Girls usually read better than boys. Why this isn’t the case in some African countries

Girls may encounter obstacles that hinder their educational participation and reading development. Hugh Sitton

In most parts of the world, girls outperform boys in reading. Girls are more likely to read at or above the expected level of proficiency for their grade compared to boys.

There are several reasons for this. Girls have been found to have more natural aptitude for and interest in reading than boys; they tend to read more; and they are more likely than boys to be encouraged to read.