BEST Books for Younger Challenged Readers (Ages 4-8)

The last article in a series of 3 (different age groups)

As the holiday season draws to a close, so does our series of three articles here with book lists and resources for challenged readers in various age groups. We thought that providing this information at this time would help parents and teachers discover books for gift giving to reluctant or struggling readers.

This last article is intended for younger readers (age levels provided with each selection). Some of the books listed are geared toward children who daily experience the challenges of dyslexia. Others touch on more general reading problems. One book even deals with bullying, which is an issue that, unfortunately, many students face in our schools today. At the end of the resources list, you’ll even find a link to a site that offers FREE e-books, which can be very helpful to young challenged readers (as e-readers and other tech devices for e-books can help diminish visual stress experienced by some challenged readers.)

We hope you’ll agree that each of these selections offers more than just one more book for a child to read. They each have something “special” to offer a young person whose self-esteem is at stake because of a struggle to read.

Happy reading---AND Happy Holidays, dear readers!

BEST Books for Younger Challenged Readers

Tacky the Penguin---by Helen Lester & illustrated by Lynn M. Musinger (ages 4-8)
This delightful tale of an odd penguin that doesn’t fit in with the “perfect” penguins in his colony is well suited to budding out-of-the-box thinkers who often do things differently from their peers. Stories give children a way to think positively about themselves and Tacky is a hero for children who struggle with differences. A Read-Along Book/CD combo is also available.
http://www.amazon.com/Tacky-Penguin-Helen-Lester/dp/0395562333/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386290429&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Tacky+the+Penguin---by+Helen+Lester+%26+illustrated+by+Lynn+M.+Musinger

It’s Called Dyslexia---by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos & illustrated by Nuria Roca (ages 4-7)
Whoever said that learning to read and write is easy? The little girl in this story is unhappy and she no longer enjoys school. When learning to read and write, she tries to remember which way the letters go but she often gets them all mixed up. After she discovers that dyslexia is the reason for her trouble, she begins to understand that with extra practice and help from others, she will begin to read and write correctly. At the same time, she also discovers a hidden talent she never knew existed!
http://www.amazon.com/Called-Dyslexia-Live-Learn-Books/dp/0764137948/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386286193&sr=1-1&keywords=It%E2%80%99s+Called+Dyslexia---by+Jennifer+Moore-Mallinos

Thank You, Mr. Falker---by Patricia Polacco (ages 5-8)
"This story is truly autobiographical. It is about my own struggle with not being able to read. This story honors the teacher that took the time to see a child that was drowning and needed help...Mr. Falker, my hero, my teacher, not only stopped this boy from teasing me, but he also noticed that I wasn't reading well and got a reading specialist to help." -Patricia Polacco
http://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399257624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386287339&sr=1-1&keywords=Thank+You%2C+Mr.+Falker---by+Patricia+Polacco

The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia---by Diane Burton Robb and Gail Piazza (ages 7-10)
"When Adam was little, he loved to sink into his mother's warm lap and listen to her read." Yet, reading becomes a frustrating, daily battle once Adam starts school. Finally, in third grade, Adam learns that he has dyslexia...and begins a journey back to enjoying reading.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Alphabet-War-Story-Dyslexia/dp/0807503029

FREE e-Books for Young Readers---from Pearson Education, Ltd. (for Primary Grades)
Everyone deserves a rest when they’re at home, but it’s also important for children to keep up with their reading practice if they can. To help make reading fun at home, this resource provides FREE access to a range of e-books for teachers, parents and children. No sign-up, no login, no fuss. http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/Primary/GlobalPages/BugClubReadingChallenge/BugClubReadingChallenge%20-%20Teachers.aspx

Sources:

Young People’s Books Focusing on Dyslexia
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/EDU_YPbooks.html

Finding FREE Kids Books Online: Holiday Edition!
http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/free-kids-holiday-and-christmas-books-online

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Books for Older Teens with Reading Challenges

Second article in a series of 3 (different age groups)

It can be daunting for a parent or teacher to successfully find just the right book for the older teen who is struggling to read. No matter what the cause of the reading issue, a teen’s self-esteem can be significantly affected by this struggle. Most teens just “want to blend in” and be “normal”, often times avoiding strategies and cumbersome tools that can cause them to “stand out” or not be “like everyone else.”

