šŸ“‰ The Decline of Daily Reading

A new study just dropped a truth bomb: reading for pleasure in the U.S. has declined by 40% over the last 20 years.

Researchers from the University of Florida found that the number of Americans who read for fun on any given day has dropped by nearly half. At the same time, screen time and passive media consumption have skyrocketed—crowding out the space once held by stories, characters, and creative engagement.

Fewer people are picking up books for fun—and even fewer are reading with their kids. As this trend continues, it’s not just stories we’re losing—it’s imagination, connection, and wellness.

At Learn to Read Comics, this news isn’t just a statistic. It’s a challenge—and a call to action.


šŸ“š Why Comics Matter Now More Than Ever

Here’s the good news: comics are uniquely positioned to flip this trend.

  • šŸ—Æļø Comics are accessible. They don’t require long blocks of time, high reading levels, or fancy materials—just curiosity and a page to turn.

  • šŸŽØ They’re visual and emotional. Comics make it easier for new readers to connect with tone, action, and meaning.

  • šŸ’„ They bring joy. Comics meet readers where they are—whether it’s a superhero, slice-of-life zine, or story about a kid like them.

And joy is what’s missing from so much of the reading conversation.


āœ… What You Can Do

  • šŸ“– Read with your kid. Even five minutes of comics or graphic novels can open a door.

     

  • šŸ« Support literacy programs that deliver books and comics to classrooms.

  • šŸŽ Donate to help us put comics into the hands of kids who need them most.


Let’s build a culture where reading feels like fun again. Where comics can be the gateway in.

Because once a kid falls in love with reading through comics, they don’t stop there!