Epic! – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Epic!

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2015

89%

WISE Score

4.6

App Store

A massive digital library that turns screen time into reading time—40,000+ books, no ads, just pages.

Epic!

app

Everyone, 2015

89%

WISE Score

4.6

App Store

A massive digital library that turns screen time into reading time—40,000+ books, no ads, just pages.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Epic is one of those rare apps that does exactly what it says on the tin: gets kids reading. The library is massive, the interface is clean, and the lack of ads or social features means it's just books, books, books.

The subscription cost is real, but if it replaces even a few physical book purchases per month, it pays for itself. The educator version being free is genuinely generous and smart—kids who use it at school often beg their parents for home access.

Is it a replacement for bedtime stories with a physical book? No. Will it turn every kid into a voracious reader? Also no. But for families trying to balance screen time with actual learning, this is about as good as it gets. Your kid gets screen time, you get peace of mind knowing they're not watching unboxing videos. Everybody wins.

Age Fit

Best for ages 3-12, the sweet spot where kids are building reading skills and haven't yet discovered they'd rather watch YouTube. Younger kids will love the read-to-me books, while older elementary readers can explore chapter books and nonfiction independently.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A reading app built around positive reinforcement (badges, reading buddies) that encourages learning without pressure. The curated library means kids aren't exposed to inappropriate content, and the parent dashboard keeps families connected to what their kids are reading. No social features mean no peer comparison or toxic interactions. The focus on reading confidence and curiosity is genuinely healthy.

Imaginative

Access to 40,000+ books across all genres means kids can explore whatever sparks their curiosity—dinosaurs, space, fantasy worlds, real-world science. The variety of formats (ebooks, audiobooks, read-to-me books, learning videos) accommodates different learning styles. However, it's a consumption platform rather than a creation tool, so imagination is fed rather than expressed.

Safe

Kid-safe library with curated content, no ads, no in-app purchases beyond the subscription itself, offline reading capability, and proper privacy protections. The educator version is free during school hours, which removes monetization pressure. No social features, comments, or chat means zero risk of stranger contact or cyberbullying. The subscription model is transparent—$10-12/month for families after a 7-day trial.

Enriching

This is literally a library in your pocket. Reading is one of the most enriching activities for kids, building vocabulary, comprehension, empathy, and knowledge across subjects. Features like Spotlight Words, Dictionary Lookup, and quizzes actively teach skills. The ability to filter by reading level (AR, DRA, F&P) helps kids read at their zone of proximal development. Multilingual options support language learners. 95% of parents report improved reading skills—that's meaningful impact.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely gets kids reading more—95% of parents report improved reading skills, and the variety means there's something for every interest
Smart features like read-to-me books with voice actors and sound effects make reading accessible for early or struggling readers
The parent dashboard shows what your kid is actually reading (prepare to discover they've read 47 books about farts)
Free for teachers and students during school day, which means your kid might already be using it and loving it
Offline downloads mean road trips without 'I'm bored' meltdowns

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What to Watch For

It's a subscription (~$10-12/month after trial), so factor that into your budget alongside the seventeen other subscriptions you're paying for
Some kids prefer physical books—the tactile experience matters, and screen fatigue is real
The sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming; some kids need help narrowing down or setting reading goals
You'll want to check the parent dashboard occasionally to make sure they're not just re-reading Captain Underpants on repeat (though honestly, at least they're reading)

Conversation Starters

"What book are you reading on Epic right now? Can you tell me about it?"
"Have you tried any of the audiobooks? Which voices do you like best?"
"Want to challenge each other to read a certain number of books this week?"
"Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Let's search for books about it together."

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