While nothing can quite replace the feel of a good paperback or the atmosphere of a library, students are increasingly looking to their phones and computers -- not to mention e-readers like the Kindle -- as their go-to reading devices. Digital library and reading apps and websites make it easier than ever to help students dive into text on their own terms and better understand what they're reading. These picks -- our favorite ebook and e-reading platforms -- let students browse libraries of text, read at their own pace and level, engage in discussions in the margins, or answer questions and prompts as they read to guide and gauge learning. Many also feature nice supports for teachers -- including assessments and progress tracking -- to help with classroom implementation.
On-demand digital Spanish library adds variety to classroom selections
Bottom Line: The sequence of books exploring concepts and vocabulary in Spanish are useful, but a tutorial would help users take full advantage of the resources.
Blended reading program offers individualized growth
Bottom Line: This is a research-backed blended reading platform that builds literacy skills and helps teachers plan and deliver targeted instruction in the classroom.
Leveled readings with progress-tracking enhances differentiated reading program
Bottom Line: It's worth considering as a supplement to your reading program thanks to the good variety of leveled books, easy assigning and assessing, and detailed progress reports.
Flexible e-reader features offline reading, solid audio
Bottom Line: A good tool for giving kids access to a wide range of books, though it's best used with teacher (and parent) guidance to promote a more active reading experience.
Bottom Line: This is a great option for students that need extra support, and, while the library is smaller than competitors, the human-voiced narration is a serious upgrade.
Great stories, just-right leveled reading; now mostly by subscription
Bottom Line: Up-to-date, high-interest articles will meet students right at their level, and help teachers bolster students' nonfiction reading skills.
Feature-rich literacy resource offers superb support for readers
Bottom Line: Access a hefty collection of reliable, ready-to-print, leveled passages that allow you to tailor lessons, assign online reading, and track progress.
Empowering reader invites students to read with purpose
Bottom Line: Far beyond the average e-reader, this tool helps students connect with texts and each other while giving teachers useful insight into student thinking.