To help older teens (and adults) with these issues, it can be a real lifesaver to own an e-book or iPad to help them “blend in” with their friends who have no reading issues. In fact, having access to this technology can positively impact their reading experiences---and it’s COOL, too!

Most e-books have matte-type screens to help readers with lighting and glare issues. These tech devices can also allow the reader to increase font size when needed. In addition, the non-white background of text pages can help readers who experience visual stress with the usual white pages of a traditional text.

Another option to keep in mind is that audio books might be a good option, especially for an auditory learner. These types of “listening” books are available at local public libraries and in bookstores. Many are even FREE and easily accessible online (see link below here).

Besides addressing the reading struggles for an older teen, there is the problem of finding the right book, the book that will increase the chances of reader engagement. Knowing the teen’s areas of interest is always a good place to start. Choose a book with a topic the teen cares about and will more likely choose to read.

Also, it will help to have an idea of what kind of genre may appeal to a particular teen. Is it fiction? Not always. In fact, many reluctant or challenged readers of any age have little or no interest in fictional stories. This is a signal that non-fiction selections may be a good place to start, especially with teen boys. Consider sharing an issue of Popular Mechanics or a book about hunting and fishing. For girls, think about introducing the biography of a famous woman or a “how-to” book about a favorite topic.

As promised and to help you find just the right book for a teen you know with reading challenges, we have gathered links for our second book list here. This one is specifically for older teens. We hope you will find it helpful in “lighting a spark” for reading in a teen you know.

Happy Reading---AND Happy Holidays, dear readers!

Next week’s article & book list: BEST Books for Young Children Who Are Challenged Readers

BEST Books for Older Teens with Reading Challenges

2013 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers (for ages 12-18)
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/quickpicks/2013

2013 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/quickpicks/2013/topten

Books Should Be Free---FREE Public Domain Audio Books & e-Books
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Teen_Young_adult

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Books for ‘Tween & Teen Challenged Readers

The 1st in a series of 3 articles (by age group)

We often receive calls and emails requesting children’s or teens’ book lists throughout the year. However, we had not created a list for any of the previous holiday seasons to help parents and grandparents choose the best books for young, challenged or readers.

To address this, we have gathered together over the past several weeks a series of 3 NEW book lists just in time for your holiday shopping. Each list is dedicated to a particular age group of struggling or even reluctant readers.

Our first booklist here is for ‘tweens and teens. We think this list could come in handy during the 2013 Holiday Season. In fact, you just might enjoy your holiday gift shopping a little bit more this year while at the same find a favorite book to read WITH your child any time of the year! (HINT: See the second book in the list to follow.)

Happy Reading---AND Happy Holidays, dear readers!

Close to Famous---by Joan Bauer (girls, ages 9-13)
Plucky, twelve-year-old Foster McFee is not going to let her inability to read keep her from reaching her goal of having her own television cooking show. In fact, her ambitions engage everyone around her, including an unlikely reading tutor who forces her to confront the vulnerability she is trying to keep hidden.
http://www.joanbauer.com/close_to_famous.html

What Is Dyslexia?: A Book Explaining Dyslexia for Kids and Adults to Use Together---by Alan M. Hultquist, illustrated by Lydia Corrow (ages 8-11)
Children with dyslexia can be left "out of the loop" when it comes to discussions about the reasons for their struggles at school. This book is designed to help adults explain dyslexia to children aged 8-11. Hultquist offers clear examples and explanations, interactive activities for parents (or other adults) and children to do together, and highlights of the courage and strengths of people with dyslexia.
http://www.amazon.com/What-Dyslexia-Explaining-Adults-Together/dp/1843108828/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386288535&sr=8-1&keywords=What+Is+Dyslexia%3F%3A+A+Book+Explaining+Dyslexia+for+Kids+and+Adults+to+Use+Together+by+Alan+M.+Hultquist

Eleven---by Patricia Riley Giff (ages 9-13)
Sam, a talented boy who can't read, is trying to discover his true identity through written documents. This action-packed psychological mystery is both suspenseful & touching. (Kindle edition also available)
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/188-8032550-4058664?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Eleven%20by%20Patricia%20Riley%20Giff

Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Underachiever---A series by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver (ages 9-13)
Henry Winkler's real-life experiences as a young "underachiever" inspire these humorous and exciting stories in the Hank Zipzer series. These books will engage even the most reluctant reader in a fun romp through the days of Hank Zipzer, who always manages to keep things lively and, in the end, helps deliver a message of understanding for all kids, especially for those who share Hank's learning differences.
http://www.hankzipzer.com/

