UK: New research reveals a third of boys struggle to find books that interest them

Article here. Excerpt:

"A new study by the National Literacy Trust* of 17,089 pupils aged from eight to 16 has revealed that almost one-third (32.3%) of boys agree with the statement ‘I can’t find anything to read that interests me’.

The finding comes as the National Literacy Trust and the Premier League launch the 2010 Premier League Reading Stars (PLRS), an initiative that uses Barclays Premier League players to encourage families to share stories together and particularly inspire boys who wouldn’t normally enjoy reading. Research** also finds that over a quarter of boys (28.3%) say sportspeople inspire them to read. The PLRS project hopes to utilise this finding by showing them their football heroes enjoy reading for pleasure.
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Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “National literacy levels are being undermined by the fact that one-third of boys can’t find anything to read that interests them. The Premier League Reading Stars initiative enables us to reach new audiences, inspiring them to read through their passion for football.”