Today we are going to look at a resource that evolved from a previously shuttered early reading app called Tar Heel Reader. This app was around for sixteen years, and by the end of its life saw over seventeen million books read. But in 2024 when Tar Heel closed its doors, those books were not lost. Instead, these resources were given life under a new name: Monarch Reader.
Monarch Reader is a browser-based early reading app designed for beginning readers of all ages. It was built to be accessible, and in particular it was designed with alternative access in mind. The app can easily be used with a mouse, touch screen, alternative pointing device, Digital AAC device, or switch device. In fact, one of its biggest strengths is that it can be used with only one switch attached. However, it can support up to three of them, and the user experience is even better. The app even has a built-in dark mode button, so it’s great for readers who are especially light sensitive.
Using Monarch Reader is easy. When you navigate to their website, you’ll see a search bar in the middle of the page, along with a list of their top books of the month. You can search by keyword or use their filters to browse their library. The books are very simple, with only a sentence on each page. Each page also has a corresponding photo attached, so readers will have lots of visual cues to help them understand the context of each sentence.
Readers can also browse by topics, including Alphabet, Animals and Nature, Art and Music, Biographies, Fairy and Folk Tales, Fiction, Foods, and Health. There is also a series of book collections for readers to explore.
Another feature that might be attractive to teachers and parents is the ability to create books directly on the platform. So if you have a reader with a very specific interest, you can easily create a book that will appeal to them specifically. It’s a great way of encouraging the more reluctant readers to engage with a book. And the process of book creation is incredibly straightforward, so you can have a book made within minutes.
Monarch Reader is free, and it can be accessed on virtually any device. To learn more about Monarch Reader, click here (new window).
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