Let Children Choose Their Books: Why Reading for Pleasure Matters

At the onset of launch of reading programme, 'Libration' our reading facilitator Piyusha Vir reflects on developing reading habits in children

Let Children Choose Their Books: Why Reading for Pleasure Matters

One of my fondest childhood memories is of running wild through a cozy bookstore in Connaught Place. I’d dart from shelf to shelf, arms full of books, and return to my father, who would check if they were age-appropriate, discuss why I wanted each one, and then add them to our growing purchase pile.

Another memory: when people asked me what I liked to read, I’d simply say “everything.” And I meant it—I’d devour anything I could get my hands on, from the morning newspaper to magazines in the dentist’s waiting room.

My parents never controlled what I read. Perhaps they kept a watchful but gentle eye, yet they never imposed their choices on me. That freedom shaped me into who I am today—a published author, a creative writing coach, and a lifelong reader.

As someone who cherishes the creativity and independence that reading nurtured in me, I strongly advocate the same approach for anyone looking to cultivate a love of reading in their children.

Getting kids to read in today’s screen-saturated world is hard enough. But we make it harder by forcing them to read books we think are “good” for them. When adults dictate what’s appropriate or useful, we risk draining the joy from reading altogether.

Instead, let’s allow children to choose their own books. That’s how real reading habits are formed—through curiosity, not compulsion.

Why reading for pleasure matters

Reading for pleasure took me to magical worlds and taught me to be independent (Tracy Whitney from If Tomorrow Comes by Sidney Sheldon was my role model for years!), imaginative, and creative. It sharpened my mind and softened my heart. Most importantly, it helped me build empathy for lives and experiences far beyond my own.

Unlike school reading, pleasure reading is voluntary. It’s driven by interest, not obligation.

According to the Scholastic India Kids & Family Reading Report (2019), 92% of children aged 6–17 said they loved or liked reading books for fun. But that number drops as they grow older. Why? Because reading starts to feel like homework—useful and educational, yes, but no longer fun.

When children choose their own books, they feel empowered. They find stories that speak to them. That’s when the magic begins.

Better readers make better learners

A 2021 study by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) found that children who read for pleasure performed better in language and comprehension skills than those who read only textbooks.

Think about it. Vedansh, who loves cricket, might pick up a biography of M.S. Dhoni, a comic about IPL heroes, or a novel about a boy obsessed with cricket. None of these may be part of the school syllabus—but they will get him reading. And that’s the goal.

The power of choice

When parents or teachers insist that Riya must read To Kill a Mockingbird or The Gita for Children, she might lose interest altogether. But if Riya chooses Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Amar Chitra Katha, or Tinkle, she is still reading. Whether it’s a graphic novel, fantasy, or a joke book, the important thing is—it was her choice.

Examples from real classrooms

At a government school in Pune, a reading corner was set up with a mix of books—folktales, comics, and regional language stories. Children were free to choose. Within a month, library usage tripled. Teachers noticed greater engagement and improved attention spans in class.

In Bengaluru, a mother named Neha allowed her 11-year-old daughter Tara to read romance and fantasy novels instead of pushing "educational" books. Tara, who once hated reading, now finishes a book every week.

What the experts say

UNESCO states that children who enjoy reading are more likely to become lifelong learners. The UK's National Literacy Trust found that children who read for pleasure perform better not just in reading, but also in math.

Reading by choice, rather than force, strengthens the brain. It boosts vocabulary, memory, imagination, and empathy. Studies show that kids who read for fun score higher not only in language, but also in math and science. Why? Because regular reading builds focus, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. It helps the brain absorb and connect information.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Reading builds bridges—to other people, cultures, and ideas. An 8-year-old in Delhi reading A Cloud Called Bhura doesn’t just enjoy a thrilling climate-fiction story. They begin to understand pollution, climate change, and civic responsibility. A child in Chennai reading a translated story from Assam learns to respect cultural differences. Reading helps kids relate to characters unlike themselves—and sometimes to characters just like them who rarely appear in books.

These stories cultivate understanding, kindness, and open-mindedness. And that’s what the world needs.

Reading for pleasure makes children smarter, more creative, more resourceful, more independent. But most importantly, it helps them grow into better human beings.

So what can we do?

Create access: Keep a variety of books at home (yes, even Diary of a Wimpy Kid), or visit libraries. Include comics, magazines, and books in different languages.

Respect choice: Don’t mock or restrict what children want to read. Even a cricket magazine counts.

Be a role model: Read yourself. Talk about books you love.

Celebrate reading: Encourage kids to share what they liked—even if it’s a picture book or Chhota Bheem.

Give space: Offer a safe space to discuss sensitive topics like death or violence—when they’re old enough to handle them.

How to Encourage Children to Read

If you want to nurture reading habits in children, make reading a shared experience. Read aloud to them—this works wonders not just with toddlers, but also with older kids. Choose a book together and take turns reading. Use different voices, dramatize scenes, and make it fun. Surround children with books: create cozy reading nooks, visit libraries, and leave books in places they frequent. Encourage conversations about stories. Ask open-ended questions like, “What did you like about the character?” or “Would you have done something different?” Most importantly, let them see you reading. When children observe adults genuinely enjoying books, they’re more likely to see reading as pleasurable rather than obligatory.

The Final Word

When adults decide what children should read, books become burdens. But when children choose, stories become adventures.

Let’s stop worrying about what they read and start helping them discover why reading matters. Because a child who reads for pleasure today is tomorrow’s thinker, dreamer, and changemaker.

What’s new at the Library

New arrivals! (Please see the pictures above to get a sneak peak into some of the titles.)

Guided activities like book charades, poster designing, write a letter to your favourite character, cosplay, to promote creativity, critical thinking, and personality development

Review sheets will be shared with every book issued. This will encourage students to pen down their thoughts and opinions. These review sheets shall be put up in the Library as ‘Recommended Reads'

Appreciation and recognition in the form of badges and titles like ‘Reader of the Week'

Library shall remain open from 9 am – 2 pm till May 24^th, 2025. You are welcome to come and read along with your child, or even issue books as per your choice

Happy Reading!