Teens Read: According to a poll conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the National Education Association, teens rate reading higher in importance in terms of its impact on their future success than they do math, writing, science, and even computers. The survey asked 12-18-year-olds about their literary proclivities, interests, and abilities. In ranking the reasons why they enjoy reading, they cite they ’’can learn, keep up-to-date, and get information’’ (17%), find entertainment (18%). In fact, 87% of all teens say they find reading relaxing; 85% view it as rewarding and satisfying; and 79% consider it stimulating and exciting. And while 51% think reading is hard work and challenging, only 30% find it boring, dull, or old-fashioned. 41% say they’ve read more than 15 books during the past year, almost half of which were for their own pleasure. An additional 38% say they read 6-10 books this past year. 30% of girls spend time reading books every day, compared with 19% of boys. Teens prefer fiction to nonfiction by more than 2-to-1. The most popular books recount stories about people their own age (27%), followed by books about sports and athletes (26%). 24% prefer mysteries and detective stories, while 18% enjoy books about their culture or heritage. Books about historical topics and people from the past are a favorite for 16%. Only 13% delight in science and science fiction, and 10% like books about other countries and their people. 85% say they read very or extremely well, while only 1% admits to having difficulty. (American Demographics 7/11/01)
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