4m children in UK do not own a single book, study finds

Almost 4 million UK children do not own a book, research suggests.

The findings show that children who own books are more likely to perform better at school Photo: GETTY

By Andy Bloxham

The Telegraph -  05 Dec 2011

The latest report by the National Literacy Trust discloses that one in three does not have a book of their own.

The number has increased from seven years ago, the last time the poll was conducted, when it stood at one in 10 youngsters, meaning the number of children without books has triped.

The latest survey, which was based on a survey of 18,000 children aged between eight and 16, shows that boys are more likely to be without books than girls.

The researchers also found that children who are eligible for free school meals - a measure of poverty - are less likely to own a book than their more wealthy peers.

The findings show that children who own books are more likely to perform better at school. 
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