Percent of children who read drops by half from age 9 to 17.

Cites a survey by Peter D. Hart Research Associates which interviewed 524 students in grades four through 12. It found the percentage of children who read books drops by more than half between the ages of nine and 17. Rise in the percentage of students who read newspapers and magazines in those two age groups; Possible attitude that reading is not of practical value later in their lives; Other findings.