Build critical thinking, literary analysis, and middle school success with apps designed for 11-12 year olds.
SpellingJoy Team
Sixth grade marks the transition to middle school, where reading demands increase significantly. Students need to read longer texts, analyze author's purpose, and engage with increasingly complex nonfiction across subjects.
We've tested the best reading apps for 6th graders (ages 11-12), focusing on apps that build the analytical skills middle schoolers need while keeping reading enjoyable and engaging.
CommonLit offers free, high-quality reading passages with comprehension questions for grades 3-12. A nonprofit making literacy accessible.
Visit CommonLitNewsela adapts real news articles to 5 different reading levels, making current events accessible to students grades 2-12.
Visit NewselaEpic! provides access to a library of 40,000+ children's books, audiobooks, and educational videos. $84.99/year or $13.99/month.
Visit Epic!Sora (by OverDrive) gives students free access to eBooks and audiobooks through their school or public library. The modern library card for digital readers.
Visit Sora (OverDrive)Amazon Kids+ bundles books, educational apps, games, and videos for kids ages 3-12. Best experienced on Amazon Fire tablets with built-in parental controls.
Visit Amazon Kids+CommonLit is the best free tool for building the literary analysis skills that middle school requires.
Newsela is essential for building nonfiction skills through current events at the right reading level.
Don't forget Sora—free eBooks and audiobooks through your library card!
Try SpellingJoy FreeAbout 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.
