Author Archives: Samantha McGinnis

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Author Voices

Author Kate DiCamillo Finds Summer Fun at The Local Library

This summer, kids can access great books, go on adventures to faraway places and even win prizes – all at their local library. Kate DiCamillo, author of Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux and the recently released Raymie Nightingale, appreciates the importance of… Read More
For Educators

Books Beat Summer Slide

Classrooms packed, desks emptied, another school year is coming to a close. Summertime is on the horizon and for kids, that means three precious months of sweet, sticky freedom. But when kids from low-income families leave school for the summer, the outlook isn’t always so sunny.  While their… Read More
Impact Stories

770 Pounds of Dreams for His Students

It started with one spelling word. “Beach.” Malik Ray, a first-time second grade teacher in Atlanta, GA, taught his students their new spelling words by projecting a photo and having students guess the word before putting it in their notebooks. On this day, Malik displayed a photo of the sand,… Read More
For Educators

Find Free Educational Resources on the First Book Marketplace

Where can you find free educational resources? On the First Book Marketplace, of course! You’ll find tips to encourage family engagement, resources for early childhood education, free subscriptions to online tools and programs and much more. For access, you’ll first need to sign up and log… Read More
Our Bookshelf

Monthly Book List: Our Favorite Books For May

The school year is coming to a close and it’s time to stock up for summer reading. We have five great books for you! This month, our book list features a sweet story about an unconventional animal family, an adorable picture book that celebrates determination, a nonfiction guide to becoming… Read More
Impact Stories

Watch What Happens: Kids Pick out Books for Summer Reading

This is the best day I’ve ever had! This is the book I’ve always been looking for!” These are the typical responses heard when Book Harvest comes to a school with their Books on Break program. Book Harvest seeks to address periods of vulnerability in a child’s literacy development by ensuring… Read More
Our Bookshelf

Celebrate Mother’s Day: Read a Book Together!

Looking for a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Read a book together! The books below are just some of the books identified by Search Institute that model behaviors that make families stronger: collaborating, encouraging and exploring. After reading them, use the activities listed after each book to grow together… Read More
Focus on First Book, For Educators

Why We Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day

A teacher’s job is never done. Their days are spent solving math problems, analyzing the passages of books,  teaching the great lessons of history and serving as their students’ trusted experts. But when the final bell rings, their day isn’t finished. There are countless pages of homework… Read More
Focus on First Book, For Educators

Share This eCard on Teacher Appreciation Day – and beyond!

Tomorrow is Teacher Appreciation Day! Teachers are truly worth celebrating. They dedicate their time and energy to patiently teaching each child, making learning their top priority. They are mentors, coaches and trusted friends. They introduce us to some of our first lesson and stories. Share this eCard with… Read More