First Book Launches $4.7 Million in OMG Books Awards

Initiative will award 1.5 million new books and eBooks to children in need in 33 states

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Delivering Systemic Change

We work with hundreds of thousands of educators to identify unmet needs. We aggregate this demand via a sustainable market-driven model that provides access to critical books and education resources at national scale.

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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.

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Latest from First Book

Find out what makes First Book a leading voice in the movement for educational equality.

Press Releases

Michelle Obama Surprises Children at Para Los Niños Early Education Center in Skid Row, in Partnership With Penguin Random House and First Book

Press Releases

SHOWTIME drama ‘The Chi,’ First Book, and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Celebrate Chicago’s South Side with Gift of 10,000 New, Diverse Books to Public Schools

Press Releases

XPRIZE, Barbara Bush Foundation & Dollar General Literacy Foundation Announce First Book as a Finalist and Milestone Winner in $1M Adult Literacy XPRIZE Communities Competition

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

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