
Welcoming Week: Q&A with Author Anne Sibley O’Brien
Posted In:Author Voices
September 19, 2016 Welcoming Week is a special time of year. Communities across the country will come together to celebrate and raise awareness of immigrants, refugees and new Americans of all kinds. Whether it’s an event at your local art gallery or showing support on social media, the goal is to let… Read More

Q&A with Author Jason Reynolds
Posted In:Author Voices
August 19, 2016 Author Jason Reynolds’ books start the conversations about the difficult issues facing kids today. His experiences, as told through the characters in his stories, are very much like those of the children we serve – which is why we feel it’s so important for them to hear Jason’s voice. We… Read More

Author Kate DiCamillo Finds Summer Fun at The Local Library
Posted In:Author Voices
May 31, 2016 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

Using Stories to Make Connections: An Interview with Meg Medina
Posted In:Author Voices
October 15, 2015 To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we talked with Meg Medina, author of Tia Isa Wants a Car, The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind and many other great stories available on the First Book Marketplace. Learn why she became a children’s author, how her family heritage influences… Read More
Twitter Chat: Jessixa Bagley and Laurie Ann Thompson with First Book
Posted In:Author Voices
May 26, 2015 Today’s blog post is part of our Stories For All Project series, focused on sharing the latest announcements and impact stories about our effort to put diverse, inclusive books into the hands of kids. Jessixa Bagley and Laurie Ann Thompson authored two of our 2015 Stories for All Project title… Read More

Kwame Alexander Q&A: Poetry Provides Possibilities
Posted In:Author Voices
March 10, 2015 Author Kwame Alexander Photo Credit: Pilar Vergara We recently had the opportunity to talk with author Kwame Alexander about how poetry can draw a reluctant reader into a lifelong love of books and the creative process behind his book, “The Crossover,” awarded the 2015 Newbery Medal for Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for… Read More

Q&A with Mary Mazzio: Underwater Dreams documentary filmmaker
Posted In:Author Voices
February 10, 2015 We had the privilege of speaking with Mary Mazzio – an award-winning filmmaker and creator of Underwater Dreams, a documentary film chronicling the inspirational story of four teenage boys, each the son of Mexican immigrants, who enter a sophisticated robotics competition and defeat the likes of engineering powerhouse MIT. In addition to… Read More

On Creativity and Culture: Yuyi Morales
Posted In:Author Voices
October 14, 2014 Photo Credit: Antonio Turok To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we had the opportunity to talk with the award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales about why she became an author and illustrator, the role of children’s books in understanding and celebrating cultures and her new book, “Viva Frida.” Click here… Read More
My Yiddish Vacation: Q&A with Ione Skye
Posted In:Author Voices
June 2, 2014 Ione Skye recently celebrated the launch of her first children’s book “My Yiddish Vacation.” Ione’s generous support of First Book has helped to bring hundreds of books to kids in need. We sat down to talk with her about how her love of books as a child inspired the writing… Read More
Does Soman Chainani, Author of The School For Good And Evil, Consider himself good?… or evil?
Posted In:Author Voices
November 8, 2013 “Sophie had waited all her life to be kidnapped.” Does that quote seem familiar to you? It’s the widely recognized first line of the book, The School For Good And Evil. Soman Chainani is the author behind the book, which is available through First Book. If you missed out on… Read More