Spark Reading for Kids
Short texts, quizzes scratch the surface on range of topics.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Spark Reading for Kids
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Spark Reading for Kids is a library of short texts with embedded comprehension quizzes. Short stories span a variety of topics, including both fiction and nonfiction. Some stories about historical figures or events include brief mentions of war, conflict, or other types of violence. At the end of each story, kids take a multiple choice quiz. Kids can email their quiz results directly from the app using the device's mail options. They can also email the app's developers from directly in the app. Users can create multiple profiles so that kids collect quiz scores and reading minutes in their own account. There are frequent pushes to subscribe, and it can be difficult to find the monthly option. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
Choose a reading level -- 2nd through 8th grade -- to start using SPARK READING FOR KIDS. Then browse through the texts by topic or grade level, and choose one to read. Tap the audio button to hear the text read out loud. Categories include inventions, animals, science, world, famous men, famous women, or food. After reading, take the multiple choice quiz. Quiz scores are displayed under the story icon on the main menu.
Is It Any Good?
Short texts on a variety of topics provide good reading opportunities for kids, but the library could use more features. With a nice mix of topics, including both fiction and nonfiction, kids are likely to find something that interests them in Spark Reading for Kids. And though the comprehension quizzes are standard multiple choice, many questions do require kids to think a bit to find the right answer. After responding to each question, the app highlights the exact place in the text where the answer can be found. This is a nice, easy way for kids to understand how to pinpoint sections of the text to find answers. The rest of Spark Reading for Kids is pretty average. Texts are short, and breeze through sometimes complex topics. Browsing, navigation options, and data collection could better to improve the user's experience and more meaningful feedback on progress over time. Though there's a large range of topics, there aren't that many texts in each reading level. And the digitized voice with the audio option is great for kids who want -- or need -- to listen rather than read, but it doesn't sound all that great.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the texts kids read with Spark Reading for Kids. Which topics interest them the most? Why?
These brief texts just scratch the surface of some complex topics. If kids find something that intrigues them, help them research to find out more.
How is reading on a screen different than reading from a hard copy book? What positives and negatives aspects are there about each way of reading? Which do you like better? Why?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: reading, reading comprehension, Science: animals, Social Studies: events, global awareness, historical figures, history
- Pricing structure: Free to try (Limited number of stories with free download, and one free story/week. Subscribe for full access: $23.99/year or $3.99/month.)
- Release date: November 14, 2020
- Category: Education
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Publisher: Peekaboo Studios
- Version: 4.0.6
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later
- Last updated: January 19, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
-
Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos
Classic reborn as fee-based e-library with great selection.
-
Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos
Diverse, huge, searchable library of kids' books, videos.
-
BrainPOP
Videos and activities are fun, accurate, and valuable.
-
Libby, by OverDrive
Browse, borrow books with online library; filters available.
For kids who love reading
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate