Can simply having more books in the house predict your child’s academic future? Does the actual number of books make a difference? An interesting study of households around the world provides some insight—and showcases the power of books, and why strong reading skills can be a jump-start to academic success.

Of course, most people associate home “libraries” with affluence, but even in poor and rural parts of China, children in families with the most books in the home get the most education. This is true even when controlling for factors like parental education, parents’ occupations, gender, nationality, the political system of the country, and yes, even wealth.

Columnist Jay Matthews has an interesting review of the study in the Washington Post. Check it out… then go to your library, and check out a book for your child!