NLT research says almost a million children don't own a single book

One in 12 children and young people aged five to 18 in the UK say they do not have a single book of their own at home, according to new research published by the National Literacy Trust (NLT). 

The NLT says that figure equates to almost a million children. Children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds are also twice as likely to not have any books of their own at home (5.8% versus 12.4%), and the book ownership gap between them and their better-off peers is the largest the charity has seen in a decade. 

The NLT said the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds without a book at home has been increasing since 2020 (from 7.9% to 12.4%) and is launching its Christmas appeal to raise funds to get “get books into the hands of children who need them the most”. 

Jonathan Douglas, chief executive at the National Literacy Trust, said: “Christmas is a time for family and sharing stories, so it is devastating to think almost a million children might not have books to read and enjoy with their loved ones this year. That’s why the work of the National Literacy Trust is more important than ever. The generous donations we receive give us the opportunity to support more children, more families and more schools in our mission to change lives through the power of literacy. The stories of those close to a million children without books are not yet written, and every £10 donated could provide a child with their very first book. One book for Christmas can open up a lifetime of possibilities.”