Starting from the All Saints' Day school holidays, the French National Education system will offer students a selection of books as part of an optional initiative. This plan was announced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, by the Minister of Education. The decision comes in response to the recent release of the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) survey results, which showed that French students performed below average in key areas such as reading, mathematics, and science compared to their international peers. The initiative aims to encourage students to read more by providing them with curated lists of books tailored to their age and academic level. These selections will be available through schools and educational platforms, allowing students to choose books that interest them. The program is voluntary, meaning schools and students can participate if they wish, without any mandatory requirements. The PISA survey, conducted every three years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), assesses the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students in member countries. The latest results highlighted a decline in France's performance, prompting calls for reforms in the education system. In response, the government has proposed various measures to improve student engagement and learning outcomes, with the book initiative being one of the first steps. Education officials hope that this program will not only improve literacy but also foster a culture of reading among young people. While the initiative is seen as a positive step by some educators, others are cautious, emphasizing the need for additional support and resources to ensure its success. The government plans to monitor the program's impact and may introduce further measures based on the results.