# Reader Zone

> Digital platform for creating and managing school and library reading programs. (iPhone/iPad app by Childrensbookstore.com.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reader-zone/id1474405363 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Childrensbookstore.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/1009377104)
- Category: Education, Books
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.40/5 from 82 App Store ratings · 78 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 55 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-11-24
- Data updated: 2026-08-21
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reader-zone/id1474405363/reviews.md

## What is Reader Zone?

Reader Zone helps schools and libraries build cultures of reading.

The app allows students and patrons of all ages to join reading programs and track their reading. Use the app to log daily reading in minutes, pages, books, etc. The app allows readers to see how they're doing with reading objectives in real time.

Reading program organizers create programs for readers from toddlers to advanced adult readers.  Reading programs can have an unlimited number of reading groups, each with its own objective.  It’s simple to view and export reading data for incentive programs and to monitor the reading progress of participants.

Reader Zone is a powerful tool for parents and educators. It's easy to use and provides actionable data that educators and parents need to develop individual readers and cultures of reading in school and library communities.

## Key features

- Create goal-based reading programs
- Join existing reading programs
- Log reading progress (minutes, pages, books)
- Real-time goal tracking
- Manage unlimited reading groups
- Export reading data

## What do users think of Reader Zone?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Great for tracking reading
- 👍 Kids love it
- 👍 Motivates reading
- 👍 Good for library programs
- 👍 Simple and easy
- 👍 Tracks progress
- 👍 Barcode scanner works
- 👍 Timer feature is engaging
- 👍 Multiple users per account
- 👍 Spanish version available
- 👍 Works on older devices

**Cons**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 App freezes/stuck
- 🐛 Cannot add books
- 🐛 Glitchy and difficult to use
- 🐛 Update issues
- 🐛 Search feature poor
- 🐛 Scan feature not working
- 🐛 Resetting app needed
- 🐛 Black screen issue
- 🐛 Progress deleted
- 🐛 Not intuitive
- 🐛 Can't edit history
- 🐛 Can't re-read books
- 🐛 Confusing setup

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when adding books
- App freezes on loading screen
- Barcode scanner not working
- App goes black on opening
- Progress deleted after updates
- Cannot add new books
- App dies after adding a book
- App crashes when viewing progress
- Scan feature vibrates phone
- App kicks user off when selecting reader
- App not showing added books
- Duplicate books listed
- Badges not lighting up

**Most requested features**

- Fix app crashes
- Improve search functionality
- Allow re-reading of books
- Better support/contact options
- Add dark mode
- Count seconds towards total time
- View group total minute count
- Make app more intuitive
- Allow editing reading history

## Recent user reviews (10 of 78)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reader-zone/id1474405363/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Slow

*2026-06-15*

I downloaded the app for a library reading summer program. App is super slow. It buffers each time you click on something (even to get into the app) and takes a long time to load. It's anywhere from 10-30 seconds, sometimes much more where I have to get out of the app and go back in. There is also a lag time on the count of things you mark off as done.

**Developer response:** Hello.  We're sorry you've experienced latency with the app.  It generally only take 4-6 seconds for any given screen to update.  

We'd be happy to look at your Reader Zone account and see if there is something additional that might be causing it to run more slowly than expected.  YOU can reach us at 208-888-5160 or via email at help@reader.zone.  

Should take less than 5 minutes to look at the account and see how we can help.

### 5/5 — Useful!

*2026-06-06, version 5.3.20*

This app will be perfect to track my kids reading!!!

### 1/5 — App accesses camera constantly

*2026-06-02*

Update: the developer was dismissive of the issue I clearly observed with this app, so I re-enabled camera access and tested again. Yes, the app does appear to be accessing the camera even when the barcode scanner is not active. I invite the developer to let me know what iPhone setting I could possibly have enabled to cause this. I do not suspect the developer of intentionally designing the app to do this- I suspect a coding issue is causing unexpected application behavior under certain conditions.

I am leaving this review up so other users (individual and institutional) can consider this potential issue when weighing the risks of allowing camera access, and so that the developer’s recommendation- for users to simply forgo use of a major app feature when a potential issue was brought to their attention- will remain visible.


Original review:
Our local library uses this app for tracking summer reading, so we did not have a choice in what app to use. I gave the app permission to use the camera for scanning ISBN barcodes, however, the green dot is always on when the app is open, regardless of whether the barcode scanner is used or not. The Apple App Privacy report confirms that this app is constantly accessing the camera while the app is open.

