An overview of the research evidence relating to reading for pleasure in 2006, including a definition of the concept and contextual information on reading habits in the UK at the time.
Aspects of reading for enjoyment explored in the report include its impact on literacy attainment and wider life outcomes, the role of choice and motivation on reading engagement and the influence of the home and school environments on reading habits.
The review concludes with evidence-based recommendations for all those promoting or supporting reading in children and young people at home, in schools and libraries and through policymaking.
This review was a foundational document for all our later work to promote reading for pleasure, including our ongoing Annual Literacy Survey.
Note: although this webpage was updated in 2025, please note that this document is the original paper from 2006.