Raising an Epic! Reader: A Language Arts Teacher’s Inside Guide to Epic's Digital Library for Kids
Updated on June 24, 2024
This review was written by Manisha Snoyer, the founder and CEO of Modulo, a company that provides resources and support families who are homeschooling their children. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, Manisha has instructed over 2,000 children of all ages and abilities in three countries and 18 subjects. She has tutored at some of the best private schools in the world and throughout the NYC public school system. Manisha graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University.
Critical reading develops analytical skills, enhances comprehension, promotes active engagement, builds knowledge and perspective, empowers independent thinking, prepares for academic success, and helps navigate information overload.
Yet, even before the pandemic, only one-third of U.S. students were able to read at grade level or above, and now the situation has gotten worse. That’s where Epic! comes in. With its seamless user interface, over 40k books, learning videos and audiobooks, accompanied by critical reading exercises, fun badges to motivate kids and ways to connect with friends and family around reading outcomes, Epic!’s fun, progressive, self-paced platform makes reading appealing to a wide variety of learners.
To find a truly engaging and effective English Language Arts app with a seamless user interface, rich, diverse content, and that inspired a love of reading in kids, we sifted tens of thousands of online reviews by parents and teachers, andtested over 50 apps with 100+ K12th grade students. We’re big believers in engaging with kids while they’re using digital technology : our tutors and watched kids read to us for over 12,000 hours on Epic! While Epic! is a powerful tool capable of transforming reading habits for children with a wide array of learning styles, including those with learning disabilities and ADHD, it may not be the best choice for kinesthetic learners, children who spend significant time on screens already, older or more advanced readers, and those who prefer open-ended, creative learning resources.
Grades: PreK-6th
Cost: Epic costs individuals $11.99/month for individuals, but you can get it for free via your school, or join the Modulo learning community for homeschool access during certain hours.
Affiliate Disclaimer: We have an affiliate relationship with Epic. However, our review was conducted independently and prior to establishing the affiliate relationship, ensuring an unbiased assessment.
About the Epic! Reading platform
Epic! was founded by Suren Markosian and former Youtube Executive Kevin Donahue in 2013. They were inspired to create the platform when they noticed a lack of engaging digital reading material for children. They wanted to bridge the gap by creating a "Netflix for books" model that could engage young readers in a way that was fun, convenient, and effective. Born out of the challenge to make books more accessible for students, Epic Reader is a virtual treasure trove housing thousands of books. Recognizing the crucial role that reading plays in academic success, the platform has made it its mission to enhance students' reading proficiency and kindle their curiosity in STEAM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Key features of Epic!
Vast Library: With over 40,000 titles, Epic's library is expansive and includes a variety of reading materials, such as picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, educational books, and audiobooks, catering to a wide range of reading levels and interests.
Learning Videos: In addition to books, Epic provides a plethora of educational videos that support learning in a multimedia format.
Read-to-Me Feature: This feature helps emerging readers and those with learning difficulties by narrating the text as kids follow along.
Quizzes and Assessments: Many books in Epic's library come with quizzes and assessments to check comprehension and reinforce learning.
Badges and Rewards: To motivate and engage children, Epic uses a system of badges and rewards that kids can earn by reaching reading milestones or completing challenges.
Progress Tracking: Parents and teachers can monitor a child's progress, including what they're reading and how much time they're spending on the app.
Personalized Recommendations: Based on the child's reading habits and preferences, Epic provides personalized book recommendations.
Offline Reading: Books can be downloaded for offline reading, allowing access even without an internet connection.
Multiplatform Access: Epic can be accessed on a variety of devices, including iPads, iPhones, Android devices, and desktop computers.
Homeschool / Classroom Integration: For homeschool parents and teachers, Epic offers features for classroom integration, such as the ability to assign books and track student progress.
Watch My interview with Epic! Co-Founders, Suren Markosian and Kevin Donahue
Pros and Cons of Epic!
Pros
Broad Selection: The Epic app provides a large and diverse selection of books, offering a rich variety of reading material for children.
Educational Content: It is highly educational and specifically tailored to engage kids, making reading a fun and interactive experience.
Offline Reading: The app enables offline reading, which allows kids to enjoy their favorite books anytime, anywhere, regardless of internet access.
Interactive Features: Users appreciate the "Read to Me" function and the app's other interactive elements, such as reading challenges, badges, and reading buddies.
Helps Encourage Reading: Many parents have noted that their children, even those who initially struggled with or were uninterested in reading, have become more enthusiastic readers after using the app.
Cons
Technical Issues: Several users have reported experiencing technical problems with the app, such as syncing issues and glitches with the reading highlight feature.
Subscription Challenges: There are issues with subscription management, with some users finding it difficult to cancel their subscriptions or being charged unexpectedly.
Limited Free Content: Some users feel disappointed by the limited amount of free content and the restrictions placed on free reads.
App Usability: Certain users encountered difficulties with logging into the app and experienced errors, which prevented them from using the service.
Customer Service: Users expressed frustration with customer service, feeling that their issues were not adequately addressed or resolved in a timely manner.
Is Epic! a good fit for your child?
