Category Archive: For Educators

“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

AFT, First Book, and Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Partner to Provide Targeted Relief to Educators and Kids Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Posted in: Focus on First Book, For Educators, Our Partners, Press Room

Initiative is part of newly-launched ‘Essentials for Kids’ nationwide effort to provide books, supplies, and basic needs items to help alleviate serious public school underfunding WASHINGTON (September 6, 2017)—The American Federation of Teachers, First Book, and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation today launched a targeted effort to deliver brand-new... Read more

First Book and State of Delaware Coordinate Basic Needs Closets for Students in High-Needs Schools

Posted in: For Educators, Our Partners, Press Room

Delaware partners with organizations, hospitals to stock closets in 45 Delaware schools BRIDGEVILLE, Del. (August 24, 2017) – Governor John Carney on Thursday announced an initiative to stock basic needs closets in 45 high-needs Delaware schools. The closets will receive supplies in time for the start of the school year... Read more

How To Fundraise For Books & Resources With First Book

Posted in: For Educators

Fundraising is an essential part of any school or community in order to better support and expand its membership. This will require planning, support, and input from your school/program community. Whether you opt for a bake sale, selling concessions during a school event or something more creative, there are plenty... Read more

Pride, Books, and More with TFA’s Tim’m West

Posted in: For Educators, Impact Stories

With Pride Month already in full-swing, we recently had the chance to speak with Tim’m West, Senior Managing Director of Teach For America’s LGBTQ Community Initiative. We wanted to share his insights on advocating for and supporting LGBTQ youth, both inside and outside of the classroom. Tim’m’s years of experience... Read more

7 Facts About English Language Learners … & How They’re Awesome!

Posted in: For Educators

Learning English as a second language can be a very challenging journey for children, educators, and caregivers. Here are some surprising tidbits that you might not have known about your English Language Learning students, PLUS resources to help them thrive. 7 Awesome Facts About English Language Learners 27% of U.S. children under... Read more