eBooks That Read with You

One powerful tool for improving your reading is listening to a story while you read it. You can check out a print or electronic copy of a book and listen to its audiobook, but there are also ebooks that are specially designed to highlight the words as you listen. Below are some of the websites and apps available to our students (the last two require library cards) that have read-along ebooks.

Sora

Sora is one of the ebook/audiobook websites that DCPS provides. (It's also an app.) Search for "read-along." Once you are logged into Sora, add DC Public Library's collection so you can search both collections. No library card is needed; all DCPS students have access through Sora.

You can access Sora through Clever, Lafayette tech page, the app or https://soraapp.com/library/dcpsdc

You can watch a video that demonstrates logging into Sora for the first time and adding libraries and one that walks you through Sora. You can change Sora's default language in the main menu (upper-right corner) under General Settings. This doesn't translate the books for you, but you'll be able to navigate the website in one of ten languages. The app automatically uses the language you've chosen for the device.

Destiny Discover

We also have a number of books that will read to you on our library catalog, Destiny Discover. You can get there from the Lafayette Tech page, Clever or https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/5925. You'll need to log in first (student ID/lunch number and password). Down at the bottom are Interactive eBooks. Most of these read the book to you and highlight the words. This has picture books and easy readers but also chapter books and graphic novels.

Epic

Most classes are using Epic. Epic has a fantastic collection of ebooks and audiobooks. Check with your student's teacher for their class code. If your class isn't signed up, email rachel.leese@k12.dc.gov and I will add you to my class. If you search for "read to me," it will show you books that highlight the words as they read to you. Unfortunately, Epic is not fully free after school or in the summer.

TumbleBooks

This website is paid for by DCPL but you don't have to log in with a card to use it. There's a tab that says "Read Alongs" at the top of the website, but many of the books highlight what's being spoken, often a sentence at a time rather than individual words. https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/autologin.aspx?userid=bQO1fMvcyqeRs%2BqQ6ChrOw%3D%3D

BookFlix

This is another DCPL resource, and this one you do need a library card to log in. It pairs a video of a picture book with a non-fiction ebook. Both formats highlight the words as you go along. https://www.dclibrary.org/bookflix

Hoopla

Hoopla has a large selection of ebooks, audiobooks and graphic novels available in a browser or in the app. This is a Montgomery County Public Library resource, and you can get a library card for free as a DC resident. You are limited to 10 checkouts a month. An email address is required to sign up for this. If you search for "read-along," you'll find thousands of options. Hoopla is a little hard to navigate, so watch this video tutorial. https://www.hoopladigital.com/