Kids on Fire: Word Game Apps

Kids who struggle with spelling and vocabulary can get a painless learning boost from these fun word game apps. Note that some are rated ‘guidance suggested’ only due to internet connectivity options or the availability of in-app purchases, not due to any mature content or strong language.     Spelling Master (4.5/5 stars, currently free, … Read more

Kids on Fire: The Beautiful Films of Laika

Animation production company Laika is the group behind Kubo and the Two Strings, currently in theaters. Here are some of their past films.     Coraline (4.5/5 stars) When Coraline moves to an old house, she feels bored and neglected by her parents. She finds a hidden door with a bricked up passage. During the … Read more

Kids on Fire: Books You Won’t Believe Were Once Banned

Banned Books Week (9/25 – 10/1/16) aims to fight censorship and champion creative freedom by encouraging the reading of books that were once banned. The books in today’s post are generally considered kid lit classics, yet all were once banned books.     The Diary of a Young Girl (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.99) … Read more

Kids on Fire: Jumanji & Zathura Adventure Movies

The exciting and heartwarming films Jumanji and Zathura are companion pieces about feuding siblings and forgotten friends finding their way back to each other through mysterious and unexpectedly dangerous board games. Jumanji (PG, 4.5/5 stars) After being trapped in a jungle board game for 26 years, a Man-Child wins his release from the game. But, … Read more

Kids on Fire: Preschooler Literacy Apps From Originator

Originator Inc. is the developer of two award winning preschooler literacy apps that are also perfect for kindergartners just beginning to read. Endless Alphabet (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $8.99) Set the stage for reading success with this delightfully interactive educational app. Kids will have a blast learning their ABC’s and building vocabulary with the … Read more

Kids on Fire: Fun, Free Math Facts Apps

Back to school means back to Math Facts for gradeschoolers. Whether they need to learn their addition, subtraction or times tables for the first time, or brush up on what they’ve forgotten over the summer, these free apps will make studying as painless as possible. Madagascar Math Ops Free (4/5 stars) *** The FIRST mobile … Read more

Kids on Fire: Tom Swift, Young Inventor Books for Tweens

Tweens who love technology and adventure will want to check out the Tom Swift: Young Inventor series of chapter books. Protagonist Tom Swift is brave, smart and resourceful, a kind of an adolescent cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond. Into the Abyss – Tom Swift, Young Inventor Book 1 (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at … Read more