Author Archive: Gavin Stephenson

August 19 – A Convening on Racial Equity in Education

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Our Partners

In communities, neighborhoods, towns and regions across our country, we are on a critical journey:  to better understand and undo systemic racism. To support this journey, First Book, Pizza Hut and the American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center are launching an unprecedented partnership to empower educators – and the children... Read more

Educators are Sounding the Alarm That Their Students’ Mental Health is a Top Concern in Addition to Their Physical Health When School Resumes

Posted in: Press Room

New Study by First Book Reveals Crisis for Kids in Need with Barriers to Education on the Rise WASHINGTON, DC – July 29, 2020 – A new study unveiled today by First Book highlights a developing emergency, with an overwhelming majority – 91% of educators of kids in need –... Read more

Changing the Game with Books and Reading

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, For Educators, Impact Stories

Theresa Pearson had a great plan to support her students during the COVID-19 pandemic. She ordered more than 1,500 books from First Book thanks to a  COVID-19 funding grant opportunity, and the books were shipped to her school, Chester W. Nimitz Elementary in Alabama. Unfortunately, in just a few short... Read more

“I Remember Meeting John Lewis Like It Was This Morning.”

Posted in: Uncategorized

This blog post was written by guest blogger, Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO, and co-founder of First Book. Dear First Book Community: Over the course of my life, I have been fortunate enough to meet talented, famous people from time to time.  Best-selling authors, musicians, and, as a long-time Washingtonian, many... Read more

Hartford Foundation and First Book Award $1 Million in Grants to Six Connecticut School Districts for Computers and Home Internet Access, Funded by The LEGO Group and The LEGO Foundation

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

The initiative enables remote learning for nearly 3,000 students in need July 9, 2020 (WASHINGTON) – Six school districts in Connecticut will begin the school year with new Chromebooks and home Internet connectivity, enabling distance learning for the first time for nearly 3,000 students from underserved communities. The $1 million... Read more

How to Join the First Book Community… For Free!

Posted in: Focus on First Book, For Educators

With more than 475,000 registered members, and growing at an average of 1,000 members each week, First Book is the largest and fastest-growing network of educators in the United States exclusively serving kids in need. As an educator, community/program leader or provider serving kids in need in the classroom or... Read more

Local Programs Lean on Technology to Provide Access for Families in Need

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories

In Coatesville, Pennsylvania, First Book Member Tamara Acuna and her fellow colleagues at Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Head Start are looking to find creative ways to reach the kids 650 families they serve primarily in Chester County, which is mostly very wealthy. At CCIU Head Start, their main role... Read more

More Free Books for Teachers

Posted in: Focus on First Book, For Educators

As an educator or program leader serving children in need who needs books and supplies, you use the options at your disposal to maximize your students’ learning experience. You’ve just recently signed up with First Book… now what?  When funding is available through sponsors and partners, we’ll send an email to you to let... Read more

Mo-Love for Mo Willems

Posted in: For Educators, Our Bookshelf

From heartwarming stories featuring lively, unforgettable characters to virtual events connecting young creators to their wide imagination, all through May, we’ve celebrated everything Author Mo Willems. Educators and parents recognize the genius in Mo’s storytelling — how he introduces social concepts and provides solutions to various situations, all while entertaining... Read more

Combating the Challenges of Distance Learning

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, For Educators, Impact Stories

Being an educator goes beyond the (virtual) classroom. Our First Book community of educators are tirelessly seeking all possible ways to connect with students and their families on a more personal level to combat the challenges of distance learning and help them realize no one is in this alone. “We’re... Read more