Kids are reading less today than in previous years...
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In the NAEP’s most recent survey, "only 14% of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun almost every day," a noticeable drop from 27% in 2012.
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In 2023, nearly a third of all 13-year-olds reported they “never or hardly ever” read for fun.
National Center for Education Statistics. (2025). NAEP long-term trend assessment results: Reading and mathematics [Data set]. Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/
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National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). NAEP long-term trend assessment results: Reading and mathematics [Data set]. Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2023/
...and it's showing in the data.
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In 2024, 33% of 8th grade students tested below the Basic NAEP reading achievement level, which has increased from 27% in 2019.
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In 2024, 40% of 4th grade students tested below the Basic NAEP reading achievement level, which is an increase compared to 34% in 2019.
National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). 2024 NAEP reading assessment: Report card for the nation, grades 4 and 8. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/reading/2024/g4_8/
What can YOU do?
There are so many opportunities to support young readers in our communities. One of the easiest is to donate gently used or new children’s books to local organizations that are able to get the books in the hands of the kids who need them the most.
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Organize a book drive in your community, school or neighborhood to make an even bigger impact.
Contact Us
Email us at info [at] hopeforbooks [dot] com with questions or to submit a book bank or book donation organization to be considered for the directory.
Thank you for visiting!
Hope for Books
A state-by-state directory of book banks and book donation organizations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect people directly to resources that help close
the childhood literacy gap in communities across the country.
We hope you’ll help foster a love of reading for kids in need by donating books today or organizing a school or neighborhood book drive in your community.