If you would like to read the research I referenced on reading and academic achievement, it's here: http://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisaproducts/48852630.pdf

Some other articles on why reading is important:

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/when-you-start-read-more-these-10-things-will-happen.html

https://readingagency.org.uk/news/blog/why-is-reading-for-pleasure-important.html