Apps for Kids Who Think Reading Is Boring

Last updated: August 13, 2024

There are lots of ways to read: Some kids love comic books and graphic novels, while others yearn for the next 900-page novel in a favorite series. Your kid may tell you reading is boring, but they are reading something, even if it's articles on social media. Whether it's just not your kid's jam or getting through a book is truly difficult, there are apps that are innovative and involve reading. Sometimes little kids just need a wide selection to find the perfect thing, and bigger kids are often into the offbeat or inventive. Others might love a game with reading built right in. Take your pick from these apps, and see if you can turn any spark of interest into a wildfire.

Filter by:
Sort by:
Duolingo ABC - Learn to Read Poster Image
APP

Duolingo ABC - Learn to Read

age 3+

Enjoyable drills thoroughly cover ABC basics, step by step.

Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos Poster Image
APP

Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos

age 4+

Diverse, huge, searchable library of kids' books, videos.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Chromebook Free to try , Free (Education)
Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos Poster Image
APP

Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos

age 4+

Classic reborn as fee-based e-library with great selection.

uKloo Poster Image
APP

uKloo

age 5+

Scavenger hunt makes reading fun; user can customize levels.

SwapTales: Leon! Poster Image
APP

SwapTales: Leon!

age 6+

Use the power of words to solve puzzles and change a story.

Weirdwood Manor Poster Image
APP

Weirdwood Manor

age 8+

Solve puzzles, explore rich visuals in cool storybook.

iPad Paid (Books)
Funny Phonemes — Slang Fest! Poster Image
APP

Funny Phonemes — Slang Fest!

age 10+

Slang and funny icons teach language sounds to older kids.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free to try (Education)
Middle School Confidential 1: Be Confident in Who You Are Poster Image
APP

Middle School Confidential 1: Be Confident in Who You Are

age 11+

Graphic novel teaches kids to feel good about themselves.

DEVICE 6 Poster Image
APP

DEVICE 6

age 12+

Inventive, interactive story puzzler has thrills and chills.

The Westport Independent Poster Image
APP

The Westport Independent

age 12+

News simulator shows how the media can shape reality.

LongStory Poster Image
APP

LongStory

age 14+

LGBTQ-friendly sim navigates teen relationships and drama.

WEBTOON - Find Yours Poster Image
APP

WEBTOON - Find Yours

age 15+

Diverse but mature collection of user-created comics.

Common Sense Media

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.