# Interactive Reading Apps 'Amazon Rapids' Gets Kids Interested in Reading Through Text Messaging By Joey Haar | Published 2016-11-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-rapids References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/02/amazon-rapids/) & [rapids.amazon](https://rapids.amazon.com?tag=trenhunt0f-20) It can be difficult to get kids interested in reading when their mobile devices offer irresistible games and features, but [Amazon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readyland) Rapids is a [reading app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-it-app) that gets kids interested in stories but subverting those very same mobile sirens. Instead of delivering stories in the style of a traditional novel (primarily through descriptive paragraphs with the occasional slice of dialogue,) Amazon Rapids tells kids stories entirely through dialogue. And not dialogue between characters alone -- with Amazon Rapids, the stories become interactive, letting kids send messages to the characters and get involved in the narrative. The dialogue in the Rapids stories are presented in conversation bubbles that mimic the style of text messages. Considering that kids are inured to digital devices from an incredibly young age, co-opting text messaging is a clever way to get them interested in reading. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Interactive Reading Apps:** Text messaging-style stories that encourage interaction with characters. - **Digital Storytelling:** Novel ways of presenting stories through dialogue and interactive elements. - **Engaging Young Readers:** Utilizing familiar digital platforms to capture and maintain children's interest in reading. ### Where This Applies - **Education Technology:** Developing innovative reading apps that combine storytelling and technology. - **Publishing:** Exploring new formats for children's books that leverage digital platforms and interactive features. - **Entertainment:** Creating immersive and interactive storytelling experiences for young audiences through mobile platforms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Voice-Activated Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readyland.md) - [Interactive Story Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storytelling-app2.md) - [Gamified Nighttime Reading](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storymate.md) - [Engaging AI-Powered Reading Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-reading-app.md) - [Personalized Bed Time Reading](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blissfable.md) - [Children-Friendly E-Readers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kindle-colorsoft-kids.md) - [Children’s Story Creators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readkidz.md) - [Interactive AI Audio Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/owl-dragon-a-magical-adventure.md) - [Lively Literary Character Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-literature.md)