Common Sense Media Review
By Mieke VanderBorght
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Short texts, quizzes scratch the surface on range of topics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Spark Reading for Kids
Parent and Kid Reviews
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
- Release date : November 14, 2020
- Genre : Education
- Topics : History
- Publisher : Peekaboo Studios
- Version : 4.0.6
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 9.0 or later
- 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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