Survey: Texas students read more books this summer

Wichita Falls Times Record News

In this file photo, Riley Salan and her sister Adelyn read in Paige’s book tent in the Wichita Falls Public Library’s Children’s section. A Brainly survey found Texas was number one for students who read more this summer than in 2019. At least 83 percent of Texas respondents said they read more full-length books in 2020 than the previous year.

With many in-person activities unavailable this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more students turned to reading to pass the time -- especially in Texas.

A recent survey by Brainly, the world’s largest online learning and homework help community, of 1,600 American students found 74% of students read more unassigned books during the 2020 summer than they did in 2019.

The survey found Texas had the most students who spent more time reading books this summer. The state topped the list, with 83% of students saying they read more unassigned books this year than the 2019 summer.

Also on the top five list were the states of New Jersey and Illinois, which tied at 82%, Georgia at 79%, Michigan with 78% and Ohio at 77%.

Brainly also tracked how many books students read this summer and found just over 40% of U.S. students read three to six full-length books. At least 31% of students said they read seven or more books and 11% reported reading at least one full-length book.

Students’ most-read genres of books this summer included dystopian fiction/science fiction (36%), followed by mystery/crime thrillers (13%), romance novels (10%) and graphic novels/comics (9%).

“Despite canceled trips (and) COVID-19-related closures, it’s wonderful to learn that many more students were able to find a healthy mental escape with literary adventures in books this summer,” said Patrick Quinn, parenting expert at Brainly. “The students who spent more time reading over the summer are likely to have an academic edge and experience less learning loss this school year than their peers who didn’t read as much.”

Brainly offers some tips for parents to encourage their children to read more:

Offer reading rewards – For example, every 10 books a child reads allows them to choose a prize from inexpensive goodies or offer another type of privilege the child could look forward to.
Play to their interests – Choose books that feature themes or topics the child already has interest in.
Make a cozy reading area – Work with your child to create a quiet, relaxing space where they can enjoy reading. Some theme ideas include a Native American teepee, princess palace or outer space.
Set a good example – The best way for children to learn to love reading is to see their parents enjoying a good book. Studies show parents who read are more than twice as likely to have children who enjoy reading.

For more information on Brainly, visit www.Brainly.com.

Claire Kowalick, a senior journalist for the Times Record News, covers local government, military and MSU Texas. If you have a news tip, contact Claire at ckowalick@gannett.com.

Twitter: @KowalickNews