First Book Blog

Stories of impact, the latest research, best practices, curated book lists, and more.

15 Novels in Verse to Celebrate Poetry Month

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

Guest post written by Lori Prince, Director of Merchandising at First Book Before my years at First Book, I was a poet. The poetry I knew as a child was the poetry of songs — folk music at home, hymns at church, show tunes in choir — so the idea... Read more

mom changing a baby's diaper

Top 5 Beyond Book Supplies to Add to Your Cart Right Now

Posted in: For Educators

Long-time educators and new Marketplace shoppers know that First Book is on a mission to build a path out of poverty through educational equity. Brand-new books are an essential part of the work we do, but the Marketplace also boasts additional supplies that go beyond books to help learners of... Read more

young black student in a red sweater, reading a book in the classroom

Spring Clean Your Classroom Bookshelf

Daylight saving time officially started this week, which means spring is just around the corner. As you might spring clean your home, now is a great time to spring clean your bookshelf and evaluate if your classroom library celebrates and explores different identities and lived experiences. Spring cleaning your classroom... Read more

muslim students reading together at a desk

Five Questions with Hena Khan

Happy book birthday to Hena Khan’s new book Amina’s Song, published today (March 9, 2021)! This past January, as a part of our activities for National Day of Service, Khan did a live reading of Amina’s Song – a companion book to Amina’s Voice – and through Khan’s participation and... Read more

Your Favorite Black History Month Read Alouds

Posted in: For Educators

We asked. You answered! What is your favorite book to read aloud during Black History Month? Looking for books to read aloud for Black History Month? Check out these suggestions from educators in the First Book Community. “I read a page each day from the ‘Little Legends/Leaders‘ series. My students... Read more

Your Favorite Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

Posted in: For Educators

What is your favorite way to celebrate Black History Month? We asked. You answered! Get inspired with the submissions by educators in the First Book community on how they celebrate Black History month in their classrooms. “We are celebrating by posting a different trivia question each day on class Dojo... Read more

black history month book covers

52 Books to Celebrate Black History in Your Classroom

In the last few years, educators and avid readers collectively recognized the urgency of reading anti-racist books and exercising self-education. It was apparent, perhaps more so than other years, why Black stories matter, especially in the classroom. While recognizing Black pain and struggle remains an important focus, celebrating Black joy,... Read more