World Book Day is here, and this year’s theme is something I wish I’d embraced much earlier in life—Read Your Way. It’s all about encouraging children to explore reading on their own terms, in their own style, at their own pace.
There is a book out there for everyone, and when we find the right one that truly speaks to us and pulls us into a story or a topic we actually care about, reading stops being a chore and starts being an adventure.
Hi, I’m Andreea and I’m part of the marketing team here at Compass Education UK & Ireland, where each day is an adventure to helping learning thrive.
Key Takeaways
- There is a book for everyone – Reading isn’t one-size-fits-all; finding the right book makes all the difference.
- Reading transforms lives – When children explore books on their own terms, reading becomes an adventure, not a chore.
- A personal reading journey – From struggling with books as a child to reading 5 books a week, swapping screen time for reading dramatically improved wellbeing and creativity.
- The science behind reading’s magic – Research shows reading strengthens brain connectivity, problem-solving, and memory while enhancing imagination and empathy.
- Reading and children’s mental health – 1 in 5 UK children struggle with mental health, but those who read for pleasure are 3x more likely to have good wellbeing.
- How to start and keep reading – Tactics include pairing books with lyric-less music, using audiobooks, setting reading goals, and swapping social media time for reading.
- Reading and lifelong learning – Books unlock curiosity, creativity, and knowledge, shaping a lifelong passion for learning.
- A call to action: Find your book – Encouraging every child to discover a book that excites them and makes reading an essential part of their lives.
My Reading Journey
I should know this, because I was once one of those kids who just couldn’t get into books. Reading never stuck with me. I’d open a book, read a few pages, and my mind would wander. It wasn’t that I disliked stories, but I wasn’t reading the right stories in the right ways for me. Turns out, the secret to falling in love with reading is simple: find something that genuinely interests you.
When I finally cracked that code much later in life, I felt like I had unlocked a superpower. And I have a confession to make—I think I might have a reading problem. I started swapping social media scrolls with reading at first, which was phenomenal. My wellbeing skyrocketed. Then, I swapped TV (Netflix & YouTube) time and then really, all my free time, for books. From reading 2 books a year, I got to read 5 books a month, who even am I?!
So what happened then was interesting. My imagination expanded. My creativity flourished. I felt braver, more adventurous, and more determined to make every second of life count. Reading wasn’t just about words on a page then. It was opening doors to new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking.
The Brain on Books: The Science Behind the Magic
Reading does more than just entertain. It fundamentally rewires the brain for the better. Neuroscience has shown that reading for pleasure boosts brain connectivity, enhances empathy, and strengthens memory. A study from Emory University found that engaging with a book increases neural activity in the left temporal cortex (the area associated with language processing) and in the sensorimotor region, which helps readers feel like they’re experiencing the story themselves. In other words, when you get lost in a book, your brain actually believes you’re there. It’s no wonder reading makes people more imaginative and creative!
Even more fascinating, reading physically strengthens the brain. Research from Carnegie Mellon University found that intensive reading exercises can literally increase the density of white matter, improving communication between different parts of the brain. This means better problem-solving skills, sharper critical thinking, and faster learning.
And bonus fun fact, this is where neuroplasticity (the brain’s mind-blowing ability to adapt) comes in. Dr. Tara Swart, one of my favourite neuroscientists and author of The Source, explains that neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our thought patterns, continuously learn, and develop new skills throughout our lives. Therefore, the more we read and engage with new ideas, the more neural connections we form, making our brains stronger and more adaptable. How cool is that?!
Reading and Children’s Mental Health
Now let’s talk about something more serious. Children these days are facing a mental health crisis. In the UK, 1 in 5 children aged 8 to 16 years are struggling with their mental health, according to the NHS. That’s a huge number, and it’s heartbreaking to think that so many young people feel overwhelmed, anxious, or lost, when really, they should be in their prime developing years.
