A recent study by the Pew Research Center shows that 9 out of 10 parents of children under 18 say it’s important to them that their children read printed books. The parents in the study value the sensory experience books give to children — the turning of the… Read More

There’s very little for kids to do in the town of Bluefield, West Virginia. But once a week, eighteen students from different walks of life gather to talk about books. Suzette Sims, the program services coordinator at the Craft Memorial Library, organized the book club a few years ago. It… Read More

It’s April! At First Book that means it’s not just springtime, it’s the month that we celebrate all things rhythm, verse and rhyme: National Poetry Month. Here are five of our favorite collections to make poetry fun for kids of varying ages. Button Up! Wrinkled Rhymes… Read More

Sarah’s students practicing “counting on” When it’s time for a math lesson, Sarah Richardson’s kindergarten class sits in a group, with one hand on their heads, counting on the other hand in front of them.  They’re learning addition using a method called “counting on”. This can be a… Read More

Dr. Shirley Johnson, in her words, is an educator to the depths of her soul. Over the last 40 years, she has been a teacher, administrator, union leader, curriculum supervisor and an education advocate.  Most recently, she opened The Resource Room, an afterschool education program for children ages… Read More

March is National Reading Month, and the educators and programs leaders we serve hope their kids will develop a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. 93 percent of respondents in a recent First Book survey* hope their kids will gain a lifelong love of reading… Read More

Today’s guest blogger is Leslie Anido, a special needs teacher in California. She first connected with First Book as a member of long-time partner Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. She now receives books and resources for the children she serves through First Book. Leslie Anido and her students with one of… Read More

Do you know how to exercise your brain? By reading, of course! First Book has teamed up with WWE to promote the importance of reading through the WWE Wrestlemania Reading Challenge.  WWE Superstars and Divas are on the road visiting schools and showing kids throughout the… Read More

February is Black History Month and to celebrate we’re sharing five of our favorite books that honor the history and legacy of African Americans. If you work with kids in need, you can find these and other great titles to celebrate Black History Month on the First Book… Read More

“So many of our kids have access to books at the library, but rarely do they have a book of their own. In many homes, a book would represent a real luxury item.” – Kevin Ahern, President, Syracuse Teacher’s Association With 85 percent of students in the school district eligible… Read More