Author Archive: Rochee Jeffrey

500,000 Motown Book Distribution

Posted in: Impact Stories

This week, First Book and American Federation of Teachers members from Detroit and other Michigan communities helped to distribute 500,000 brand-new books to Michigan-area schools and schools throughout the country. Volunteers from Detroit-area AFT locals helped fill orders and load book cartons for those who came to the warehouse in... Read more

Volunteers in Action: Three Months to Make a Difference

Posted in: Impact Stories

Today’s blog post is from Abby Bartholomew. Abby works for Kenexa Corporation, a company with a stellar philanthropy program allowing recipients to donate their full-time efforts for three months to an organization of their choice. Abby was one of the chosen employees this year and is volunteering in Denver, CO... Read more

10,000 miles. 10,000 books. One Amazing Adventure.

Posted in: Impact Stories

 Today’s blog post is from Leon Logothetis. Leon and Steven Priovolos have teamed up again for the Mongol Rally, a road trip that starts Saturday outside of London and ends in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. For every mile the two drive (and rules of the rally say the car can’t have more than a 1.2... Read more

Success Stories: Literacy as Currency

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

Today’s guest blog post comes from Michelle Janaye. Michelle is the assistant director of The H.O.P.E. Scholarship, a non-profit organization designed to empower financially-challenged students with need-based scholarships. She is also a freelance writer and videographer in the Chicago metropolitan area. Follow her on Twitter @michellejanaye. There was never a... Read more

First Book and Jet Blue Soar With Reading!

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

First Book is excited to be partnered with JetBlue’s “Soar with Reading” program.  Soar with Reading aims to keep children reading throughout the summer, harnessing a combination of in-flight and online literacy resources, community reading events and proving new books to children in need. For every reader who registered on... Read more

JetBlue and PBS KIDS Soar with Reading!

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

JetBlue crewmembers, PBS KIDS host Mr. Steve and PBS KIDS Characters Hooper and Super Why! touched down at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library this week to encourage children to keep reading over the summer. This summer, JetBlue and PBS KIDS launched the Soar with Reading program. Children traveling on JetBlue flights... Read more

Bullying and Books

Posted in: For Educators, Our Bookshelf

Over the past year, the issue of childhood bullying has ignited national discussion and debate. We have heard countless stories of children, parents, and teachers who have felt powerless in the face of school bullying. Many of us wonder how we can reach young people who are being abused and... Read more

Image of a young girl, smiling at the camera. There is text on the left side of the image, against a blue background, that says, "Matching Challenge: Be a Champion for Educators! Every day, dedicated teachers pour their hearts into classrooms with too few resources to help eager minds learn. Your gift by May 31 will be DOUBLED to bring joy through new books that ignite imagination and transform young lives. Will you be their champion today?" Beneath the image is a red button that says, "I'll give now".