Category Archive: Press Room

First Book and Penguin Young Readers Feature Last Chance Live! Debut Author Helena Haywoode Henry for Lively Discussions with Educators and Students

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C., October 16, 2025 — First Book, the national nonprofit that furthers educational opportunities for children in low-income communities, and Penguin Young Readers are giving educators and students the opportunity to engage with author Helena Haywoode Henry about her groundbreaking new young adult novel, Last Chance... Read more

Let America Read: Penguin Random House Launches Third Banned Wagon Tour

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The Banned Wagon tour returns for Banned Books Week (October 5-11)  to protect the freedom to read, think, and learn. New York, NY (September 9, 2025) —The Banned Wagon hits the road this Banned Books Week, beginning October 5, for its third annual tour to celebrate the freedom to read... Read more

First Book and One Word at a Time to Host Kwame Alexander’s National Literacy Pep Rally on September 16

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Free Virtual Event for Children, Families, and Educators Celebrates National Literacy Month Washington, D.C. – Sept. 10, 2025 – The nonprofits First Book and One Word at a Time are joining forces to host a high-energy, nationwide virtual Literacy Pep Rally on Tuesday, September 16 at 1:00 p.m. ET, led... Read more

KPMG U.S. Foundation President Anita Whitehead Appointed to First Book Board of Directors

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Washington, D.C. – Sept. 9, 2025 – First Book, the national nonprofit dedicated to furthering educational opportunity for children in low-income communities, has appointed Anita Whitehead, the president and chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation (KPMG), to its Board of Directors. Anita’s career at KPMG spans more than 20 years.... Read more

First Book Names Libby Doggett as Chairman of the Board; Sharon Price John Appointed to the First Book Board; Andrew Roberts Joins First Book Advisory Council

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Pictured from left to right: Sharon Price John, Libby Doggett, Andrew Roberts. Washington, D.C. – July 14, 2025 – First Book, the national nonprofit dedicated to furthering educational opportunity for children in low-income communities, named early childhood education leader Libby Doggett as chairman of the Board of Directors. In addition,... Read more

Tata Sons North America and First Book Distribute 35,000+ books to New Jersey Communities

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Bolstering classrooms with high-quality books, supporting local educators, and employee volunteerism on display at Jaguar Land Rover HQ MAHWAH, N.J. (June 6, 2025) — This week, Tata Sons North America and First Book will distribute more than 35,000 brand-new books to educators from New Jersey and surrounding areas. Nearly 500... Read more

SONIC Launches Sweet Topped Lemonades with the Help of Summer’s Favorite Authors

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Available early in the SONIC App starting May 27 and at locations nationwide on June 2, every sip supports local schools and pairs perfectly with any summer read or adventure   This summer, SONIC is bringing main character energy with a refreshing new lemonade lineup, teaming up with three of the most talked-about... Read more

Guru Krupa Foundation Continues Decade-Long Commitment to Equitable Access to Education through Partnership with First Book 

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Multi-Pronged Approach to Social Impact Supports Educators and Uplifts NYC and Nassau County students in low-income communities  New York City, N.Y. (February 20, 2025) – For more than 12 years, the Guru Krupa Foundation has been a vital partner in pursuing First Book’s mission of ensuring equal access to quality... Read more

First Book Honored in New York Times Communities Fund Annual Holiday Giving Campaign

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Receiving this recognition for the fifth year, this campaign shares First Book and its efforts to remove barriers to education with The New York Times’ readers NEW YORK – First Book has been selected as a beneficiary of The New York Times Communities Fund holiday giving campaign to help support... Read more

Tata Sons North America and First Book Distribute 35,000 books to New Jersey and New York Communities

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Bolstering classrooms with high-quality books, supporting local educators, and community volunteerism on display at Newark Museum of Art NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 19, 2024 – This weekend, Tata Sons North America and First Book are distributing more than 35,000 books to New Jersey and New York City educators. With 250 educators in attendance, this abundance of free, high-quality books will... Read more