Home books key to literacy

CHILDREN who own books at home are three times more likely to have good reading skills than those who do not, a study has revealed.

The National Literary Trust survey found 12 per cent of those who have books read above the level expected for their age.

For children who do not own a book, the figure is only 4 per cent.

Trust director Jonathan Douglas said: ‘Books have the power to transform lives, yet far too many children are missing out on the chance to reach their full potential simply because they don’t have a book of their own at home.’