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A Library in the Palm of your Hand? A Randomized Reading Intervention with Low-Income Children

Author

Listed:
  • Silke Anger

    (Institute for Employment Research (IAB) / Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg)

  • Bernhard Christoph

    (Institute for Employment Research (IAB))

  • Agata Galkiewicz

    (University of Potsdam)

  • Shushanik Margaryan

    (University of Potsdam)

  • Frauke Peter

    (German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies)

  • Malte Sandner

    (Technical University Nürnberg)

  • Thomas Siedler

    (University of Potsdam)

Abstract

Reading skills are crucial for academic success and long-term educational attainment. However, children from disadvantaged backgrounds read less than their more privileged peers. This study assesses the impact of a randomized reading intervention conducted in Germany targeting 11–12-year-olds from low-income households. The intervention involved distributing e-book readers, which provided free access to a large digital library of age-appropriate books, directly to the children's homes. Our results show that the intervention led to increased reading engagement among the children, which in turn improved their academic performance, particularly in reading comprehension and math. Additionally, we observe positive effects on their socio-emotional well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Silke Anger & Bernhard Christoph & Agata Galkiewicz & Shushanik Margaryan & Frauke Peter & Malte Sandner & Thomas Siedler, 2024. "A Library in the Palm of your Hand? A Randomized Reading Intervention with Low-Income Children," Working Papers 2024-018, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:hka:wpaper:2024-018
    Note: ECI
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    File URL: http://humcap.uchicago.edu/RePEc/hka/wpaper/Anger_Christoph_Galkiewicz_etal_2024_library-palm-hand.pdf
    File Function: First version, October, 2024
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Silke Anger & Bernhard Christoph & Agata Galkiewicz & Shushanik Margaryan & Malte Sandner & Thomas Siedler, 2025. "Online Tutoring, School Performance, and School-to-Work Transitions: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial," Berlin School of Economics Discussion Papers 0084, Berlin School of Economics.
    2. Anger Silke, 2025. "Wie schulische und berufliche Bildung die Lebens- und Arbeitsmarktchancen verbessert," Wirtschaftsdienst, Sciendo, vol. 105(11), pages 781-786.

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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