The Lightning Thief---and others in the series by Rick Riordan (boys, ages 10-15)
Boys will like the books in this series. They are filled with excitement, danger and personal triumph. They can also be downloaded for an MP3 player. A graphic novel version is also available.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=The+Lightning+Thief---rick+riordan&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3AThe+Lightning+Thief---rick+riordan

Two-Minute Drill: Mike Lupica's Comeback Kids---by Mike Lupica (boys, middle grades)
Chris Conlan is the coolest kid in sixth grade—the golden-armed quarterback of the football team, and the boy all the others look up to. Scott Parry is the new kid, the boy with the huge brain, but with feet that trip over themselves daily. These two boys may seem like an odd couple, but team up when Scott figures out how to help Chris with his reading problem, while Chris helps him with his football and both boys end up winners.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=+Two-Minute+Drill%3A+Mike+Lupica's+Comeback+Kids+by+Mike+Lupica&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3A+Two-Minute+Drill%3A+Mike+Lupica's+Comeback+Kids+by+Mike+Lupica

River Rampage---and others in the Sam Cooper Adventure series by Max Elliot Anderson (ages 8-13)
Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries. His books are written especially for reluctant reader boys 8 and up, but they are also loved by avid readers, girls and even adults. If you happen to be a reluctant reader or are a parent of a reluctant reader, your life is about to change!
To purchase a copy signed by Mr. Anderson, email the author for details at: mander8813@aol.com.
You can also order via Amazon.com at:
http://www.amazon.com/River-Rampage-Max-Elliot-Anderson/dp/193560015X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386291672&sr=8-1&keywords=River+Rampage+by+Max+Elliot+Anderson

Next week’s article & book list: BEST Books for Challenged Older Teen Readers

Sources:

Young People’s Books Focusing on Dyslexia
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/EDU_YPbooks.html

Max Elliot Anderson’s Blog & Website
Blog: http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Challenged Readers

Happy Holidays to all of your faithful blog readers! You know that we are all about helping struggling readers. So as the 2013 Holiday Shopping Season gets well underway this weekend, we wanted to help you save some much-needed shopping time by providing a gift guide for your family members and friends who experience various challenges when reading or learning.

These readers on your holiday gift list may be children, teens or adults who have ADHD focusing issues or symptoms of dyslexia. They might also be seniors who are challenged with low vision, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or even stroke-related issues. They could even be veterans or others recovering from head or other brain injuries. For these good people on your list this year, you might want to give them a gift that just might help improve their ability to read AND their quality of life.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Challenged Readers

Franklin Handheld Spelling Devices-Various models from $13.00 to $70.00
These various types of handheld, battery-operated tech devices can be placed into a pocket or purse for easy access. They provide portable spell-checkers, dictionaries, thesauruses and more can be inexpensive lifesavers to those who struggle with all aspects of spelling and writing correctly.
http://www.amazon.com/Franklin-Electronics-NCS-101-SPELLING-CORRECTOR/dp/1567120709/ref=pd_sim_e_1

Reading Focus Card Combo Pack---From $16.95 to $19.95 per tool set
Reading Focus Cards are effective reading tools for those who struggle to follow the lines while reading. The sensory-appealing tools come in two convenient sizes and provide a solution for struggling readers (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) of all ages. With a choice of 3 different colored filters recommended by a developmental optometric group, the customizable Reading Focus Cards block out more surrounding text than other reading tools and allow a reader to read through his or her chosen colored filter.

The shorter Reading Focus Card is best for short lines of text as in regular paperbacks, books with 2 columns of text on a page, math problems, etc. The longer size is best for longer lines of text with children's books, worksheets, larger volumes, science and math equations, documents etc. The 2 sizes of the tool can also be used with tech devices such as Kindles, Nooks, iPads, e-tablets and more.
www.FocusandRead.com/products

e-Reader---Various models from $69.00 and up from Amazon.com
Did you know that an e-reader can be a great option for a struggling reader? This tech device can encourage readers who have dyslexia (diagnosed OR undiagnosed), because:
 Book size won’t be intimidating to the reader
 FREE reading samples can be downloaded for trials
 The font size feature can be changed to limit the number of words on the screen
 Text-to-voice feature can be very helpful---plus other features may help, too!
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-Ereader/dp/B00AWH595M/ref=sr_tr_sr_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385849874&sr=8-1&keywords=kindle
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/nook/379003208

