A Book App for Tweens
Designed to appeal to tweens, this book app presents a graphic novel about emotions and social issues. Starring six friends, the group shares their feelings as they navigate social situations typically found in middle school. Delivered as eight chapters, the app explores eating disorders, conflict resolution, using others, self-esteem, girlfriend/boyfriend dynamics, and other topics. In addition to presenting emotional issues in a realistic setting, the app also shows tweens how to resolve these issues. It even invites the reader to take quizzes, which ask about his or her feelings in certain situations.
Why This App Is Special
Based on a series of books by Annie Fox, this graphic novel format works well as an app. The realistic dialogue rings true with tweens. By reading about how others resolve issues, kids build confidence that they too can navigate dicey social situations. There is no read aloud option and this book app doesn't have animations. But, tapping on illustrations allows you to zoom in and hear ambient sounds.
2nd In a Series
While this app is the second in the series (
click here to read about Middle School Confidential 3: What's Up with My Family?), you don't need to have read the first book app to appreciate this one. However, if your children like this one, they might want to explore
Middle School Confidential 1: Be Confident in Who You Are, which features the same group of friends but with different social and emotional issues. The first app doesn't have the reflective quizzes. You can also get all three of these excellent apps by downloading the
Middle School Confidential Bundle and save money that way.
Best For:
Reading about how six diverse friends help each other can be empowering to kids; and this app may be the springboard parents need to open broader discussions about feelings with their tweens.
All tech products are judged on a five star scale by looking at the following factors: fun, education, ease of use, value, and technical.
