Top reading apps that build comprehension, critical thinking, and a love of reading for middle schoolers ages 11-12.
Newsela adapts real news articles to 5 different reading levels, making current events accessible to students grades 2-12.
Epic! provides access to a library of 40,000+ children's books, audiobooks, and educational videos. $84.99/year or $13.99/month.
IXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.
CommonLit offers free, high-quality reading passages with comprehension questions for grades 3-12. A nonprofit making literacy accessible.
Lexia Core5 is a research-backed adaptive reading program used in 1 in 4 US schools. Strong focus on Science of Reading principles and early literacy intervention.
SpellingJoy is a 100% free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. Unlimited spelling games, unlimited tests, 134+ word lists, custom list creation, and progress tracking - all completely free with no subscriptions and no hidden costs.
Newsela is the best overall reading app for 6th graders. It adapts real news articles to five reading levels, keeping students engaged with current events while building comprehension and critical thinking skills essential for middle school.
For middle school, Newsela and CommonLit are top choices. Newsela excels at nonfiction with leveled current events, while CommonLit offers free literary passages with annotation and comprehension tools. BrainPOP is great for cross-curricular learning through animated videos.
Epic! is excellent for reluctant readers because it offers a huge library of engaging content including graphic novels, audiobooks, and read-aloud features. BrainPOP also hooks reluctant readers with short animated videos on topics they care about. Letting kids choose what they read is key.
Yes! CommonLit is completely free and offers high-quality literary passages with comprehension questions for grades 3-12. SpellingJoy is 100% free for spelling practice that reinforces reading foundations. Newsela also offers a free tier for individual teachers.
Newsela is the best overall reading app for 6th graders, turning current events into leveled reading practice that builds real-world comprehension skills.
CommonLit is the best free option for literary analysis and standards-aligned reading practice.
For reluctant readers, Epic! and BrainPOP make reading feel less like homework.
Strengthen spelling and vocabulary foundations with SpellingJoy — 100% free spelling practice with 134+ word lists for K-6 students.
About the Author
SpellingJoy Team
The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.