Laptop Computer---From $299.00 (for a very basic model) and up
If a struggling reader you know is a college student, a laptop may be the perfect gift, especially if it has a Touch Screen with a Windows 8 operating system. Many readers challenged with dyslexia also struggle with writing as well as with organizational issues. Typing is easier for these readers, AND it will also assist them with getting (and staying!) more organized. Visit the various computer company websites or their local branch stores/kiosks for various pricing and usage needs. A wireless service plan will be required.
DELL Computer-http://www.dell.com/ (for PCs)
Apple Computer-http://store.apple.com/us/mac (for Apple OS)

e-Tablet (Regular & mini versions)---From approx. $200.00 and up (depending on where purchased)
Although this type of portable tech hardware will require a separate data plan from your phone or wireless service provider, an electronic tablet can make all the difference in the world for someone who daily struggles to read and learn. Apps can be downloaded (for FREE and/or at various pricings) to assist a challenged reader of almost ANY age with an almost infinite number of tasks and life skills.
DELL e-Tablets-http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/19/campaigns/dell-venue-tablets-dhs-us (for Android & Windows)
Apple iPads-http://www.apple.com/ipad/ (for iOS)

Smartphone (Android or iOS)---Various prices (depending on where purchased)
It is probably no secret that a handheld device can be indispensable to a challenged reader. A device that can download all kinds of assistive applications (apps) can provide reading assistance, note-taking help, a tech “time coach”, an electronic and/or scanning dictionary, a GPS (global positioning system) and many more helpful “assistants” for a challenged reader. Visit your local phone service company (or online) for the best model and options for an individual’s usage needs. Again, a data plan is required from your phone or wireless service provider.

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

MORE Android Tools & Apps for Kids Who Struggle to Read

One of our most recent articles on the blog here provided a significant number of Android apps for challenged readers (BEST Android Apps for Struggling Readers, November 2, 2013, http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/11/best-android-apps-for-struggling-readers.html). Since that time, we have had quite a few of our readers request even more information about Android tools and apps for children who struggle to read. This week’s article has been written to address these requests in a timely manner.

The first two apps listed below (Read Me Stories and Storia) work well on most Android devices. You may know that the Android platform is gaining in popularity and use over the iOS platform in some regions, especially outside the U.S. At the same time, American users are increasing in number as well, however.

The Kindle Fire is an Android device that is definitely gaining in popularity and use. The ability for this device to provide a color display is most helpful to struggling readers, especially those who are visual learners. The Reading Rainbow app listed below here is perfect for the Kindle Fire. You might want to check it out for a challenged or reluctant young reader you know.

Finally, the last two apps in the list are for our youngest readers. Both Bookster and Tikatok StorySpark are FREE offerings that will capture a young one’s attention and retain it for the length of a reading selection. Bookster provides vocabulary skill building together with a recording option for your child to read aloud. Tikatok StorySpark not only promotes and encourages literacy, it enables a young child to write and “publish” his own creative stories.

As always, we hope that the resources included here will effectively assist parents and teachers of children who struggle to read.

More Android Apps for Kids Who Struggle to Read

Read Me Stories - for Android (also available for iOS)
This app is full of picture books with illustrations that children will love. While the narrator reads the book aloud, kids can follow along as the text lights up on the screen. There is a new book available for downloading every day.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.interactive8.readmestories

Storia (FREE) - for Android (also available for iOS)
The perfect virtual bookshelf for families with children of all ages, Storia by Scholastic has many options for readers. Children choose books that spark their interest and are at their reading level. Audio and visual supports help struggling readers.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blio.scholastic&hl=en

Reading Rainbow (FREE) - for Android
Download the Reading Rainbow app now to your Kindle Fire or other Android devices. (One of the most popular educational apps available)
http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Rainbow/dp/B00B9K2TSQ

Bookster (FREE with first e-book) - for Android (also available for iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch)
Young readers can find new literary favorites with helpful narration from kids their age. Your little ones will also learn new vocabulary words and can record themselves reading the books when they’ve finished!
http://www.imaginelearning.com/programs/bookster/