In Wales, Compass research found that 68% of parents with children in primary and secondary schools were concerned about their children’s mental health. Main causes for their children experiencing anxiety? Peer pressure (34%), social media (30%), hormonal and physical changes (28%), not sleeping well (22%), meeting high expectations they set themselves (20%), and meeting expectations set by their school (19%). But there’s hope. The benefits of reading could significantly reduce some of these stark findings.
According to a study by the National Literacy Trust, children who enjoy reading are three times more likely to have good mental wellbeing than those who don’t. The same research by the National Literacy Trust found that 3 in 5 children say reading helps them relax, and nearly half say it makes them feel happy. Books give kids a safe space to explore emotions, build resilience, and develop a lifelong curiosity about the world. And isn’t that exactly what we want for them?
Now, imagine if more of those kids had access to books they actually wanted to read. All these studies show that reading is a game-changer for mental wellbeing. It’s an escape, a comfort, a way to make sense of emotions without even realising it. Reading isn’t just a hobby—it’s self-care. It’s a way for kids to step into someone else’s shoes, see the world from a new perspective, and maybe, just maybe, feel a little less alone.
If there was ever a time to champion reading, it’s now. We live in a world where technology rules, and we consume so much information, that we continuously need to summarise it so we can process more of it. Children these days deserve the chance to find their book, the one that makes them feel understood, excited, or inspired. The one that helps them escape and forget about social media, and peer pressure, and meeting all these unrealistic expectations society has somehow imposed on them. And who knows? That one book might just change everything.
Tactics to Start Reading, and Keep Reading
Reading doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be a ride, a ritual, or even a rebellious escape from the noise of the world. One great way to stay focused is pairing books with lyric-less, stimulating music. It keeps the brain engaged while the mind dives deep into a different world. It’s my favourite tactic that works beautifully for me.
Some people need more accountability, and that’s where setting reading goals or joining a book club comes in. Others have fidgety hands, so why not mix audiobooks with a bit of movement, like pacing or using a stress ball? Even better, combine reading and audiobooks at the same time so the audio easily guides the reading.
For those who struggle with focus, small steps work wonders. Setting a timer for 10–15 minutes and gradually increasing reading time can make a huge difference. Finding time is another challenge, but swapping a few minutes of social media scrolling for a chapter before bed? That’s a sleep hack that also fuels the imagination.
Long commutes are another golden opportunity. That’s how my own reading habit began—turning those monotonous daily trips into book-fuelled adventures. Bit by bit, page by page, what started as passing time became a passion. The key is to find what works for you and stick with it.
A Lifelong Adventure in Learning
For me, reading became quickly more than just a hobby. It became a core part of my passion for learning. Every book I devour feeds my curiosity, files new knowledge into my mind like a Sherlock Holmes-style “Mind Palace,” and sparks ideas that I can’t wait to share with others.
And I’m fortunate enough that here at Compass, we believe in helping learning thrive—not just in the classroom, but in every part of a child’s life. Schools are where learning starts, but the love of learning is what keeps knowledge growing far beyond the school gates. That’s why we’re dedicated to making the school day more productive, more impactful, and more enjoyable, because when children feel inspired to learn, they don’t just do better academically, they thrive in every aspect of life.
A Book for Every Child
If I could give one piece of advice to any child today, it would be this: there is a book out there for you, you just have to find it. Maybe it’s a fantasy world that sweeps you away, a non-fiction book that fuels your curiosity, a graphic novel that captivates your imagination, or an audiobook that just relaxes your mind and body. Whatever it is, once you find that book, you’ll never look at reading the same way again.
So this World Book Day, let’s help every child discover the magic of books on their terms. Let them read their way, explore their way, and learn their way. And when learning thrives, so do they.
For all MIS needs and support in implementing strategies in your schools, reach out to Compass Education. Our team of experts can provide tailored solutions to help your school create a nurturing and supportive environment for student success.