Who is Epic! a good fit for?
Epic! is an excellent tool for children who have various learning styles and preferences, including those with learning differences. The platform excels for learners who resonate with visual and auditory methods of instruction, as the 'Read-to-Me' feature enlivens stories both visually and audibly. This feature is particularly beneficial for children with dyslexia, as the simultaneous presentation of audio and visual content can bolster comprehension and retention. Furthermore, the diverse range of content and the ability to swiftly switch between books caters well to children with ADHD, keeping them engaged. The systematic progression, predictable interface, and clear instructions could also be advantageous for learners with autism.
Who is Epic! not a good fit for?
Despite its wide appeal, Epic! may not be the best fit for everyone. Kinesthetic learners who thrive on physical engagement or children who already spend a significant amount of time on screens might find the digital nature of the app less ideal. Additionally, older children or more advanced readers could find the content somewhat limiting, as Epic! primarily targets children aged 12 and under. Children with visual impairments might face challenges with the app unless they use suitable assistive technologies. Furthermore, the structured and predetermined nature of the reading materials may limit the engagement of children who thrive in open-ended, creative learning environments.
Epic! and Special needs
Autism Spectrum: The app's visual appeal, interactive features, structure, and engaging content can support learning and engagement.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The audio features, read-to-me options, and the ability to switch between books can help maintain focus and accommodate this learning style.
Dyslexia: The read-to-me feature with highlighted text can aid in developing reading skills and comprehension.
Gifted and Profoundly Gifted Children: The extensive library provides access to a wide range of challenging and enriching content that caters to advanced abilities and interests.
Twice Exceptional (2E): Materials are available that accommodate this unique combination of strengths and challenges, aiding them in their learning journey.
Educational Value Score
The Epic reading app received a positive score of 89, while its value was reduced by a negative score of 20, resulting in an overall educational value score of 69. The positive aspects highlight its vast library and engagement tools, while the negatives focus on potential concerns about cost, minor addictive elements, and slight issues with competitive aspects.
Positive Scores:
Uniqueness (8/10): Epic's extensive library of over 40,000 books, including fiction and non-fiction, sets it apart from other digital libraries. Its feature to customize book recommendations based on a child's interests is highly innovative (The Smarter Learning Guide) (Smart Parent Advice).
Engagement (9/10): The app is highly engaging for children, with features like Read-to-Me books and interactive quizzes. The badges and achievements system motivates children to read more by rewarding their progress (The Smarter Learning Guide) (Smart Parent Advice) (They Call Me Blessed).
Accuracy (9/10): The content in Epic is curated from reputable publishers, ensuring high accuracy and reliability in the information provided. The app includes a wide range of educational materials that adhere to academic standards (The Smarter Learning Guide).
User-Friendliness (8/10): Epic is easy to navigate, with intuitive filters and search options to help children find books by genre, reading level, and language. It also supports offline reading, which is a valuable feature for uninterrupted access to books (The Smarter Learning Guide) (Smart Parent Advice).
Pedagogy (7/10): The app effectively supports different developmental stages with a variety of book types and learning materials. It includes Read-to-Me books for younger children and chapter books for older readers, fostering a gradual improvement in reading skills (The Smarter Learning Guide).
Homeschooling (8/10): Homeschool parents find Epic to be a valuable tool, as it allows the creation of personalized book collections and offers features like reading logs and progress tracking. The app's compatibility with various reading programs is beneficial for structured learning (Smart Parent Advice) (They Call Me Blessed).
Learning Focus (8/10): Epic emphasizes deep, high-quality learning rather than just test preparation. The diverse range of books and educational videos encourages comprehensive understanding and curiosity (The Smarter Learning Guide) (Smart Parent Advice).
Personalization (8/10): The app allows significant personalization, with options to set preferences for book recommendations and to create individual child profiles. This customization supports varied learning needs and preferences (The Smarter Learning Guide) (Smart Parent Advice).
Special Needs (7/10): Epic accommodates children with learning disabilities by offering audiobooks and Read-to-Me features, which are beneficial for those with reading difficulties such as dyslexia (Smart Parent Advice).
Value (7/10): Although Epic charges a subscription fee, it is free for schools, making it accessible for many students. The value of the educational content justifies the cost for many families (Smart Parent Advice).
Negative Scores:
Boredom (3/10): Although generally engaging, some children may find the repetition of certain features less stimulating over time. The reliance on digital screens can also reduce interest for some users (Smart Parent Advice).
Addictive Components (3/10): While the app's engaging elements are generally positive, there are minor concerns about excessive use. However, most parents report it as engaging rather than addictive (The Smarter Learning Guide) (They Call Me Blessed).
Violence (2/10): While Epic strives to provide child-friendly content, some books may include mild violence or themes that may not be suitable for all young readers (They Call Me Blessed).
Unhealthy Competition (2/10): The achievement system can sometimes foster minor competitive elements among children. However, this is generally seen as motivating rather than harmful (The Smarter Learning Guide).
Excessive Prioritization of School Standards (2/10): The app is designed to support deep learning and does not overly emphasize standardized testing. However, some parents feel it still leans towards school-aligned reading goals (Smart Parent Advice) (They Call Me Blessed).
