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Best Book Apps of 2012: For Middle-Grade Readers

Apps for upper-elementary through middle school-age children.

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Cover art for CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 7, 2012
CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD
by Peter Guttman, photographed by Peter Guttman, developed by Banzai Labs
"This impressive photo set makes for a stunning, if occasionally overwhelming geographical experience. (iPad informational app. 3 & up)"
A photo gallery–as-app is light on features yet becomes a moving visual statement communicated through the faces of hundreds of kids from around the world. Read full book review >
Cover art for A JAZZY DAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 13, 2012
A JAZZY DAY
developed by The Melody Book
"A winning app that could easily be deemed the jazz version of The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. Smooth. (iPad storybook app. 2-8)"
This highly user-friendly primer gives kids both a macro and micro lesson about jazz music. Read full book review >
Cover art for MR. ROBOT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 20, 2012
MR. ROBOT
illustrated by San San, developed by Looda Studio
"Not particularly therapeutic, but the art and the plot are engaging--as is the translation, which is so consistently amusing that the awkwardness may well be intentional. (iPad storybook app. 10-14)"
A strange but beguiling mix of surreal storytelling and lighthearted psychological advice. Read full book review >
Cover art for BATS!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 30, 2012
Kirkus Star BATS!: FURRY FLIERS OF THE NIGHT
by Mary Kay Carson, developed by Bookerella and Story Worldwide
"A winner: beautifully illustrated, nicely designed and solidly informative. (iPad informational app. 6-9)"
A seamless blend of realistic graphics, high-resolution photography and well-chosen interactive features makes for an inviting introduction to bat behavior and types. Read full book review >
Cover art for TICK BAIT'S UNIVERSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 8, 2012
TICK BAIT'S UNIVERSE
by Marc Gamble, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, developed by You University Apps
"This well-designed odyssey truly does put the universe at viewers' fingertips. (iPad informational app. 6-12)"
A "powers of 10" app that takes young explorers from quarks to the furthest reaches of the observable universe. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE EDIBLE SUIT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 23, 2012
THE EDIBLE SUIT
by Edward Lear, illustrated by Jon Higham, developed by Tizio BV
"Smooth pans of the double-screen illustrations and interactive features that are as high in child appeal as the sidesplitting plot add up to an unusually successful crossover to the digital domain. (iPad storybook app. 6-9)"
Rapid tapping calls up cascades of pigs, pork chops and more from this lightly edited version of Lear's hilarious "The New Vestments." Read full book review >