This is not ok. There are other, actually secure apps that libraries should consider for tracking reading.

**Developer response:** Hello Dear User,

This is the owner of Reader Zone.  First, let me apologize for that first response.  It was made by a staff member who was a little more defensive than needed.

We reviewed the app and, yes, indeed, the camera permissions had been adjusted with the latest app build.  As you saw the camera could be left active outside of it's single-purpose use of scanning a barcode.

As you mentioned, it was a quick fix that has been deployed to the App Store as version 5.3.21.

We are concerned with the safety of the app and appreciate you brining this to our attention.  We completely rebuilt the back-end of the app for this last release and there are always unforeseen bugs that need squashed with a big update.

Thanks again and Happy Reading!

### 1/5 — Frustrating

*2026-06-02*

This is the most frustrating app I have ever used. It’s not user friendly at all. Does not accept the password I set, and when I click forgot password, it lets me in. Does not let me add number of books. Have to add titles. Then go back and mark read. Can’t they just make a simple system enter number of books read instead of names of books and make it a 4 step process? It’s clunky and time consuming. Can’t believe libraries pay for this awful service!

**Developer response:** Hello.  I'm sorry you've had trouble using the app.  In terms of how you enter books, the library can set a requirement to add a book as you make an entry--which can add a step.  

We'd be happy to look at the account for you and see if there's something that is making the login difficult for you.  You're welcome to call 208-888-5160 or email us at help@reader.zone for help.

### 5/5 — Support and help

*2026-05-22*

I updated the app and was unable to enter books.  I called the number listed on the website and Jake helped me get my app to work and I was able to add books.  I really appreciated all his help.

**Developer response:** Hello.  We're sorry you've had trouble with the update.  We're happy to help make sure you can use the app.  Please email us at help@reader.zone or call 208-888-5160 and we can sort this out in just a few minutes.

### 5/5 — Great for reading

*2026-05-21, version 5.3.19*

My kids love earning rewards and tracking their progress!

### 5/5 — Great app for tracking reading

*2026-03-17, version 5.3.18*

This app is great for keeping my reading lists. Simple and easy to use

### 1/5 — Spooky Disappointment

*2025-10-04, version 5.3.12*

Downloaded the app for an event at the local library. No one can add books that they read. Bar code scanner…nope…author…naw…ISBN…IMPOSSIBLE. So you have an app to log your reading, but can’t add any books that you’ve read. It’s a digital paper weight.

### 1/5 — Horrible update

*2025-07-24, version 5.2.91*

Please fix these issues. App was awesome and easy to use. No longer can track time and have to quit and restart for every book we want to add as read or to read.

### 5/5 — App fixed with great support

*2025-07-12, version 5.2.86*

When I reached out to Reader Zone help team, the issue is fixed. I can now add new book in the book bank again and motivated to read books together with my girl. I’d like to emphasise that the team is friendly, patient and respectful. The team provided alternative solution for me and explained patiently to me. Thanks Reader Zone!

## Frequently asked questions about Reader Zone

### What does Reader Zone do?

Reader Zone is a digital platform designed to revolutionize how schools and libraries create and host reading programs. It allows users to create custom, goal-based reading programs or join existing ones, and easily log reading progress.

### How can I log my reading progress?

You can log your reading progress within the app by entering details such as minutes read, pages read, or the number of books completed. The app provides real-time tracking of your progress towards your reading goals.

### Is Reader Zone free to use?

Yes, based on the provided information, Reader Zone is a free application. There are no mentions of subscription fees, in-app purchases, or advertisements.

### Who is Reader Zone for?

This app is a powerful tool for parents and educators. It is designed for schools, libraries, parents, and children who want to create, manage, and participate in reading programs and track reading achievements.

### Can I use Reader Zone for large groups?

Yes, reading program organizers can build reading programs for any size group. The app allows for an unlimited number of reading groups, each with its own separate reading goal, and provides easy ways to view and export data.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.3.24 — 2026-08-18

Fixed an issue where some readers were unable to join groups properly

### 5.3.23 — 2026-08-13

Added in functionality for signing up and logging in with SSO for Apple, Google and Microsoft

### 5.3.21 — 2026-06-15

Fixed an issue with the camera sometimes staying active even when not in use

### 5.3.20 — 2026-05-21

Stability updates and minor adjustments to keep the app running smoothly

### 5.3.19 — 2026-04-22

Fixes for resetting your account password and app version check.

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## Related topics

[reader zone](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/reader-zone) · [readers zone](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/readers-zone)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-21.*