Additional details
Type of Tool: App, Website
Offline use: Can be used offline
Time Required: Ideally, students should engage with the platform for about an hour daily, alternating between reading and watching enrichment videos.
Special Needs: Not required
Literacy Requirement: Not required
Modality: Audio, Visual, Audiovisual, Multimedia
Adaptability: Includes personalization
Assessment: Includes built-in assessment tools
State Standards: Complies
Teacher Accounts: Available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Epic reading free?
Epic Reader offers a free trial for the first month, after which a subscription fee applies. However, if you're a member of the Modulo community, you can access Epic Reader for free during traditional school hours.
2. How much is Epic Reader?
Epic Reader is available for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99 or an annual fee of $71.99. Each subscription caters to up to four child accounts.
3. What is the Epic reading app?
The Epic reading app is a digital platform designed to foster a love of reading among children up to age 12. The platform features a vast library of over 40,000 books, educational videos, and other learning resources. It personalizes reading experiences by recommending books based on a child's grade level and interests.
4. Can I download Epic books?
Yes, with an active subscription, you can download books for offline reading on the Epic app.
5. Can you read books offline?
Yes, once you have downloaded a book on the Epic app, you can read it offline without needing an active internet connection.
6. Why isn’t Epic working?
If Epic isn't working, it could be due to connectivity issues. Try using a different internet connection or clearing your browser cache and cookies. If the issue persists, contact Epic's customer service for assistance.
7. What devices can I use Epic on? Does Epic work on Kindle? Can I use Epic on my laptop?
Epic Reader is a versatile platform that works on a variety of devices, including tablets, smartphones, and computers. The app is available on iOS, Android, and most web browsers. Yes, you can use Epic Reader on a Kindle Fire and your laptop.
For a detailed response to these questions, head over to our Epic Reader FAQ page. Read reviews here.
Get Epic! for free on Modulo
Join our Epic Reader club as a premium member of the Modulo community, where you can access Epic Reader for free as a homeschooler during traditional school hours with the Modulo class code.
Get the Modulo Epic class code
Sign up for details today. Empower your child with a world of knowledge at their fingertips through Epic Reader!
Our 43 favorite books on Epic
"Award-Winning Books" collection
Looking for great material on Epic? Here are the books our parents love most.
"Celebrate National Poetry Month" collection
"Light K" collection
"Repairing The Earth" collection
The White Cat and The Monk
The Magic Paintbrush
What Does It Mean To Be Present?
A Story A Story
I Am Tama Lucky Cat
Silas' Seven Grandparents
How The Queen Found The Perfect Cup Of Tea
Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin
The Rainforest Grew All Around
Zen Ghosts
Zen Shorts
The Most Magnificent Thing
Hana Hashimoto Sixth Violin
Suki's Kumono
Frida Kahlo (my itty bitty bio)
Maggie's Chopsticks
Sora and The Cloud
Tuki and Moka: A Tale of Two Tamarins
Kunu's Basket
Paris-Chien: Adventures of an Ex Pat Dog
Three Scoops and A Fig
Scarlatti's Cat
A Boy Asked The Wind
Follow That Map
A Ticket Around The World
Layla's Headscarf
Mooncakes
Fatty Legs
Lon Po Po
Papa Is A Poet
Yuki and the One Thousand Carriers
Here To There and Me To You
The Man Who Loved Libraries
The Go Figure math book series
The Sir Cumference books
The National Geographic Kids books
The Brian Cleary book series
Wholey Cow
Leroy Ninker Saddles Up
Ada Twist Scientist and the other books in this series
Conclusion
Epic is comprehensive digital platform, fostering a love for reading in children through its extensive collection of books and engaging features. While it exhibits some technical limitations and online reading isn’t the best choice for every child, it sills caters to various learning styles and preferences, providing support for children with special needs. With its personalized recommendations and interactive elements, Epic! has the potential to transform reading experiences and ignite a lifelong passion for literature in young readers.
Sources
Barshay, J., Flynn, H., Sheasley, C., Richman, T., Bazzaz, D., & Griesbach, R. (2021, November 10). America's reading problem: Scores were dropping even before the pandemic. Hechinger Report. Retrieved from https://hechingerreport.org/americas-reading-problem-scores-were-dropping-even-before-the-pandemic/
National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). The Nation's Report Card: 2019 Reading Nation Grade 4 Snapshot Report. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/subject/publications/stt2019/pdf/2020014NP4.pdf
Dorn, E., Hancock, B., Sarakatsannis, J., & Viruleg, E. (2021, July 27). COVID-19 and education: The lingering effects of unfinished learning. McKinsey & Company. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/education/our-insights/covid-19-and-education-the-lingering-effects-of-unfinished-learning
Explore other ELA resources
In this in-depth review, a seasoned literacy teacher guides parents on how to make the most of Epic's reading platform. Learn how to leverage Epic’s expansive digital library to nurture critical reading skills, delve into our top book picks, and discern its advantages, shortcomings, and adaptability to diverse learning styles and special needs.