20 Apps for Kids Who Think Reading Is Boring

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.

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Duolingo ABC - Learn to Read Poster Image
APP

Duolingo ABC - Learn to Read

age 3+

Enjoyable drills thoroughly cover ABC basics, step by step.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2020)
Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos Poster Image
APP

Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos

age 4+

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

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Chromebook (2020)
Farfaria Storybooks - Library of Children's Books and Read Along With Me Stories Poster Image
APP

Farfaria Storybooks - Library of Children's Books and Read Along With Me Stories

age 4+

Endless ebook library offers options; no interactivity.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2015)
Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos Poster Image
APP

Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos

age 4+

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

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2012)
uKloo Poster Image
APP

uKloo

age 5+

Scavenger hunt makes reading fun; user can customize levels.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2014)
SwapTales: Leon! Poster Image
APP

SwapTales: Leon!

age 6+

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

Devices: iPad (2016)
The Famous Five Adventure Game Poster Image
APP

The Famous Five Adventure Game

age 7+

Kids read and drive the story in fantastically fun whodunit.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2018)
Marvel Hero Tales Poster Image
APP

Marvel Hero Tales

age 7+

Beat the villains, learn language skills in unique game.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)
Weirdwood Manor Poster Image
APP

Weirdwood Manor

age 8+

Solve puzzles, explore rich visuals in cool storybook.

Devices: iPad (2016)
Funny Phonemes — Slang Fest! Poster Image
APP

Funny Phonemes — Slang Fest!

age 10+

Slang and funny icons teach language sounds to older kids.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2018)
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.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire , Nook HD (2017)
DEVICE 6 Poster Image
APP

DEVICE 6

age 12+

Inventive, interactive story puzzler has thrills and chills.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2013)
The Westport Independent Poster Image
APP

The Westport Independent

age 12+

News simulator shows how the media can shape reality.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2016)
Mission X: Hidden Island Poster Image
APP

Mission X: Hidden Island

age 13+

Choose your path in this OK, creepy adventure story.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2017)
LongStory Poster Image
APP

LongStory

age 14+

LGBTQ-friendly sim navigates teen relationships and drama.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2016)
Tap - Chat Stories & Funny Texts by Wattpad Poster Image
APP

Tap - Chat Stories & Funny Texts by Wattpad

age 16+

Fiction in text message form with mature content.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2017)
WEBTOON - Find Yours Poster Image
APP

WEBTOON - Find Yours

age 15+

Diverse but mature collection of user-created comics.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)