Most parents stop reading aloud around age 8-9 once kids read independently. Continuing through age 12+ preserves substantial benefits — vocabulary at higher levels than kids can read themselves, exposure to more complex content, and crucially, ongoing daily one-on-one connection time that becomes hard to maintain as children get older.
What older-kid read-aloud looks like
Chapter book at bedtime, 20-30 minutes. Take turns reading paragraphs once they're confident. Choose books slightly above their independent reading level. Discuss as you go.
Good choices for ages 8-14
Roald Dahl, Frances Hardinge, Philip Pullman, Katherine Rundell, Michelle Magorian, classic mythology, age-appropriate Agatha Christie. Read books they wouldn't pick up alone.
Most teenagers retain the rituals from this period and remember them fondly. The 20 minutes daily is among the highest-leverage parenting time investments for the 8-12 age range.