First Book Blog

First Book Selected as a Beneficiary of The 2025 New York Times Communities Fund Holiday Giving Campaign

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

Through this year’s campaign, The New York Times invites readers to support the power of education; beloved author Mary Pope Osborne kicks off donations to First Book with a $50,000 matching grant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW YORK (Nov. 25) – For the sixth consecutive year, the national nonprofit First Book... Read more

First Book and Penguin Random House Celebrate 42 Million Children’s Books Distributed Together Through 25-Year Partnership

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

Nov. 17 celebrations include a virtual reading with bestselling author Mary Pope Osborne, and panel discussion with educators on overcoming the decline in reading for pleasure FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 — Leading global trade publisher Penguin Random House and First Book, the national nonprofit that expands educational opportunities... Read more

What $25 Can Do: The Power of a Donor’s Dollar at First Book 

Posted in: Thought Leadership

At First Book, we often say that $25 can provide five brand-new books for children in need. It’s a statement that surprises many – especially when children’s books can cost as much as $18.99 each. So how is this possible?  Every Book is New and Chosen With Care The First Book... Read more

A Newly Discovered and Never-Before-Seen Manuscript by Dr. Seuss To Be Published by Random House Children’s Books

Posted in: Press Room

© Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P. 2026. All Rights Reserved. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C., October 28, 2025 — An original manuscript and cover sketch by Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, was discovered in the archives of UC San Diego’s Geisel Library, and will be published by Random House Children’s Books, it... Read more

First Book and Penguin Young Readers Feature Last Chance Live! Debut Author Helena Haywoode Henry for Lively Discussions with Educators and Students

Posted in: Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C., October 16, 2025 — First Book, the national nonprofit that furthers educational opportunities for children in low-income communities, and Penguin Young Readers are giving educators and students the opportunity to engage with author Helena Haywoode Henry about her groundbreaking new young adult novel, Last Chance... Read more

Let America Read: Penguin Random House Launches Third Banned Wagon Tour

Posted in: Press Room

The Banned Wagon tour returns for Banned Books Week (October 5-11)  to protect the freedom to read, think, and learn. New York, NY (September 9, 2025) —The Banned Wagon hits the road this Banned Books Week, beginning October 5, for its third annual tour to celebrate the freedom to read... Read more

Community Spotlight: Building Support Beyond the Classroom 

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories

A small, Title I elementary school located in Columbia, Maryland, stands as an environment where every child feels supported, seen, and excited to learn. As one of the smallest schools in Howard County, almost all 300 of its students live within walking distance. At the heart of this community is... Read more

First Book and One Word at a Time to Host Kwame Alexander’s National Literacy Pep Rally on September 16

Posted in: Press Room

Free Virtual Event for Children, Families, and Educators Celebrates National Literacy Month Washington, D.C. – Sept. 10, 2025 – The nonprofits First Book and One Word at a Time are joining forces to host a high-energy, nationwide virtual Literacy Pep Rally on Tuesday, September 16 at 1:00 p.m. ET, led... Read more

KPMG U.S. Foundation President Anita Whitehead Appointed to First Book Board of Directors

Posted in: Press Room

Washington, D.C. – Sept. 9, 2025 – First Book, the national nonprofit dedicated to furthering educational opportunity for children in low-income communities, has appointed Anita Whitehead, the president and chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation (KPMG), to its Board of Directors. Anita’s career at KPMG spans more than 20 years.... Read more

How First Book and the LEGO Group are Reimagining Education

Posted in: Our Partners, Thought Leadership

This blog features an interview with David Pallash, Director of Learning Through Play – Social Responsibility at the LEGO Group. Drawing on his expertise in using play to inspire learning and strengthen social impact, David offers insights from his work at the intersection of education and corporate responsibility. Young people... Read more