Graphic Novels, Audiobooks and TikTok: What 'reading' looks like for Key Stage 3 students today

If you ask a KS3 student whether they enjoy reading, you might get a quick 'no'. But look a little closer, and a different picture often emerges. They're following story threads on TikTok, listening to audiobooks on the way to school, or racing through graphic novels at home.

The challenge isn't that students aren't engaging with stories - it's that our definition of 'reading' hasn't always kept up. To build a strong reading culture at KS3, we need to recognise and embrace the many ways young people experience stories today.

Rethinking what counts as reading

Reading is no longer just about sitting down with a traditional novel. For today's students, it can include:

• Graphic novels and illustrated fiction

• Audiobooks and podcasts

• Digital storytelling and online content

• Peer recommendations via platforms like TikTok

These formats still build key skills - comprehension, empathy, vocabulary, and critical thinking. In many cases, they also provide an accessible entry point for reluctant or struggling readers.

The power of graphic novels and manga

Graphic novels and manga have seen a huge rise in popularity (and for good reason).

Why they work:

• Visual storytelling supports understanding

• Shorter text chunks feel more manageable

• They appeal to a wide range of interests and reading abilities

In the classroom:

• Use graphic novels and manga alongside traditional texts to support comprehension

• Explore how images and text work together to tell a story

• Offer them as a valid choice during independent reading time

Key takeaway:

Graphic novels aren't a 'lesser' form of reading, they're a powerful tool for engagement.

Audiobooks: Reading through listening

Audiobooks are often overlooked, but they can transform reading experiences for many students.

Why they work:

• Support students with lower reading confidence

• Improve fluency, pronunciation, and comprehension

• Allow students to access more complex texts

In the classroom:

• Pair audiobooks with physical copies of texts

• Use audio for whole-class reads or tricky extracts

• Offer audiobooks as an option for independent reading

Key takeaway:

Listening to a story is still engaging with language, narrative, and meaning. It absolutely counts!

TikTok and the rise of peer influence

Platforms like TikTok (especially BookTok) have become powerful drivers of reading trends among young people.

Students are:

• Discovering new books through short, engaging videos

• Sharing emotional reactions and recommendations

• Engaging with stories as part of a wider community.

In the classroom:

• Encourage students to create short 'book pitch' videos (in a safe, school-appropriate way)

• Use popular trends as a starting point for book discussions

• Display 'trending now' reads based on student recommendations

Key takeaway:

Reading becomes more appealing when it's social, and TikTok has made that visible.

Balancing formats with traditional reading

This isn't about replacing novels, it's about broadening the pathway into them.

A student who starts with:

• A graphic novel

• An audiobook

• A TikTok recommendation

...is far more likely to build the confidence and interest needed to tackle longer, more complex texts over time.

The goal is progression, not restriction.

Creating an inclusive reading culture

To reflect modern reading habits, schools can:

• Offer a range of formats in classrooms and libraries

• Avoid labelling certain formats as 'easier' or 'less valuable'

• Celebrate all reading - whatever form it takes

• Encourage student voice in choosing and recommending books

When students see their preferences reflected and respected, they're far more likely to engage.

KS3 students haven't fallen out of love with stories, they're just experiencing them differently. By recognising graphic novels, audiobooks, and digital platforms as valid and valuable forms of reading, teachers can meet students where they are, and guide them towards where they could go next. Reading today looks different, and that's something to embrace, not resist.

Looking to go further? Get in touch with a local Independent Usborne Partner to discover how they can support reading in your school with author events, book fairs, free books and much more.