The Importance of Reading for Teens
Written by Attie McAllister
So, here’s a fact that might blow your mind: only about 30% of eighth graders can read at the proper reading level. Thirty percent! That means the other 70% are kinda skating by without unlocking one of the greatest powers we have—our ability to read, imagine, and learn from words.
This summer, Aunt Loxley (yep, the brilliant Aunt Loxley you’ve heard about in my journals) was leading a Tech Trek Camp at the University of Alabama. Her very first question was, “How many of you like to read?” And guess what? Out of 62 campers, 54 hands shot up. You could almost feel the energy buzzing around the room—like all those stories and books had charged their brains with extra volts of brilliance.
So, if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at your English teacher or thought, ugh, reading is boring, let me change your mind. Reading isn’t just a school thing—it’s a life skill, a career booster, and honestly? A secret weapon for college prep and life prep.
Why It’s Important to Read
Think of reading as brain fuel. Every page you turn feeds you ideas, vocabulary, new ways of thinking, and even empathy. You can literally train your brain the same way athletes train their muscles.
Scientists (the lab-coat kind, not just me tinkering with gadgets in Aunt Loxley’s basement) have proven that reading strengthens neural pathways. Translation: your brain gets faster, smarter, and sharper the more you read.
And if you’re thinking about future jobs or careers (hello, career exploration 👋), being a strong reader puts you way ahead of the game. Whether you’re decoding a NASA project manual, reading case files for the FBI like my dad, or analyzing rocket launch codes like Mom, reading is everywhere.
Reading as a Fun Hobby
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Fun? Reading? But here’s the thing—reading isn’t only about heavy textbooks. It’s about stories that transport you to galaxies far away, mysteries that make your heart race, or books that inspire you to invent something new.
Elon Musk once said he basically grew up reading books—everything from sci-fi adventures to complex manuals. As a kid, he sat outside with his nose in a book while other kids played tag. Fast forward a few years, and he’s building rockets, electric cars, and trying to colonize Mars. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
And then there’s Steve Jobs, who was obsessed with fonts and calligraphy because of a single class he took. That obsession with beautiful letters changed how computers look forever. Books and reading didn’t just fill their time; they shaped their future.
The Science Behind It
Let’s geek out for a sec:
- Reading reduces stress by 68% (take that, doom scrolling).
- Regular readers score higher on standardized tests and college entrance exams.
- Students who read daily are more likely to go to college, land higher-paying jobs, and feel confident in leadership roles.
And here’s the kicker: reading increases empathy. That’s right—when you read stories about other people’s struggles, triumphs, and adventures, you literally train your brain to care more about others. (Jenny says that might explain why I always want to help people—even when it gets me into trouble.)
How to Become a Reader (Even If You Think You Hate It)
- If you’re not a bookworm yet, don’t panic. Start small.
- Try short stories or graphic novels.
- Read about something you already love (sports, music, inventions, art).
- Pair reading with snacks or a cozy blanket—make it feel like a treat.
- Join a book club (or better yet, the Secret Book Society 👀).
And don’t pressure yourself to finish books you hate. Life’s too short for that. Find the stories that light up your brain, make you laugh, or leave you curious.
Why Positive Reading Matters
Here’s my personal take: I don’t read books that glorify darkness, evil, or misery. It’s not that I don’t think those stories matter—it’s that what I feed my brain matters more. When I fill my head with positive, adventurous, uplifting stories, I feel smarter, happier, and way more motivated.
That’s why the CHARMS Book Series is about career exploration, life skills, and fun adventures—not doomsday and gloom. You are what you surround yourself with: the books you read, the friends you choose, the music you play on repeat.
Want proof? Try it as an experiment:
Track your mood, energy, and focus for 30 days while you read whatever.
Then switch—spend the next 30 days reading only positive, inspiring, and knowledge-boosting books.
Compare the results. Your brain will tell you the difference.
Final Thought About Reading
Reading is your real-life cheat code. It gives you knowledge, confidence, creativity, and even emotional strength. And in a world filled with distractions, those who choose books are the ones who build the future.
So, next time you’re tempted to scroll endlessly through memes and doom posts, grab a book instead. Trust me—your future self will thank you.
