Category Archive: First Book Community Highlight

Community Spotlight: Empowering Students Through Books and History 

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories

In Valdosta, Georgia, where 100% of schools qualify for Title I funding, educators are finding creative ways to inspire students. Ra’Shuna, a dedicated 5th grade teacher and First Book member, is bringing engaging books into her classroom, starting discussions, and fostering a love for reading.   Challenges in the Community  With... Read more

Community Spotlight: Grandma’s Love Brings Books and Food to NYC Kids

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

At First Book, we’re proud to shine a light on those making a difference in their communities through reading and education. One of these champions is Theresa, founder of Grandma’s Love, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood hunger and promoting a love for reading in New York City. Addressing Hunger... Read more

From Bus to Bookshelf: How the Free Book Bus and Johnson Elementary Nurture Young Readers 

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

At First Book, we believe in the transformative power of stories, and are inspired by those who bring books to the hands of children who need them most. Two such inspiring examples are Sharon, the visionary behind The Free Book Bus, and the dedicated educators at Johnson Elementary. The Free... Read more

Meet First Book’s 550,000th member: NYC educator Tamika

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

This summer, Tamika made First Book history by becoming the 550,000th educator to join the First Book Network. A teacher at a middle school in the New York public school system, Tamika attended a Reading Opens the World book give-away held in the Bronx by the United Federation of Teachers,... Read more

First Book’s Honor Roll

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight

My mother was a high-school biology teacher for 32 years, every week was Teacher Appreciation Week in our house. To say I understood her impact on a child’s life is an understatement, but I hear of her impact often. “Oh, you’re Ms. Awad’s daughter? She was the best teacher I... Read more

Books Bring Smiles to Veterans and their Families During the Pandemic

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories, Our Partners

First Book regularly works with programs that support the military and their families – and this spring, we launched additional outreach to support veterans. With the COVID-19 restrictions, veterans receiving care in VA hospitals and facilities across the country are experiencing extended stays and limited social interaction opportunities.  To help... 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

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

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

Educators Continue to Reach Students in Need, Despite School Closures

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, For Educators

From online lessons to virtual field trips, the Covid-19 outbreak has completely changed how educators are reaching their students, especially in low-income communities. The First Book community of educators are at the forefront, providing kids in need and their families access to basic needs and resources through a wide range... Read more