ReadingIQ

App review by Mieke VanderBorght, Common Sense Media
ReadingIQ Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

Digital library offers a range of topics and reading levels.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Free to try, Free Education
Rate app

Parents say

age 4+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate app
  • ReadingIQ App: Screenshot #1
  • ReadingIQ App: Screenshot #2
  • ReadingIQ App: Screenshot #3
  • ReadingIQ App: Screenshot #4
  • ReadingIQ App: Screenshot #5

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.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that ReadingIQ is a subscription based digital library with books for a wide range of reading levels. Parents need to provide an email address to begin. They can then create up to three user profiles with their kid's name (or alias), reading level, and animal avatar. The library populates with books based on the user's reading level. There are picture books, chapter books, beginning reader books, books with no words, and books with no pictures, and all of them are classified according to grade and/or Lexile reading level. The books are traditional, published books in digital form (there's a large number of National Geographic titles as well as many classic, well known stories) and do not have fancy bells and whistles. The developer claims that there are over 700 titles with a "read to me" feature, but they aren't marked and at the time of this review, none could be found. Pre- and new readers will need to read with a caregiver. Access your account and library on your tablet or on the web. Helpful hint: ReadingIQ's menus require your device to be held in portrait orientation, but once in a book, turn the device to landscape orientation to better see the full two page spread. 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

arrowmama6
arrowmama6 Adult
May 27, 2020
age 6+

Almost impossible to cancel

This app is fine...it's a reading app with lots of books to choose from. My issue is that it's almost impossible to cancel. Beware!
DrMom2019
DrMom2019 Adult
September 27, 2019
age 4+

Books for Days

This is a beautiful way to share the love of reading with a child. There are thousands and thousands of books for every interest and every level. I use the books with my 12 year old and my 5 year old nephew. It's a great app!
See all 4 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon picture of a book
    Book Characters
    See all

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