Have you seen the study reported in the Guardian about kids learning better from paper than computers?

https://amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/17/kids-reading-better-paper-vs-screen

I don’t know a single educator that is surprised by this study.

Just the other day I was talking to a 5th grade kid at a youth league basketball game who was bragging about not being a reader. I stated, “I wouldn’t brag about that.”

The education crisis in America is a pressing concern, and the declining rates of literacy and comprehension among today’s youth are alarming. In 20 years will novels become extinct? Will the current fanfiction-style books be here to stay? This makes my tiny bibliophile heart hurt.

Let’s explore the implications for the future of books:

1. Literacy Crisis: The literacy crisis disproportionately affects students of color, those from low-income backgrounds, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities. Shockingly, last year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) revealed that only 43% of fourth graders in the U.S. scored at or above a proficient level in reading. For marginalized students, the numbers are even worse: just 17% of Black students, 21% of Latino students, 11% of students with disabilities, and 10% of multilingual learners read proficiently by fourth grade¹.
2. Equitable Representation: Books play a crucial role in shaping young minds. When students see themselves represented in literature, it positively impacts their self-perception and beliefs. However, equitable representation remains a challenge. Culturally inclusive material can uplift all children, but unfortunately, white male youth are still more likely to see themselves depicted in children’s books than their peers².

The Future of Books

Novels and Traditional Books:

Novels are like sturdy oaks in the literary forest, unlikely to wither away anytime soon. They possess an enduring allure, offering us a timeless escape into outer space or halfway across the world.

Authors, much like chameleons, will adjust their craft to match the shifting preferences of readers. While the essence of traditional novels remains steadfast, they might morph to confront modern quandaries, embrace diverse perspectives, and even explore innovative storytelling formats.

Simpler Books:

In the quest for inclusivity, authors won’t necessarily dumb down their prose but will instead strive for clarity and accessibility. They’ll weave narratives with threads of simplicity, ensuring that anyone can grasp their essence. The classics will remain but the retelling will be more literal and less prose.

With an eye toward inclusivity, authors might widen the net of their storytelling to encompass a broader spectrum of readers. Crafting tales that are both captivating and straightforward, they’ll cater to everyone, including those who find traditional literature a daunting challenge.

Screenplay and Multimedia:

The landscape of storytelling is expanding beyond the printed word. Look at recent Blockbuster releases like Oppenheimer and Barbie. The ribbon they wove between the movies, social media, and pop culture could be easily identified. Gone are the days when the marquee draws in the fans.

Movies now must publish only the most riveting screenplays, which can be tied into immersive podcasts, social media, and apps. The new narratives will flourish in myriad formats, painting stories with hues unseen before. Welcome to Oz.

Education’s Role:

Education must evolve hand in hand with the changing literary landscape. The foundation lies in evidence-based reading instruction, equipping teachers with the tools to navigate this brave new world of storytelling, and ensuring that libraries are stocked with a diverse array of reading materials.

Educators will need to draw the connections between today’s social landscape and the classics. But it should not be hard to do with the constant political battles and the timelessness of teen drama aligning with many classics. By incorporating literature that mirrors the realities of students’ lives, educators can kindle a passion for reading that burns bright long after the final bell tolls.

Hope Amid Crisis:

Despite challenges, collaboration among authors, educators, and policymakers can nurture a love for reading. Whether through traditional books or innovative mediums, stories have the power to shape minds and build a brighter future.

In summary, while the future of books may evolve, their magic and influence endure, offering hope for generations to come.

Please share your thoughts on the future of literacy and books…