It’s no secret that boys often take longer than girls to enjoy reading—and to stick with it. But that trend isn’t set in stone. With the right tools, you can help your son become a confident, enthusiastic reader. And what better time to try than September, National Literacy Month?

These free apps are designed to make reading fun and rewarding. While they’re chosen with boys in mind, they’re great for all kids. Try one—or a few—and see which your child enjoys most.

ABC Alphabet Phonics

Apple App Store, Google Play | Ages 3–5

This app makes early letter learning simple and interactive. Kids hear a letter sound and tap the matching letter. If correct, a cheerful voice gives praise. It’s easy to adjust the game to suit your child’s level, and large button spacing helps avoid frustrating mistakes.

ABC Magic Phonics

Apple App Store | Ages 3–5

Created with Montessori methods in mind, this calm, focused app is ideal for kids learning phonics—especially those who may be easily distracted or need repetition. Letters and sounds are repeated, used in rhymes, and supported by minimal graphics to keep attention on learning.

Hoopla Digital

Apple App Store, Google Play | Ages 3+

Need more reading material? Hoopla offers free access to thousands of children’s eBooks, audiobooks, and comics through your local library. Comics in particular are a big hit with boys. All you need is a library card to start exploring.

Khan Academy Kids

Apple App Store, Google Play | Ages 3–5

This award-winning education app covers many subjects, but its reading section is especially strong. Kids can record themselves reading aloud, replay their voice, and track their progress over time. Parents can even get personalized tips to help support learning at home.

Monkey Match

Apple App Store | Ages 3–5

Based on PBS Kids’ Between the Lions, this matching game teaches three key skills: matching upper- and lowercase letters, identifying beginning sounds, and recognizing rhymes. It’s fun and easy to navigate, making it a great learning companion for new readers.

Newsela Student

Apple App Store, Google Play | Ages 3+

Older kids can explore current events in subjects like sports, science, and money. Articles are written at five different reading levels, so as your child grows, the reading grows too. Built-in quizzes make learning measurable and fun.

Reading Racer

Apple App Store | Ages 6–8

This app helps kids practice reading aloud with interactive feedback. Kids choose stories, jokes, or rhymes, read them aloud, and get tips on pronunciation. In race mode, they’re timed and scored, which adds an exciting challenge for competitive kids.

Starfall: Learn To Read

Apple App Store, Google Play | Ages 3–5

Focused on vowel sounds, this app uses short, themed stories to teach core reading skills. After reading, kids can explore related activities like games or videos that reinforce what they’ve learned.

Starfall: I’m Reading

Apple App Store, Google Play | Ages 6–8

This app picks up where Learn To Read leaves off, offering higher-level stories including comics, myths, and folktales. Its AutoRead function models fluent reading, helping young readers gain confidence and build vocabulary.

Encouragement Makes All the Difference

With engaging content and interactive features, these apps help take the pressure off reading and make it fun. Whether your child is just starting or already exploring chapter books, a little tech support can go a long way.

After all, the best reading tool is the one your child wants to use. Happy National Literacy Month—and happy reading!

Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.