Book Apps That Get Kids Reading

The Nancy Drew Shadow Ranch iPad app.

There are a growing number of book apps for beginning and young adult readers to scroll through on tablet computers, but not a lot developed for the ‘tween crowd.

And while there’s debate about how much media is good for children, one librarian, whose school just got its first iPad, says that while she doesn’t think book apps will replace actual books for the youngest readers, they are a way into reading for reluctant ‘tweens.

Mary Ann Scheuer’s Favorite Apps For Kids

“Magic School Bus: Oceans”
“Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?
“Bobo Explores Light”
“Nancy Drew Shadow Ranch”

Scheuer particularly likes the”Bobo Explores Light” and “Nancy Drew Shadow Ranch” book apps for 10 year-olds. Scheuer also recommends a create-your-own-animation app called Toontastic.

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Kirkus Reviews: Best Children’s Book iPad Apps
School Library Journal: A Guide To Apps For Children And Teens
Here & Now: ‘Tween Book Recommendations

Guest:

Mary Ann Scheuer, librarian at the Emerson Elementary School in Berkeley, CA, she writes the “Great Kid Books” blog

We welcome comments from all of our listeners. Post below. Please stay on topic and be civil. Comments may be moderated by us, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments.

Chris Hayes

My son is five. He has been reading since he was two. I strongly believe he learned to read initially because he wanted to know which of the pbs shows to play on our Tivo! He soon began using the computer to search on his own for his favorite cartoons and videos on the computer. (we allowed him to use kid-safe environments like kidzui) He is now in kindergarten, is reading at a second grade level, and has been nominated for his school’s gifted program. He loves to read books. I truly believe he would not be as far along had he not been exposed to these forms of media and technology.
Fahault

Good afternoon,

While I was at lunch and taking a napp in my car outside and i was listening to the program you did this afternoon about app to get kids read was one of the best I love it and I was wondering about getting an iPad for my 5 Years old your piece today give me big boost i was going to buy the iPad2 after the Holidays but since I am a great believer in reading I will get it asap so i could get my son to read on it. In your piece you mentioned the underpriveillege Kids I agrred with you because most of the color children won’t have this access. I myself i am Haitian and i do believe in education. I applause you please keep up the good work