Middle school students often exhibit a lack of interest in reading, which can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the complexity of the texts increases significantly during middle school, making it challenging for students to engage with the material. Secondly, the transition from elementary to middle school brings about a shift in social dynamics, which can lead to a loss of motivation and a desire to fit in with peers. Lastly, the introduction of more rigorous academic expectations can create stress and anxiety, further deterring students from reading for pleasure.

Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveals that reading proficiency among middle school students has been declining over the past few decades. In 2019, only 34% of eighth graders were proficient in reading, a decrease from 39% in 2009. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including the aforementioned challenges with text complexity and social dynamics. For instance, a study by the Common Core State Standards Initiative found that 67% of middle school students reported that they do not read for pleasure because they find the texts too difficult or boring. Additionally, a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicated that 40% of middle school students believe that reading is not relevant to their lives, which further contributes to their disinterest in reading.