A growing number of students are abandoning traditional book reading in favor of shorter, digital texts, as highlighted by a recent survey revealing that over 70% of young respondents cited smartphone usage as a reason for reading less. In many middle schools, including Garden City Middle School in Long Island, teachers are increasingly providing chapter summaries and audio readings instead of encouraging full novel reading. This trend reflects a broader shift in English education towards media literacy and away from classic literature, driven by perceptions of shorter attention spans and standardized testing pressures. Critics, including cognitive neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf, argue that this diminishes critical thinking and empathy development. Additionally, the Cultural Affairs Agency in Japan reported similar trends in reading habits influenced by technology. Schools are responding by updating reading lists and increasing access to diverse reading materials to foster a love for books among students.