Category Archive: Focus on First Book

A Market-Driven Solution to the Need for Diverse Books

Posted in: Focus on First Book

Last week, hundreds of thousands of parents, educators and readers of all ages issued a call for more diversity in children’s literature, rallying under the banner of #WeNeedDiverseBooks. The campaign spread quickly from Twitter to media outlets around the world as people shared powerful stories about the need for all... Read more

The Collective Power of a Nation of Readers

Posted in: Focus on First Book

This piece also appears on The Huffington Post’s Impact blog. Steve White, a volunteer at a local nonprofit, worked through the holidays to ensure that 3,000 kids in need in Denver would have brand-new books of their own at Christmas. Elisa Mayo, the finance coordinator for a school district in... Read more

80,000 Books to Help Kids Read, Lead, Achieve

Posted in: Focus on First Book

It was only 6:30 in the morning, but over 100 teachers had already lined up outside of the Children’s Museum of Houston – each eagerly waiting to select new books for their students. “It is hard to describe the lump I had in my throat when I drove up and... Read more

496 Million Women

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

496 million. That’s how many women in the world can’t read or write even the most simple sentence. Many women never have the opportunity to reach 6th grade, and some don’t get to go to school at all. Today, we join citizens around the world in celebrating International Women’s Day,... Read more

For First Day of School, Julianne Moore Brings Books to Kids at Harlem Daycare Center

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

We’re huge fans of award-winning actress Julianne Moore at First Book; not only is she supremely talented on stage and screen, she’s also a children’s book author and all -around lovely person. So we were thrilled that she was able to join us yesterday at Round The Clock Nursery in... Read more

5 Secrets Adults Won't Tell You – Kyle Zimmer's Commencement Speech at Saint Mary's College

Posted in: Focus on First Book

Our intrepid leader, CEO, and co-founder of First Book, Kyle Zimmer, shared some of the wit and wisdom that motivates the First Book team on a daily basis with a crowd of graduates of Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame this Saturday. Adults Are Not Really Certain of Anything. “In... Read more

First Book Supports 50,000 Local Schools and Community Programs. (Yes! 50,000!)

Posted in: Focus on First Book

Last year First Book made it a goal to reach more kids in need by doubling the number of local schools and community programs in our national network, from 25,000 to 50,000. We’ve reached that number! Over 50,000 Title I classrooms, early childhood education programs, afterschool programs, museums and libraries,... Read more

How First Book Works with Pi Beta Phi to Support Girls Everywhere

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

Today’s guest blog post is from Ann Shaw, Director of Philanthropy for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women. Ann has held this volunteer role for the past six years. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arkansas and her Master’s in Education from the University of New... Read more

The Stories for All Project: Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is

Posted in: Focus on First Book

At First Book, we want to see all kids become strong readers, the critical step to succeeding in school and in life. But all too often the children we work with have books with characters and stories that aren’t relevant to their lives. And that makes it harder to turn... Read more

Investing in Education: Kyle Zimmer's Reaction to the State of the Union

Posted in: Focus on First Book

“Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime.” — President Barack Obama I was grateful to hear the president talk about early childhood education tonight, and the enormous impact it... Read more