Reading crisis among teenagers: This Swiss publisher has the recipe against it
2.10.2026
Translation: machine translated
The PISA study has been showing it for years: the reading competence of young people is falling dramatically. The da bux publishing house is countering this. With thin books in simple language and relatable topics, the trio of publishers from Eastern Switzerland is celebrating success in the classroom – and offering the perfect reading achievements for the upcoming school holidays.
The PISA study makes it clear every year: The reading competence of young people is continuously declining. How schools and parents can counteract this development is being discussed intensively. The Eastern Swiss da bux publishing house has a very concrete and successful answer to this: thin books in simple language.
Behind the publishing house are the renowned Swiss youth book author Alice Gabathuler as well as authors Tom Zai and Stephan Sigg. For their reading promotion project, they have already been able to recruit numerous personalities from the Swiss literary scene such as Petra Ivanov, Franco Supino, or the Zurich bestselling author Sunil Mann.
Overview of the publisher's top titles
1. «Crash» – Petra Ivanov
A stolen car, two teenagers, and a speeding accident: Zurich bestselling author Petra Ivanov addresses the big themes in this fast-paced book: responsibility, loyalty, and consequences. Perfect for teenagers looking for suspense without a long introduction.
2. «Totsch» – Sunil Mann
Because of his big mouth, Olaf is constantly getting into trouble – with his master craftsman, with nasty types, and with himself. Sunil Mann tells the story sensitively and with a lot of wit about the search for identity, first big feelings, and the impression of being a bit of a «Totsch» (a clumsy oaf). A book that successfully links suspense and questions of identity!
3. «Hau ab, Bruderherz!» – Franco Supino
Tobi lives in a country ruled by a dictator. When his brother decides to flee, the family faces heart-wrenching decisions. Franco Supino succeeds in making the complex topic of flight and dictatorship tangible and emotional in just a few pages.
4. «Voll Risiko» – Alice Gabathuler
Publisher Alice Gabathuler tells three short stories about courage, recklessness, and the fine line between risk-taking and carelessness. Specially developed for remedial education and special needs support.
5. «Das goldene BMX» – Katja Alves
The publisher also has offerings for younger readers: Katja Alves tells a humorous and fast-paced story about friendship, cohesion, and a legendary bicycle. Thanks to understandable language and high dynamics, it is ideal for the transition from primary to secondary school.
How do you motivate your children to read? Do you rely on short readings or do you have other tricks? Write it in the comments.
Header image: Unsplash
Josia Jourdan
Freier Autor
josiajourdan@icloud.comI've been writing since I could read. Sometimes for the internet, sometimes for traditional print media. When I'm not between the covers of a book, I'm dancing at the club or running around the hockey pitch.
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