Editorial: What is the future of young people’s volitional reading? Exploring diverse perspectives

Abstract

In this editorial to the special issue on the future of volitional reading, the editors explain the significance of volitional reading, both in school and out-of-school settings, for children and adolescents’ reading proficiency, student engagement and learning, and wellbeing. They offer an overview of the seven articles in the collection, highlighting the key themes of content, choice and community involvement when it comes to encouraging engaged reading. New ways of researching reading are also shared. As a collection, the special issue highlights the range and complexity of young people’s reading practices and encourages scholars, policymakers and educators to consider new ways of framing research and practice.