Category Archive: Press Room

First Book and Ashoka Announce 15 Youth Challenge Winners in Time for Change Nationwide Initiative

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$1,000 grants spotlight student action to implement community-based solutions and embrace changemaking Washington, D.C. (March 28, 2024) – Today, First Book and Ashoka, leading organizations in educational equity and social entrepreneurship, have announced the 15 grand prize winners of the Time for Change Youth Challenge. Young changemakers from across the... Read more

First Book Named to The New York Times Communities Fund

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The New York Times Communities Fund continues the legacy of “The Neediest Cases Fund” by supporting local, national and global nonprofits that provide direct support to under-resourced and over-burdened people NEW YORK (Nov. 14, 2023) — Today, The New York Times Communities Fund announced that First Book will be featured... Read more

First Book, General Motors, and Blue Star Families partner to distribute 35,000 STEM books to military families and local educators

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National organizations spurring interest in STEM careers among communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 9, 2023) – On November 11, in partnership with Blue Star Families, First Book and General Motors are hosting a Veteran’s Day STEM Book Family Festival to distribute 35,000 diverse STEM books to... Read more

National Nonprofit Driving Educational Equity with Virtual WGT by Topgolf Tournament

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First Book launches inaugural charity event to bolster educational resources in Title I Schools WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2023 — In partnership with Topgolf and World Golf Tour (WGT), First Book is launching the inaugural First Book Open virtual golf tournament. The interactive, online charity event offers a fun, innovative way to support First... Read more

New First Book Study Tackles National Issue of Banned Books

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More than 1,500 educators report on book bans and the damaging impact they are having on teacher morale and student learning WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 3, 2023) – In a new study released by First Book Research & Insights, educators report that the national conversation around book challenges and bans is... Read more

National Coalition Announces Commitment at Clinton Global Initiative 2023 Meeting to Distribute 600,000 Diverse Children’s Books

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Announcement on collective action comes as First Book study reveals significant academic benefits of diverse books NEW YORK (September 19, 2023) – At the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2023 meeting today, the Diverse Books for All Coalition presented an urgent plan designed to ensure that our increasingly diverse population of... Read more

Diverse Books for All Coalition Partners with MomsRising to Support Parent Engagement

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 9, 2023) – The Diverse Books for All Coalition, a national collaboration of 38 nonprofits working to tackle the lack of affordable, diverse children’s books, is partnering with MomsRising to bring the insights and perspective of parents to help shape the Coalition’s work. As part of that mandate,... Read more

Leading Education Organizations Launch Reading Universe Prototype to Help Teachers Build a Nation of Confident Readers

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WETA, the Barksdale Reading Institute, and First Book join forces to establish a free, innovative professional development platform that provides educators with evidence-based guidance and tools for how to teach reading and writing Washington, D.C. (July 25, 2023) – WETA, the Barksdale Reading Institute, and First Book have launched a... Read more

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

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15-year partnership reaches 550,000 book milestone, celebrates decade and a half of supporting educators and serving children in need MAHWAH, N.J., June 15, 2023 – Last week, Tata Sons North America and First Book successfully distributed more than 35,000 books to New Jersey educators. With nearly 200 educators in attendance, this abundance of free, high-quality... Read more

Kari Kurjiaka Named Project Director for Diverse Books for All Coalition; Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Joins the Coalition

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 25, 2023) – Kari Kurjiaka has been named project director for the national Diverse Books for All Coalition. Most recently, Kurjiaka served as senior manager of literacy & external affairs for Reach Out and Read of Greater New York, a founding member of the coalition. In addition, the Society... Read more