A photo text reader for your child's books
Looking for a reading app for kids that works with the books you already own? Headstart Reader uses your phone camera to read printed pages, then shows the words larger, with the start of each word in bold, and can read them aloud.
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How parents use it with a book
1. Open headstartreader.com on a phone
It runs in the phone's web browser on Android and iPhone, so there is nothing to download from an app store.
2. Point the camera at the page
The live camera reads printed text on the phone itself and shows it with the first two letters of every word in bold capitals.
3. Hold the text and read together
Tap “Hold this text” to freeze it, make it bigger, change the background tint, or tap any word to bold or unbold letters.
4. Hear it read aloud
Press read aloud and the phone speaks the text at a gentle pace while your child follows along.
What it is — and what it isn't
Headstart is a reading aid you can personalise for printed text. It isn't a phonics course, a story library or a treatment for dyslexia, and it doesn't promise faster reading. It is a way to make a page look and sound the way that suits your reader.
Questions parents ask
Is Headstart a reading app for kids?
It is a reading aid for anyone, including children reading alongside a parent. It works on real printed books, worksheets, signs and labels rather than a built-in library of stories.
Can it read text from a photo of a book?
Yes. The live camera reads text as you point it. Signed-in users can also upload a photo or use “Read with AI” for better accuracy on tricky pages.
Will it improve my child's reading or help with dyslexia?
We don't claim that. Research on bolding the start of words is mixed. Headstart is a tool you can personalise: some readers like the bold starts, bigger text, tinted backgrounds or read aloud, and others don't. The free trial lets you find out.
Does it need an app store download?
No. Open it in the browser; on a phone you can add it to the home screen so it opens like an app.
How much does it cost?
7 days free, then £4.99 a month or £39.99 a year. Cancel before the trial ends and you won't be charged.