Our Reading Apps

The British Museum's Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead free app


Finding good reading material for my student has been a challenge. Initially, the free books I loaded only showed half of the stories. Our titles of half books are Green Eggs and Ham, ABC both by Dr. Suess. Also, Cry Wolf is another book that requires purchasing the ending. Our Reading section is pretty eclectic containing these titles: Greek Gods, Green Planet for Kids, Brain Quest Grade 5, US Presidents, Quarters, two Dictionaries, Jokes Free, Umbrella_0, Mirabilis, The Economist, Recipe Box, Book of Dead, ICDL.

The Greek Gods app/book is essential in discussing the history of the planets, as well as understanding a Western paradigm. The Green Planet for Kids has great facts about energy and conservation. It is not very extensive but, it is a great overview. Brain Quest is a mandatory app for whatever grade is appropriate. My student really enjoys the questions; more than I would have ever expected. US Presidents and Quarters are great overviews to components of US History. We have two free dictionaries. The first one has a rhyme component and word wiz questions (see the Appolicious Link). The other one has a language translator (look for the free dictionary app the icon has a pair of glasses). The 18,000 Cool Jokes is just something to keep the whole process light. There are times when my student resists the process. This app does have some adult content that can be switched off using the iPad's Utilities. Umbrella_0 is the most inspirational comic that I have found. There is another free Umbrella app for iPhone, which we will add if my reader shows interest. Mirabilis is a comic book, as well. The first issue is free and the rest are in-app purchases. The Economist is something to get my student thinking and discussing Global economies. Recipe Box are raw/vegan recipes from SAF and The LifeCo. I'm really trying to get my student cooking. He likes making simple things like ramen. The British Museum has an exhibition of the Ancient Book of the Dead November 2010-March 2011. This app is very cool if one likes Egyptian artifacts and history. The app has one answer seven questions to access the Hunefer's Papyrus. ICDL is my saving grace as far as viewing free book apps. This app has books from different cultures/languages and is for readers age three to thirteen. ICDL is the only real free books app that I have found for elementary/middle school readers.

ICDL free book app home screen