Common Sense Media Review
By Mieke VanderBorght
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Digital library offers a range of topics and reading levels.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
ReadingIQ
What's It About?
Access thousands of books in digital form from the READINGIQ library. Sign up with an email address and agree to purchase a 30-day free trial to get started. Then, create profiles for up to three kids with their name and reading level. The home library populates with books based on chosen reading level. Browse by subject or adjust reading level. Tap a book to open it, tap the screen to turn pages, and tap the heart to mark it as a favorite. Once finished, another books loads automatically. "My shelf" keeps tabs on what books kids read and how many minutes they spend reading.
Is It Any Good?
Without a trip to the library, kids can easily access a moderately diverse treasure trove of books; just don't expect any digitally enhanced special features. ReadingIQ has lots of real, published books that are high quality -- even award winning. You'll find great classics like Jumanji, series you'll remember from your own childhood like The Boxcar Children, and newer amazing titles like David Wiesner's beautiful wordless picture books. There are also lots of National Geographic titles for all your non-fiction needs. On the down side, some of those series, like National Geographic, are over-represented and seem to take over the library, crowding out any diversity in available titles. Unlike most digital library collections, there doesn't seem to be any "read to me" feature, or if there is, it's only available on a select, hard-to-find group of books. Though it wouldn't be possible to have lots of features for such a large collection, tapping to hear individual words and reflection/discussion opportunities for kids and parents would be great to have for emerging readers. Without any digital features, you'll want to treat these books, then, just as you would a traditional book. There's just one exception to that: small kids. Given the importance of touching and experiencing first-hand for young preschoolers and under, paper books and snuggle time still can't be beat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what kids are reading with ReadingIQ. If you read with your kids, ask them open-ended questions about themes from the story. If your kids read on their own, ask them to tell you about what they've read.
Talk to your kids about the difference between reading on screen and reading a traditional book. What feels different? Do they like doing it one way better than the other? Why?
Ask kids which stories they enjoy most, and find out why. Do they prefer fiction or non-fiction? How about books written in comic form?
Sure, they're reading -- but on a screen! You may still want to establish some limits. Discuss your family's expectations and guidelines regarding screen use.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Subjects : Language & Reading : reading , vocabulary
- Pricing structure : Free to try, Free (30-day free trial then $4.99/month; $29.99/year)
- Release date : November 14, 2018
- Genre : Education
- Topics : Book Characters
- Publisher : Age of Learning, Inc.
- Version : 2.0.0
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 9.0 or later; Android 5.0 and up
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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
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