We all know that apps are constantly being developed and lauched for just about every thing imaginable. But every once in awhile we’ll discover one that actually serves a special purpose. Which is exactly what I found when I came across Hooked.

Hooked is an app focused on getting kids to enjoy reading. How it works is simple. The app sends readers stories via text message to get them interested. The app will let you keep reading for free until a certain point is reached. Then it pauses for a half hour. The goal is to get the reader so hooked into the story that they decide to pay for the app rather than continuing with the free version and the pauses. The cost is $2.99 a week, $7.99 a month, or $39.99 a year. At this point the service claims to have nearly two million subscribers.

I think the idea of a company trying to change how kids get into reading is admirable. I grew up in the 90s and the amount of technology I had is nothing compared to what’s available now. But I don’t see this app as being the answer to anything. Mostly because of the cost. The target audience is 13-23. Which means you have middle school kids likely using the app and then they’re asked to pay for something. The problem I discovered is this app has no affiliation with any publisher. Writers write stories specifically for the app. If in the future the app can get publishers to jump on board then it could be a game changer, but at this point I just don’t see it surviving in its current form.

What have you discovered is the best way to get kids interested in reading?