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You're invited to a community of book lovers invested in making a lasting difference for kids in need.

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Top Barrier to Learning: Toxic Stress

Educators identified the toxic stress of poverty as the most common barrier to learning for kids in need.

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We believe education is a way out of poverty for kids in need. Your actions can transform lives.

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First Book Removes Barriers to Learning

From books to backpacks and technology to toothpaste, First Book delivers tools for learning.

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Our Marketplace

Our Mission

We believe that education is the best path out of poverty for kids in need.

But access to quality education is far from equal. Significant barriers stand in the way for kids in low-income communities, including scarce books and learning materials and a lack of diversity in the books that do reach them. Even the most basic needs go unmet for many of these children. First Book’s mission is to remove these barriers so every child has the chance to learn.

Video generously funded by C&S Wholesale Grocers.

The Need

Our Impact

Through our award-winning distribution channel, the First Book Marketplace, we deliver resources — chosen based on educator feedback — to where they are needed most.

First Book provides resources where there were none before

82% of the First Book network report that without First Book their children would have few or no new books.

First Book increases children's interest in reading

In a poll of the First Book network, 87% report children’s increased interest in reading after receiving books from First Book.

First Book improves teacher impact and performance

In a poll of the First Book network, 79% say First Book helps them be the best educator they can be.

First Book helps close the achievement gap

In a poll of the First Book network, 88% report resources from First Book helps close the achievement gap for the kids they serve.

Why My Students Hide Their Backpacks

The bushes at school are the safest place.

They hide their backpacks in the bushes to keep their books safe. Their living situations aren’t stable. They don’t always know where they will sleep that night.

The Whole Story

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First Book Research & Insights, Press Releases

First Book Research & Insights: Support for Toxic Stress of Poverty Most Important Learning Tool for Kids in Need

For Educators

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Featured Partners

First Book’s dedicated partners deliver possibilities to educators and kids in need.

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