Category Archive: For Educators

Telling Our Stories: Author Laura Geringer Bass & the #BeYourOwn Writing Workshop

Posted in: Author Voices, For Educators

Everyone has a story to tell. Often, we need a little encouragement to listen to the voice inside our heads and hearts that tells us, “Be your own!” We are so proud to work with author Laura Geringer Bass to help empower young readers and writers to tell their own... Read more

Three Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Your Students

Posted in: For Educators

Every year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The celebration emphasizes the histories, traditions, and contributions of our Spanish and Latine ancestors – so that year-round, we can take pride in the diversity of our country, and its resulting strength.  It’s a great time... Read more

5 Creative Ways to Use Books in Spanish

Posted in: For Educators

Guest post by Camila Rios, First Book intern Spanish-language books are a versatile and valuable resource. Use them with Spanish speakers, Spanish learners, bilingual students, and English language learners in any setting where you’re working with kids and families. Use Spanish-Language Books To… Foster Strong Bilingual Skills Research shows that students who read or are... Read more

I AM LITTLE RED: Teaching Kids About Child Trafficking

Posted in: Author Voices, For Educators

Wolves can come in all shapes and sizes. Do I have your attention now? So warns Lady J, the animated version of Academy Award-nominee Jessica Chastain, as she walks “Little Reds” through the dangers of a very scary problem: Child sex trafficking. Lady J is the narrator of I AM... Read more

Thank You to Our Educators Serving Kids in Need

Posted in: Focus on First Book, For Educators

By Carey M. Palmquist, senior vice president for eCommerce at First Book Imagine waking up every morning as a teacher in a Title I school.   You’re doing this because you want to. I mean…right? You had this incredible notion of giving back, of mentoring, of profoundly changing the lives of... Read more

“We Need to Help Our Kids.” Laura Geringer Bass on The Girl With More Than One Heart

Posted in: Author Voices, For Educators

First Book talked to author Laura Geringer Bass about her latest book, The Girl With More Than One Heart (Abrams), and her extensive work with young people. See what she had to say about dealing with grief, witnessing tragedy, and encouraging young people to share their stories. *** First Book:... Read more

How To Make Reading Fun and Create Lifelong Readers

Posted in: For Educators, Impact Stories

Brian Smith is on a mission: make reading fun and create lifelong readers. An educator at Newton Conover City Schools in North Carolina, Brian, called upon author Jarrett J. Krosoczka to bring books to life. Brian stocked each fourth-grade classroom in his district with several copies of all ten books... Read more

A Very Special Valentine’s Day Message From Kwame Alexander

Posted in: Author Voices, Focus on First Book, For Educators

Award-winning author, poet, and friend of First Book, Kwame Alexander has a special Valentine’s Day message for you!   Kwame Alexander is one of our Authors in Action! We love working with illustrators and authors like Kwame to bring new books to kids in need. Click here to learn more... Read more

Three Ways Early Reading Benefits Infants’ Development

Posted in: For Educators

Members of the First Book community of educators work in many settings — schools, libraries, healthcare programs, and more. We all know that early reading is important and access to books for kids is essential. And we know that early intervention is important. The earlier a child is exposed to... Read more

Free Books for Teachers Serving Kids in Need

Posted in: Focus on First Book, For Educators

Let’s say you’re an educator or program leader serving children in need who needs to fill your bookshelves and stock your classroom with free books and resources. You’ve just recently signed up with First Book — now what? Book Distributions In Your Area When funding is available through sponsors and... Read more