Renaissance Australia - What Kids Are Reading 2021

What Kids Are Reading

Download the 2021 Report

What Kids Are Reading 2021 is our second study of K–12 student reading habits across Australia and New Zealand.
With new cross-curricular book lists and insight into trends and benchmarks, the brand-new 2021 edition is a must-read.

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Discover the latest reading habits and trends

The second Australian ‘What Kids Are Reading’ report brings together insights and opinions from  award-winning authors, educators and experts, on attitudes and preferences towards books and reading along with thoughts on the ever changing way kids are reading.

We were given some insights on why children should be reading more by Susanne Gervay, awarded the Order of Australia for children’s literature, nomination for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the Lifetime Literature Award for works focused on social justice for children, by the International Literacy Association. Susanne is also the head of (SCBWI) Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators for Australia and New Zealand and the author of the award-winning I am Jack series.

“My passion is empowering kids and adults with story. Story that brings hope especially to young people, as they navigate this complex world. As the child of refugees, growing up with the emotional complexities of parents who had been through war, migration and loss, books were my source of escape, comfort and courage. It has been the driving force in my 20 year immersion in the children’s industry, as a writer, mentor, speaker, advocate for literacy and a voice for young people and their communities.”

Susanne Gervay Award-winning Australian author

“While many reluctant or struggling readers willingly engage with texts like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Gangsta Granny, some educators express concern about these choices, just as Peak did. They question the literary merit or the relative reading level of these books, particularly when students who might be a bit older engage with them. But I say, if the choice is between a struggling reader either (a) reading nothing, or (b) willingly engaging with a lower-level text, the choice is clear. As Don Peak’s school librarian advised him, let reluctant or struggling readers read what they want to read, and then work to guide their reading practice from there. Reading something is better than reading nothing.”

Dr. Gene Kerns
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Download the 2021 edition of What Kids Are Reading

Get the Top 20 books for each grade, popular digital reads, cross-curricular book lists, author essays, and original research analyses. Download your copy today!