10 FREE Book Apps for School Age Kids!!

I'm excited to go into school tomorrow because I'm launching my Summer Reading & Writing Unit! I've been doing some extra research to strengthen this mini-unit and came across this great find: 

10 FREE Book Apps for School Age Kids

I found this through Pinterest, which linked to igamemom.com, and I can't wait to share all of these with my students tomorrow! I downloaded each one onto my iPad and it looks like every app is still free with the exception of Journey to the West. I didn't search very hard for it though - so maybe it's still there. 

I am copying and pasting what igamemom.com wrote about each app because she explained them each perfectly. I am really in love with each one! I think my students are going to love these suggestions!

Aesop for children: a different one from that in 10 Free Book Apps for Pre-school Kids.  This one is from Library of Congress.  There are over140 classic fables, with beautiful illustrations and light interactivities.  There is no narration in the app, kids have to read it by themselves.  A great read aloud book.

WWF together: introduces some amazing animals, such as tiger, elephant, panda, with stunning photographs, accompanied with short paragraphs and animal facts. All animals in the app are endangered.  There are some interactive activities in the app. For each animal, there is an cute origami with instruction of how to make it.

Science 360:  not a book in traditional sense, but in my opinion, this is what the books in the future should be like.  Made by National Science Foundation (NSF), this free app has a wealth of information about science around us. All the contents are updated weekly, so you always get the most recent development of science and technology.

Biography comics who: designed for kids 8 and older, the series has 29 biographies. Two books come with the app for free: Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates. The rest are available via In-App Purchase. The right level writting plus funny cartoon expressions make it a fun read for the kids.

Fotopedia national park: there are over 3000 stunning photos of the 58 National Parks in the USA accompanied with park information.  It is a great app to share with kids and together to appreciate what the nature can offer.  You can even use it as a travel planner.

Cool to be clever:  tells the true story of Edson Hendricks, who invented early internet concept.  Edson was bullied at school, but found comfort in an imaginary world where he had machine parts, and no biological organs or emotions… A great read about persevere and about bully.

Sound uncovered:  a fascinating app takes you explore the many intriguing sound related phenomena, hands on. It is like going through a museum of sound. Do you know what happens when two different notes are played at the same time? The app lets you hear it while you can adjust the two sound sources yourself – fun thing for kids to do.

Journey to the west: adapted from the classic Chinese novel of the same title, it tells the story of  the famous Chinese Monk Xuan Zang who traveled to India to find the holy book of Buddhism. The main character of the first 2 apps is Monkey King: how he was born, and how he found the best weapon for himself.

Creature of light: companion app for the popular exhibition Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence, Creature of Light offers a close look at some of the extraordinary organisms that produce light. The interactive animations, stunning pictures and videos are integrated together to reveal the beauty of this amazing natural phenomenon.

Weird but True: a great read from National Geographics.  There are more than 300 Weird But True kid-friendly facts.  Kids will have a good time reading the facts with wachy sound effects. Used to be a paid app, it is been free for a very long time.  Make sure check the price when you download the app.