Tikatok StorySpark (FREE – Books are $3 each) - for Android (also available for iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch)
From Barnes & Noble, Tikatok StorySpark is for your family’s pint-sized publisher. Kids write and illustrate their own books, using a catalog of art or their own photos or digital drawings for the backgrounds. When it’s ready, books are “published” under a chosen pen name and posted online at Tikatok.com.
http://www.tikatok.com/

Sources

Apps for Winter Reading---by Monica Burns (from edutopia.com)
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/apps-for-winter-reading-monica-burns

6 Great Reading Apps for Kids---by Dominic Umile (from Scholastic)
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/developing-reading-skills/6-great-reading-apps-kids

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Android image from Tivix at http://www.tivix.com/blog/perfect-resource-image-size-dpi-for-any-android-device/ and completed graphic designed by Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Why iPads & Kindles Are Great Tools for Struggling Readers

It’s no secret that over the past couple of years, various types of technology have changed the way we read today. We have the renowned Kindle e-readers from Amazon and the iPads from Apple. Other technological devices have also played a big part in enhancing our reading experiences.

It may not be as well known, however, that these same tech devices can be especially helpful to struggling readers. Whether the struggle to read is the result of ADHD, dyslexia, autism or another issue, these e-readers, e-tablets, smartphones and other devices can not only promote more reading success for struggling readers, but they can also make it possible for them to read in the first place.

Why are these tech devices particularly beneficial for challenged readers of any age? We’ve gathered information here to form 2 lists, one for each tech device’s advantages for challenged readers. We hope these lists help you discover which device may be best for your reading needs or that of a child or student who struggles to read.

Some of iPad’s Benefits for Challenged Readers

• Ease of Use: It’s easy to find books at the various stores available (Kindle, Nook & iBooks.)
• Screen Quality: The iPad screen is clear, bright and eminently readable.
• Access to Text: It can also be used to access formatted text like that of a PDF document and open it in GoodReader. (http://www.goodiware.com/goodreader.html).
• Text to Speech (TTS) Feature: This TTS feature allows students to hear the words they read. Visually-impaired students as well as other students can benefit from this as they hear the proper pronunciation of words as they “read” texts.
• VoiceOver Feature: This feature is available for all installed apps on iPads. This is a screen reader that allows the user to point to something on the iPad and hear a description of what is at that location.
• Zoom Feature: This feature allows users to enlarge any item on the screen. The iPad also allows for connection to refreshable Braille displays using a wireless Bluetooth connection.
• Customization: A teacher, parent or other adult can customize an iPad to meet the individual needs of a reader.
(Sources: The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students-by Denise Brown &
10 things the iPad is good for…and 5 it isn’t-by John Biggs---See links to follow.)

Some of Kindle’s Benefits for Challenged Readers

• Visual Formatting: Students with visual impairments can select the appropriate text size on a Kindle to meet their needs. (Push a button to increase or decrease font size.) This has increased engagement for many students who have difficultly seeing normal font size.
• Easy Downloading: Kindle content can easily be downloaded to the computer. This feature allows for even larger text and the ability to change the color / format. The Kindle PC option provides countless opportunities for students who require more specific text features.
• Screen Quality: The Kindle screen can also help diminish glare and “visual stress” from white page backgrounds as well as from florescent lighting for some readers.
• Text to Speech: For students who require read aloud, the Kindle is able to read any Kindle text out loud. By plugging in headphones, students can listen to books and short stories. This feature can help increase reading engagement for struggling readers and also to provide more independence to these students.
• Convenience: For students whom have difficulty flipping pages or holding open books, the Kindle provides a convenient alternative. By pushing a button, students are able to flip through pages and chapters. Additionally, for students with more severe physical disabilities, there may be some potential of connecting a switch to the Kindle.
• Organization: For students with organization troubles, the Kindle helps them out by saving the page they read.
• Dictionary Feature: The Kindle provides immediate assistance for unknown vocabulary words. By using the dictionary, which is embedded within the text, students can access texts that are at challenging reading level.
(Source: Adapted from the Kindle Project---District of Columbia Public Schools Pilot Program---See link to follow.)

