Why Tweens Stop Reading — And How To Get Them Back Into Books
by Carly Anderson
If you have a tween, you may have noticed a change. The bookworm who once devoured series suddenly isn’t reading as much – or at all.
This shift often happens between ages 9 and 13. In fact, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 14% of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun almost every day, a record low. Meanwhile, the number of tweens who say they rarely or never read for pleasure has increased. The middle school years are a well-documented turning point in reading habits.
What’s causing this change? Tweens experience significant emotional growth, identity formation, and increasing social awareness. Their interests evolve quickly, and books that once felt exciting may suddenly seem too young.
Academic expectations also rise sharply. Reading becomes associated with school assignments and analysis rather than enjoyment. When reading feels like work instead of an escape, it naturally loses appeal.
Schedules fill up, too. Sports, musical theater, homework, and social commitments leave many tweens feeling like there simply isn’t time to read.
And then there’s screen time. Social media, streaming platforms, group chats, and games offer fast, highly stimulating entertainment that can make reading feel slower by comparison (isn’t this an issue for adults, too?).
But reading still plays a critical role at this stage. It builds empathy and emotional intelligence, offers comfort during a time of change, and helps tweens process experiences and feel less alone. Books are one of the most important tools we have in this life stage.
So, how do you get your tween to read again? The key is helping their reading life grow alongside them.
5 Things That Encourage Reading for Tweens
1: Choose Books About Middle School Life and Tween Experiences
Tweens are drawn to stories that feel relevant. Coming-of-age books that explore friendship changes, first crushes, life in middle school, and body changes can help normalize their own experiences.
At this age, kids are constantly asking themselves silent questions: Is this normal? Does everyone feel this way? Books provide reassurance. When tweens see characters navigating similar situations, it helps them feel understood and less alone.
These stories also give tweens emotional language, helping them identify feelings they may not yet know how to express and opening the door to meaningful conversations.
The key at this age is finding books that meet them where they are.
2: Use Pop Culture To Get Tweens Reading
One of the easiest ways to re-engage tweens with reading is through stories they already recognize from pop culture (they do love trends at this age)!
Books connected to popular TV series or movies can create an easy entry point. If they loved the show, they may be curious about the book behind it — or excited to go deeper into the story. And, if a new show is releasing soon, it’s always fun to read the book first!
This works well because familiarity lowers resistance. The characters already feel real, and reading becomes an extension of something they enjoy rather than something entirely new.
It positions books as part of their entertainment ecosystem — not separate from it.
3: Start a Tween Book Club To Make Reading Social
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Adding a social element can make it significantly more appealing.
A tween book club doesn’t need to be formal. Invite one or two friends, let the kids choose the book, and meet once a month. The focus doesn’t have to be a deep discussion — it can simply be sharing favorite characters, surprising moments, or what they liked (or didn’t like). Add themed snacks or a simple craft to make it feel special.
The social component builds accountability while also making reading feel fun and collaborative. It also reframes reading as a shared experience instead of an isolated one.
4: Follow Gen Alpha Trends and Interests
Today’s tweens are growing up in a different reading culture than we did. Graphic novels, fantasy series, magical realism, and sports-centered stories are especially popular with this age group.
Graphic novels can be a powerful gateway back into reading. Research consistently shows that this visual format continues to support literacy development while capturing tweens’ attention.
Peer recommendations matter, too. Tween-appropriate book suggestions from friends or online platforms like BookTok can spark genuine excitement.
Remember: all reading counts. It doesn’t have to be a traditional chapter book to be meaningful.
5: Create Family Reading Time To Build Strong Reading Habits
One of the most effective ways to encourage reading is to make it part of your family culture.
Try a weekly coffee shop reading date, an ice cream outing where everyone brings a book, or quiet reading time together after dinner. When reading becomes associated with comfort and connection, it feels less like a chore and more like a way to unwind.
Reading the same book together can be especially fun. Let your tween choose the book, then talk about it casually — in the car, on a walk, or at dinner.
If your tween has stopped reading, it doesn’t mean they don’t like books anymore. It just means they haven’t found the right book, format, or environment for this stage.
Tweens are in the middle of becoming who they are. They’re searching for identity, belonging, and understanding. Books can play a powerful role in the process — offering guidance, comfort, and perspective.
The goal isn’t to force reading. It’s to help tweens rediscover it in a way that feels relevant, social, and enjoyable.