ARC Bookshelf vs BookSmart by Worldreader

This easy-to-use app gives children the ability to read books from American Reading at Home, the award-winning, school-based program that has been teacher-vetted, parent-approved, and kid-tested in thousands of schools and homes across America. PLEASE NOTE: Requires an American Reading at Home account (for individuals) or SchoolPace subscription (for schools). Our books are specially designed for children learning to read at the Kindergarten and first-grade reading levels. The books work just like training wheels on a bicycle. A child will gain confidence by using books at the “just right” level of challenge; as he/she develops new skills, the “training wheels” are gradually removed. Because so much of the reading support is provided by the actual books, children can do much of the learning on their own. This provides the child with tremendous confidence and a sense of ownership of their own learning. It also makes learning to read fun and enjoyable!

BookSmart, powered by Worldreader, is a free digital app that helps parents and caregivers build simple, daily reading routines with children ages 0 to 8. Through thousands of culturally relevant books, playful activities, and practical tips, BookSmart supports shared reading experiences that strengthen early learning and family connection. Designed around Worldreader's research and experience and backed by brain science, BookSmart meets families where they are, on the devices they already use, making it easy to read together anytime, anywhere. BookSmart features books in five languages, including Arabic, English, French, Hindi, Kiswahili, and Spanish, along with monthly Reading Challenges that encourage consistent engagement and fun parenting tips and activities. No paywalls. No subscriptions. Always free. From bedtime stories to early literacy skills, BookSmart's multilingual library of kids' books and children's stories helps families build a reading habit they can keep coming back to. About Worldreader: Worldreader is a global tech nonprofit on a mission to get families reading. By supporting parents and caregivers with free and accessible digital tools and resources, we build reading routines that improve the learning outcomes and social-emotional skills of children in underserved communities around the globe. With more than 15 years of experience designing, testing, and scaling evidence-based, adaptive approaches to family reading, Worldreader understands what it takes to address the global literacy crisis. Our work is grounded in research, shaped by local context, and delivered through trusted partnerships and platforms. BookSmart is trusted by families, educators, and organizations in over 100 countries.