A new study reveals magazines – not just books – are key to engaging reluctant young readers. Children who struggle to read for pleasure should be given non-fiction magazines according to a groundbreaking new study by the UK’s leading experts in children’s literacy.

The Research Study

Led by Professor Teresa Cremin, Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open University and Reading Expert to the DfE English Hubs Council, the study involved 500 children across 13 UK primary schools. It is the first of its kind to examine how reading magazines can influence children’s reading behaviours.

The research comes as the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, and the National Literacy Trust announce that 2026 will be designated The National Year of Reading – a campaign aimed at reversing the sharp decline in reading among children, young people and adults.

During the 12-week study, Year 5 pupils were given regular access to the multi-award-winning What on Earth! Magazine, the UK’s fastest-growing non-fiction magazine for 6–14 year-olds.

The Results

Kelly Ashley, who led the 12-week study on behalf of Professor Cremin’s research team, said the findings demonstrate the power of giving children regular access to publications such as What on Earth! Magazine: “As a result of this study, we highly recommend that schools and teachers seek to introduce non-fiction magazines, such as What on Earth! Magazine, to broaden reading into more diverse forms and foster reading for pleasure, especially for less engaged and reluctant readers.”

Key findings from the research include:

  • Increased enjoyment of reading
  • Improved engagement among reluctant readers
  • More frequent discussions about personal interests and shared topics

The report recommends that schools set aside regular, relaxed reading time, enabling pupils to “explore such texts freely, allowing children to begin to see themselves as capable readers.”

Andrew Pettie, Editor-in-Chief of What on Earth! Magazine, said the report’s findings highlight that the key to unlocking a child’s love of learning through reading is by giving them materials that genuinely spark their interest.

“The power of non-fiction to engage young readers is still underused in many schools and educational settings,” he said. “Millions of children are drawn to non-fiction publications that present a wide variety of topics in bitesize, accessible and visually captivating ways. What on Earth! Magazine does this brilliantly, alongside fun, interactive features such as puzzles, quizzes, jokes and games. It’s a magical formula!”

Browse our Factual Books categories here for non-fiction books on a topic your child will love.