# Reader Zone — user reviews

> 78 indexed App Store user reviews of Reader Zone by Childrensbookstore.com, rated 3.40/5 from 82 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reader-zone/id1474405363/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reader-zone/id1474405363.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 42 · 4★ 4 · 3★ 5 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 26

## 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

## Newest reviews (10 of 78)

### 4/5 — App now fixed

*2025-06-11, version 5.2.81*

Everytime I add a new book the app dies, I have to close it to open it again to add another book. If I was to add in that I have re read a book and one I have already scanned it does not appear on the book list. Only showing 20 books.
Currently using it for my son so we can see how many books or how many times he has been read to but it’s a pain to use…please fix asap!! The developers have now fixed this issue, thank you it’s now working as intended

### 1/5 — Can’t scan

*2024-08-28, version 5.1.34*

UPDATE: still can’t scan and the search feature isn’t great. This app should be very easy to use but it frustrating for me. 

I’m not a fan of this app. The scan feature does not work when trying input a book. It’s also not as straightforward as it should be for its purpose.

### 1/5 — Search is terrible

*2024-08-02, version 5.1.30*

After the latest update I’m unable to search or add books using the camera. Please fix!

### 4/5 — Good but needs two mayor things

*2024-07-31*

It is very good for keeping track of minutes but need a system where you can view your groups total minute count and the app should also count seconds toward your total time so the seconds over lap to make more minutes.

### 1/5 — I have to delete and redownload each time I want to use it.

*2024-07-15, version 5.1.18*

Each time I open this app it blacks out and I have to delete the app and re-download it again. Log back in and I have to do this each time I want to open the app.

### 5/5 — Changing My Review

*2024-07-15*

NEW REVIEW: I contacted customer service through email to sort out my issues, and Jake was quick to reply. He was able to fix everything from his end within the hour (actually sooner). (Apparently what had happened to me was account specific and was an extremely rare occurrence.) The app now is working the way it should be, and I can definitely recommend it now. =) Big shout out to Jake from ReaderZone customer service for helping me out!

——

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Every time I open this app, it stays black on the screen. I have to delete and redownload this app every time to use it just for the one time before having to delete and redownload it again. Also, when I go to add a book and scan the barcode, my phone just keeps vibrating until I force close the app. Then I have to open it where I get the black screen which means deleting the app and redownloading it just so I can use the app for one time before I have to delete and redownload it again. I wish my library would not have chose this app because it’s too buggy and not even worth using.

**Developer response:** Hello.  I'm sorry you've had trouble with access to the app.  We'd be happy to assist with access to your account.  We're also happy to help with adding books to the Book Bank.

The problems you describe above are very unusual and might be due to an account irregularity that can be easily corrected.

You're welcome to reach out at 208-888-5160 or by email, help@reader.zone

We want to be sure you can use the app and have a good experience with your library reading program.

### 5/5 — Reader zone customer service A+!

*2024-07-12*

So I got locked out of my account but I decided to call reader zone and left a message . My kids were worried about not meeting their reading goals so we waited. In less than 24hrs Jake called back and was able to help 😊 absolutely love this app ! He was kind and helpful!

### 3/5 — Good but needs help

*2024-07-11*

I like the idea of this app. We have attempted to use it for several years, but it seems like just when we get in a groove of using it there are issues and it won’t let me add a book. It’s very frustrating when my child is so excited to log her books that she’s read but I can’t because the app won’t work. I have the updated version of the app and that doesn’t help.

**Developer response:** Hello,  Thank you for posting.  We will release updates to the Book Bank design that will make it easier to search for and add books.

You will see a big "Add a Book" button on the bottom of the screen that you can use to add any new book to the Book Bank.  There will also be a way to search for books you've already read and log them as read again.

Look for the updates on July 24, 2024.  

We hope the app will be easier for you to use.  If you'd like some assistance, you can always reach us at 208-888-5160 or by email at help@reader.zone.

### 5/5 — Works great for our family

*2024-07-02, version 5.1.18*

So glad our library is using this app for the summer reading adventure. Works great and we can see how everyone is reading.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2024-06-17*

Great app. My library recently started using this for summer reading programs and it makes it fairly easy to track books and activities

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

### 1/5 — Endless issues since new update

*2025-07-07, version 5.2.86*

I have to reset the app between each book I add. It gets stuck on the loading screen if I don’t. I didn’t have this problem before the update

### 1/5 — Horrible-glitch y

*2025-06-13, version 5.2.86*

This app is really difficult to use.  It’s very glitchy.  Right now I can’t reset my password. No way to contact customer help.  Awful!!!!!

### 1/5 — Not working

*2025-06-02, version 5.2.81*

I just downloaded and can’t time my reading, and now when I open the app the screen goes black, it might be my iPad but I think it’s the app, no offense

### 1/5 — Can’t add new book since April 2025

*2025-04-30, version 5.1.68*

This used to be a good app to keep a record which books my girl has read and based on the number I can know which is her favourite book and her interest. But I can’t add any new book in the book bank! I need to add again when the book is read and it doesn’t keep a record at all. The apps die and I need to restart the apps. Please fix this 🙏

### 1/5 — Please fix this app, it has huge potential.

*2025-03-13, version 5.1.68*

Everytime I add a new book the app dies, I have to close it to open it again to add another book. If I was to add in that I have re read a book and one I have already scanned it does not appear on the book list. Only showing 20 books.
Currently using it for my son so we can see how many books or how many times he has been read to but it’s a pain to use…please fix asap!!

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Useful!

*2026-06-06, version 5.3.20*

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

### 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

### 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!

### 5/5 — Excellent App for keeping a list of books you’ve read.

*2025-05-31, version 5.2.81*

Using the app to track the books I finish this year for personal development.  

All the books I’m reading are easy to find—love the barcode scanner.

It’s a great app and I’m loving the ability to engage with our local library adult reading program.

Thanks!!

### 5/5 — Quick and Easy

*2024-11-28, version 5.1.54*

Quick and easy software to keep track of books read

### 5/5 — Kids love tracking time

*2024-09-04*

Used this over the summer for our local library reading program. My kids loved being able to use the timer to track their time as well as use the book bank to see what books they’ve read.

### 5/5 — Fantastic for tracking reading

*2024-08-28, version 5.1.34*

Love using this app to track reading

### 5/5 — Just keep reading

*2024-07-21*

This is the fourth summer using this app for our library summer reading adventure.

We love the new way to add books and see what we’ve read in the past.  Great app and we wish the school used it too!

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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.*