A Reflection: E-books or Hardcovers

Photo Credit: Timberland Libraries

As a former broadcast journalist turned primary school teacher, I’ve spent years navigating both the fast-paced digital world and the thoughtful rhythm of the classroom. My transition from media to education has made me deeply aware of how we consume information—and, more importantly, how we teach children to engage with it meaningfully. One question I often reflect on is: Which format better supports young learners—e-books or hardcover books?

Fast-moving news cycles, screens, and soundbites defined much of my early career. Shifting into teaching brought a dramatic change in both pace and purpose. It also made me reconsider how we introduce information to young learners, and what truly helps them connect, reflect, and grow.

E-books certainly have their advantages. They’re engaging, accessible, and dynamic. Features like audio narration, adjustable fonts, and interactive visuals offer real support—especially for struggling readers or students with learning differences. I’ve used tablets in the classroom and seen the excitement when a story reads itself aloud, or a child taps a word to hear its pronunciation. E-books can open doors.

Yet, I find myself continually drawn back to the physical book.

As a teacher, I am a strong advocate for hardcover and paperback books. There’s something deeply grounding about a child holding a real book—flipping through pages, pointing to illustrations, feeling the texture of paper. In a world saturated with screens, children benefit from something tangible. A physical book invites focus. It creates space for imagination and nurtures a personal connection with the story—something screens often interrupt.

I’ve watched children curl up in reading corners, utterly absorbed in a hardcover book—far more so than when using a tablet. There’s a stillness, a sense of presence, that traditional books offer. Over time, I’ve come to cherish these small, quiet moments of engagement. They foster not only reading fluency, but also emotional stability and self-regulation.

In a classroom filled with movement and noise, a simple book can offer peace.

I also believe in the value of crafting a thoughtful learning environment—one that includes natural light, time outdoors, and a reduced reliance on screens. When children read under a tree, journal on a picnic mat, or gather in small groups to share stories, they discover that reading isn’t just a task—it’s a joyful, lifelong habit. And physical books fit naturally into that kind of world.

Of course, e-books have their place. They’re especially helpful for students who might otherwise disengage. But when it comes to fostering a deep love of reading, encouraging thoughtful reflection, and building a solid foundation in language, I will always return to hardcover and paperback books—and return with wonder.

They are more than just tools.
They are companions.
And in the hands of a child, they can open up a world of possibility—where lifelong learning takes root.