Additional Resources

Why and when the iPad is the best e-reader-by Joel Mathis
http://www.macworld.com/article/2032930/why-and-when-the-ipad-is-the-best-e-reader.html

Kindle Technology Helps Readers-by Rob
http://childrenstherapy.org/technology-helps-struggling-readers/

Can e-Readers Ease Reading for Dyslexics?-by Annie Murphy Paul
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/06/can-e-readers-ease-reading-for-dyslexics/

iPad vs Kindle Fire / Android Tablet for Kids---by TechAgeKids
http://www.techagekids.com/2013/09/ipad-vs-kindle-fire-android-tablet-for.html

Dyslexia on the digital page-by Jillian Rose Lim
Devices like e-readers and iPads may make reading easier for students with dyslexia
http://scienceline.org/2013/11/dyslexia-on-the-digital-page/

E-Readers Are More Effective than Paper for Some with Dyslexia (Research article)
by Matthew H. Schneps, Jenny M. Thomson, Chen Chen, Gerhard Sonnert & Marc Pomplun
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0075634

Apps for Struggling Readers

9 Great Learn-to-Read Apps for Kids---by Common Sense Media (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch; Kindle Fire apps)
http://www.ivillage.com/best-learn-read-apps-kids/6-a-379970

8 Apps for Struggling Adolescent Readers---by Hope Mulholland (Apple and Android apps)
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/8-apps-for-struggling-adolescent-readers/

Sources:

Kindle Project---District of Columbia Public Schools Pilot Program
http://www.dc.gov/DCPS/Beyond+the+Classroom/Educational+Technology+&+Library+Services/Kindle+Project

The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students-by Denise Brown, Demand Media
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/advantages-ipads-special-education-students-4061.html

10 things the iPad is good for…and 5 it isn’t-by John Biggs
http://techcrunch.com/2010/05/19/10-things-the-ipad-is-good-for-and-5-it-isnt/

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: iPad or Kindle: will our wallets decide?-by Paul Miller
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/ipad-or-kindle-will-our-wallets-decide/ and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Android Apps for Struggling Readers

We’re saying “good-bye” to October and LD Awareness Month. At the same time, we’re also concluding the busiest month in our company’s history! More Reading Focus Cards were ordered by parents, teachers and catalog distributors in the past month than in any other month on record for Brennan Innovators. There is increasing evidence that many children, teens AND adults continue to struggle with reading.

For this reason, we thought we would begin this month’s articles with one that includes resources for a variety of challenged readers. Because we receive many requests for Android tech resources to help these readers, we are providing here a current and sizable list of Android apps for struggling readers of various age groups.

From the many parent phone calls, emails and orders we receive for our research-based Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), most involve a request or concern for a young, challenged reader that is between the ages of 8 and 11 years. As stated in a previous article in this blog, prior to this age range, children are “learning to read”. From age 8 or 9, children are “reading to learn” and must utilize skills (hopefully developed earlier) to learn the content and information presented via printed media. However, if those reading skills have not been developed properly---or at all, focusing and tracking issues can be just two of the ramifications. For this reason, the first resource listed below here should be helpful to some of these readers (Apps (Android) by Bugbrained---from AppsZoom.com)

The other links provided here may be helpful to other age groups. The second resource listed will provide an extensive list of some of the very best Android apps for challenged readers in various age levels, including those for adults. Many resources throughout the listing are FREE.

We hope that what is provided here will help you or someone you know who struggles daily to read with more success. Happy reading---EVERYONE!

BEST Android Apps for Struggling Readers

Apps (Android) by Bugbrained---from AppsZoom.com
Reading apps for children (up to & including the Grade 3 reading level)
http://www.appszoom.com/android_developer/bugbrained_cmcef.html

100+ Top Apps for Struggling Readers (Android)---from AppCrawlr
Excellent listing of the top 100+ Android apps for challenged readers of all ages
http://appcrawlr.com/android-apps/best-apps-struggling-readers

Blackberry Playbook and BB10 Android Apps---from Good e-Reader
Good e-Reader has over 6,000 apps and games for Blackberry 10 and the Playbook. Download the latest BAR Files for Blackberry 10 and the Playbook
http://apps.goodereader.com/playbook/playbook-android-apps/?did=348

FREE Kindle App for Android Devices---from Amazon (NO Kindle device required!)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=165849822 (via Amazon.com + FREE e-book links!)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.amazon.kindle (via Google Play Store link)

Go Read (Android)---from Bookshare
A FREE, accessible e-book reader for people with print disabilities; based on the open-source FBReader project.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.benetech.android&hl=en

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: techradar.phones at http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/70-best-free-android-apps-2013-687252 and Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com