Divine Reads reference
A current, source-led look at how families read, talk about books, and engage with Scripture in the United States.
Last updated October 16, 2026. Every figure below links to its original source.
At a glance
These figures describe national surveys and assessments. They are not a measure of any one family, child, or faith community.
28%
Scholastic calls these children frequent readers. The figure comes from its eighth Kids & Family Reading Report, fielded in late 2022 and released in 2023.
Source: Scholastic, 202346% → 15%
The same 2023 report found that reading for fun becomes less frequent as children grow older, which makes sustained family conversation about books especially valuable.
Source: Scholastic, 202390%
This finding reflects parents’ view of books as a natural starting point for meaningful talks, not simply a solo activity.
Source: Scholastic, 202359%
Among the most common emotions named were confidence and anger, showing how stories often become a gentle language for a hard-to-name experience.
Source: Scholastic, 202330%
NAEP Proficient is a rigorous benchmark for solid academic performance. It is not the same measure as a local grade-level standard.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 202541%
American Bible Society defines a Bible User as someone who reads, listens to, or prays with the Bible outside a church service at least three times a year.
Source: American Bible Society, 202520%
This measure combines frequency of Bible use with its role in decision-making and relationships, so it is more demanding than Bible use alone.
Source: American Bible Society, 202551%
The finding points to a broad appetite for accessible, encouraging ways to make Scripture part of ordinary life.
Source: American Bible Society, 202562%
Print remains meaningful, while digital formats give many readers another practical way to keep Scripture close during the week.
Source: American Bible Society, 2025How to use this page
Divine Reads selected recent national sources that report how their research was conducted. The page brings together reading and Scripture findings because both shape the conversations, habits, and quiet moments many families hope to nurture.
Figures are presented as their publishers define them. In particular, NAEP Proficient is a national assessment level, while Bible User and Scripture Engaged are American Bible Society research categories.
Methodology and sources
Released in 2023 from a nationally representative survey fielded in late 2022. The report included 1,724 parents and children, with recruitment through Ipsos KnowledgePanel.
Read the report methodologyThe National Center for Education Statistics reports national results for fourth- and eighth-grade reading. Results are published in the 2025 report.
Read the NAEP reportFindings draw on 2,656 online interviews with American adults, conducted January 2–21, 2025 by NORC at the University of Chicago using the AmeriSpeak panel.
Read the 2025 findingsCite this page
Divine Reads. “Family Reading and Faith Statistics.” Updated October 16, 2026. https://divinereads.deeswrites.com/reading-and-faith-statistics
Keep the conversation going
Explore gentle reading ideas, thoughtful questions, and faith-filled resources for your next chapter together.
Explore reading guides