to read. Model reading as an enjoyable moment in an otherwise busy day.

Then Factor In The Need for Kids’ Health Awareness

If we want children to understand the chronic diseases that might affect them… Then guess what? Reading is involved. Yikes.

Parents, teachers, and children’s authors must-of necessity-become much more creative.

If regular fiction is BORING and a CHALLENGE to one third of today’s kids, then how can health-awareness fit in?

Additionally, where would fitness guidance, in book-form, fit in?

To Do: Support a Developing New Genre of Fiction for Kids: Health-focused Kid Heroes

Introducing Suzanne Rightley’s Kid Heroes…

Brea

Brea, aka Granola Brea, is a 12-year-old girl who is driven by health. She aspires to become a consumer advocate when she grows up. In the meantime – she keeps busy. She writes a monthly article for her local paper. Brea holds a summer job as a camp nutrition counselor for at-risk teens. She also hosts a kids health-based podcast.

Find Brea’s Books on Amazon: Granola Brea Health-nut Series; The Granola Experience

Nevin Smarts

Nevin, aka Nerdy Nev and/or Smartypants (not his preferred nickname for obvious reasons). Nev has a high IQ. He has several distinct goals, all of which sees him attending university for a few years. In the meantime, high school is providing practical experience in promoting health to his peers. Is it smooth-sailing? Ah… not so much, but nothing keeps this health-nerd down.

Learn more about Nevin on Amazon: “Ask a Nerd” Smarts Health; “Ask a Nerd” Smarts Health Habits

Maxine

Maxine, aka Maxie is dedicated to nutrition and fitness… and for good reason. She’s healthy now – thankfully, but that wasn’t always true. Her story is in developing stages as this blog is being written. Stay tuned for her first book in 2026.

Learn more about Suzanne’s books on her author page.