A new research study at Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) is examining changes in parents' beliefs about books, how often they read, and health outcomes. The study was launched as part of a free Scholastic book fair hosted at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital (YNHCH) in early June, 2026.
“The goal is to learn more about the relationship between literacy, health, and parent-child bonding for kids up to seven years old,” says Carter McCaskill, a YCSC research assistant who is coordinating the study. Hundreds of children visiting YNHCH received free books at the fair, which was organized through a collaborative effort led by McCaskill and YCSC Chair Linda Mayes, MD.
“Literacy and health go hand in hand,” says Mayes. “Through reading, children learn about people and worlds far away. They learn that others have worries and dreams just like them. They learn how to be a good friend, a caring person, how to be ambitious and generous at the same time. And it is this kind of learning that supports healthy development and growth—and why it is so important to give children access to books.”
The book fair was set up in the waiting area of the pediatric specialty clinic and in the inpatient wing of the hospital. “We gave out a total of 1,706 books between the inpatient and outpatient clinics,” says McCaskill. YCSC staff members Kathy Armstrong and Kari Cifarelli were also part of the planning team. Postgraduate Associate Navya Mendiratta and first-year Yale medical student Kira Nagoshi (both pictured) assisted in recruiting for the study and staffing the book fair.
"Many parents came up to us to let us know that they loved the fair,” says Mendiratta. She continues, “They said that usually while waiting for their appointment, their kids rush to the TV or are nervous about going to the doctor, but the fair was a pleasant distraction from the anxiety of being in the hospital. It also encouraged them to read the books they picked out instead of watching TV in the waiting room."
Scholastic provided the books at reduced prices, and funding to purchase the books was provided to YCSC through a grant from Cigna Healthcare. Several Cigna employees also volunteered their time to help staff the book fair, along with Yale staff and students. Every child who visited the fair had the opportunity to select three free books.
Families who elected to participate in the research study received a fourth book. "We had several mothers excited to participate in the study and reinforce daily reading with their kids,” says Mendiratta. Some shared that they had been trying to encourage their children to read and form a habit of reading together.
Optional surveys were made available for parents to complete while their children selected books. Study participants are asked to complete a brief daily survey for 21 days. A follow-up survey will also be sent three weeks later to help evaluate potential benefits of the book fair.