I'm new to Kobo devices, I knew going in that I don't like touch screens while reading, but here we are

I'd like to be able to hold the device more firmly without it accidentally doing things.
I'm now wondering if there are any hacks, or is it even doable with scripts, to control these:
1. I would like to experiment with enabling touch only on the top or bottom part of the screen (not on the whole screen).
2. Highlighting a word should be disabled
This way only the touch area would be at the top or bottom.
I guess my only option is koreader if Nickel can't be modified like this.
Any ideas are welcome!