By: Elizabeth Schieber
Every week — and especially on weekends — parents ask our booksellers the same quiet question:
“Do you have anything that might help get my child interested in reading?”
It sounds simple, but behind that question is a growing national concern. Children’s literacy rates are steadily declining. While increased screen time and access to devices certainly play a role, the issue runs deeper than that. Literacy is shaped by many factors: access to books, educational resources, and the kind of community that supports and encourages children to view reading as joyful, rather than required.
At Monstera’s, we believe children’s literacy in America isn’t just an educational issue — it’s a community one. Literacy grows through personal recommendations, accessible books, and spaces where young readers can explore stories freely and discover what excites them.
We believe children’s literacy in America isn’t just an educational issue — it’s a community one.
A quick search online will reveal some startling statistics about literacy in the United States. As a country, we rank 36th in literacy. More than half of American adults read below a sixth grade level, and about one in five adults are considered functionally illiterate.
When we look specifically at children, the numbers aren’t much better. Forty percent of fourth grade students nationwide are not reading at a basic level. Studies have also shown that when a child falls behind in reading, the dynamics in the classroom begin to shift. Teachers often change their expectations, and children themselves begin to internalize the belief that they’re “not good at reading.” Over time, that feeling can turn reading from something enjoyable into something to avoid. In 2025, only 32.7% of young people aged 8–18 reported that they enjoyed reading for fun.
So what can we do?
We have a lot of ideas.
In the two short years since we opened, one of our greatest joys has been seeing neighbors of all ages walk through our doors. We’re proud to offer a space where readers can find books, guidance, and encouragement — sometimes all it takes is the right story at the right moment. For all the negative statistics, there are so many positive ones that show that children who read regularly — or who are read to at home — consistently show higher literacy levels. The more books become part of everyday life, the stronger those reading skills grow.
Sometimes all it takes is the right story at the right moment.
Recently, we reorganized our middle reader section (ages 8–12) to make browsing easier and more intuitive for kids. Instead of a wall of books organized alphabetically, we’ve grouped books by themes and interests. Does your child love stories about magic? Mysteries? Animals? Sports? Each category now has its own section, helping kids follow their curiosity and discover what excites them most.
Does your child love stories about magic? Mysteries? Animals? Sports? Each category now has its own section, helping kids follow their curiosity and discover what excites them most.
In the coming weeks and months, we’ll also be introducing new community programs designed to get kids excited about reading again.
We’ll be talking about graphic novels (yes, that absolutely counts as reading!) and audiobooks (those count too!). We’ll be sharing details about our summer reading challenges and family programming, and highlighting books that help young readers find their way back to stories. Because reading doesn’t have to compete with the digital world — it can simply be part of a richer one.
Reading doesn’t have to compete with the digital world — it can simply be part of a richer one.
Let’s keep the analog trend going and bring reading back to the table, where it belongs.
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Follow more of Elizabeth's recs on her instagram, @litpicksbooks! If you’re looking for your next summer read or need expertise on gifts for kids… she’s your gal.
