In an age where multi-media, such as video games and computer generated games, are consuming the lives of young adults, students are reading fewer novels and engaging less in recreational reading activities. Because of the ever-changing diverse student population teachers are searching for ways to be competitive motivators. Today, teachers need to know what students are doing outside of the classroom to better motivate students in the classroom. Do middle school and high school students read for pleasure? If so, what are they reading and how much time to they spend reading independently? If we can better understand the recreational reading patterns of secondary students then perhaps we can increase their tendency to read. This article will address reported research and discussion on the recreational reading patterns of secondary students.