Schools
Teenage Boys 'Stuck' on Primary-Level Books as Gender Reading Gap Widens
Published June 26, 2026
A new study by Renaissance has highlighted a concerning trend in literacy development among teenage boys, revealing that many remain focused on primary-level reading material whilst their female classmates progress to more sophisticated texts. The research found that amongst boys aged 11 to 14, eight of the ten most read books were from Jeff Kinney's *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* series—typically associated with younger readers.
In contrast, girls in the same age group demonstrated significantly broader reading habits, enjoying works by authors such as Alice Oseman (*Heartstopper*), Holly Jackson (*A Good Girl's Guide to Murder*), and Suzanne Collins (*The Hunger Games*). This disparity raises important questions for local authorities and education leaders about how to support reading progression for all pupils.
As corporate parents and education portfolio holders, cabinet members may need to consider whether current literacy strategies, library provisions, and curriculum choices are effectively engaging boys and challenging them to develop the advanced reading skills essential for future academic and employment success.
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